Out of the 2,000 sites, a site across from one of the many dog parks was selected for the 3 night stay. A park staff guy in a golf cart escorted the Smitanic to the site and assisted the navigation into the large gravel site to avoid a large palm tree as well as the sites cement patio. “Make sure as you leave to avoid the many small knee walls, drift left before you turn right”. “We have had to rebuild several knee walls already” the camp guide instructed and lamented. Once properly positioned into the spot, thanks to Theresa's perfect signals, and Kevin's trust and adherence to those signals. The team was next observed with greetings from other residents, setting up the Smitanic for a several days in the safe harbor. After getting all systems connected it was time to explore the facilities and get the lay of the land. Golf carts and bikes seemed to be the preferred mode of transit around the complex. Jaws dropped as both Kevin and Theresa spied the site of 32 pickleball courts. Kevin and Theresa meandered with a confused look, wondering how all the courts play times were managed? They were pointed to a lady who was introduced as the Pickleball Ambassador. She reviewed very briefly how to sign up for the various levels-of-play, (levels are identified 1 – 5), Men's, Women's as well as Mixed. The now hooked Pickleballers quickly signed up for 4 times over the next 3 days and were anxious to see how they would fair in this pickleball mecca community.
Kevin checked out the RC airfield to find out all he needed was a signed waiver available from the RC Ambassedor in the park. Before returning to the RV, a stop to get said waiver and obtain a silver star for his badge was obtained, but only after Kevin drooled at the collection of RC planes (some For Sale, yippeee!)
Kevin checked out the RC airfield to find out all he needed was a signed waiver available from the RC Ambassedor in the park. Before returning to the RV, a stop to get said waiver and obtain a silver star for his badge was obtained, but only after Kevin drooled at the collection of RC planes (some For Sale, yippeee!)
That evening was the first level 2.5 mixed round-robin play. Each player was assigned a number by a coach, then paired with another player in 6 matches. Each game was scored as usual to 11 but no reporting of the outcome was tracked as this was just an opportunity to play like-skilled players. Comments from the coaches indicated to Kevin and Theresa that they were easily level 3.0 players (whawoo!) 3 out of 5 ain't bad.
With that bit of confidence the next morning they showed up for the men's 3.0 at 10am and women' 3.0 at noon. A similar organization resulted 6-8 more games at this new elevated level. Both finished in the middle of the pack winning a few while loosing others by a slim margin. 3.5 might be the proper evaluation.
Kevin was able to get a few successful RC flights in on the airfield.
Late in the afternoon, an unusual knock at the door revealed one of the nearby neighbors, Doug Hillstrom and his wife Randi, with and invitation to a happy hour gathering at another RV. Theresa readily excepted! (She is the Party Animal). The folks here were really friendly, just not very organized on the pickleball courts :(. In fairness they are volunteers and have to accommodate several hundred players as well as the occasional transients such as Kevin and Theresa.
Kevin had RV envy as the hosts for the evening, Max & Pat (Sherman their dog), had a newer model 45' Allegro Bus... fresh off the road from Alaska ! Conversation was lively as travel escapades were exchanged as well as present strategies earnestly discussed. A great evening with some great folks!
The final day's play was a very popular 3.0 mixed play. Kevin and Theresa arrived 30 min early to sign in and warm up. At the sign in, each was given an alternate number as all the primary player spots were full and only a limited alternates would be able to play. Once the bell rang, indicating the start of the rounds, Kevin went to the sign in and turned in his number while Theresa went to get a much needed drink of water. Kevin yelled for Theresa to hurry to get back to the table as the scheduler was taking numbers as they were handed to him (rather than in numerical order as expected). Theresa fought the crowd and inched her way into the schedule desk to present her number. Unfortunately her number was not included in time... Kevin, visibly (and verbally) upset at the process, then took his name off the list as well. He and Theresa then meandered to other courts and managed to get their butts kicked in several games with more advanced players 4's and 5's.
The final day's play was a very popular 3.0 mixed play. Kevin and Theresa arrived 30 min early to sign in and warm up. At the sign in, each was given an alternate number as all the primary player spots were full and only a limited alternates would be able to play. Once the bell rang, indicating the start of the rounds, Kevin went to the sign in and turned in his number while Theresa went to get a much needed drink of water. Kevin yelled for Theresa to hurry to get back to the table as the scheduler was taking numbers as they were handed to him (rather than in numerical order as expected). Theresa fought the crowd and inched her way into the schedule desk to present her number. Unfortunately her number was not included in time... Kevin, visibly (and verbally) upset at the process, then took his name off the list as well. He and Theresa then meandered to other courts and managed to get their butts kicked in several games with more advanced players 4's and 5's. 
New Friends from Hemet, Marilyn(&Ron), and her friend, were spied on the courts and graced the two now defeated players in a friendly game or two. Afterwards, Marilyn and Theresa lined up some dinner plans at the Smitanic. Kevin shared his frustration with the way the mixed play was handled earlier. Marilyn did admit that it took her about a week to figure out all the ins and outs of this massive facility! Because of it's size there are just more rules and more/or less organization to accommodate the masses.
Dinner expanded as Theresa extended an invite to the new neighbors, Doug and Randi and Johnny and his wife who were just returning from the Valentines dance. A few rounds of Taboo (girls against guys) were played outdoors until the temps dropped driving the crowd to the warmth of the inside of the Smitanic. Once inside the Smitanic several frenzied games of Pass the Pig were played. Marilyn, being very competitive and having lost all games, made note that the side of the box for Pass the Pigs stated “for ages 3 and up”. Not sure what her point was? All had great fun.
It must have been near 'quiet time' (10 pm) when the seniors bid adue and retreated to their respective sites. What a great night and great people!
The next day the Smitanic would depart to the next port in Deming, NM.
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