Rally Hosts Nancy & Jim Harris, Cleone & Walter Gund, & Carolyn & Jim Gannaway

It’s 55.3 feet and rising . . . despite the rising water of the Mighty Mississippi, the Monaco Wan-na-gos enjoyed their spring pilgrimage to Vidalia, Louisiana. In fact, as the river flowed, so did the good times.

Hosted by Jim and Nancy Harris, Jim and Carolyn Gannaway, and Walter and Cleone Gund, the rally provided its members the opportunity to enjoy the area’s “Spring Pilgrimage,” featuring the many antebellum homes of nearby Natchez, Mississippi. Each spring, selected private homes are opened for viewing, and the hostesses are attired in period costumes. For some of the attendees, this was their first opportunity to see the South at its best. Others opted to take advantage of the walking tour of Natchez. This tour afforded the participants opportunities to encounter many of the local residents, and residents were, without exception, willing to share their knowledge of the history of this old Southern town.

The nightly entertainment was rich in Southern traditions as well: a humorist regaled the audience with stories of his relatives, and The Holly Family Gospel Choir had the crowd on its feet and dancing in the aisles!

Of course, the majestic Mississippi was the main topic of conversation. The beauty of the river and the force that it carries were evidenced by the creeping floodwaters. Like all dedicated motorhome owners though, no one was going to let a “little” water ruin their fun. The four days in Vidalia were relaxing and spent visiting with friends that we too seldom see.

—Marilyn and Jerry Jenkins