ROCKWOOD WEST

NEWSLETTER

NOVEMBER 2013

PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE:

Thank you to everyone for the opportunity to participate in our chapter in such a responsible position.  Though it will be hard to match the great job Paulette did, I will do my best.

Thanks again to Dennis and Paulette for hosting the Santee Lakes rally.  Everyone had a great time and the food was great as usual.

Don't forget dues of $15.00 are now payable for Rockwood membership.  Payment should be made to Mary Lee no later than December 31st.

I will leave you with a wish to all of you for a peaceful and fun filled holiday season.  Have a wonderful Thanksgiving; it is one of our personal favorites.  Just getting the family together and enjoying a good meal, appreciating the blessings we enjoy and sharing with others makes it a special day.  Christmas has certainly become a commercial event but we can choose to make it a more meaningful time.

Unless you are attending the Christmas get together at the Kotans, Mary Lee and I will see you in Quartzsite in January.

Steve Smith, president

MEETING MINUTES:

Santee Lakes Regional Park

November 16, 2013

10:00 a.m.

Meeting was called to order by president Paulette Kotan who led us in the Pledge of Allegiance.

Members present:  Linda and Gerry Chetelat, Steven and Irene DeAmbrogio, Nick and Ramona Escamilla, Russ Himmer, Dennis and Paulette Kotan, Greg and Debbie Murrell, Hal and Cookie Ringhand, Walt and Pam Rose, Steve and Mary Lee Smith, Rich and Linda Strobel, Bill and Vargo and Henry and Lucille Yanoff.

Rich Strobel swore in the new officers for 2014: president Steve Smith, vice-president Cookie Ringhand, secretary/treasurer Mary Lee Smith, national director Paulette Kotan, assistant national director Nick Escamilla, nominating committee Dennis Kotan, Debbie Murrell and Linda Strobel. 

The new president then took over the meeting.

Motion to approve the minutes of the last meeting as they appeared in the blog was made by Linda Chetelat, seconded and approved.

Mary Lee reported there was $2,794 in the Rockwood West account.  Ramona made a motion to approve the treasurer's report.  The motion was seconded and approved.

There was no national director's report.

Old business: none

New business:  Linda and Gerry will host a rally at Chula Vista Resort next September 19, 20, and 21st.  Paulette reported the Cheshires are still planning to host a rally in May somewhere in Fresno county.  Cookie is looking into a park in Escondido or Sweetwater Summit for April.  The Murrells reported on the rolling rally in Quartzsite, Alamo Lake, Wickenburg and Lake Havasu City, AZ beginning in January.  The Strobels will look into hosting a rally in October in Pahrump for the wine stomp weekend.

The Kotans are hosting the Rockwood West third annual Christmas Party at their home on Wednesday, December 11 at noon.  They will provide a ham, beer, wine, soda, etc. and requested us to bring side dishes for the potluck.  No deserts or cookies as Paulette likes to bake and makes terrific cookies!!!

Linda Chetelat made a motion to adjourn the meeting, seconded and approved.

Meeting adjourned at 10:25 a.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Mary Lee Smith 

RALLY SCHEDULE

January-February     Rolling rally from Quartzsite, to Alamo Lake and Wickenburg ending in Lake Havasu City.  For details contact Greg Murrell 858-483-3998 or Nick Escamilla 714-846-8558.

March 14-15     Indian Wells RV Resort, Indio, CA hosted by Bill and Sandy Vargo

April     location and date to be announced hosted by Hal and Cookie Ringhand

May      somewhere in Fresno County hosted by Jim and June Cheshire

June      open

July-August   NO RALLIES

September 19-21     Chula Vista RV Resort hosted by Gerry and Linda Chetelat

October  date to be determined at Nevada Treasure RV Resort hosted by Rich and Linda Strobel

November date to be determined at Santee Lakes Regional Park hosted by Dennis and Paulette Kotan

December date to be determined Fourth Annual Christmas Party hosted by Dennis and Paulette Kotan

WAGONMASTER'S REPORT:

We had a great turnout at Santee Lakes with 12 coaches attending.  Russ Himmer also had several family members providing moral support.

The weather was good considering this was the third weekend of November.  Rain was predicted but we only had a few sprinkles.

On Friday we had our usual happy hour around a campfire provided by Greg and Debbie.  They not only brought the fire pit but also provided all the firewood as well.

Saturday morning we served breakfast casseroles, english muffins, fruit and juice.  Thanks to all the ladies that helped by cooking all the casseroles.

 After breakfast we had our meeting where all the new officers were sworn in.

After the swearing in, Steve Smith took over as president.

Lin Chetelat showed the ladies how to make beautiful beaded irises.

While the craft session was going on several of the guys headed to GTM looking for bargains.  Several brought home flashlights they showed off after dinner.  Rich Strobel and Walt Rose went off to take pictures.
Before dinner on Saturday Rich Strobel displayed many of his beautiful mounted photographs while our hot dog and hamburger dinner was being prepared.

 Several of the guys brought their grills and helped with the cooking.

After dinner we again all gathered around the campfire.
Sunday morning we had a continental breakfast at the clubhouse followed by goodbyes until next time.

Thanks to everyone who helped us during the campout, you are much appreciated.
Paulette and Dennis Kotan

ROCKWOOD WEST 

NEWSLETTER

OCTOBER 2013

PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE:

Thank you to everyone who supported me during my three years in office.  I appreciate everyone who hosted a rally or helped out at a rally.  Without your help this chapter could not survive.  This is my last president's message as Steve Smith takes over as president in November.  I've had an unforgettable three years in office and look forward to watching the chapter grow and prosper.  

Paulette Kotan, president

MEETING MINUTES:

Nevada Treasure RV Resort

Pahrump, NV

October 4, 2013

The meeting was called to order by the president who led us in the Pledge of Allegiance.

Members in attendance:  Lenny, Gloria and Julie Blake, Gerry and Linda Chetelat, Wendy Holloway, Dennis and Paulette Kotan, Greg and Debbie Murrell, Hal and Cookie Ringhand, Rich and Linda Strobel, Henry and Lucille Yanoff, and Bill Proett and Beverly Hall.

The Strobels were thanked for hosting the rally in place of the Vargos who were unable to host because of health concerns.

Cookie made a motion to accept the minutes from our last official meeting as published in the blog.  The motion was seconded and approved.

The treasurer reported a balance on hand of $1,791.79 with an outstanding check to the Shiley Eye/Thyroid Fund in memory of Pat Himmer.  Linda S. made a motion to approve the treasurer's report.  The motion was seconded and approved.

National Director's Report:  Same as always, will not in the future entertain allowing 5th wheels or other trailers.  FMCA in the black for the 1st time due to cut backs, etc.

Nominating committee report:  Dennis presented the slate of officers for 2014 as follows:  President Steve Smith, Vice-president Cookie Ringhand, Secretary/Treasurer Mary Lee Smith, National Director Paulette Kotan, Assistant National Director Nick Escamilla, Nominating committee Dennis Kotan, Debbie Murrell and Linda Strobel.  Wendy made a motion to elect the officers by proclamation as there is no opposition to the nominations.  The motion was seconded and approved.

Old business:  Discussion of wearing of badges at club functions ended with all agreeing they don't mind wearing them and are proud of the badges.  This subject is covered in the bylaws.  The wearing of badges is a source of revenue for the chapter.  If the objection is to the fine for not wearing the badges this can be brought up for further discussion.

New business:  Greg had lunch with Russ and said he is putting up a good front and will be coming to the rally this November and hopes to attend other rallies as well.

Upcoming events and rallies:

The Christmas Party will again be hosted by the Kotans on Wednesday, December 11, 2013 at 12:00 p.m.  It will be potluck.  Further details will arrive by email.

January & February is a rolling rally hosted by Murrells and Escamillas.  This rally will begin in Quartzsite, followed by Alamo Lake, Wickenburg and Lake Havasu.  You must register for parts of this rally on your own.  For further information contact either Greg and Debbie or Nick and Ramona.

The May rally will be hosted by the Cheshires with the date and location to be announced.

Chetelats will host a rally in Chula Vista either in October or November 2014.

Ringhands will host a rally in 2014, the date and location to be announced. 

Wendy made a motion to adjourn the meeting.  The motion was seconded and approved.  Meeting adjourned at 10:26 a.m.

WAGONMASTER'S REPORT:

We arrived at Nevada Treasure RV Resort on Sunday morning September 29th and found the Ringhands were already there.  They had arrived early so they could watch football on Sunday but had forgotten one important item, the satellite receiver.  The Chetelats were next to arrive so Gerry and I got the Ringhands over the air signal working so Hal could get some football to satisfy his needs!!  Wendy showed up on Sunday without Lloyd.  Lloyd had injured his back/neck so he stayed home to rest and wait for surgery.  The surgery was successful.  Lloyd we thought of you and missed you all week.

More members started arriving on Wednesday for a total of 9 rigs.  We had great weather all week except for one windy day.

The gals had a lot of fun checking out the local stores and Greg was off to the auction house to find some special items to bid on so he could take a little bit of Pahrump home.  Gerry and I did some Geocaching and found a beautiful gorge with a spring.  Hal and I along with Gerry and Greg took a nice "hiway" :o) back to the gorge a day later where we saw a family of wild horses up close.

We moved the hosted breakfast from Saturday to Friday morning so we could get an early start to the wine stomp on Saturday.  Thanks to Wendy for doing the pancakes and Linda for cooking eggs.  We couldn't have done it without your help.  Great job!!

 Everyone enjoying breakfast on Friday morning.

After the meeting on Friday the ladies had a great workshop put on by Linda.  I know the ladies really appreciate you doing this.

 

On Saturday we were off early for the Pahrump Valley Grape Stomp and other things.

The grape stomp was a lot of fun with great buys on wine and lots of vendors and eats.  If we go again next year several members want to take part in the team grape stomping!

 It is always good to see Lenny at the rallies.

 More great pictures from Richard.

Saturday night's potluck dinner in the big room went off well with so much gooooood food, I'm sure everyone went away full.  After dinner several members played Farkle.  I heard that Cookie came out the big winner.
On Sunday morning we had a continental breakfast and most members were off for home or other destinations except for us and Murrells who didn't leave until Monday.
We enjoyed hosting the rally for everyone but really missed Bill and Sandy, the original hosts, as they had to cancel due to Sandy's medical issues.  Get well Sandy, we miss you both!

Rich and Linda Strobel, wagonmasters

Pictures this month by Rich and Wendy.  

ROCKWOOD WEST

MAY-JUNE NEWSLETTER

PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE:

Thanks to everyone who made our 25th anniversary celebration a success from Ramona who bought the cake and ice cream to Nick and everyone else who cooked the meat or baked a potato casserole.  We all had a great time with lots of good food and excellent company.  

Our slate of officers for the next term is shaping up very well.  If you would like to hold an office, please contact Ramona, Gerry or Dennis and let them know.  Some positions are still available.

Paulette Kotan, president

MINUTES:

May 26, 2013

Prado Regional Park

China Hills, CA

The meeting was called to order at 9:50 a.m. by president Paulette Kotan who led the members in the Pledge of Allegiance.  Special thanks were given to rally hosts Nick and Ramona Escamilla and Steve and MaryLee Smith for a well organized and fun rally.  Our special guests from the Western Area, Rick and Jan Recordati, president and Lon & Chris Cross, southern area vice-president were recognized.

A motion to approve the minutes as they appeared in the last blog was made by Lucille and seconded by Dennis.  The motion carried.

There was no treasurer's report.

There was no national director's report.  However, Lloyd will be representing the chapter at the FMCA national rally.

Membership committee:  Ramona reported the present officers will not serve another term and all positions are available.  Nita will take over writing the blog when the new officers are sworn in.  There were some suggestions made for president and secretary/treasurer.  The nominating committee will continue to work on the new roster of officers for the next election.  

Chris Cross suggested a hospitality chairman should be considered to recognize birthdays, bereavement and special occasion events.    

New business:  Lon Cross presented our FMCA chapter with a 25th anniversary award and read a letter from National President Charlie Schrenkel recognizing our chapters' longevity as a tribute to the high standards proposed by FMCA.  We received a check from the national organization.

A point of clarification was discussed to establish a policy regarding the use of chapter funds to provide donations or flowers to deceased members or deceased family members.  After a brief discussion a motion was made by Pat Himmer to limit our donations and the sending of memorial flowers to members only in the amount of $50.  The motion was seconded by Steve Smith.  The motion carried.

Lucille Yanoff informed us the September rally was scheduled for East Shores RV Park in San Dimas at Puddingstone Lake and passed out fliers and brochures.  The dates are September 6-8, 2013.  Other rallies and events can be found in the schedule below.

MaryLee made a motion to adjourn seconded by Henry.  The motion carried.  Meeting adjourned at 10:23 a.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Nita McAfee

WAGONMASTER'S REPORT:

Hello from farm country.....Prado Regional Park.

Once again we had a great time!  We had ten coaches in attendance, 2 or which were from WHMA.  The Western Area president, Rick Ricordati and his wife Jan, and the Southern Vice-President Lon Cross and his wife Chris were our guests for our 25th anniversary celebration.  It was great seeing Rick and Jan again and it was equally as nice meeting Lon and his wife, Chris.  

After a delicious breakfast on Saturday, we all went to Dick Bartlett's funeral service.  It was good to see Vicki and she really enjoyed having us all attend.  We saw a slide show dedicated to Dick's life that was really interesting.  It included some pictures of his various motorhomes.

Steve cooking cinnamon bread french toast.

 Some of the ladies playing dominoes because it was too windy to play Pokino.

 Some of the group played ladder golf in the afternoon.

Saturday night we had a wonderful anniversary dinner prepared by our president, Paulette.  Thank you so very much Paulette and Dennis!  Those who were unable to attend missed a great dinner.  After dinner we had a movie night and saw "My Big Fat Greek Wedding."  Nick made a 13' x 7' screen and had a projector and a complete sound system.  It was like being at the drive-in only sitting in your chairs outside.  Popcorn was served and Nita brought mini candy bars to round out the menu.  It was a bit hit and everyone wanted to do it again on Sunday night.  So we watched "RV."  It was  lot of fun and laughter could be heard all around.

Sunday evening after dinner we had cake and ice cream to celebrate our anniversary.

 The whole gang gathered after dinner for cake and ice cream.

 Waiting for the movie to start.

 Sunday night's feature "RV."

After breakfast Monday, everyone said their "Good Byes" and "Safe Journey" before leaving.

Thank you to all of those who attended and a special thank you to MaryLee and Steve for all their help.  I also want to thank the guys who helped Nick with setting up and taking down the movie equipment.  It was greatly appreciated.
Happy Trials from your hosts, Ramona and Nick

RALLY SCHEDULE:

September 6-8     East Shore RV Park, San Dimas, CA hosted by Henry and Lucille Yanoff.

October 4-6         Nevada Treasure RV Resort, Pahrump, NV (Wine stomp weekend)  hosted by Bill                            and Sandy Vargo with co-hosts Rich and Linda Strobel

November            Date and Location somewhere in Fresno County, CA hosted by Jim and June Cheshire with co-hosts Lloyd and Wendy Holloway

December             Date to be determined, Third Annual Christmas Party hosted by Dennis and Paulette Kotan

This month's pictures contributed by Rich Strobel and Dennis Kotan

ROCKWOOD WEST

APRIL 2013 NEWSLETTER

PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE:

Happy Anniversary Rockwood West.  Twenty-five years as an FMCA chapter.  It is hard to believe Dennis and I joined the chapter at it's 10th anniversary in a county park in San Diego.  Time sure flies by when you're having fun and that is what this chapter is all about.  Plus food and friendship.  I'm looking forward to many more years as a chapter member and I hope all of you feel the same.  Our May rally should be a good one and I hope everyone can participate in our celebration.

Paulette Kotan, president

WAGONMASTER'S REPORT:

Whoa Buckeroos,

The High Chapparral was buzzing with excitement as the Rockwood West travelers hit the desert country to attend the April Tombstone rally.  Twelve coaches attended and enjoyed the many activities and historical sights of the area.

Wagonmaster Nita and Mac McAfee and co-hosts Irene and Steve DeAmbrogio provided delicious meals and allowed plenty of time for exploring and touring.  Attendees included Linda and Gerry Chetelat, Ramona and Nick Escamilla, Pat and Russ Himmer, Wendy and Lloyd Holloway, Carol and Bernie Juliar, Debbie and Greg Murrell, Mary Lee and Steve Smith, Linda and Rick Strobel, Lucille and Henry Yanoff and special guest Bill Proett.

Tombstone Territories RV Park was a great choice as the spaces were large and the club house was spacious with a fully equipped kitchen for our meals.  Thanks to group coordinator Sylvia for her assistance.  She invited us to return anytime.

High points of sightseeing were Tombstone itself taking us back to the days of cowboys, saloons and shoot-outs.  There was plenty of time to visit Kartchner Caverns, Bisbee, Fort Huachuca, Sierra Vista and more.  We did our best to cover as much as possible.  Our craft maven, Lin Chetelat organized a fun and simple craft of painting sun visors.  Rich Strobel set up his super telescope for solar viewing and examining the glorious night skies.  Sadly, Debbie Murrell returned to her ailing father and we learned of his passing after a long illness.  Our thoughts and prayers go to her and her family,

Special thanks to Steve and Irene DeAmbrogio for their co-hosting efforts and organizational skills.  They tell me they really enjoyed learning more about our group and spending quality time with us.  We hope to see more of them in the future.

Thanks to all of you hearty travelers for coming the distance and I hope your return trips through the windy conditions were safe.  

Until next time,

Good traveling,

Mac and Nita McAfee

Here is Linda Chetelat presenting Mac with a shirt with his favorite saying:  "You Can't Fix Stupid"

 The ladies painting sun visors.

 The finished product.

 Our wagonmasters with their co-hosts.

 Now who is helping who?  Or is it the blind leading the blind!

 The gang gathered together for a meal.

 Getting ready for a mine tour.

 Having a drink at Big Nose Kate's Saloon.

 Rich with his telescope for night sky viewing.

RALLY SCHEDULE:

May 24-27     Prado Regional Park, Chino, CA hosted by the Escamillas and Smiths

                      Twenty-fifth Anniversary Celebration

September 6-8     East Shore RV Park, San Dimas, CA hosted by the Yanoffs

October 4-6    Nevada Treasure RV Park, Pahrump, NV hosted by the Vargos and Strobels

November      Date to be announced somewhere in Fresno County, CA hosted by the Cheshires and Holloways

December      Date to be announced, Third Annual Christmas Party hosted by the Kotans

ROCKWOOD WEST

MARCH 2013 NEWSLETTER

PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE:

Thank you to Gerry and Lin for another enjoyable rally.  Gerry and Lin have hosted a rally every year since they joined the chapter.  They have also served in various elected positions.  It is great to have members who are truly an asset to the chapter.  It is time to think about how you can help the chapter by running for office.  The present officers have held their positions for 3 years and no longer wish to serve.  If you have an interest in any position, please contact any member of the nominating committee, Ramona, Gerry or Dennis and let them know.  Thank you.

Paulette Kotan, president

MEETING MINUTES:

Golden Palms RV Resort

March 5, 2013

The meeting was called to order at 10:00 and the Pledge of Allegiance was led by president, Paulette Kotan.

Members present:  Lennie, Gloria & Julie Blake, Gerry and Lin Chetelat, Lloyd and Wendy Holloway, Paulette and Dennis Kotan, Mac and Nita McAfee, Greg and Debbie Murrell, Hal and Cookie Ringhand, Rich and Linda Strobel, Henry and Lucille Yanoff.

A motion to approve the minutes from the last meeting as printed in the blog was made by Nita and seconded by Linda.  The motion carried. 

Treasurer's report shows $2,566.79 on hand with $532 outstanding for the May rally deposit.  A motion to approve was made by Wendy and seconded by Hal.  The motion carried.

Director's report:  Lloyd informed us the FMCA rally in Gillette plans to have a parade and a chapter fair.  If we want to participate we need to inform them.  They are also planning a "nostralgia" room and materials need to be sent for participation.  There is no guarantee the materials will be returned.  Charlie Adcock is running for president with John Walker as vice-president.  Although all the directors received an email from Charlie Schrenkel stating he would not be running for office, he denied sending it.  Charlie Adcock is very interested in how FMCA is currently running and ways you think it can be improved.  He is very open to member input and anyone with a suggestion should send him an email.  

Nominating committee report:  Gerry reported that the current officers do not wish to run again in September and is seeking volunteers to run for office.  If you are interested please contact a member of the committee, Ramona, Gerry or Dennis.

Old business: none

New business:  Debbie made a motion to give Lin $150 from the treasury for past craft expenditures; seconded by Nita.  The motion carried.

Nita advised she has 11 rigs signed up for the Tombstone rally and still have a few more spaces reserved.  Anyone going early or staying later will receive the group rate.  She also discussed various points of interest and passed out a few brochures to those with reservations.  There was no further information regarding the May rally at Prado Regional Park.  It was also suggested to the Yanoffs they look for a different location for their September rally due to excessive costs at San Dimas RV Park.  Rich, who is co-hosting the October rally with the Vargos had no information on the Pahrump location other than it will be during the first week of October so we can attend the grape stomp.  The president reminded everyone to pay close attention to rally reservation deadlines and other extra expenses required by the RV parks.  Lloyd agreed to look into a rally in February 2014 in Havasu for the big 4 day fireworks affair.  

A motion to adjourn was made by Lin and seconded by Lucille.  The motion carried and the meeting adjourned at 10:30.

WAGONMASTER'S REPORT:

Although we had only 9 rigs in attendance with most arriving on Monday, the few of us that arrived early enjoyed a meal out at the recommended "best" Mexican restaurant, El Vacaro.  The meals we had, along with the killer Margaritas were superb.  With most rigs arriving Monday, including Cookie and Hal in a rented RV, the afternoon's Happy Hour was accompanied with the usual abundance of goodies to eat and pleasant conversation.

Breakfast on Tuesday morning consisted of Chili Relleno casseroles, english muffins and maple sausage served at 9 a.m.  I think it must have been pretty good since there were very little leftovers.   

 After our usual short meeting, wait! this one was longer than usual, we had craft time.  I was very happy to see all the ladies participate, including Lucille's sister, in this very challenging project.  We made beautiful hand embroidered, paper pierced Easter cards.  Out star for this craft was Debbie who finished in a record three hours.  WOW!!  Needless to say, this was a tedious experience for my lovable craft group.  Taking this into consideration, I have decided not to have any more intense, hand sewing projects in the future.

While the girls slaved over their craft the boys sat around at the rigs and solved the problems of RVing, etc.  Gerry, Rich, Hal and Dennis did wander over to the shuffleboard courts and played for awhile.

With the help of my friends (I don't know what I would do without them) we had a potato bar for dinner set up in time for everyone to enjoy.

I think the rum cakes (the only thing I can bake successfully) were a big hit.  Maybe because of the excess of rum?

 I can't say what everyone else did after the clean-up because I went back to our rig and crashed with Cleopatra.
Wednesday morning over donuts we said our goodbyes and wished everyone a safe journey.  Yes, that is bacon on top of a maple bar.

Hopefully we'll see ya'll in Tombstone.  Thank you to everyone for attending our rally and we hope you had a pleasant, relaxing time.
Lin and Gerry Chetelat, wagonmasters

RALLY SCHEDULE:
April 5-8       Tombstone Territories RV Resort, Huachuca City, AZ hosted by Mac and Nita McAfee
May 24-28     Prado Regional Park, Chino, CA hosted by Nick and Ramona Escamilla (25th                  Anniversary celebration
September     Date and location to be determined hosted by Henry and Lucille Yanoff
October 4-6   Nevada Treasure RV Resort, Pahrump, NV (Wine stomp weekend) hosted by Vargo and Strobel
November     Date and location somewhere in Fresno County, CA hosted by Cheshire and Holloway
December      Date to be determined - Third Annual Christmas Party hosted by Kotans

     

ROCKWOOD WEST

NEWSLETTER

FEBRUARY 2013

President's Message:

2013 is off to a good start with a successful rally in Quartzsite followed by Alamo Lake.  Thank you Nick and Greg.  I'm sorry Dennis and I couldn't attend because I understand everyone had a good time.  I'm looking forward to our March rally in Hemet.  We have a busy rally schedule this year and I hope you are able to attend them all.  There is a minor change to the schedule of rallies because several members are planning to attend the 88th FMCA rally in Gillette, WY.  The June rally is cancelled and we will celebrate the 25th anniversary of Rockwood West during the May rally in Chino.

Paulette Kotan, president

Wendy, Dennis and Paulette along with Wendy's friend Sherrie participated in the Chapter Fair at the recent Western Area Rally in Indio.  We had a lot of people interested in the chapter and we will see what the response is over the next few months.  We passed out a lot of flyers and candy.

The Quartzsite rally was great!  We had 12 coaches.  The weather was terrific, even at night.  We had some nice campfire gatherings.  As usual, the food was outstanding along with the company.  Good friends and good food, what more could you ask for.  We missed those that couldn't make it.

We had fun decorating our birdhouses.  Thank you Greg for making them for us!  Although they all started out the same, each one had its own character when they were all decorated.  I'm sorry I didn't get to take a picture.  Priorities arose, "potluck" and everyone took their birdhouses and left to go cook.  Go figure!

 One day Bernie, Carol, Rich and Linda found this cabin while exploring around the Quartzsite area.

 While in Quartzsite we all went out for dinner to celebrate the January birthdays.  Everyone had a good time with lots of good food.

 Eight coaches went on to Alamo Lake where we had more beautiful weather and gorgeous night skies.  We had some interesting campfire gatherings there also.  I will say no more.

 There was a bad mishap on a quad.  Mary Lee fell over on her side and broke 4 ribs.  Yes, I did say "broke."  She was in a lot of pain and Steve took her to the hospital in Wickenburg.  She is doing well under the circumstances.  She improves a little every day and is quite determined to be well enough to leave for New Zealand on the 24th.

Debbie had an oops moment herself!

 Beautiful night skies.

 While at Alamo Lake we explored Palmerita Ranch.

 And Mud Canyon

 Mud Canyon water.

Everyone is planning on doing Quartzsite and Alamo Lake next year.  Who would like to host?  Mary Lee did say she will get back on the horse.
Happy trails to all!
Ramona, Nick, Debbie and Greg

The gang at Quartzsite.  Those attending were: Jim and Stephanie Archer, Gerry and Linda Chetelat, Nick and Ramona Escamilla, Russ and Pat Himmer, Bernie and Carol Juliar, Jeff and Patty Kuchenski, Joel and Mary Langord,  Mac and Nita McAfee, Greg and Debbie Murrell, Steve and Mary Lee Smith, Rich and Linda Strobel and Henry and Lucille Yanoff.

Greg and Debbie have a website you should take a look at for daily RV tips:  rvtravel.com

This month's pictures are curtesy of Ramona Escamilla and Richard Strobel.  Thank you very much!

RALLY SCHEDULE:

March 4-6     Golden Village Palms RV Resort, Hemet, CA hosted by Gerry and Linda Chetelat
April 5-8       Tombstone Territories RV Resort, Huachuca City, AZ hosted by Mac & Nita McAfee
May 24-26    Prado Regional Park, Chino, CA hosted by Nick and Ramona Escamilla
September     tba  East Shore RV Park, San Dimas, CA hosted by Henry and Lucille Yanoff
October 4-6   Nevada Treasure RV Resort, Pahrump, NV hosted by Bill and Sandy Vargo
November     date and location somewhere in Fresno County, CA hosted by Jim and June Cheshire
December     date to be determined Third Annual Christmas Party hosted by Dennis and Paulette Kotan