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The Branson MO East and West Club’s joint rally was our final destination, but Debbie and I took this opportunity to take our time getting there. We left on Sept. 16, and our first stop was in Yuma, Arizona where we staying in an empty space next to Jenelle and Don Alastra's at Country Roads RV Village where they live. We stayed in lots of RV parks along the way, always keeping an eye out if any of these parks would make a great rally destination.
We arrived in Branson on Sept. 20, and what a wonderful place to have a rally! Jim and Marnie Weidmaier did an outstanding job of hosting! Breakfast was served every day, and the Potlucks offered tons of food. There was a lot to see and do, as you will see in the rally pictures below.
We were excited to meet the following
new members to the Chinook West Club
in Branson: Gary Adamson and Kit Poppelreiter; David and Susan DeMartini; Juan and Irma Garza, and Chad and Mary Phillips. Also, it was really fun meeting and getting to know so many of the East Club members. Hopefully we can do this again soon.
Also, one of our stops on the way home was to attend the Lake Pleasant Rally. We could only stay one night, but to us one of the memorable things that happened that night was listening to the guys who served in the military sharing their experiences. They were truly amazing and heartfelt remembrances.
Welcome New Members
It’s my privilege to welcome the following new members. Thank you so very much for joining our club, and we hope to see you at future rallies. Feel free to send us an email or call with any ideas you may have about possibly hosting a rally. We really appreciate the support!!
- Jay Trumble - Henderson, NV
- Marc and Diana Boswell - Fresno, CA
- Steve and Judy Coll - Antioch, CA
- Sallie G. Rasmussen - Washoe Valley, NV
- Barbara (Barb) Fulton - Stillwater, OK
- Donna Puckett - Coleville, CA
- Mike and Judy Davidson - Somerset, CA
- Jim and Barb Horton - Tukwila, WA
- Susi Cronk - Ben Lomond, CA
Club Secretary volunteers needed!!!
We will hold an Official election for Secretary at the Annual Rally in November at the Santa Cruz/Monterey Bay KOA in Watsonville, CA.
Please consider volunteering for this important position.
Duties include taking notes at Annual Rallies and publishing said minutes of the Annual Rally Election and Board meetings.
Contact our Nominating Committee (Dave Shehane, Juliana Geleszinski, and Debbie Shetland) if you are interested.
~ Bob Shetland, President
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>>> Dues Deadline Was September 30th <<<
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If you have not paid your dues, please email Dave Shehane at
dshehane@gmail.com to let him know your check is on the way. We need to know if people are remaining members so we can publish our updated directory.
Make Checks for $35.00 payable to Chinook RV Club
Mail to:
Dave Shehane
2280 Country Lane
Auburn, California 95603
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Upcoming Rallies Snapshot
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- Watsonville, CA (14th Annual) - In November 8, Out November 12, 2017 - Santa Cruz/Monterey Bay KOA, hosted by Bob and Debbie Shetland. (see article)
- Yuma, AZ - In February 7, Out February 11, 2018 - Blue Sky RV Ranch, hosted by Jenelle and Don Alastra. (see article)
- McMinnville, OR - In May 17, Out May 20, 2018 - Olde Stone Village, hosted by Darlene and Dean Warrick. (see article)
- More to come in 2018 - contact Debbie Shetland (debbieshetland@gmail.com) if you would like to host a rally. We need two more rallies for the year, preferably one each quarter.
- Quincy, CA - In May 16, Out May 19, 2019 - Pioneer RV Park, hosted by Debbie & Bob Shetland and Marta & Bert Wall.
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BRANSON, MO East/West Joint Mini Rally Recap
Held
September 25 - 30, 2017
At the Branson Lakeside RV Park
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I wish I could name all the people in order, but my memory was never that good, and now . . . !
However, these are the Western Club Members who attended:
Gary Adamson & Kit Poppelreiter, David & Susan DeMartini, Larry & Luanne Dennison, Juan & Irma Garza, Jim & Juliana Geleszinski, Chad & Mary Phillips, Walt & Patti Pierson, Bob & Vera Raudman, Bob & Debbie Shetland, Jim & Marnie Weidmaier, Skip & Patty White
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"The Branson Rally hosted by Jim and Marnie Weidmeyer was another great success as the Western and Eastern clubs shared food, fun and festivities. This time the East outnumbered the West, but when you're having fun, who's counting?"
~ Vera Raudman
Wow, what a crowd and what a great bunch of Chinookers! I have to say that Jim and Marnie really outdid themselves and put on a fantastic joint rally - it's not an easy task to handle the arrangements for 35 coaches and 71 attendees (two couples were without their coaches). Thank goodness they had the help of Mary and Ben Pecora, Marnie's sister and her husband. Besides the arrangements for the two main excursions, transportation for numerous smaller outings, breakfasts, potlucks, and campfires, Jim and Marnie even raised $80 for the club by raffling off a bottle of wine from the Homecoming Rally at the factory in Yakima in 2004. Thanks so much for all your planning and hard work.
I also want to thank Ed Cremens from the Eastern Club for sharing all his wonderful pictures - many of which you see below.
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DAILY: Every single morning we had coffee with juices, fruits and pastries; on Wednesday and Thursday we even had homemade biscuits and gravy - they were delicious, Marnie!! During the days Jim and Ben drove vans on tours of the Ozark-style strip and downtown, and took groups to other various attractions, even making a liquor store run. I don't think they ever stopped, except when we were all together for a meal or activity, even though there was a free trolley that some people used for a trip downtown for shopping or lunch.
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MONDAY: For the Meet and Greet Social Hour the snacks that everyone brought to share were more than enough for an evening meal for most of us. It was so great seeing old friends and making so many new ones!
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TUESDAY:
Our late afternoon/evening was spent enjoying a cruise of Table Rock Lake
on the Branson Belle, an authentic paddle wheel boat. Comedy Magician Christopher James definitely stole the show; but the other acts Rhythm, The Showmen and Cassandre Faimon-Haygood were really fantastic. Super entertainment!
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WEDNESDAY:
Marnie's Biscuits and Gravy - what a way to start the day!
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Tech Talk:
Breakfast was followed by our traditional Tech Talk, where members share important tips about Chinooks and cool gadgets/paraphernalia to make rv'ing easier, like a couple of portable air compressors.
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Games and Relaxation:
With the day on our own until dinnertime, some played Cornhole Toss, some just relaxed (like Walt Pierson below), some walked along the lake and, of course, many checked out the strip and downtown.
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Our Intrepid Photographers and Potluck:
It was fun to turn the tables on our photographers, Bob Shetland and Ed Cremens, and catch them in action taking our group pictures. Then it was time to gather for the potluck. I spent two hours making a minestrone soup, but it was worth it.
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THURSDAY:
Our second big excursion of the rally was Dolly Parton's Dixie Stampede Dinner and Show. It was a combination of a funny and talented opening act, beautiful projected images, trick riding, a stunt dog relay event, a buffalo stampede, and even racing pigs.
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FRIDAY:
We were on our own. Bob and I took the free trolley with Bob and Vera Raudman, shopped at Dick's 5 & 10, ate at Waxy O'Shea's Irish Pub, and had a nice walk back to the park. We gathered around the fire that night - a perfect way to spend our last night together.
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LAKE PLEASANT, AZ Mini/Flash Rally Recap
Held October 3 - 9, 2017
Hank Raymond Lodge at Lower Lake Pleasant, Peoria, AZ
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Seated (left to right):
Ray Blackburn, Ole Jensen, Bob Raudman, Doug Askerman and Jerry Earley.
Standing:
Linda Blackburn, Barbara Jensen, Bob & Mary Coleman, Vera Raudman and
Jane Earley.
Below:
Scott & Diane Feck, Jeff & Olga Johnson and Bob & Debbie Shetland.
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This was a unique and extremely relaxing rally. First, it didn't cost the attendees anything! Bob and Mary Coleman were able to use the entire area for a modest fee because the Hank Raymond Lodge at Lake Pleasant is a private facility on the lower lake for employees and retirees of MWD where Bob worked. Second, the lodge was awesome, with multiple rooms instead of just a clubhouse for gathering. Third, it was right on the lake. Fourth, Bob and Mary provided every single meal - and they were all delicious! Fifth, there was a large patio where we could just sit around visiting and gazing at the lake. Okay, I could go on, but I've run out of fingers on that hand.
Since Bob and I (Shetland that is) were only at the Lake Pleasant Rally until the afternoon of the second day, many thanks to the other attendees for their comments and additional pictures. The rally lasted for seven days. There were seven rigs on Tuesday, six on Wednesday and Thursday, five on Friday and Saturday, four on Sunday, and just two (the Raudmans and Colemans) on Monday.
"Jeff and I had a great time at Lake Pleasant
. Our sincere appreciation to Bob and Mary for allowing us to share in the great accommodations. Being able to have air conditioning, showers, a kitchen and great food and company made for a very "pleasant" getaway. Bob, I'm still chuckling about some of your jokes, hope you saved some for next time. Vera, my hat-off to you for going with the guys and showing off your swimming skills by jumping in the lake! A great time indeed. Thank you Bob and Mary."
~ Olga Johnson
"Bob and Mary were up each morning setting out breakfast foods and every evening we were treated to a home cooked meal, including Mary's meatloaf, Bob's stew [fried beef stew he called Slump] and on Friday his famous fish fry. All day long we snacked and chatted with lots of laughs at stories told, some true most not. Games were played and puzzles put together. Bob took those who wanted to experience the larger lake for a boat ride. Jerry, Jeff and Vera experienced the cold fresh water as they swam from the boat. Some left early but Bob and Vera just couldn't pull themselves away and stayed 'til Monday. It was a beautiful week in a beautiful place. Thank you Bob and Mary."
~ Vera Raudman
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WATSONVILLE, CA (14th Annual Rally)
In November 8 - Out November 12, 2017
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Monterey Bay is the hub of many activities and fun places to visit! The Santa Cruz KOA is based in the center, making it the perfect base camp for our 2017 Annual Rally!
LOCATION: Santa Cruz/Monterey Bay KOA, 1186 San Andreas Rd Watsonville, CA 95076
HOSTS: Bob and Debbie Shetland
SITES RESERVED:
21 sites reserved
and filled
COST: Single $225.00, Double $270.00
Send check made out and payable to: Bob Shetland, 28402 Daroca, Mission Viejo, CA 92692
DEADLINE: October 7, 2017
This is our annual meeting, where we will vote for open board positions, review finances, and discuss upcoming rallies and other club business.
We've filled all our spaces, but if anyone is still interested, let us know right away, and we'll see about getting you a spot.
ACTIVITIES:
- Wednesday: Meet & Greet around 5:00pm at Sand Shack Hall - wine and deli spread provided. Sign up for Thursday short trip options.
- Thursday: During the day we will have a 15-passenger van to shuttle groups to and from a local winery, Capitola Village, the beach, or whatever we decide on Wednesday night.
- Potluck at 5:30pm at the Sand Shack Hall - bring your own plates, utensils and drinks plus a dish to share.
- Friday: Meet at 9:30am at the hosts' site to board vans for a day trip to Monterey Bay Cannery Row. Lunch on your own.
- 6:00pm Pizza and wine provided.
- Saturday: Book exchange at 10:00am in the Sand Shack Hall. Free Day.
- Catered Dinner at 6:00pm in the Sand Shack Hall followed by Business Meeting and Elections.
- Sunday: Departure by 11:00am - have a safe trip home!!
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<<< WINTER GETAWAY >>>
YUMA, ARIZONA Mini Rally
In February 7 - Out February 11, 2018
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Escape the Cold Weather and Enjoy the True Southwest
in Yuma, Arizona
Come immerse yourself in a rich culture and heritage, rooted in centuries of history. Soak in blue skies and sun that shines 310 days a year -- perfect for outdoor activities. Breathe in the desert air and you'll understand why Yuma, AZ is a destination like no other.
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Blue Sky Ranch RV ~ Yuma’s Premier Boutique RV Resort
Under new ownership and management. Completely renovated. Newly paved roads. All new recreational facilities including swimming pool & spa, pickle ball court, bocce ball court, curling lanes, shuffleboard courts, a putting green and an enclosed dog park.
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Jenelle and Don have put together a great rally for us. We come in on Wednesday; take a day trip to Los Algodones, Mexico on Thursday; do the Field to Feast farm tour on Friday; and go to a dance on Saturday night. Don't miss out - contact Jenelle now (541) 604-4035!
- Los Algondones (Don't forget your passports!) - visitors cross the border as much for bargain dental care and eyeglasses as for local color. Los Algondones has a heavy concentration of dentists, opticians and pharmacies, along with lots of souvenir vendors, restaurants and bars. Since tourists are the focus in border communities, the currency of choice is the American dollar and English is almost universally spoken. Most tourist-oriented business are within an easy stroll of the border. We will be parking at a nice lot and walking across the border.
- Field to Feast farm tour - we will pick veggies from fields grown by the University of Arizona, then enjoy a narrated tour from a Yuma grower while Arizona Western College culinary students are hard at work turning our fresh veggies into a delicious and healthy lunch. Added bonus: once we've filled the chefs' order of veggies for our lunch, we can pick some fresh Yuma produce to take home. All-in-all, it will be a fun morning that will give us a new appreciation of food from farm to fork, fresh veggies we picked with our own hands, and a full stomach!
- Saturday Night Dance - Jenelle and Don live across the street from Blue Sky RV Ranch at the Country Roads RV Village, where they have weekly Saturday night dances with great live music. BYOB, buy some popcorn, cut a rug, or just sit and enjoy. What a perfect way to spend the last night of the rally!
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LOCATION: Blue Sky Ranch RV Resort, 5510 E 32nd St (Hwy 80), Yuma, AZ 85365
HOSTS: Jenelle and Don Alastra
RESERVATIONS & CONTACT: Jenelle Alastra at (541) 604-4035
SITES RESERVED: 15
COST: Single $195.00, Double $245.00
Send check made out and payable to: Jenelle Alastra, 5707 East 32nd Street, Lot 529, Yuma, AZ 85365
DEADLINE: January 6, 2018, but please send in your check as soon as you can because Jenelle and Don have to pay for the Field to Feast Farm Tour in advance.
Don't miss out - contact Jenelle now (541) 604-4035!
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<<< SPRING GETAWAY >>>
McMINNVILLE, OR Mini Rally
In May 17 - Out May 20, 2018
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Olde Stone Village ~
Located in the Heart of Oregon Wine Country
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Tree-lined streets and soft grassy knolls are just part of the appeal of Olde Stone Village, McMinnville Oregon’s premier recreational vehicle park and community. Tucked into the rolling landscape of
Yamhill County
, the park offers easy access to highways, as well as McMinnville’s shops, restaurants, scenic vineyards, historic attractions, and roadside produce stands stocked with your seasonal favorites.
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Olde Stone Village is immediately adjacent to the Evergreen Aviation and Space Museum, home of the world famous “Spruce Goose” and Evergreen’s aviation-themed IMAX Theater. It is located within easy distance of golf courses, Spirit Mountain Casino, wineries and tasting rooms, Mt. Hood, the Columbia Gorge, The Oregon Garden and the spectacular Oregon Coast. Olde Stone Village is also conveniently located close to Willamette Valley Medical Center.
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Bayou Golf Course
5.3 miles from Olde Stone Village
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Spirit Mountain Casino
29.1 miles from Olde Stone Village
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Wineries and Tasting Rooms
All within 3.7 miles of Olde Stone Village
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Evergreen Aviation Space Museum
Home of the famous "Spruce Goose"
Adjacent to Olde Stone Village
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LOCATION: Olde Stone Village, 4155 NE Three Mile Lane, McMinnville, OR 97128
>>>
Important be sure to set any navigational devices to avoid ferries!<<<
HOSTS: Darlene and Dean Warrick
RESERVATIONS & CONTACT: Call Olde Stone Village at (877) 472-4315, 9:00 AM - 5:30 PM, 7 Days a Week. Let them know you're part of the Chinook RV Club. Reserve with credit card. (Please notify Darlene and Dean Warrick when you've made your reservation:
dndwar@gmail.com)
SITES RESERVED: 15
COST: $138.00 includes 3 nights ($46.00/night), less 10% Good Sam Discount
DEADLINE: April 1, 2018
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Chinook History Since 1938
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Chinook RV Club
Vehicle Name Plaques Available
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Available to Members for Just $35.00
These plaques are durable engraved plastic, so they will not fade or wear out, and come with a chain to hang on your Chinook. Club members proudly display them at rallies to identify their coaches.
To order send your check for $35 directly to Barbara Jensen, 1255 S. Sandy Hill Drive, West Covina, CA 91791. Include the names as you would like them displayed on the plaque, including your city, state.
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Club Officers 2016
President:
Bob Shetland bshetland2@gmail.com
V. P. Membership:
Dave Shehane dshehane@gmail.com
V. P. Rallies:
Debbie Shetland debbieshetland@gmail.com
Provisional Secretary:
Patsy Shehane pashehane@gmail.com
Treasurer:
Mary Coleman maryccoleman@hotmail.com
Member-At- Large:
Barbara Jensen (626) 919-0751
Immediate Past President:
Dave Shehane dshehane@gmail.com
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Other Club Positions
Webmaster:
Dave Shehane webmaster@chinookrvclub.com
Editor:
Debbie Shetland debbieshetland@gmail.com
Club Historian:
TBD
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PURPOSE: This Club (Chinook RV Club) exists to promote social, recreational & informational exchange activities that provide for the enjoyment and pleasurable use of all its members. Our club functions primarily in the western and central US, although it is open to qualified members from the Eastern club (Chinook Camping Club).
DUES : Our dues are $35.00/year. Our fiscal and membership year is October 1 through September 30. Prompt payment not only helps Treasurer in budgeting expenses, but also helps the V.P. Membership to produce our Membership Directory. Please advise V.P. Membership of any changes in e-mail and mailing addresses.
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