Escapade!

We've wanted to go an Escapade since we joined the Escapees a few years ago.  This is an annual RV rally with many classes, lots of social events and opportunities to meet RVers from all walks of life.  Between Mike's work schedule, Escapade locations and dates, we just haven't been able to go.  When Mike confirmed his retirement date, the first things onto the calendar were Disney World and Escapade!

Sedalia MO - Missouri State Fairgrounds and Campgrounds

We had a terrific time and learned so much...so...so much!   We've both mastered many things in our lives but we've barely touched the tip of the iceberg when it comes to RVing.

Before the actual Escapade begins, there are two detailed classes that people can come early for.  One is the crazy-packed BootCamp - perfect for beginning RVers.  We went down the Livingston TX (Escapee Headquarters) to do BootCamp a few years ago.  It was a great class and we highly recommend it.

The other class that is offered early is CampReBoot.  It's all about smartphone and Ipad photography - taking better pictures, editing, storing.....so much we didn't know!  The class is taught by Chris and Jim of Geeks On Tour.  We both loved the class so much that we signed up as members so get all the extra classes on their website.  They offer a ton of free how-to articles and videos so take a look at their site then sign up if you want even more!  Mike put this little thing together as part of his homework assignment the first night!

We saw license plates from all over the country.

We signed up for Escapade just hoping to learn.  We had no idea how much fun surrounds all of the classes.  There were several planned social opportunities - pot lucks, chili cook-off, entertainment but what was surprising was the number of impromptu happy hours, meals and meetups that started happening from day one.  Everyone is welcome and it's nothing to just walk toward a group of people and be waved into the group.  Within a couple of days, people were exchanging phone numbers for meeting up down the road.  This is what keeps those experienced RVers coming back to Escapade.

Getting ready to taste test at the Chili Cook-Off

Closing night - Street party with food trucks and a great live band then a fireworks finale

The dogs loved this trip....of course they love every trip!  They had many great walks with good sniffs plus lots of outside time in their x-pen area next to the RV.  We had dog parks at each of our overnight stops and a huge dogpark on the fairgrounds just for Escapade.  I'm continually surprised how many people travel with animals and thankful that ours are welcome....even if Oreo does get 'heeler-y' at times.  We had many opportunities to practice our manners.  Some need the practice more than others. 

Oreo sleeps hard!

JuneBug with the perfect perch to watch people

Running around town - always fun!

Life imitating art - Sami and JuneBug investigating a June Bug

Pogo keeping my feet warm. 💜

Escapade 2018 was May 27 thru June 1 in Sedalia MO.  We planned to stay over in Oklahoma at state parks on the way to and from.  When I finally got around to making plans, the OK state park website was not cooperating so I jumped on the KOA website for reservations - quick and easy though not as scenic and definitely more expensive....but it was done!  We took two nights to get up there; staying at Lake Eufala, OK and Springfield MO.  We stayed in Wellington KS for the return trip.  All three KOAs were nice and quiet.  The clover hadn't been mowed at any of them so the night scent was heavenly and all three had dog parks so we could exhaust the pups before hitting the road each morning.  We were able to do a little geocaching at each stop so we got a few new state badges as well.  Always nice and a great way/reason to explore a new town.

Pop's - Arcadia, OK....burgers and photo op on Route 66

Junie is not impressed.