Lake Cahuillo near Palm Springs

"Lake Cahuilla Veterans Regional Park is a beautiful 710-acre park set amid expansive lawns and picturesque mountain views, making it a spectacular day or overnight destination. Situated at the base of the Santa Rosa Mountains 6 miles southeast of Old Town La Quinta, Lake Cahuilla offers a delightful experience in the Coachella Valley." Lake Cahuilla  (pronounced ka-WEE-ya)

The group arrived on Sunday and gathered around Richard and Shirleys rig to watch  the Super Bowl on their outdoor TV. 

Bets were placed on the football pool. Ron Guidotti won 1st quarter, David Sobel won for the halftime score. Elaine Guidotti won the 3rd quarter and Jim Harrison won at the end of the game. They were each presented with ribbons and their cash prize.

Monday was a beautiful calm and sunny day. The day was spent relaxing ,chatting with old and new friends, walking and biking. To avoid the (next day) Valentines crowds, we went out to dinner at a local Italian restaurant  followed by a nice campfire. 

Speaking of new friends, we welcomed 2 new couples to the Shanty Shakers, Frank and Barb Lukehart and David and Barbara Sobel. Barb Lukehart shared information about her hobby of collecting metal debris, mostly nails and screws, around campsites or other locations. Barb Sobel enjoyed giving tours of their 1976 Silver Streak vintage trailer. 

That night brought cooler temperatures and wind. Some brave souls tried to enjoy morning coffee around a campfire but the wind began to pick up even more.Weather reported winds at 40-50 mph with gusts to 85 mph.Rigs were rocking and rolling and the sand was blowing. Most stayed inside for some nice downtime. This was not what we expected for the weather.  Our rally hosts, Ron and Elaine, had to rethink their plan for Taco Tuesday. Instead, they made it a "carry-out" event. One by one, we went into their rig to build the tacos then ran back to your own rig to enjoy it.  Good back-up plan but missed "dining" with everyone.

Thursday was somewhat better but still too windy for the guys to golf. Some members sat in the sun on a picnic table to play card games until it was time to prepare for the Pot Luck. Shanty Shakers always do this very well !! Then, one last evening campfire. 

We were fortunate to have calm winds for the trek home. Until next time....happy travels !

Plomosa Road in Quartzsite

Let's just say this rally was very different than our other gatherings. First our dear hosts Mike and Marcy had to drop out for personal reasons. It just wasn't the same without them and it drove them both crazy to not be there. So Larry and Sandy stepped in to try to hold it together. 

On Monday afternoon Wayne and Lynn arrived first and set up a spot not far from the Boomer Welcome Tent  that was nothing but the frame and a table due to the 25 mph winds. They were soon joined by Larry and Sandy. Richard and Shirley stayed warm and cozy at a family members home in Blythe. The Harrison's texted that it was too darn cold for them and headed home from Ajo. The Nelson' who visited Yuma for the weekend also headed home. 

Jim Nelson with Livee, their new pup

On Tuesday, John and Penny Srack arrived as did Mike Pasterkiewicz.  Richard and Shirley came into town to shop with Larry and Sandy. Later in the afternoon Ron Guidotti surprised us with a drive by overnight visit on his way to Las Vegas. The group huddled up in a circle around the fire pit for as long as they could tolerate the cold. (40s after the sun went down). 

Wednesday, Wayne pulled a few people together to get the end of year Chapter Audit done and then we all headed to the Escapees Party on Plomosa Road. Although it was still chilly out, the wind died down enough to be outside in the warm sunshine. Sandy and Larry had a table reserved to pass out information on our Chapter. Many, many people stopped by for the candy and chocolate Tootsie Pops.(smart thinking, Sandy) The Status Crow Band entertained several hundred attendees while everyone enjoyed hot dogs, munchies and beer. 

Mike Pasterk.......😀

John & Penny Srack

Wayne & Lynn Selden with Larry Rice

That evening our group braved being outside after dark for another fire. This time we were joined by Dave Heiman and Janis Bell who were parked among the Boomers.

 Not everyone "enjoys" dry camping in the cold, windy weather. Some went to a park with hook-ups and some headed home earlier than planned.

Barbara and Brian Downing

Barbara and Brian Downing showed up to visit the die hards who were still left. They surprised their Aussie friends and the Seldens. Always nice to hear their stories and see their smiling faces.

From Sue Pace's Facebook page:

Sue's bucket list to climb the Q hill again before my 80th birthday. I did it with Ken. Breathtaking view, and made me feel great.

So, there you have it ! Looking forward to the next rally near Palm Springs. Hoping for warm and calm weather !!😎🌞