Skies and Vines, OR Rally Recap
June 22-25, 2025

	Dates:	June 22-25, 2025
	Location:	Olde Stone RV Resort 4155 NE Three Mile Lane McMinnville, OR 97128
	Hosts:	Rick and Susan Zimmerman

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Eighteen Born Free Leap'n Lions RV Club members came in ten coaches from four states to the Skies and Vines Rally in McMinnville, Oregon. We were honored to have Pam Clark, our new President, be one of our attendees. The Northwest Region's rally was hosted by Susan and Rick Zimmerman (NW Region VPs).

Many traveled through tremendous downpours to get to the rally. Nearby Portland measured two days of nearly an inch of rain each day prior to the start of the rally. The skies cleared at just the right time as everybody arrived on Sunday. There was a great blend of rally attendees. Conversations included many RV travel experiences after the Sunday potluck dinner.

Monday started with the "open house" tour of each other's coaches. This popular event helps each owner showcase what they love about their Born Free. The afternoon outing was a short walk across a vineyard to the Evergreen Aviation and Space Museum. The museum's two large buildings are now the home of the world's largest wooden airplane, the Spruce Goose, as well as 150 aircraft (including an SR-71 Blackbird), spacecraft (including Mercury and Gemini capsules), and more. That night's BBQ dinner was prepared and grilled by the VP's. The BBQ meal included burgers, hot dogs, potato salad, macaroni salad, and dessert. An after-dinner talk was provided by the host, Rick Zimmerman, who is a Volunteer Photographer with the National Park Service. His talk titled "Atomic Photographic Journey" was a blend of official and unofficial photos from the early days of the Manhattan Project and the side stories behind them.

Tuesday had a relaxed start. Some took advantage of the Club House pool while others used the Club House laundry as they had many more days/weeks before returning home. The afternoon activity was exploring the 14 easy-to-walk blocks of downtown McMinnville. The general comment was that it felt like walking back in time to how main streets in small towns used to be. A catered dinner that night from Coco's Taco, LLC, provided chicken taco's, asada tacos, rice, beans, guacamole, sour cream, and green salad. Host, Susan, led an after-dinner discussion on potential locations for next year's rally, and ideas for Pam, the President, to share with other Regions. A big take-away from both new and "seasoned" attendees is that these rallies are like being with family.

After dinner, many of the group sat around a "campground approved" fire and shared stories near Simba, Jim Schrankel's coach.

The NW Region VPs and attendees posted photos of the rally on the Born Free RV Happy Campers USA Facebook page. As expected, this rally was a great way to see old friends and make new ones while learning about and exploring new things.

Submitted by Rick and Susan Zimmerman.