KOA Dave

This is the fire truck that KOA Dave bought a couple years back in Washington State. He drove it, in the middle of winter, back to his KOA in Gunnison, CO. It's top speed is about 50 mph, and it gets--at best--about 8 miles to the gallon.

Every summer we spend a few weekends at the Gunnison KOA. People look at us like we're crazy--after all, a KOA in the coldest town in the state doesn't exactly sound like a destination vacation.

However, KOA DAVE ROCKS.

When we arrive, we can count on Dave showing up in his golf cart and taking all the kids on an adventure within an hour. This may be helping to feed the animals (two goats, a sheep, chickens and a massive cow named Norman), visiting the summer residents for cookies, a trip to the store on the house, or going to get the fire truck and being the first kids on board for the 'parade'.

This old fire truck has found new life as a main attraction for kids of all ages when Dave fires it up every afternoon on the weekends, collects all the kids in the campground, and drives around with the siren and horn blaring. This is typically followed by a grand finale of launching items (his favorite are cabbage patch dolls) into the pond on a giant trebuchet.

Dave and his son, Michael (who is the year-round resident who keeps the place spotless and running) are the good neighbors you can borrow a heater, a drill, a cup of sugar (or coffee or beer) or a few eggs from any time. They know even the dogs by name.

Last weekend, strong winds ruined the tent of a family one afternoon early in the weekend. When Dave found out they were packing up and planning to leave early because there were no cabins open, he pulled in his motor home to the only empty spot in the campground, hooked it up and gave them room and board for the rest of the weekend. "No one leaves early!" he said.

This is truly a place where we can kick back and relax. The kids are safe and happy. The food is good. The beer is better. The company is excellent. Dave sets the tone for everyone to feel genuinely comfortable and tolerant and happy and peaceable the whole weekend.

It's a KOA. I don't care--it's a real vacation.