The August Rally for the Keystone Kangaroos was scheduled for the 15^th, 16^th, and 17^th of  the month.  Usually August is one of the lighter months for attendance, so my “co-pilot” reserved 15 spaces and we were amazed when the response for spaces was beginning to exceed what we had.  We increased the number of spaces (fortunately we were able to do so) and by cut-off date relinquished 3 spaces of the increased total.  We gathered at the White Oak Campground just 4 miles south of Strasburg, Pa.  Some of our 17 coaches just could not wait and came in one and two days early!  By the first cup of coffee on the 15^th, Wagon masters Scott and Sara Shank had 10 of the 17 on site with the rest enroute.  Sometimes it pays to come in early, because word “leaked out” where hungry ‘Roos could get some Oklahoma style barbecued Brisket for supper.  A certain BOA president even had a Brisket and sauce mid-night snack!

            Saturday morning the members had their usual chapter meeting following breakfast.  BOA President Franz Singer gave a status report of the membership survey pertaining to merger discussions.  Northeast Regional Vice President Bill Gallagher endorsed what President Singer reported.  The chapter “officially” welcomed new members Steve and Linda Young  into the group and found that our gathering was practically in their backyard since they live within a very few miles distance.  Their coach engine was still cold when they arrived according to Chapter Prez Brian McKittrick.  The meeting concluded with an auction of some “mint condition” leftover T-shirts and other items from someone’s closet.  The remainder of the morning and afternoon were free for members to shop, visit, and tour some of the local attractions.  We carpooled to our dinner Saturday night and feasted family-style on Beef, Hamloaf, Fried Chicken, home-made bread, relishes, vegetables, and polished it off with 5 deserts!  Back at the campground our traditional campfire followed the feasting and there were two blue-grass style jam sessions up at the camp store lawn. 

            Sunday morning came way too soon for all of us, and after breakfast, with a 12 noon check-out time, we began the process of packing up and getting back “on the road again” toward home.  We all had such a good time, that the reservation for August 2009 has already been made for the White Oak Campground again.  Under the heading of “For the Good of the Order” – when I had to contact the campground on another matter, our club was complimented on how clean we left the pavilion and our sites.  The maintenance man reported to the management that he had no mess to clean up after we had departed.  We had left it literally in better condition than we had found it!  Thanks folks!  That makes the wagon masters’ job so much easier! 

            See you in September!