Ruralflyer, if you go to www.modelaircraft.org you'll find a club locator on the left hand side of the window. That'll help you find some folks to get you going.

I'm not a member of a club myself, beavertail. I've got a great county flying site that I use. I don't think an individual who lives far from a club would have to join to get some instruction. Once the situation is explained, I'm sure an invitation to visit and get some help would be forthcoming.