This rally was with the Sudan Shriners camping club in April 2002. It  was from early arrival on Thursday through Sunday.  On Thursday we already had 31 units.   I did not get a final count.  I think everyone had fun.  It was good to see everyone, some we had not seen since the October rally. The members are from all over the eastern part of North Carolina, with some spending winter months in warmer climates.

We stayed at the Holiday Travel Park at Virginia Beach. It is not directly on the beach, but within bike riding to it.  Coming from the south as most of us did, you take highway 17 to 64 and then 264.  Take exit 22 off 264 turning right on Birdneck, then turn right on General Booth and the campground is just about a block down on your right.  We had site 260 and it was a good campground with good facilities and meeting rooms.  The only thing I saw wrong was the sound of freedom which was quite noisy cause it is very, very close to the runways where they teach pilots.  In fact, one time when we were out walking, the planes were close enough to us to read the numbers on the sides of the plane.  But we live close to Cherry Point Marine base so we are used to the loud airplane noises.

We got there on Tuesday.  On Wednesday we took a 2 1/2 hour harbor tour on the Carrie B cruising the inland waterway and the naval docks. The Carrie B is located at Waterside downtown Norfolk.   It was very interesting.  Norfolk is the largest naval port in the world.  It was a beautiful day with temps in the high 60's. 

On Thursday it rained and was cooler.  This is the day the USS Cole returned to Norfolk for the first time since it was bombed.  They  had a big ceremony which we watched on TV. 

On Thursday night we had potluck with everyone bringing a dish.  There was more food than we could possibly eat and desserts too.  It was all delicious.

On Friday, there was hotdogs and all the trimmings.  Also played the baseball game.

On Saturday afternoon, we had a short business meeting and the playoffs for the ball games. 

On Saturday night, we had a catered meal of BBQ pork and fried chicken. It was very good.  Had entertainment of a husband & wife team playing guitar and piano and singing.  They were good.  However, I thought we were very rude to them, cause so many people started cleaning up, moving tables, etc. that they finally just quit playing and packed up.