Shanty Shakers

Tuesday, May 9, 2023

Pot Luck-Auction-Rally at Pechanga RV Resort in Temecula

The weather has not been favorable for the Shanty Shakers recently. After a very warm and sunny week in Temecula, we arrived to cool breezes and clouds. But you know what? It's not just about the weather. You can tell by the lively discussions and laughter that we enjoy being together. We enjoy catching up or meeting new friends, sharing an appetizer and a drink, or going for a stroll or bike ride. We watch the sun go down and gather around a fire to warm ourselves when we can.

The main event at Pechanga RV Resort was the annual Potluck and Auction. This year the donated items for auction were NOT wrapped. So, of course, we had the chance to “go shopping” in advance to plan our strategy to get the item we had our eyes on. Our resident auctioneer, Larry Rice, started off the fun.

Being new to the auction, Penny Srack excitingly bid on the first item until she was the highest bidder. She did really well by getting a Lowes gift card valued at twice her bid PLUS it came with a box of See's Candy. After winning another item she asked to have her hands zip tied.

The highest bid of the afternoon was for a folding, 26 inch, 15 speed bike with disc brakes and customized rims… two of them….generously donated by Dave and Carol Rudolph. Each of them went for over $200 ! Jim and Wayne were happy with their prize ! The auction was a success and raised $1305 for the Chapter.

Texas Lil's Barbeque

Richie's Diner

Thanks to Mike and Mary for hosting the event. A good time was enjoyed by all who attended.

Taking Livee for a run

Thursday, April 27, 2023

Rancho Jurupa in Riverside County

It was a challenge finding time to relax during this rally. Sure, there was morning coffee, Happy Hours and evening campfires, but the days were filled with optional activities.

After arrival and set up on Sunday, we gathered around for the first Happy Hour and made plans for the week. We woke up to a cool and misty Monday morning. That was perfect weather for the brave group who hiked up the hill of Mount Rubidoux. Mount Rubidoux is a 3.2 mile loop hiking trail with a 400 feet rise in elevation. Some of the hikers swear it was much longer and much higher. That evening we had a Pot Luck that rivaled all other pot lucks with the variety of foods.

On Tuesday, a group toured the Jensen-Alvarado Ranch. Here is how it is described:

Jensen Alvarado Historic Ranch and Museum, located in Riverside off of the 60 Freeway and Rubidoux Blvd., is a 30-acre farm and home to the historic ranch built by Cornelius Jensen and his wife Mercedes Alvarado in 1870. This historic site affords visitors a peek into the past, depicting Southern California life as it was lived in the 1880’s.

The group enjoyed a tour of the era preserved home, museum and visit to the farm animals. Meeting the rest of the group for lunch was even more interesting

Tio Tacos serves casual Mexican fare in a funky, uniquely decorated space, with a large patio with artwork. (some call it junk art but beauty is in the eye of the beholder, right?) With ladies at one table and the men at another table the talk was lively and full of laughter. It was probably influenced by the overflowing Margaritas and Micheladas.

If anyone still had energy left, a stroll through the historic Mission Inn was next. Ok, here is another history blurb. The Mission Inn began as a quaint adobe boarding house in 1876, becoming a full-service hotel in the early 1900s.The hotel has played host to U.S. Presidents (Roosevelt, Taft, Hoover, Nixon, Reagan and Bush Jr) and numerous celebrities and was the setting for several Hollywood productions.

Needless to say, the group slept well that night.

Wednesday was an absolutely beautiful, warm sunny day. A group of guys played a round of golf. Another group headed to the mini golf area in the park. We finished the day with a pizza and salad dinner. Don't forget the delicious brie followed by s'mores made with berry, birthday cake or watermelon peeps, instead of regular marshmallows. Thanks Barbara and Frank L !

Ron and Elaine's dog, Toby provided entertainment as he tried to catch a little bitty gopher. The gopher would back fill the dirt as fast as Toby dug to reach him. Bottom line is the gopher won. Now we understand why this sign was above the bench by the park store.

Well, there it is ! It was a great 4 days thanks to Elaine and Ron G and Jim and Sharan H. Shanty Shakers last rally at Jurupa was 6 years ago. So glad to visit there again.

Sunday, April 2, 2023

Escapades in Tucson

Our first gathering was at Hot Rods in Old Vail. Thanks to Brian and Barbara Downing for finding this ideal boondocking lot and restaurant for Thursday night. Fifteen of us gathered for dinner and a lot of catching up with our fellow travelers.

Five rigs (Nadine Curry, Bob and Dianna Simons, Brian and Barbara Downing, Wayne and Lynn Selden, Mike and Marcy Parker) spent the night there and one joined us (Richard and Shirley Melendez) in the morning to caravan to the Fairgrounds 3 miles away. By the way, that day was St Patrick's Day so Bob and Diane surprised us with green donuts with green frosting. Bob looked dapper in his decorative hat.

All did not go smoothly on departure as the Seldens rig refused to start despite jumping it then putting in a brand new battery. Eventually, they joined the group thanks to the extremely helpful Awesome Parking Team, especially Lloyd who reserved our group area.

We had an impromptu Happy Hour until the sun went down and the wind picked up. Wind was a problem on and off all week.

Saturday was a big parking day as more and more rigs came in including Ron and Elaine Guidotti. Members walked over to Registration to get name badges, T shirts and a bag of goodies. Some enjoyed coffee and donuts in the Hospitality area or a Breakfast Burrito from the Food Truck.

The Vendor Fair and The Row (of Chapters and BOFs) opened on Sunday.

Wendy (L) is the new Chapter Director. Jan (R) volunteered to act as Seminar Hos

After the Opening Ceremony we celebrated the 45th anniversary of Escapees with cupcakes.

Kay and Joe Peterson, Founders

There was another general session in the evening with door prizes followed by entertainment. No big winners from our group. 😒

We got really busy on Monday with seminars all day and shopping. Several Chapter Members volunteered to be on the Escapade "staff". Larry and Sandy Rice were Seminar hosts.

Marty and Peggy McCauley were at the Registration table as they have for the last 15 years. Wow !

Others performed volunteer activities such as Ron G on Security duty. Barbara Lukehart worked on Transportation as Frank made popcorn. Many thanks to all the Volunteers ! (sorry if I missed you)

Chapter Members did their best to support the Vendors 😉

More prizes were given away on Monday evening during the General Session. Larry R won a bottle of wine. 🍷Hope they enjoyed it as they earned it ! The evening entertainment was Native Spirit, who led us into the culture and dances of America's First People.

Now, about the weather. It didn't seem like the Arizona we have come to expect. Throughout the time there, we experienced some warm sun, but more cold cloudy days and wicked winds. The unpredictable weather made it difficult to plan Happy Hours or Pot Lucks. The 20 Shanty Shaker rigs in attendance were scattered throughout the Fairground so we had to find a way to gather. What is an event without a Pot Luck ? Thanks to Sandy for making it happen.

It was a busy but fun week. Escapees developed an app for the Escapade event. There was a place to upload pictures to share. Over 1400 pictures were posted to the app. So, between the app and the chapter members who submitted pictures, it was overwhelming to decide what to post. But, here we go !