Oregon RVing Women - Rally Reviews end of '07 and '08

During the first weekend in October, our Oregon Chapter of RV Women held their final rally of the year in Sutherlin, Oregon. Twenty-eight women in 20 rigs participated in the event. We stayed at a lovely and extremely clean facility called RV Haven. The land was previously a drive-in movie theater, so rallies are able to select movies to be shown. We watched “Little Miss Sunshine,” and “Young at Heart” on the HUGE outdoor movie screen.

A membership meeting was held to introduce our new 2009 Chapter Officers: Masanee Brown is the new President and Pat Cole will be our new treasurer. Linda Waterman will continue as the Chapter Secretary for one more year. The group thanked Dee Hamer, outgoing President, and Shirley Mahan, outgoing treasurer, for the work and expertise they provided during the past two years. At the meeting we heard a Treasurer’s report and a Membership report. The schedule for 2009 events was presented and members volunteered as future hostesses.

Even though it rained much of the weekend, members kept busy playing pool, playing games, bowling, walking dogs, golfing, and casino-hopping. On Saturday evening after dinner we had a drawing for gifts and a gift exchange. Lots of laughter ensued as people stole gifts from others and people competed for a “tub of dough.” Winning the tub involved a catch: the winner had to entertain the group with an impromptu song and dance.

Members visited an alpaca ranch belonging to member, Barb Hicks, where they found several baby alpacas to ooh and aah over. Group-eating included an early-arrival barbeque hosted by Dee Hamer and Dottie Allen, two breakfasts, and two potlucks. On Sunday evening the group ate out at a delightful restaurant in Sutherlin called Pedotti’s. The dinner was followed by games and good-byes. The event was a great culmination of a wonderful year.

Several members arrived Thrusday afternoon. There were 12 RVs and 23 women attending this event. On Friday, most of us drove to Crater Lake for sightseeing, photos and a very good lunch at Crater Lake Lodge. That evening, we had a meet and greet to welcome old and new friends. We shared finger foods, had a few gift drawings and played either cards or a beanbag game.

Saturday morning, our rally hosts cooked up pancakes and sausage served in the great outdoors since we did not have a clubhouse for this event. Everyone did her own thing for the day as the weather was hot. Some headed out for sightseeing, others played cards or games. Most scrambled to their RV's to turn on their generators because the power went out for about six or seven hours. Regardless of being without power, we had a delicious potluck for the evening, and then it was more cards and challenges for the beanbag game and a few more drawings for prizes.

Sunday morning, we all gathered outside for a breakfast provided by the Oregon Chapter. After breakfast, we had drawings for gifts and also auctioned off some gifts. Our treasurer Shirley Mahan did a great job as auctioneer. Some of the members shared their mishaps on the way to this gathering. We finished up the day by going to dinner at the Diamond Lake Lodge. In the evening, we had a campfire and s'mores.

Rain, thunder and lightning greeted us Monday morning. We started a fire and had breakfast together. Before we knew it, it was time to take off and say good-bye to some new members and the friends we have made along the way. Thanks to everyone for their help in making this a fun event.

Foster Lake RV Resort was the site of this July event with 15 Oregon RVW members and five guests attending. Several members arrived early and stayed later, taking advantage of a weekly rate, while the rest of the gals arrived on Friday and left either Sunday or Monday.

The weather was very cooperative with warm days and cool nights - in fact, there were several air conditioners running mid-days. The facility was superb - pool, nice meeting room with kitchen, store and other amenities - and park management was very cooperative and helpful.

Friday evening, the group met for introductions and substantive snacks. Pam, Ann and their three Rottweiler rescue dogs traveled from Utah to join the group. After much chitchat and story swapping, the gals found their way to card games, more visiting, movies and TV for the remainder of the evening.

Saturday morning, the traditional continental breakfast was provided by the chapter. The members talked about different options for the rest of the day. This area, located in the foodhills of the Cascade Mountains, is rich in history. There are a number of covered bridges, museums and self-guided tours. Many of the gals carpooled to this place and that with a stop for lunch or a root beer float or to see what goodie they could find at a yard sale.

Many of the dogs in the group enjoyed a nearby dog park for an hour or two each day. They chased balls, played tag, and tried to socialize one little guy who had not experienced a daily dog party before. Lots of stories were swapped as the ladies lounged leisurely in lawn chairs under the pines in the middle of the dog park.

Saturday evening started with a salad extravaganza which was enjoyed by all, considering there were little to no leftovers. The ususal games in the clubhouse occurred and several small groups continued visiting at various RV sites.

Several useful gifts for RVers were won by site number drawings and individual awning operation sessions were given to those still unfamiliar with how to provide their own shade.

The Sunday morning continental breakfast was enjoyed while the group discussed where to have dinner and decided that place practically next door with the lake view, outside dining and affordable prices was A-okay. Some enjoyed the pool, others went sightseeing, and all loved the weather.

Monday morning the rigs were packed, goodbyes were said and the journey home began. Everyone seemed to enjoy the Foster Lake RV Resort so it could well be on the list for 2009.

Pheasant Ridge RV Resort

Wilsonville, Oregon

June 6-8, 2008

Several members arrived Thursday afternoon. 13 Rigs and 20 members were in attendance. Friday evening we had our appetizer dinner and drawing for some prizes donated by, Saturn of Salem, US Bank, Roberson RV, Wagers Trailer Sales, and H & H Paving Co. Following appetizers and visiting, many of the members played games in the club house.

Saturday morning, we started out with hot Cheesy-sausage bread, fruit, yogurt, muffins, bagels and coffee. Then we split up, some going to view the floats that were in the Rose Festival Parade, the End of Oregon Trail Interpretive Center, Korean War Memorial, Camping World, to Aurora antiquing or to the Candy Facotry, or just stayed at the campsite in the pool or just relaxing. That night after our potluck dinner and prize drawing, we walked down to Michaele Reeg's new Travel Trailer to christen it. Micheale just picked it up on her way to our rally. Then back to the club house for more games.

Sunday started with the same fare for breakfast as Saturday. At 10:30 am we had a parade of “Pet Owners”. The dogs stole the show; the owners did not have a chance. There were 10 dogs in the parade. (Picture included of participants) Samantha owned by Ruby Rhodes took 1^st place wearing a poke dotted dress, hat and sunglasses. 2^nd place went to Lacy who was wearing feathers, owned by Alice Lovell. Everyone seemed to have a good time showing off their pets. An Ice Cream Social sponsored by AFLAC/SECURED HORZONS was held in the club house at 1:30pm. We got together this evening and went out to dinner.

On Monday, we had breakfast leftovers. Many of us had to head home, others got to spend another day or so at the Resort.

Pheasant Ridge is a beautiful RV park with paved parking spaces and roads.

Hosted by Alice Lovell, Jackie Gettman and Pat Cole.

Many members arrived a day early, on Thursday night. This coincided with a record breaking heat wave, 100 plus degrees – pretty darn hot for the Oregon coast. The rest of the folks cruised in on Friday. Several members came without their RV’s and stayed in nearby lodging. A big turnout, (16 rigs, 30 attendees), great group, with a lot of new faces. Hosts Tamra Swerdlik and Doris Westoby were ready and able.

Fulltimers Maureen Carryn and Jan Kuderna joined us and offered lots of interesting stories and tips about work, volunteering and life on the road. We welcomed, again, guests from the SOCAL chapter, Irene Stevens and Cooper Gallegos and returning members Betty Vales, Peggy Ervin, Dixie Ever and Joyce Pickens. It was great to see them. Food and camaraderie was the order of the evening. Games enjoyed and folks out on the deck catching up on everyone’s news. Evenings cooled off 30 degrees, tolerable sleeping temperature for the few who did not have air conditioned rigs.

Saturday morning, member Gina was surprised by a happy birthday chorus during breakfast. An education presentation was provided by Henderson’s Line-up Shop in Grants Pass, OR. Rob from Henderson’s answered questions, offered great discount coupons and serviced some rigs at the park. Mobile service is a real convenience. Local RVW member Doris Westoby, escorted some to Crescent City for an afternoon of sightseeing and visits to the Marine Mammal Rehabilitation Center and Ocean World. Others kicked back, had fun at the local casino, or walked on the beach with their dogs. Saturday evening was the big event, a salmon feed provided by the RV park and cooked by Roger, the very hospitable park manager. The salmon and member-provided side dishes came together to satisfy all. A door prize drawing was held and new member Pat Peck from Central Point, OR won the donated hose buddy. All attendees went home with a nice gift, some with two. As the evening cooled, we retired to the deck to enjoy a campfire and sing songs. Betty and Dee played guitar and one-person rhythm section Doris provided the orchestration. Singers, hummers, foot stompers, and clappers rounded out the night’s entertainment. You had to be there!

Another community continental breakfast was enjoyed on Sunday, and we bid farewell to a few folks. Many enjoyed another great day at the beach, taking in Brookings famous Azalea Park or beautiful Harris Beach. Some ventured further into the national forests and up the beautiful Chetco River into Loeb State park, a glorious day for those explorations. Twenty folks got together that evening at a local seafood eatery for some great food. A christening ceremony was held to celebrate new motorhome acquisitions of members Shirley and Gina, Ruby, Betty and Peggy, and Pat. We wish them all safe travels in their new rigs. More merriment ensued in the clubhouse after the event. Laughter reverberated throughout the park until a very late hour.

Monday saw the last of those staying over disburse to make the trek home or move on to other adventures. Good friends, good food, good times. It was a grand event. Please join us in the fun at our next event.

Our Board members hosted this campout. The Annual Business meeting was held on Saturday morning, and the afternoon given to a Seminar on tires. Our usual sumptuous arrangement of favorite foods was enjoyed on Saturday evening.

Sunday was a busy day for the group: some to the Tulip Gardens in Woodburn to see the colorful array of fields of beautiful tulips in bloom. Others opted for the Malls or just a wonderful day in the sun.

Sunday afternoon part of the group went to the Salem Carousel in the park in downtown Salem. Each horse on that Merry Go Round is hand carved by local artisans. It is a beautiful thing to see..... and to ride is an experience to enjoy.

From there the group came together at the dock for the Sternwheeler Willamette Queen. After a group photo or two, we boarded the Sternwheeler to enjoy a leisurely cruise on the Willamette River on a beautiful warm day. Barbara took a turn at piloting the boat and earned her Captain's certificate.

Char Norby has made a DVD of this campout and activities. Only $10 will cover materials, postage, and handling. So contact her for your copy while supplies last. Click this link to take a look at Char's pics of this event and some of her other travels, http://charpics.spaces.live.com

Devils Lake RV Park, at the north end of Lincoln City, was ready for the camp host Barb Pace and the rest of our members. The meeting room there was nice and big and the kitchen had everything we could possibly need, and more. The manager, Chris, even started the coffee pot for us in the morning when she unlocked the door. This is a park with new owners and manager and lots of improvements that we appreciated.

On Friday rigs trickled in as the rain reminded us about Spring weather in Oregon. Eventually we were 24 members and guests, with 15 rigs. Old friends and new, made quick work of our favorite appetizer potluck dinner, then the games began. We broke out Cribbage, Rummicube, and Phase Ten. Some of us just sat and talked, and watched the gamers.

After a continental breakfast provided by the Chapter on Saturday, people went off in several directions. Some went to see and support the Tanger Outlet Stores. Some went to deposit, and a few to withdraw, funds at the Chinook Winds Casino. Many got the dogs out for a walk whenever the rain let up, too. But, short walks in the rain were the best plan today. We gathered together again for our regular potluck dinner that evening, and we really out did ourselves on that one! Following officer and member introductions, we welcomed four new members to our group. Charlotte Norby won the drawing for the door prize. It was a Hose Caddy to help control those unruly dump hoses at the ground. Games rounded out our evening with the addition of poker.

Sunday the rain became intermittent as some of us had to pack up and head for home. Left over continental breakfast was finished off. More shopping and gambling seems to have been the order of the day with continuing dog walking, too. That evening, many of us went out for seafood at the Surfrider with a nice ocean view to end the day.

Despite the rain, we enjoyed our first camp out of the year, at the coast and headed home on Monday already planning our next happy trails.

Marilyn Nichols was our event host for our last event of the year. Riverside RV Park is located on the Mollala River just south of Portland. The river proved to be a nice relief from the heat for a few dogs and their owners. We had 23 members with 14 rigs present.

Saturday morning we met for breakfast, supplied by the chapter. Discussion followed to know where and who was going touring to make sure everyone had rides. A couple of gals went to Portland to the "Body Works 3" exhibit at OMSI, several car loads made it to the Aurora Hazelnut Candy Factory and I think everyone made it to the Swan Island Dahlias Farm.

Saturday at 4pm the book sale started. Members had donated paperback books, hardback books, CD’s, DVD’s, VHS movies and books on tape. Two big buyers (must read a lot) helped bring the total to $140 from sales.

Saturday night we had our traditional potluck with games following. Sunday morning we met for breakfast again and then on your own for more touring. Sunday night we frequented a local restaurant for dinner. It was very good and they accommodated us easily.

This is our last event for the year due to National convention being held in October

Masanee Brown and Danna Walker were our camp hosts for the weekend. We had 19 rigs and 24 members attending. After swimming in the very nice pool Friday afternoon we held our finger food get together in the club house followed by Bingo. Along with monetary prizes winners got to chose from the candy bowl.

Saturday morning following coffee, rolls, fruit and yogurt 16 of our group car pooled to Shady Cove for the Rogue River float. Our hosts rented two very large rubber rafts and each person got a paddle and a life vest. It was a lazy paddle down the river dodging rocks and water fights. Although I understand that Masanee and Arlene Dian got tossed in the river. Not by a person but the raft popped them out. It was very hot so the cold river felt good. Their raft also got hung up on the rocks a couple of times. Since Masanee and Arlene were already wet they would get out and pull the raft off the rocks. The group stopped along the way and had lunch that each person had packed for themselves.

Saturday night Masanee and Danna barbecued chicken and the rest of us brought side dishes and dessert. It was very good and a nice change. The games following dinner didn't last very late as everyone was pooped from the river float.

Following breakfast Sunday morning Bert and Gerri Iler presented information on MASA (Medical Air Services Association.) Masanee and Danna have been members for a few years. It is a service that will pay your bill for an ambulance, helicopter or plane if you are sick or injured and have to be transported to a hospital. Several RVW members signed up for the service. Bert gave Danna $60 for the business and she quickly donated it to the chapter.

After lunch a large group car pooled to see Masanee and Danna's new house. We got the grand tour of their beautiful home and then had dinner at the Hyler Lake Pizza Parlor. Good pizza!

We met again Monday morning in the clubhouse for coffee and rolls before unhooking and head for the RV dump station and home.

Our next event is September 7-10 at Riverside RV Park in Canby, Oregon. Bring your unwanted paperback or hardback books, DVDs, VHS or books on tape. We are having a sale. Hope to see you all there!