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 !!😎🌞

Holiday Party Potluck 2022

 It was a fun and festive time for the Shanty Shakers. Music, food, camaraderie Toys for Tots and gift exchange and did we say food ?

 (click on full screen)

Happy Holidays to all ! See you in 2023

Give Thanks Rally at Canyon RV Park

In a suburban area of Anaheim, thirteen rigs gathered at Canyon RV park for what may be our first annual Give Thanks Rally. It was a beautiful park with green grass, trees and spacious lots. Most arrived on early Monday afternoon and enjoyed catching up with old friends, met some new friends and attended the first of daily Happy Hours. With the recent time change, sunset came just before 5pm. We struggled to stay out until 7pm. 😴

The days started with sipping coffee around a campfire as temps were in low 50s in the morning. Breakfast of hard boiled eggs, yogurt, fruit and muffins was provided by the Chapter and organized by Diane Nelson. Nice way to start the day !

Tuesday afternoon, we gathered for a pre Thanksgiving Feast of turkey, (provided by the Chapter) stuffing, sweet potatoes, mashed potatoes with gravy, rolls, veggies and plenty of desserts organized by Lynn Selden. Larry Rice started off with a moment of silence to reflect on all we are grateful for and to honor those who have passed in the recent months.

Wednesday was field trip day. A group caravaned to the Nixon Presidential Library in Yorba Linda. The group picture in the mock Oval Office was priceless. It was a challenge to avoid discussing politics but all in all it was a good tour and reminder of part of our history.

There were high winds that night with some powerful gusts. Chairs and tables were strewn about the campsite, someone had their slide out toppers rip, and there were many downed branches and trees but fortunately missed near by rigs.

The next day some members enjoyed going for a walk or riding their bike to explore the park or burn some calories. Some ventured to a small local street fair and some enjoyed just chilling in the sunshine.

Shanty Shaker camaraderie

    

picture credit: Christine Garcia

GIVE THANKS !!

Thanks to Larry and Sandy (mostly Sandy 😀) for hosting the Rally and all the organizing that went into it. 

  

Borrego Days 2022

Thank you so much to Richard and Shirley Melendez for hosting this years annual Borrego Days rally. However, the celebrations  could not compete with watching the San Diego Padres in the playoffs. Most people arrived on Wednesday and shared their war stories of traveling to Borrego; somebody got lost, somebody overheated their brakes and others had long delays due to closed lanes for tree trimming. Then, the TV in the clubhouse was on the fritz so everyone gathered around their cell phones to watch the Padres play. After the game, most of the group went to Carmelitas for a good Mexican meal. (thank you to the Roving reporters for providing pictures)

On Thursday the group listened to a presentation by representatives from Sky Med and were treated to a box lunch. That afternoon some played games in the Clubhouse or explored the area on their own. Then, in typical Shanty Shaker style we gathered for a Potluck followed by chatting around the fire pit.

Every morning started with coffee in clubhouse attended by mostly the guys. Those with dogs took them out for walks and the rest either slept in or stayed in the rigs to relax. Friday mid morning, the group ventured out to the Dragon metal sculpture for a group picture, followed by a caravan tour of the town. A small group checked out another favorite restaurant for lunch.

 Later, we gathered around Richards outdoor TV and watched another Padre game and enjoyed grilled hot dogs. 

Visiting the vendors and activities at Christmas Circle was the highlight of the Saturday activities. We dined on take out pizza from Carleighs and watched the last game of the Padre's season. (not a lot of cheering going on here)

We certainly missed seeing the Borrego Days parade of the past years but things have changed since the pandemic happened. Maybe next year they can get it together.

Again, thanks to Richard and Shirley for hosting the rally and to the Roving Reporters for submitting pictures. (Sue Ford and Sandy Rice)

Annual summer gathering at Spaghetti Factory

There was a great turn out for the annual August gathering at the Old Spaghetti Factory, 50 people. We honored Clark and Betty Paxton who were celebrating their 74th anniversary ! 

Also, we bid farewell to Tom and Mary Ann Cathey who are moving to Wichita Kansas to be closer to family. 

The event was hosted by Mike and Mary, and MCed by Larry Rice. The room was buzzing with chatter as we caught up on the latest news with our fellow members. A few Honorary members attended. So nice to see Frances Surbrook and Mary Wilson. (Clark and Betty are Honorary members also) We had a few guests: Clark and Betty's daughters, Frances' longtime friend as well as her son. Faith and Vern brought guests Joe and Anne as their contribution to "growing the chapter" It was nice to see some members who we haven't seen in awhile; Larry and Diantha, Carol and Jerry, Alice M and Mary C.

We enjoyed our lunch with cake for dessert provided by the Paxtons. Afterwards, they talked about their RVing adventures and how they came to join the Escapees. Then, a few people took turns telling funny stories about Tom and Mary Ann. There was laughter when Wayne shared that Mary Ann was being considered for sainthood. We wish them safe travels. It won't be the same without their smiling faces.

Jim had several amusing stories to share about the adventures of Tom

Gift to Clark and Betty created by the talented Gene Stout

( I apologize if I missed your picture. Many didn't turn out because of the light from the windows behind some of you. Thanks to Sandy R and Jim N for contributing their pictures.       Lynn)

 

Beach Picnic

Many RVers avoid summer travels due to campgrounds crowded with families and the higher temperatures so the Shanty Shakers try to have events to stay connected. Meeting at Crown Point on Mission Bay for a Barbeque Pot Luck is just the ticket. With the warm San Diego sun and the cool breeze off the bay we have the perfect venue. Organized and hosted by Jim and Sharan Harrison for the 3rd year there was an excellent turn out. (THANK YOU !!)

The grilling guys did a good job getting the hot dogs and hamburgers out and the accompanying side dishes and desserts rounded out the meal. Members enjoyed eating and chatting in the shade of the trees.

A group took off on a bike ride to burn off the dessert calories while the rest of us admired their efforts while continuing to enjoy the warm, sunny afternoon.

Hope to see you at the next summer gathering, the Spaghetti Factory lunch on August 13 at noon ! Contact Mike Formico or Mary to RSVP !