Greetings Members

As everyone who attended the Pahrump Rally knows, we had a great rally at the Lakeside Casino and RV Park (although this is our last planned rally in Pahrump, NV). When Debbie and I arrived, the weather was great, but the next day the weather got increasingly colder, windier, and downright nasty! Several of our members, notably Ole and Barbara Jensen, Ray and Linda Blackburn, and Jerry and Jane Earley experienced the worst wind and sandstorm coming through Death Valley on route 127 from Baker, CA. Until they arrived, we weren’t aware of how bad it was. They all said they couldn’t see at all in front of them, and they could hear the sand hitting the sides of their rigs!!

On a personal level, Debbie and I have two new granddaughters!! Kaylee Anne Shetland, born Feb. 6, 2017, and Chloe Elizabeth Shetland-Turner, born March 1, 2017. They live less than one mile from each other in Long Beach, CA and only about 46 miles from us. We are so happy and blessed to have these two adorable babies in our lives!

I wanted to take this opportunity to welcome the following new members. Thank you very much for joining our club, and we hope to see you at future rallies. Feel free to send us an email or call with any ideas you may have about possibly hosting a rally. We really appreciate the support!!
  • Linda Davis and Neal Rosenthal - Santa Barbara, CA
  • David and Susan DeMartini - Park City, UT
  • Mary Gardner - Pahrump, NV
  • Pat Orme - Orange, CA
  • Milo Mecham and Sara Brownmiller - Eugene, OR
  • Jim and Monique Parsons - San Diego, CA
  • Chad and Mary Phillips - Omaha, NE
  • Larry Potts and Jeanene McCormack - Auburn, CA
  • Ed Snyder and Terri Moyers - Albuquerque, NM
  • Gary and Elizabeth Thompson - Richardson, TX
  • Ron Vervick - Riverside, CA 

Club Secretary volunteers needed!!!
 In the coming months our Nominating Committee (Dave Shehane, Juliana Geleszinski, and Debbie Shetland) will be canvassing our membership for candidates, so we can hold an official election for Secretary at our next annual rally in November at the Santa Cruz KOA in Watsonville, CA. Please think about volunteering for this important position. Duties include taking and publishing minutes of the Annual Rally Election and Board meetings.

Don't forget to register for the upcoming 2017 rallies:
Quincy, CA in May; Branson, MO in September; and Santa Cruz KOA in November!!  Check out the details below.

-- Bob Shetland, President
Upcoming Rallies Snapshot
  • Quincy, CA - In May 18, Out May 21, 2017 - Pioneer RV Park, hosted by Jan Olmsted and Kathy Bailey (see article) Deadline 5-4-17
  • Branson, MO - In September 25, Out September 30, 2017 - East Meets West at Branson Lakeside RV Park, hosted by Jim and Marnie Weidmaier. (see article)
  • Lake Pleasant, AZ - see below
  • Watsonville, CA (14th Annual) - In November 8, Out November 12, 2017 - Santa Cruz/Monterey Bay KOA, hosted by Bob and Debbie Shetland. (see article)
ANYONE INTERESTED?
Possible Mini Rally in Lake Pleasant, AZ - October 5th-9th, 2017
Mary and Bob Coleman would like to do a mini rally at a private area at the lower lake of Lake Pleasant, which is only available to employees and retirees of MWD where Bob worked. It's about 20 miles northwest of Phoenix just off Hwy 74. They can get 5 sights with free electric and water plus spaces with no hookups. There is no dump site. 

They are thinking that approximately October 5th to the 9th would be good dates, which will allow travel time from the Branson Rally. They'd do a fish fry and possibly chili and hot dogs for a lunch.

The area can be reserved up to 6 months in advance, but it is on a first come first served basis. If you're interested, email Mary Coleman at  maryccoleman@hotmail.com, and she'll reserve the area.
PAHRUMP, NV   Mini Rally
Held  March 30 - April 2, 2017
Lakeside Casino and RV Park,  5870 South Homestead Rd, Pahrump, NV 89048
Attendees (Left to right) - Seated: Jerry Earley, Laura and Noel Koller, Bob Shetland. Second Row - Seated: Juliana and Jim Geleszinski, Janet Schall, Mary Esther Chavarela, Debbie Shetland. Back Row - Standing:  Ray and Linda Blackburn, Marty and Tom Dittmar, Ole and Barbara Jensen, Helena and Monte Gordon, Kit and Stan Oliveira, Mary Gardner, Tony Schall, Jenelle and Don Alastra, Jane Earley, Jim and Monique Parsons.
Bob and I arrived a day early, as hosts do, and were happy to see new members Marty and Tom Dittmar as well as recent members Jenelle and Don Alastra (their first rally was at Victoria in July). We enjoyed a quiet night outside visiting by lamp light and getting to know each other.

On Thursday, we greeted the rest of the group as they arrived throughout the afternoon and evening, many of which had to battle high winds on their journey. Barbara Jensen helped welcome everyone by handing out her famous pumpkin bread - yummy! A lthough a few people had to cancel at the last minute (sorry you couldn't make it Bert Wall and Marta Newcomb-Wall, and new member Ron Vervick), we ended up with a good-sized group, 27 Chinookers in 14 coaches. Sixty-mile-an-hour winds were forecast for that evening, so we wisely decided to postpone our pizza night meet and greet until the following day. A few brave souls ventured out in the winds to have dinner at the casino restaurant, but the rest of us made do at the park.

By Friday morning the winds had died down enough that we were able to come out from hiding in our cozy rigs to visit and participate in our usual Book Swap. 
Friday Night Attitude Adjustment and Pizza Party
That evening we were so glad the terrible winds were finally gone - even the ducks and the geese started to hang around again (only making minor pests of themselves). So we put out the wine, and Mary Esther brought some delicious appetizers to get things started. Pizza was served, and wow did it go fast! A good time was had by all, sharing stories about the really bad weather the day before plus happier tales. In the ten years we've been coming to Pahrump, there's never been a windstorm/sandstorm that severe.  Thankfully, no one was hurt or injured during everyone's travels across Death Valley.
Saturday Tech Talk
On Saturday we held what we call a Tech Talk, to talk about rig concerns and anything else people needed help with or wanted to share. This time we covered a usual issue, how RV tires "Age Out" before they "Wear Out." Normally, if your rig is stored for months at a time, the tires need replacing at a 3 to 4 year interval. The signs that your tires are ready to be replaced are: 1. Tires don't seem to hold the correct amount of tire pressure; and  2. You see small "horizontal notches" at the top outside edge of your tires. This is a lot harder to see on the rear inner tires, but a good flashlight helps here. Of course, for those members who travel a lot, these time frames would be somewhat longer.
Bob demonstrated his new  VIAIR 300P 12 volt portable compressor, available on Amazon for around $132.00. It comes with a 30 foot coil hose, and longer rigs should also get the 30 foot extension for around $18.00. This compressor runs off the chassis battery, with the engine running. It's quiet and a great item to carry along when traveling.
Jane Earley also showed us lots of great, compact products to use in our RVs. She got many of them at Daiso Japan stores, but they're also available elsewhere. Check out the info and links below.

Shoe Brush from Daiso Japan for $1.50, and great little door mat.
 
  • It's a brilliant idea to use these non-stick, non-slip mats on your table. Jane got hers at Sur La Table, but the above links are to Amazon.com. 
Packtowl from Amazon, REI, other sporting goods stores, and Walmart: 
  • Soft fabric: Microfiber fabric feels soft and smooth against skin.
  • Absorbent fabric soaks up 4 times its weight in water, -  wrings out easily.
  • Dries nearly 70% faster than cotton.
  • Odor control treatment helps keep towel fresh.
  • Hang loop for easy drying

Barware Mat:
  • For draining dishes, from Bed, Bath & Beyond at a compact 18" L x 9" W
  • Or larger sizes of Bar Mats at Amazon.com.
  • Also available at Diaso Japan
Jane's great idea for a bathroom mat made out of a toilet seat cover:
And last but not least, Marty Dittmar and Mary Esther Chavarela shared some great microwave cookware ideas:
Saturday Pot Luck
Our Saturday night pot luck was a huge success, with all kinds of dishes from everyone including homemade crackers, salads, main dishes and lots of desserts! Several people wanted Mary Esther Chavarela's recipe for the Apple Salad with Figs she made, and she was nice enough to send it in to be shared with everyone (see below) - enjoy!

We ate, we drank, we swapped stories, we made plans for the future . . . and, oh yeah, we took the group picture shown at the beginning of this article. The night was a wonderful ending to a great rally. It didn't matter that we encountered terrible winds, that the bathrooms left a lot to be desired, and the casino was smokey. It was great because we were together, old friends and new, and in the end that's all that matters.


Apple Salad with Figs ( From Mayo Clinic)

Serves/Makes: 6 

Ingredients:
2 Large Fuji Apples, cored and diced  
6 Dried Figs chopped
2 ribs of Celery, diced
½ cup Fat-free Lemon Yogurt
2 tablespoons pumpkin seeds, raw or toasted
2 Carrots, peeled and grated

Instructions:
1)  In a small bowl combine apples, figs and celery. 
2)  Add yogurt and mix thoroughly
3)  Top with seeds and grated carrots & serve

Each serving contains: 89 Calories & 1 gram of fat.
<<< UPCOMING RALLIES >>>
QUINCY, CA   Mini Rally    May 18 - 21, 2017
If You Haven't Already Registered
DON'T MISS THE 5-4 DEADLINE!!!
Located between Lassen National Park and beautiful Lake Tahoe, Pioneer RV Park is only 70 miles from Reno, Nevada. Even though it is nestled in the heart of the Sierra Nevada Mountains in a relaxed natural setting that is far from railroad or highway noise, the park is convenient to historic downtown Quincy. This enchanting town features murals and a strong commitment to the arts, with numerous musical and dramatic events being staged at the historic Town Hall Theater. Quincy has many local restaurants and cafes, two grocery stores and numerous local shops for your convenience.
LOCATION :  Pioneer RV Park, 1326 Pioneer Rd, Quincy, CA 95971
HOSTS:  Jan Olmsted and Kathy Bailey,  janolm43@sbcglobal.net  (916) 489-9497
RESERVATIONS & CONTACT:   Call Pioneer RV Park to make reservations. Confirmation will be by credit card, payable at check-in. This includes  early and late departures. Phone Number (503) 283-0769, Wes and Diane Sanders, the park hosts.
SITES RESERVED:  15  
COST:   $99.42 includes 3 nights
DEADLINE:   May 4, 2017

ACTIVITIES:
  • Thursday: Meet and Greet around 4:00pm with wine and deli spread.
  • Friday: Chamber of Commerce or Forest Service Rep in AM to share info of interesting things to do in the area. Pot Luck 5:30pm
  • Saturday: Salad Bar & BBQ dinner 6:00pm. Bring a salad to share and something to throw on the BBQ for yourself, cooked by your hosts or yourself.
  • There will also be an ongoing book exchange at the clubhouse.

We always have a wonderful time at the Quincy rally, so don't miss out!  We've got all 15 sites filled, but they can probably add 2 or 3 more.  Call Pioneer RV Park and make your reservations today.

See you there. 
VISIT HISTORIC DOWNTOWN QUINCY
BRANSON, MO   Mini Rally    September 25 - 30, 2017
East Meets West Joint Rally
Branson is an Ozark town in southwest Missouri known as a family vacation destination. Its 76 Country Boulevard is famously lined with theaters, which once hosted mostly country music performers but today present diverse entertainment. Also along the strip are the Marvel Cave, the Wild West-style Dolly Parton’s Dixie Stampede Dinner Attraction and Silver Dollar City, an 1800s-themed amusement park with live music.

LOCATION:  Branson Lakeside RV Park, 300 South Boxcar Willie Drive, Branson, MO 65616 (located right on the White river, also called Lake Taneycomo -  you can Trout fish from the edge of the park)
HOSTS:  Jim and Marnie Weidmaier
RESERVATIONS & CONTACT:  All inquiries and reservations should to be directed to Jim at jmweid@att.net or (816) 262-9638 to eliminate double booking or confusion.
SITES RESERVED:  Since 18 spots have already been booked (Eastern Club 13 - Western Club 5), Jim has increased our number of sites to 36. The first 28 will be together, and the remaining 8, if needed, will be scattered around the park. 
COST:  The daily rate for the 5 days of the rally is $26. If someone wants to come early or stay over the rate is $35.36 per day, but if you stay 6 days the 7th is free. Payable in full on arrival. Jim will be making a small deposit per site, so be prepared to give him $10 when you arrive.
DEADLINE:  August 15, 2017 

It's been five years since our last Branson Joint Rally and we're really excited to be returning. It will be a great opportunity to meet Chinookers from the Eastern Club. The Weidmaier's will provide a van to help move members to their points of interest and will also arrange transportation and tickets if the group agrees on a venue.   ( See below for the proposed attractions for the Western Club.) 

Check out all that's available in Branson:  http://www.explorebranson.com/ (Once you've looked over the home page and "Exploring Branson" map, select the "Things to Do" link.)

Don't miss out - contact Jim today to make sure you get a spot!

Two PROPOSED ATTRACTIONS for the Western Club
Dolly Parton's Dixie Stampede Dinner Show
The World's Most Visited Dinner Attraction, Dixie Stampede in Branson presents it's most high-spirited adventure ever. This year see "Canine Capers," an action-packed exhibition of "man's best friends"! This stunt dog relay event includes Fly-Ball racing, agility course, and high jump in an exciting head-to-head competition. "Canine Capers" features all rescue animals, specifically trained and guaranteed to please the dog lover in you.

Dixie Stampede's 32 magnificent horses and cast of top-notch riders will thrill you with daring feats of trick riding and competition. Experience the Stampede of the Buffalo, hilarious racing pigs, fan favorite competitions, and a Grand Patriotic Finale of red, white and blue.

All of the pageantry is proudly served with a fabulous four-course feast. Dixie Stampede is Branson's Most Fun Place to Eat!
Dinner Cruise and Show on the Showboat Branson Belle

You'll cruise Table Rock Lake by authentic paddle wheel boat for a nostalgic time that will hearken back to the popular entertainment boats that once frequented the Mississippi River. You'll begin your Branson Belle experience with an energetic emcee as he shares interesting facts and stories about the performances you'll see throughout the cruise, and even the Branson Belle itself, as you begin to enjoy your meal. After dining, you'll have the chance to explore the Branson Belle and take in the sights of Table Rock Lake from the outer decks. Then, it will be back inside to enjoy a rollicking good time of entertainment featuring music, dancing, and comedy.

On the dinner cruise, you will be able to enjoy a delicious meal while taking in the amazing performances of Rhythm (the fastest feet of the Mississippi), Cassandre Faimon-Haygood, one of Branson's finest singers, and The ShowMen host, Christopher James.
WATSONVILLE, CA (14th Annual Rally)
November 8 - 12, 2017
Monterey Bay is the hub of many activities and fun places to visit! The Santa Cruz KOA is based in the center, making it the perfect base camp for our 2017 Annual Rally!

LOCATION:  Santa Cruz/Monterey Bay KOA, 1186 San Andreas Rd Watsonville, CA 95076
HOSTS:  Bob and Debbie Shetland
RESERVATIONS & CONTACT:  Bob Shetland at bshetland2@gmail.com or (949) 300-6390
SITES RESERVED:  20 
COST:  $180.00 ($45.00 per night) + TBD for Excursions
Send check for $180 made out and payable to:  Bob Shetland, 28402 Daroca, Mission Viejo, CA 92692
DEADLINE: October 7, 2017
ACTIVITIES:  Annual Meeting and Dinner plus other activities TBD

This is our annual meeting, and we need lots of you there to participate.  Contact Bob to reserve your spot now.

Hope to see you there!

HISTORIC MONTEREY - CANNERY ROW AND FISHERMANS WHARF
If you're up for taking a 32-mile trip south, this is worth a visit. Once the heart of Monterey's canning industry, Cannery Row is now a bustling shopping area. There are more than 150 stores located along the six-block stretch of Cannery Row between Reeside and David Avenue. Fishermans Wharf is lined with seafood restaurants, fish markets, art galleries, specialty shops, candy stores, and a theater, as well as fishing, diving, sight-seeing and whale-watching charter and tour companies.
www.canneryrow.com/
SANTA CRUZ BEACHES
The KOA is located just under 1 mile from Manresa State Beach. Miles of sand, park lands and bike paths extend the length of Santa Cruz County. Watch the fishing boats bring in the daily catch and enjoy fresh crab and San Francisco Sourdough. Enjoy some BBQ'd oysters, a local's favorite! Waterfront restaurants and souvenir shopping are available up and down the coast.  
www.santacruz.com

CAPITOLA VILLAGE
Just 9 miles away, Capitola Village is dotted with unique boutiques and gift shops as well as dozens of intimate dining hideaways and ocean view restaurants.
www.capitolavillage.com

LOCAL WINE TASTING
Lots of local wineries to visit, including Alfaro Family Vineyards & Winery, which was voted "Best Local Winery" four years by Good Times Magazine readers' poll. Open Saturdays from 12:00 to 5:00 pm all year.
http://www.alfarowine.com/
Chinook RV Club
Vehicle Name Plaques Available
     Available to Members for Just $35.00  
These plaques are durable engraved plastic, so they will not fade or wear out, and come with a chain to hang on your Chinook. Club members proudly display them at rallies to identify their coaches.

To order send your check for $35 directly to Barbara Jensen, 1255 S. Sandy Hill Drive, West Covina, CA 91791. Include the names as you would like them displayed on the plaque, including your city, state. 
  Club Officers 2016
President:
      Bob Shetland     bshetland2@gmail.com
V. P. Membership:
     Dave Shehane     dshehane@gmail.com
V. P. Rallies:
      Debbie Shetland    debbieshetland@gmail.com
Provisional Secretary:
      Patsy Shehane     pashehane@gmail.com 
Treasurer:
      Mary Coleman     maryccoleman@hotmail.com
Member-At- Large:
      Barbara Jensen     (626) 919-0751
Immediate Past President:
      Dave Shehane     dshehane@gmail.com
Other Club Positions
Webmaster:
      Dave Shehane     webmaster@chinookrvclub.com
Editor:
      Debbie Shetland     debbieshetland@gmail.com
Club Historian:
      Margie Froess     marjoriefroess@gmail.com

 
     PURPOSE: This Club (Chinook RV Club) exists to promote social, recreational & informational exchange activities that provide for the enjoyment and pleasurable use of all its members. Our club functions primarily in the western and central US, although it is open to qualified members from the Eastern club (Chinook Camping Club).
     DUES : Our dues are $35.00/year. Our fiscal and membership year is October 1 through September 30. Prompt payment not only helps Treasurer in budgeting expenses, but also helps the V.P. Membership to produce our Membership Directory. Please advise V.P. Membership of any changes in e-mail and mailing addresses.