Holiday Party Dec 2023

 

Giving Thanks Rally: Canyon RV Park in Anaheim

The group arrived at the beautiful Canyon RV park on Monday. We kicked off the event with the first Happy Hour.   

The second annual Giving Thanks Pot Luck was held on Tuesday and what a feast it was. We spread out under the warm sun and blue sky in groups on the grass to catch up with each other. What a coincidence it was to discover that Bobby and Sherry Blankenship went to the same high school in Michigan as Lynn and Wayne Selden did. Bobby and Lynn even graduated the same year. We marveled at what a small world it is.

It started raining during the night and we woke up to dreary skies. That didn't stop the early risers from getting cozy around the campfire to enjoy breakfast provided by Diane Nelson. Our organizer host, Sandy Rice rallied the troops to explore a near by museum

Submitted by Sandy Rice: The Corona Historical Museum was a lovely little place, full of fascinating ancient artifacts, otherwise known as toys and other things from our childhood. It had interesting medical tools and supplies, office equipment that conjured up memories of pre-computer jobs in the previous century, a vintage mailman uniform once worn by a Marcy Parker, cooking equipment that, a first glance, looked similar to torture devices, and a mock grocery store with items that could have been taken out of my current kitchen cabinets. Oh, and also a barn that was smaller than most second bedrooms'. I can’t count the times that a nearby Shanty Shaker commented, “We had one of those!“ or “What is that?” or “How does that work?” There was also an occasional “That’s kind of creepy.” Nevertheless, we all had a great time as you can see by our smiling faces. After visiting this little hidden gem, several of us also enjoyed a tasty lunch at Goodfella’s Restaurant. It was fun eating while gazing at ominous pictures of Tony Soprano, Al Capone, and Tony Montana showing us His Little Friend. Made for a good appetite. What else are you going to do on a rainy day?

Thursday was sort of a "hang out" day. Members were seen riding their bikes, walking their dogs or enjoying chatting with others while sitting outside enjoying the fresh air. During our leftovers lunch we watched a group play bocci ball. The grand Prize winner was other Larry (LaBrack)

For dinner we ventured to a near by El Toritos Mexican restaurant.

Thank you to Sandy Rice for keeping track of reservations and organizing activities; to Lynn Selden for organizing the traditional feast and to Diane Nelson for taking care of breakfast. Now that you have seen how its done, step up to take over next years Giving Thanks Rally !!

Borrego Springs 10.2023

 Richard and Shirley hosted the Borrego Days rally where it was over 100*. Four other rigs braved the high temps and enjoyed themselves despite the heat.

On the first night the group gathered for dinner at Carleighs while you could still get a table before it was packed with weekend visitors.

A visit to Anza Borrego State Park was the learning activity of the Rally 

followed by a visit to the historic Palms Hotel.    

The Palms at Indian Head is at the site of the Old Hoberg Resort, the first major lodging facility in Borrego Springs. Built in 1947, the 20 acre resort was a favorite getaway for the Hollywood stars in the 1950’s. Past guests include Charles Laughton, Leo Carrillo, Andy Devine, Clark Gable, Lon Chaney Jr., Will Rodgers, Bing Crosby, James Arness, Frank Morgan and Marilyn Monroe to name a few. The property featured a landing strip, an oversized Olympic pool, cocktail lounge, restaurant, bungalow retreats, horseback riding, shuffleboard and tennis. 

The group gathered for pumpkin carving time.

Borrego Days activities have dwindled over the past few years. We definitely miss the parade.  The event was kicked off with Cal Fire driving down Palm Canyon followed by a flyover of a couple planes from the San Diego Hammerheads. (it was described by one attendee as "watching paint dry) An hour browsing the vendors and food booths at Christmas Circle left the group wilting in the desert sun.

A visit to Borrego wouldn't be complete without a Mexican food dinner at Carmelias. Ole !

Thanks for hosting again Richard and Shirley and to the brave members who attended !

Santee Lakes Rally

Submitted by Dan Garcia

We had a very nice and relaxing late summer camp out at Santee lakes RV park.  Eight rigs enjoyed nice size sites and we were close together, many of the sites were in full shade. The weather was warm and muggy on Sunday and Monday, we even got some rain Monday afternoon. The rain was one of those light summer type rain and it cleared up in time for the Monday potluck.  It cooled it down and made for a pleasant evening. There was 22 of us as some members joined us.  We enjoyed plenty of good food and the large pumpkin pie went really fast.  It was a good evening.  The rest of the  days were very pleasant as the high humidity went away.  It was in the low to mid eighties with a cool breeze which kept us nice and comfortable.

Tuesday was a free day, so after morning coffee at the Garcia’s we all did our own thing.  Chris, Dan, Nadine and Larry went shopping and enjoyed In and Out, while some went fishing or bike riding.  

Wednesday we toured the Allen Airway private museum. The tour guide was none other than Bill Allen, the owner and boy, was he a treasure of information.  He has a collection of vintage biplanes, one that was owned by Steve McQueen. He also has a collection of very rare, some one of a kind, air show posters dating back to the late 1800 to the early 1900. Many have been on road shows including the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum. He has artifacts from Howard Hughes, Charles Lindbergh and others, that I do not remember. We all had a great time and were amazed.

Lunch was at Phil’s BBQ in Santee.  Happy hour was at 5pm and it cooled down enough that we sat around a gas fire pit,which was enjoyed by all.

Thursday was another free day after the morning coffee and treats, about half of us departed later in the day.  All in all it was a enjoyable rally, not too busy, not too hot and very good company.

Dan 

THANKS TO DAN AND CHRIS GARCIA FOR STEPPING UP AND HOSTING THE RALLY !!

Spaghetti Factory Lunch

 We had a very successful  and interesting lunch.36  folks  RSVPed and 48 showed up. They had to move us from one room to the largest room. (PLEASE ALWAYS RSVP TO THE HOSTS FOR THIS VERY REASON)   Everyone had a good time and we saw some folks we usually don't see. Clark and Betty were presented with a card celebrating their 75th wedding anniversary signed by almost everyone. Wow! Congratulations to the Paxtons💕👏

Mike and Mary 

The Chapter is looking for a new location and new hosts for next summer ! Is it YOUR time to step up?

Summer picnic at Crown Point

 Hosted by Jim and Sharan Harrison. Looks like a relaxing time.

Yucaipa Regional Park in San Bernadino County

SUBMITTED BY RON GUIDOTTI:

Monday, June 12, found us heading a short distance for us, to a very nice Regional park in Yucaipa, CA. We had heard about how nice the park is from fellow RVers for years now. Elaine and I had checked out the park on the Saturday prior to arriving and found out first hand how nice and big the park actually is.  The RV sites were huge, on asphalt with concrete patios, with lots of space between the sites. There were several triple pull thru sites that were quite large. https://parks.sbcounty.gov/park/yucaipa-regional-park/

It was actually drizzling when we arrived, but soon subsided and got cool. It did not, however deter us from having a great Happy Hour as six other Shanty Shakers rig participants huddled around our propane fire pit and enjoyed campfire camaraderie. 

Tuesday morning allowed many of our participants to once again, huddle around the fire pit to enjoy coffee and a variety of warm muffins, fresh fruits, yogurt and great conversation. The following days were the same in the mornings, as was the overcast dreary weather. Long pants and jackets were the morning attire norm. Exploration via foot, bicycle and car of the park and surrounding area transpired we waited and welcomed our last two Shanty Shakers rigs to arrive. Our group was scattered from both ends of the campground, but it worked as we were in the middle.

Tuesday afternoon offered brief sunshine, prior to a most wonderful pot-luck dinner, huddling around the fire pit campfire. Stories were shared that were rewarding and humorous. 

Wednesday took a long time for the sun to break thru, and departure time to the Lavender Festival was altered several times and we finally made our way to the event. The festival was much more than just lavender. My favorite was the 1000-year-old Oak tree. It appeared that those who participated,  enjoyed the event. 

On Thursday we carpooled to Oak Glen only a short winding distance from our campground. First stop was Snowline where apple donuts and apple cider were made and served fresh. We then headed to Riley's Farm for a patio lunch with a vantage point to watch young children participate in a mock-up Revolutionary war battle. The directors and officers were attired in colonial dress. The Colonial house and battle grounds are renowned for their pot pies and apple cuisine. 

Following  our lunch and show, we headed over to the Oak Glen Preserve and Botanical Gardens for a very unique walk thru some huge 130 year old trees and California wildflowers.

Returning to camp, we were early enough to cram in one more Happy Hour. Later that evening we ventured down the road to try the unique Mexican take-out joint, Acocotli, that Jim and Sharan Harrison had told everyone about.

Thanks Ron and Elaine for hosting yet another fun rally !!