Golden Adventures at the Golden Lake Sunrisers Spring LTV Rally

Day 1: Arrival and Introductions

Tuesday, May 28th

Our journey to Golden Lake near Bonnechere began with excitement and anticipation as Lynn and I, along with our trusty Leisure Travel Van (LTV) "Large Marge," arrived at 2 pm. After a swift check-in, we picked up our name tags from the nearby hall and had the pleasure of meeting the rally coordinators: Gregg, Janet, Heather, and Joel.

Despite the rain, the evening was brightened by a delightful potluck of appetizers in the hall. It was heartwarming to see many familiar faces from past rallies and to meet some new friends. Gregg reviewed the itinerary for the next few days, and we all stayed around for a cozy campfire gathering, sharing stories about our RVs and travels.

Day 2: Activities and Learning

Wednesday, May 29th

The day began with a "Chat & Chill" session at 8:30 am, where we enjoyed a continental breakfast while exchanging travel experiences with fellow LTVers. Following breakfast, we attended an intriguing presentation by Komo Creations just outside the hall.

One of the highlights was the Voyageur Adventure from 11:40 am to 3:30 pm. Although we opted to have our tanks cleaned by Kleen Tank in afternoon, many others paddled in large canoes, enjoyed a lunch of soup and bannock, and learned about the history of the voyageurs and the lake.

From 1:00 to 5:00 pm, the LTV Open Doors event provided an opportunity to explore various RV setups. In the evening before dinner, we relaxed with another LTV couple, Rob and Abby over drinks, followed by a delicious pork kebab BBQ at our site.

The day concluded with a fascinating talk by Lieutenant-Colonel (Ret) Dean Black on the 100th Anniversary of the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF), highlighting significant historical events and the importance of social history. The evening wrapped up with another campfire gathering, where questions and discussions flowed freely. Aas sad as it sounds Lynn and I were exhausted and chose to hit the hay early.

Day 3: Exploration and Farewell

Thursday, May 30th

The fresh air must have done wonders, as we woke up a bit later than usual. After straightening up and walking the dog, we headed to the hall for coffee and breakfast, followed by a much-loved "Show and Tell" session at 9:15 am.

A group photo with the Ontario Sunrisers Flag at 10:30 am was a special moment, especially captured with my 360 camera. While the Kleen Tank demonstration took place, I enjoyed some time with Keeley at the dog park.

At 12:30 pm, about half the attendees visited the Bonnechere Caves. Despite my claustrophobic tendencies, Lynn reported that the geological and historical significance of the caves was truly fascinating. Back at the campsite, more LTV Open Doors tours were available for those who stayed behind.

From 4:00 to 5:00 pm, Yantha Bicycles presented various bicycle options for the 55+ crowd, though we skipped this session since we already have eBikes. The evening featured a sumptuous catered dinner by Backyard Gourmet of Renfrew, followed by another chance to gather around the fire. A presentation by the Golden Lake campground owners on "Owning a Campground" provided a unique perspective on RV life.

Day 4: Departure

Friday, May 31st

Our final morning at Golden Lake is filled with quick goodbyes. We did our goodbyes the night before and were on the road at 7:00 am heading to Quebec for the next leg of our travels. This rally was an unforgettable experience, filled with learning, exploration, and camaraderie.

This journey was a perfect blend of adventure, learning, and community. We look forward to many more rallies with our LTV family!

Safe Travels

Dave

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