DU QUOIN - Joe Peterson seemed perfectly relaxed in the air-conditioned comfort of the Du Quoin State Fairgrounds' Expo Building.

Despite the searing late-September heat and the hustle and bustle of the trade show going on all around him, Peterson was non-plussed. He was obviously at home at the Escapees Fall Escapade - as well he should be.

Peterson and his wife, Kay, founded the club for recreational vehicle enthusiasts in 1978. Initially, there were 100 charter members. About 1,000 vehicles jammed the Du Quoin State Fairgrounds for the Fall Escapade.

"We went full-time RVing in 1970," Peterson said. "We sold our four-bedroom house and hit the road. We bought an old 26-foot Airstream and hit the road with two kids and a black cat."

For the next 15 years, the Petersons lived and worked out of a recreational vehicle. Joe was a construction electrician, working on jobs in 27 states during the 15 years.

After several years, they realized an organization for serious RVers was needed.

"Information really," Peterson said. "Beyond that, there are any number of reasons, including socializing. People who are full-time and moving around, there is a great need for social activity."

The club has a bi-monthly magazine devoted to the RV lifestyle. The magazine contains articles ranging from dealing with hypothermia, to helpful hints geared to life on the road.

"Knowledge really," Peterson said. "Are state parks worthwhile? How long do you stay in a campground? Or, do you ever stay in a campground?"

Socializing still plays a key role in the club. There are groups within the organization for birders, ham radio operators, barbershop harmony, DOVES (Disaster Operations Volunteer Escapees), Christian fellowship, quilters and even nudists.

These groups are known as BOFs - Birds of a Feather.

Peterson said the Escapees averages about 12 new members per day. On the other hand, he doesn't know how many full-time RVers there are in the United States.

"Nobody knows," he said. "One reason, it's just impossible to count them. Probably, there are more than people might guess. It's just too complex to be able to make a guess."

- Les Winkeler