Submitted by Bret Pemberton
We arrived Monday around mid day on the 12 and everyone was present by 2PM. After setting up camp we all went over to the clubhouse and found it to be beautifully decorated. This was done by the the resort’s event planners Bobbie and her husband Jimmy. Each table was decorated with table clothes, wine bottles with small fairy lights in them and the rest of the clubhouse was decorated with small lights around the walls and ceiling.
By 4pm, Zeny and I along with the Harrisons and several others, were busy around the BBQ grill cooking chicken and beef kabobs for dinner and by 6, we were all ready to eat. I had planned to feed 30, but as it was we had 24, so needless to say we had plenty of food for the next several days. After dinner some of us stayed and chatted in the clubhouse, while others retired to their rigs. I think that the best part of the evening was to see many of our members dressed in togas and other Greek attire.
That award for the best costume went to the Jim and Sharan Harrison. They had designed and made a set of beautiful Togas. The votes were very close and choosing a winner was very difficult, since all of the costumes were very beautiful.
Tuesday, we woke to a beautiful day. Several members played golf on the resorts golf course. I was told that the course was in so so condition, but I think that they all had fun. After all, they were playing in the first round of the Shanty Shaker Open. Richard was the winner of the men’s competition and Diane was the champion of the Women’s competition. They each received awards Tuesday night
Tuesday night was closed by watching Planes, Trains and Automobiles on an outside screen at the Harrison’s camping site.
Wednesday morning, we were greeted with a fantastic breakfast of French Toast, Pancakes, sausage, fruit, coffee, orange juice, prepared by Bobbie and her husband Jimmy (the resort event planners) This was quite a feast for the grand total of 5 dollars per head. They even did the shopping for all of the food. Shortly after 10am we were on the road to Joshua Tree National Park for the day’s trip. We started off at the visitors center and toured the few exhibits there and bought little things at the gift shop, along with having a group picture taken with a Park Ranger.
(Sorry, Yogi Bear was not present for photograph). We continued to drive through the park taking many pictures and around 1pm, we stopped at the Split Rock Picnic ground and were lucky to find 2 tables to sit and have a picnic lunch.
After lunch, a few of our members had split away from the group and went to explore several other areas that were of interest along with seeing the Petroglyphs at the Barker Dam.
We were all back at the campsite by 4 and were ready to EAT once again at the community Wednesday Night BBQ. Even though it was for the community, the only ones that were there was our group.
Thursday, we were all up nice and early, since we had to be at Pioneertown by 10:30 to get in line at Pappy and Harriet’s, so that we could, (yes you guessed it, EAT once again). We filed in and were seated outside in the Beer Garden at 3 tables and had a great lunch. From what I have heard, everyone had a very nice lunch and even left with food to go.
After eating the group spent an hour or so wandering the streets of Pioneertown and taking pictures.
After leaving Pioneertown we went down to the Desert Christ Park in Yucca Valley. This is a park which has several statues depicting the life of Christ. From there, we went to an outdoor art exhibit, which was a series of sculptures made by an artist who went out into the desert and other places to find different pieces of trash that had been dumped (old toilets, tires pieces of metal, etc). We were very fortunate to have a fantastic group picture in front of one of theses sculptures. It was a sculpture made of many, many toilets. We were then off to go back to the campground.
After eating some more we all gathered at Richard’s place and proceeded to tell storied about our best job, worst job, and other things.There was also quite a bit of adult beverages that were enjoyed. Yes some of us enjoyed them a little more than others. But mainly, we all had a great time. It occurred to me that night, that when someone asks why we camp instead of going to a resort, this is why. I don’t thing that the Four Seasons would tolerate the bonding that we did that night.
Friday, was the final day and we packed up and headed out to different areas of the world. Some went home while others like Ron and Elaine went to the Santa Barbara Elks Club to do even more camping. We were very fortunate that the Greek Gods blessed us with great weather. And until next year, we will dream of coming back to the desert and enjoying the 29 Palms RV Resort and quite possibly having a repeat of the Shanty Shakers Open to be held at the Marine Corps Base. Not sure what the menu will be, but I have heard whisperings about a Hawaiian Luau with a roasted pig in the ground and many other things that might last for several days. Definitely, there will be friendships, companionships, fun, memories and most of all we will EAT
Thank you to Bret and Zeny for hosting and planning a very busy and fun rally. It's going to be a hard act to follow.
From Lynn: Thank you to all who submitted pictures. I usually have to scrounge for pictures if I missed the rally but this time I had over 80 pictures sent to me. 😲
