Sweetwater Summit Rally in Bonita

The yearly June gloom was in full swing during our week at Sweetwater Summit in Bonita. We arrived on  Sunday to a cloud cover that made way for some sunshine in the late afternoon, just in time for our first Happy Hour and campfire.

  The group of eight rigs took it easy on Monday, after all this is a vacation (from retirement). We gathered  at the picnic table by Diane and Jim’s rig for some serious card games. The gloom gave way to sunshine by noon today so out came the hats.

We enjoyed the evening pot luck with an Asian theme. Dinner consisted of egg rolls, broccoli beef, stir fry chicken, oriental salad and a few different kinds of rice. It worked out perfectly ! Afterwards, we each read our fortune cookie out loud for all to hear. “You will take an unknown journey soon” and “an exciting opportunity awaits you” to name a few. That was good for a few laughs. When the sun went down and the coolness set in it was time for the warmth of a campfire. 

Tuesday was our field trip to the Chula Vista Elite Athlete Training Center, formerly the Olympic Training Center. (the International Olympic Committee turned the center over to the city of Chula Vista in 2017) Visiting the Chula Vista Elite Athlete Training Center offers a glimpse into the heart of elite sports training in Southern California. This world-class facility boasts state-of-the-art amenities tailored to meet the rigorous demands of professional athletes. Visitors can witness elite athletes in action during training camps and competitions.

Glimpse of BMX track

After the visit we headed out to lunch, of course! California Pizza Kitchen proved to be just the right variety of food for us. Back to the RV park for an afternoon siesta then wake up for Happy Hour and a campfire.

On Wednesday, a few guys decided to golf on the near by course, a few played pickleball and then went off on their bikes. The women resumed the card playing. Today we celebrated Jim Nelsen’s “mumble mumble” birthday. He shared his gift of wine and we toasted to another year of health and happiness. To top it off, we enjoyed Sherry’s Éclair Cake. (click here for the recipe).

And the winner is .......

You can’t visit the Chula Vista/Bonita area without a visit to one of the local Mexican restaurants so for lunch we headed a few miles down the road to Muriettas. Our plates were so full that most of us had enough left over for dinner. Bobbie’s propane fire pit was used for our last night since our remaining firewood mysteriously disappeared. All in all, it was a great rally balanced with rest and activity. Thanks to Diane and Jim for hosting !!

Pechanga Rally and Auction

Most of us arrived on Sunday and felt hopeful by the blue skies and bright sun. However, once we ventured out of the rig, we were met with a cold wind. The first Happy hour was cut short as everyone retreated back to the warmth of their rigs.

Monday’s weather was much the same for morning coffee. We saw jackets, beanies and gloves despite the sunny, blue skies. It was a free day to do as you wish. Many people enjoyed wandering around the casino or old town Temecula. For Happy Hour, we gathered on the protected clubhouse patio to block the wind.

Tuesday  morning was more enjoyable as the cold wind finally eased up. We gathered for the Potluck in the clubhouse at noon. Several members drove up just to enjoy the delicious food and the fun auction. The Herriotts Harrisons, Lukeharts (with their chickens)  Paces, Rankin and friends, Stouts, friends of O’Larry, Melendez and the Sracks showed up.

The auction was indeed lively and fun. Thanks to our resident auctioneer, Larry Rice for the mini lesson on how to sound like an auctioneer AND for doing a great job. $2,000 was taken in for the Chapter and CARE. Thank you to everyone who brought items for auction and/or made bids. Victor was a happy camper with his new rocker chair and cooler. Wayne was happy to finally win one of Gene Stout's paintings and Barbara L was imagining where to put the beautiful hand-made quilt (thanks to new member Nancy Wolfing for sharing your talent). Speaking of talent, Sherry B keeps wowing us with her appetizers (such as sliders) or desserts (such as chocolate éclair cake).  These new members are welcome additions to our Chapter !

Wednesday was another busy day starting with an early lunch at Richie’s Diner. Unfortunately O’Larry was delayed because he had to take his wife, Iris Anne to the ER for some medical attention. Fortunately, it was nothing serious and he eventually joined us. Richie’s is a 50s diner so having one of their delicious milk shakes is a must. Many enjoyed burgers, grilled Rubens or chicken pot pie. This group enjoys eating !

After lunch, a group headed to the Alpaca Hacienda where we listened to a short teaching about Alpacas then had the opportunity to hand feed them. We learned not to be afraid of being bitten because they have no front teeth (although it sure looked like one of them had buck teeth). We were cautioned they may spit but it's mostly at each other during disputes. Stay out of the way !

Then, it was time to eat again. We enjoyed leftover turkey, ham, fruit, and coleslaw for Happy Hour along with Chapter provided pizzas. If that wasn’t enough we then enjoyed a very yummy chocolate cake to celebrate Lynn S’s birthday. Sherry actually enjoys helping people celebrate birthdays and she wants to know when YOUR birthday is. Drop her an email at Bob-Sherry@sbcglobal.net (thank you for all the birthday wishes and making me feel special: from Lynn).

 

Calories don't count if they are just crumbs 😄

We missed Mike and Mary and hope Mike is on the road to recovery. Larry and Sandy keep saying this was their last rally as they plan to sell the rig. We shall wait and see !

Rally at Lake Skinner in Temecula

 
Finally, we had good weather forecast for the week and this time the weatherman got it right. Sunny, blue sky and calm breezes. The birds were singing and chirping for our enjoyment. We had 13 rigs in attendance, including new members Steve and Susan Penacho. We started off with Happy Hour to catch up with each other.

Tuesday, started off with morning coffee and then it was a free day to do as you wish. There was bike riding, corn hole challenges and some card playing. We enjoyed a yummy pot luck as we watched the sun set. Penny's carrot cake was a hit not only with us but the black birds were trying to get their share  too.

On Wednesday, a group decided to cruise the lake in a pontoon boat skippered by Bobby B and David H. It was very enjoyable. Afterwards a group went to to Old Town Temecula for lunch and some decided to check out the wineries. That evening we gathered around a camp fire as Penny and John mixed up Margaritas

After morning coffee on Thursday, the bike riding, games and card playing started up again. There was even a "championship" round of 99 (how to play). Bobbie was crowned the Champion ! Congrats !

Our weather luck ran out on the day of departure as we woke up to clouds, fog and temps in 50s. Wearing our long pants and jackets again, we packed up and headed home after a wonderful time with our friends.

Rio Bend Rally

The Rally at Rio Bend RV Resort was filled with activities, eating and camaraderie!

Thanks to Richard and Shirley for hosting. It was a fun time.

Shuffleboard, golf, pickle-ball, playing card games, pool and watching the Blue Angels practicing.

 Taco Tuesday, Karaoke and dancing fun

Pot Luck dinner...more eating !

Random pics from around the beautiful park.

ALWAYS A GOOD TIME AT RIO BEND ! SEE YOU NEXT TIME !

Yuma Rally 1/2024

 Submitted by Lynn Selden

Have you ever worked to plan an event then have to miss it ? That happened in January to Wayne and I when we both came down the virus. Westwind RV park is a nice place with plenty to keep us busy and we were so sad to miss the gathering. I have pictures to share along with some comments so here goes.

The day of arrival, Wednesday 1/17 was a little chaotic, because the hosts were not there to coordinate things. Eventually Happy Hour got rolling when former SS members Garth and Judy along with Gene and Annette showed up in the bar. Barbara and Brian D joined them while others carried around their chairs looking for the group. Finally there was a small gathering around  Diane and Jim's rig.

Thursday, many went shopping at the Arizona Marketplace followed by a yummy pot luck back at the park.

Every morning started out with coffee and morning snacks hosted by Elaine and Ron Guidotti. Thanks for taking care of that !

On Friday, many in the group ventured to the Yuma Territorial Prison. Someone said they wondered "why on earth would we want to see a prison?"  but admitted it really was pretty interesting after all. The tentative plan was Lutes Casino for lunch but Brian D convinced the group that DaBoyz pizza had better beer so that's where they for lunch.🍺

  

                                                                                                            

For dinner many enjoyed the weekly Fish Fry in the Westwind restaurant followed by a campfire afterwards.

All this time I was getting pictures texted and feedback about what a good time it was. Dang  virus !

Only a few ventured to the Cloud Museum to see the private  collection of Model Ts and other vintage stuff (aka: junk) 

Saturday evening was a Bob Seger Tribute band concert. Wayne and I were really looking forward to this as Bob Seger hailed from our hometown, Detroit and we knew his music well. Those that attended the concert raved about it. I hope they come back next year to Westwind RV and Golf Resort.

Sunday was a cloudy and rainy day but that didn't stop Richard, Shirley, Nadine  Elaine and Archie, Dave and Carol from exploring the Center of the World and Granite Museum.

Watching football playoff game

Monday, a trip to Algadones, Mexico was scheduled but again it was raining so there was not a lot of interest in that outdoor activity but I hear a few brave souls made it.  Here is a text I got from Ron G " We just got back from Algadones. We are wet but safe and dry inside the motorhome. Unfortunately Nadine had one too many Margaritas and we had an issue regaining entry back into the US (Just Kidding ) but we are all wet "

Tuesday was supposed to be a golf day day. I never did hear if that happened. It sound like everyone was ready to relax (or play pickleball) by then

Bobby B playing pickleball

Wednesday was departure day with the suggestion to drive north to Quartzsite for the Escapees Party on Plomosa Road.

Besides the hosts missing the rally, Brian D was evacuated by ambulance and eventually went by helicopter to Phoenix for more testing due to extreme vertigo. That whole thing is his story to tell...ask him about it ! He is dong well now. Thanks to everyone who helped Barbara get their rig ready for Skymed to transport home (Casa Grande).  Great group !!