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Rolling along the roads of the Pacific Northwest, a caravan of Winnebagos can be found heading to stunning destinations across the region. Known as the Rainier Ramblers, this group of RV enthusiasts celebrates a part of Americana. Traveling to beautiful destinations in Washington, Oregon and beyond, the Rainier Ramblers are dedicated adventurers, all hoping to connect with beautiful, historic and interesting locations.

Rainier Ramblers
Under the watchful eye of a Winnebago, this makes enjoyable setting for one of the Rainier Rambler meetings. Photo credit: Bob Gauvreau

Along the way the group helps support local communities, gives to charity and creates long-lasting memories on multigenerational adventures. The Rainier Ramblers are an awesome part of the tourism culture of the South Sound and a great, positive influence on our state.

The Rainier Ramblers, for those not well-versed in the RV community, is the local chapter of the Winnebago International Travelers (WIT Club), which has been a cornerstone for RVers for decades. Tied to the Winnebago company, the local chapter is one of many in the US, Canada and Australia. Established in June 1985, the Rainier Ramblers, whose terrain loosely covers South Puget Sound, is one of the nine chapters of the WIT Club in Washington State. To become a member, someone must own a Winnebago motor home, towable trailer or a 5th wheel. The group is expecting to grow, as Winnebago just purchased Country Coach, allowing owners of that brand to join. Stretched between King County and the small town of Kelso, the Rainier Ramblers currently have 15 RVs in their community.

Showing pride in their organization, the Rainier Rambler’s banner is always hung for all to see. Photo credit: Bob Gauvreau

Joe Robel is the president of the Rainier Ramblers and holds a strong passion for the Pacific Northwest and his RV. With his wife Carol, who is the secretary of the group, the two have explored the very best corners of the region and are continually awestruck by the endless beauty of the Evergreen State.

“What initially sold me on becoming a member of an organized group like this was that you learn so much,” explained Joe. “My goal was to learn the ins and outs of RVing, and in the process, I learned not just about my rig, but about the campgrounds and the regions we travel to.”

Born and raised in Eastern Washington, Joe and Carol relocated to Olympia after Joe was discharged from the Air Force. They got involved in the group in 2009 when they purchased their Winnebago. They were given a membership in WIT for one year, which is how they discovered the Rainier Ramblers. With monthly outings from April through November, the group helped the Robels find a community of like-minded individuals with whom to explore the region.

Rainier Ramblers
The Rainier Ramblers enjoying a day along Hood Canal. Photo credit: Bob Gauvreau

The coast is where the Rainier Ramblers seem to enjoy their adventures most, especially heading out to Westport, Ocean Shores and down to the Oregon coast. While the South Puget Sound is the club’s jumping off point, some members of the group are campground hosts in Death Valley, California, while others take a whole winter off and travel the country.

Nearly every member is a very strong advocate for Winnebago. Members express their brand loyalty and the sense of community they all have.

The Rainier Ramblers are not just about getting out and exploring for their own self-benefit; they also support communities and help with charities. “Anyone that goes to the parks adds to the economy in that general area. When we visit a place, we shop, go out to dinner,” Joe said when asked about the positive impact their group has. “We also support a charity called Purdy Prison Pets, which helps inmates train service dogs. It is a great program that we are happy to be a part of.”

awesome rv
The Awesome RV staff loves working with the Rainier Ramblers. Photo courtesy: Awesome RV.

The group is also quite loyal to the sponsor, Awesome RV. Joe beamed as he spoke of the relationship between the group and their sponsor. Located in Chehalis, Awesome RV is where the majority of the members get their rigs serviced and ready for adventure. With RVs running smoothly, the Rainier Ramblers are able to explore the region with family, often times including children, grandchildren and even grand dogs on their adventures.

“The Rainier Ramblers is one of the most welcoming groups I have ever been associated with,“ concluded Joe. “While the group is currently made up of seniors, that isn’t set in stone. Anyone with a Winnebago can, and should, join.”

To learn more about Rainier Ramblers, click here.

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