YOU MISSED IT! The <strong>2012</strong> National Muster put on by theNorth Central Region was one grand muster that should go down in history as oneof the best. There were a couple of complaints, but nothing that was not correctedimmediately. There are many key people who have a huge task in making sure thatthe program runs smoothly. The Muster Master, Mike Kegley. Mike did anoutstanding job in assigning the right people for the job to be performed. Asmost of us know, the people who do the job make their leaders look good,and knowing your people is the secret. Mike was continually on the jobchecking for problems. Registration went like “clockwork”. Thanks to JoyBeard. Scheduling, programming and communicating with the various Chairpersons,and making up the program booklet was a very big job. The information received was well written and informative. Signs, informationboards two schedules in each bag and etc, both held seminars. This is not an easy task. These tasks were performed byMarlene & Glenn Thomas. EXCELLENT JOB!!! All the facilities that were used was handled by one lady, and she did anoutstanding job in making sure that everything was in line and in the right “spot”. If someone had a problem with their “spot”, shewas always available to change or assist in correcting the problem. She also helped otherChairpersons with their assignments. I cannot in all good conscience not let you knowthat it was Karen Dietrich. BIG KUDU’S TO HER!!!! The parking went well, a fewvery late arrivals, but the parking Chairman was on the job and it went well. Most allwere satisfied with their sites. We had more handicap people than sites allotted by thefair grounds, but the parking crew did their best. Trams were available, but usage wasvery low. Most wanted to walk for the exercise. Our thanks to all the PARKINGCREW and the TRACTOR DRIVERS. The food Chairperson for this job picked a goodCaterer. Tasty, varied and on time. A couple of people lost their “food” pins, but thatdid not effect the operation at the food line. Speaking of food, there was plenty of it, andit was very good. It was buffet service and you had a choice of foods. Kudu’s to thisChairman. The Ladies luncheon was a huge success. The guest speaker talked about the“Amish Way of Living”. Many very expensive door prizes were given out. The ladyChairperson and helpers did a super job. The table decorations were outstanding and in“tune” with the season. All other table decorations were made by a group of ladies andwere raffled off at the end of the Muster. Again, kudu’s to this group. The vendorswere many and varied. Our “faithful” Mr. Kenthe badge maker was on the job. R V’s were ondisplay and there are four very happy memberswho will be driving new rigs. This Chairmanworked hard in obtaining vendors and the correctplacement of each vendor. Again kudu’s . TheMaster of Ceremonies did a very commendable job in announcing the door prizes. Therewere many and most were good value. 50/50 raffle was very ”Rich”. The Chairperson did agood job in having the raffle tickets and gifts available for the Master of Ceremonies. Thewinners were very satisfied with their take. Entertainment was fair, and most enjoyed thedancing. Last but not least was the “bad ass” sheriff. He collected $5.50, this guy had no mercy on anyone. He also had golf cartsfor the staff and carts available for rental. 205 rigs were parked. 42 First National. 32 Handicap. The Smart Nomads had 22 rigs.The Great Lakes Chapter had 20 rigs. The Florida Buccaneers was 3 rd with 17 rigs and The Rocky Top Chapter was 4 th with 14rigs. The Alamo Smarts, and The Tri-State Panhandlers each had 10 rigs present. The rest of the Smart Chapters were under 10rigs.A “big” thank you to all the chairmen and volunteers that made the <strong>2012</strong> National Muster a huge success! Submitted by:Dale M. Hertzfeld North Central Regional Director Ps: An Antique Ice Cream scoop was missed placed. If you knowwhere it is please let me know.I want to personally apologize to the <strong>2012</strong> National Muster Staff. Due to an oversight we did not get the <strong>2012</strong> National MusterReport into the last <strong>Travel</strong>er. The National Muster Staff did an Outstanding job and they need to be commended for their efforts. Pleasemake sure you read the article Dale Herzfeld sent in above, enjoy the muster photos throughout the <strong>Travel</strong>er. Melissa Wade
2013 CARAVANSHope everyone had a joyous holiday season. With the holidaysbehind us, it’s time to start thinking about getting in the travelingmode again. We have 5 great caravans planned for this year,North to Alaska, Grand Frontier Western, Branson, Kentucky Experience,and last but not least Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta. Thereare still openings available for 4 of the 5 caravans mentioned below.If the caravan you want is full, we do have a standby list thatis used in the event that someone who has already signed up drops out. I knowall of the wagon masters are working hard to make their caravan “an event to beremembered.” If your bucket list contains any of the planned caravan destinations,think about participating in that caravan, as this is a fantastic way to removeit from your list. For the most current information about caravan information,check the caravan listing on the SMART website. In closing, I’d like tothank all of you who have said a prayer for us in the last two months. On the10 th of October I was diagnosed with lung cancer and it has been a whirlwindsince, with trips to various doctors, surgery the last part of November and Chemotherapystarts in January. So far all of the doctors are pleased with the progress.Again, thank you all for your cards and prayers. John Farrell“NORTH to ALASKA” June 13 – August 22, 2013Wagonmasters: Craig &Terilu Christen, 931 224-8261, ctchristen@earthlink.net Estimated Cost:$6,200 2/PER RV; $4,700 1/Per RV; $1,950 ADDT’L PERSONThe Grand Frontier July 15 thru September 4, 2013 Wagonmasters:John and Kathy Steinbauer kjsteinbauer@comcast.net 954-514-7340 or210-386-9018 Est.Cost $4100 2/per RV $3100 1/per RV $1100 each add’lpersonSpotlight on Branson <strong>Caravan</strong> Dates: September 23-28 Wagonmasters:David & Jackie Weis 912-674-9347 dweis74@hotmail.comEST. Cost: $988.00 for 2-person RV; $665 for 1 person RV; $450.00 per guest2013 AIBF Oct 4 thru 16, 2013Wagonmaster :Frank & ElizabethPetsch 727-434-0659res07efc@verizon.net Est Cost: TBATHE KENTUCKY EXPERIENCE Dates: Sept 27—Oct 25, 2013 Wagonmasters:John & Arlene Farrell smartrnr@cox.net (479) 855-4778 EstCost: $3,100 2 per /RV; $2,300 1 Per /RV $950 Addt’l Per(Waiting List)S*M*A*R*T DiscountsThe RV Parks listed below offer discountsto our SMART members.Please let them know that you sawtheir ad in our TRAVELER.Check out our website:www.smartrving.org and click Discountsfor more information.EMMAUS MOTOR COACH& RV RESORTSummerdale, AL251-979-6338www.emmausresort.comPaynes RV PARKTheodore, AL251-653-1034www.paynesrvpark.comDENLI GRIZZLY BEARCAMPGROUNDDenali National PARK, AK866-583-2696www.denaligrizzlybear.comBROOKSIDE CAMPSITECashe,Creek, BC1-205-457-6633www.brooksidecampsite.comSHADY GROVE WI-FICAMPGROUNDSeibert, CO970-664-2218www.shadygroverv.comOAKS’ N PINES RV PARKLake City, FL387-752-0830386-752-0837www.oks-n-pines.comPELICAN PALMSRV PARKMilton, FL850-623-0576www.pelicanpalmsrvpark.comFor the most current information about upcoming <strong>Caravan</strong>s, please checkour National Website at www.smartrving.org