CAMPING AMONG THE DOGWOODS In the OZARKs

​The Fourth Annual Best Dam Vintage Trailer Rally convened among the flowering dogwoods April 22-25.  Twenty-three camper trailers were on site, but the remarkable thing was that only two were the same brand (Shastas).  One was errantly licensed as "Handmade," but no one could identify the actual manufacturer.  After last year's COVID cancellation, gathering this year was a very welcome return to hospitality and friendship.  

The West's '70 International Caravan "Bullwinkle"

The McDaniels ‘33 Ford and ‘72 Boler “Bedrock Boler”

​The weather predicted rain, but luckily it was only Friday evening and through the night.  The gentle rain on the roof of a trailer is VERY soothing.  Thursday and Saturday evenings were lit up by bonfires.   Thanks to Gene Davis's blowtorch, starting the bonfire was "No problem." As the flames settled down, logs were thrown on the fire, and the stage was set for a dramatic reading of "A Camping Spree with Mr. Magee." Saturday's highlight was another campfire, but several squirts of charcoal lighter were needed to kick things off after Friday's rain.  What was kicked off was a delectable buffet of campers' treats.  

The Watts' '71 VW Bus & '69 Eriba Puck

N. Winston's '56 Jewel "Sybil"

​For the first time, a pancake breakfast was served on Saturday by the Camp Hostess, Jennifer.  Connie Miller and daughter Carrie Brixey Schaumburg pitched in with a serving tent and skillet to do the bacon and sausages.  What an incredible display of generosity and hospitality. 
 
A quiet highlight was the return of Ed Proctor, the originator of the event in 2017.  Getting up in the years, he no longer pulls a trailer but did come about a two-hour drive to see what "His" event has become.  On hand to greet him were five of the original campers from 2017.  TCT Camp Host Mike Breton rode around the camp with Ed, detailing who and what trailers were there.   

The Miller/Schaumberg’s ‘72 Shasta “Tillie”

The Boswell's '76 Argosy

Something new was the observations of several campers of how beautiful the drive through the Ozarks was with the brilliant dogwoods, fresh greenery, and the blue of Bull Shoals lake.  The BDVTR is known for its relaxed atmosphere and low-key time to share stories, trailers, and friends.   Vintage-inspired trailers are welcome since several original old-time trailer owners have moved up to the vintage-inspired models for the convenience of showers and bathrooms in the trailers.   

The Gillihan/Wortham's '57 Dalton

The Stuart's '78 Tag A Long "The Wine Shack"

​The spacious campground was almost maxed out this year.  Campers appreciated the spacing between individual sites noting that they felt woodsier than in other more crowded parks.  Next year's event is scheduled for April 21-23.  Site reservations are being taken through this summer at 870-405-9619.  
See all of the rallies in the USA at www.VintageTrailerRallies.com