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Happy Thanksgiving to all our members!
Sadly, we only had one Rally this year, at Lake Pleasant, AZ, due to the Covid-19 pandemic. I’ve been keeping up to date on progress on when a vaccine will become available, but from what I’ve been reading it won’t be widely available until sometime next year.
We do have a full schedule of rallies planned for 2021, and we hope many of you will want to participate. It will be challenging to attend a rally under COVID conditions, but be assured we are planning to keep all of us safe with strict adherence to all local and prevailing standards at the planned rallies.
We will be hosting our 2020 Annual Meeting and Elections via Zoom, details will be forthcoming soon. In preparation, we're offering some small group and individual training to get some practice before the big meeting. We want to make sure all our club members have the ability to attend. You can simply reply to this newsletter to let us know if you would like to participate in some Zoom training.
WELCOME NEW MEMBERS
It’s my privilege to welcome lots of new members to the club. Thank you so very much for joining, and we hope to see you at future rallies!
- Suzanne Ramirez - Coronado, CA
- Jan Pavia and John Colabella - Lomita, CA
- Mike and Sue Bonnet - Coupeville, WA
- Dan and Emily King - Tucson, AZ
- Christian and Alicia Fournier - Thousand Oaks, CA
- Kenneth and Carmen Ronquillo - Albuquerque, NM
- Jim and Andrew Schroeder - Carrollton TX
- Teena and Robert Strickland - Bakersfield, CA
~ Bob Shetland, President
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Almost everyone has sent in their dues. While we do allow a short "grace period" we hate to lose any member. Please, send your dues in right away if you have not done so. Thank you!!!! If you have forgotten whether you paid or not, just email Dave at dshehane@gmail.com.
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UPCOMING RALLIES SNAPSHOT |
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ALL NEW RALLY SCHEDULE!!!!! |
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17th Annual Meeting 2020 - Via Zoom TBA
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Casa Grande, AZ - In March 1, Out March 4, 2021 - Since the Hank Raymond Lodge is no longer allowing RV rallies, we have a new location: Fiesta Grande RV Resort, Fiesta Grande Website, hosted by Mary & Bob Coleman. Reservation Deadline: DECEMBER 20,2020 (see article)
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Quincy, CA - NEW DATES: In May 13, Out May 16, 2021 - Pioneer RV Park, http://pioneerrvpark.com/, hosted by Debbie & Bob Shetland. (see article)
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Canyonville, OR - NEW DATES: In July 15, Out July 18, 2021 - Seven Feathers RV Resort, http://www.sevenfeathersrvresort.com/, hosted by Debbie & Bob Shetland. (see article)
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Heber City, UT (18th Annual) - NEW DATES: In September 19, Out September 23, 2021 - Mountain Valley RV Resort, https://mountainvalleyrv.com, hosted by Sue & David DeMartini. Reservation Deadline: January 10, 2021 (see article)
Please Consider Hosting a Rally in 2022
Contact me at debbieshetland@gmail.com
I'll send you a checklist, walk you through it, and help you along the way.
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I want to send a Big Thank You out to Marc Boswell for doing this great writeup about the trip he and his wife Diana took at the end of September!
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As the pandemic, wildfires, economy, epic heat wave and political hub-bub relentlessly grinds on, our level of isolation, confinement and dread becomes palpable. All our local hangouts are either closed or limited, our favorite spots in the mountains are ablaze, and the coast is burdened with smoke. My work in the hospital is depressing, the heat wave sucks, and the grand kids don’t come by. We’re in desperate need of a double slice of normal with a scoop of fun alamode. We decided it’s time to make a break! So, with the guards asleep in the tower, and without much of a plan, we hastily loaded our little “Highway Hilton” and make our escape. Up the great Central Valley, through Sacramento, Auburn and over Donner Pass. As we clear the summit, the smoke begins to relent, skies become blue as the majesty of the Great Basin spreads below. We start to feel almost normal.
We have friends in Idaho, so we thought we’d head that way. After about 10 hours on the road, we made it to Elko Nevada, a rapidly growing and changing mining and ranching city historically famous for two things one of which is its Basque community and restaurants. We’re ready to stop, finding and find a quiet spot and spent the night. The inky blue-black sky was dark with plenty of stars to keep us company. The morning is clear and cool and after coffee we started out. Through Nevada, Utah and into Idaho we roll. Taking only two-lane roads (where possible) we wandered through the high desert passing the northern shore of the Great Salt Lake. We (me) miss-navigated and accidentally selected a gravel road that turned out to be just great, beautiful scenery, but I did wonder about a breakdown with no cell service and I’ve never changed a tire on this rig, hummm...maybe I should get the jack out and figure where to put it before my next ride…but no problems. We spent an hour plus this road and didn’t see another car, a few deer, lots of cows, but no cars. We reached our friends place some 7 hours later (a direct route would take maybe 4).
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Maintaining a perfunctory semblance of social distancing and face covering we had a pleasant visit and shared a sip or maybe even two of a good bourbon I have stashed down by the safe for just such an occasion.
Our friend’s place is about two hours from Yellowstone by the most direct route, but decide to take a more circuitous route, winding through the bucolic Idaho countryside, passing processing plants, houses, farms, and mostly harvested fields. The lack of people and structures is notable. It is hard to fathom the relatively small population of the area. We reach the south gate of the Park almost 6 hours later. We camp outside the park and have a nice dinner and yes another wee dram of my bourbon, and watched a Netflix movie and snuggled up for a 18 degree night. I was having trouble with the heater before we left, but our little heater worked just great. We got into the park early and enjoyed all the usual “big 8 sights”, Artist Point, Midway Geyser, Yellowstone River Falls, Yellowstone Lake, and of course Old Faithful. We saw our share of buffalo, elk, and even a brown bear. We found a really nice picnic area in the park and had a great lunch. A ranger tells us that the park is unusually busy for this time of year… I guess other inmates decided to make a break as well…
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After a hard day of sight-seeing we opted to find a restaurant for dinner, although we have food enough to support a small army on maneuvers…but still it’s nice to go sit down at a restaurant. This being Montana, a big steak is almost required, and I’m not one to buck the system. We found a spot, “Bullwinkle’s” a short walk from our RV camp where I had an unbelievably tasty 14 oz tomahawk buffalo steak, simply just divine. After a lingering dinner, which included a few drinks, it’s back to the rig for the night. Nighttime temperatures dropped to 16 degrees, a far cry from our hometown low temps of 70!
Up at 6:00 we decide to start heading back to Fresno. The plan is to take a leisurely drive and stop somewhere near Winnemucca Nevada, which is about 8 hours into a 16-hour drive. Heading out of Montana through Idaho we enjoyed a great ride and beautiful countryside. We stopped at the Snake River gorge and have a bite and “keep on truckin’”. We have recently upgraded the suspension a bit with “sumo springs” new shocks, tires and brakes as well as a thorough tune-up. The big V-10 with the Banks System just wants to run, comfortable and secure even in the cross winds, we’re cruising at about 80 mph and getting 10-11 mpg! At Winnemucca, we’re still feeling good and there is lots of daylight left so we push on a little further. Having a snack and a cold diet coke as we’re chasing the setting sun. Following the Carson River through the canyon, Reno now appears with the grandeur of the Sierra as a backdrop. I’m not tired, so what the hell, we keep going, back over Donner summit, and down into Sacramento. Well, hell, by now we’re only two and a half hours from home, so…1,200 miles, 4 states and 15 hours we’re home and Bonus…we missed the debate (guess we’ll have to go next week too)!
We were so impressed with the performance of the Chinook, cruising, hill climbing, parking and the sleeping comfort. Although this was an unplanned trip and shorter than we thought, we had a delightful time in our little rig. So, if you’re like us and are getting a little stir-crazy, the road is open, gas is cheap, and the weather is great.
~ Marc Boswell
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Want to share an interesting and fun Chinook travel experience?
Forward your short write-ups on some of the great trips you've taken in your Chinooks to
debbieshetland@gmail.com -- and don't forget some photos!
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What the heck is a "Flash Rally"? |
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Just an Informal Get-Together
Just let me know where you're going to be and when. I'll let the membership know in case anyone would like to join you. That's just about it. You don't have to organize anything, and everyone makes their own arrangements.
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December 20, 2020 DEADLINE
for Reservations!
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CASA GRANDE, AZ Mini Rally
In March 1 (Mon.) - Out March 4 (Thurs.), 2021
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This fun and friendly, age-qualified (55+) RV resort in Casa Grande is centrally located between Phoenix and Tucson. Fiesta Grande RV Resort offers all kinds of amenities to ensure a comfortable and relaxing stay, including two heated swimming pools, a jacuzzi, lounging area, an inviting dance floor, an extensive lending library, eight shuffleboard courts, eight horseshoe pits, a pool hall with six tables, and ample card rooms. The park is located within easy walking distance of grocery stores, banks, restaurants, and several shopping centers such as Walmart and Home Depot.
The park has put in place enhanced health and safety measures intended to reduce the spread of COVID-19. Guests must adhere to all property rules, as well as all health advisories issued by relevant governmental and health authorities, relating to COVID-19 social distancing and hygiene practices during their stay.
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LOCATION: Fiesta Grande RV Resort, 1511 East Florence Blvd Casa Grande, AZ 85122
HOSTS: Mary and Bob Coleman, maryccoleman@hotmail.com, 602-558-4315.
SITES RESERVED: 15
CONTACT & RESERVATIONS: Attendees MUST make reservations no later than DECEMBER 20, 2020. FOR RESERVATIONS FOR FIESTA GRANDE RALLY PLEASE CALL KELSEY AT 1-844-289-6234 BY DEC 20. SHE WILL BE IN THE OFFICE THIS WEEK WED AND SAT AND NEXT WEEK TUES THRU SAT. TELL HER YOU ARE WITH THE CHINOOK RV CLUB RALLY HOSTED BY MARY AND BOB COLEMAN. THE CLUB HAS SITES 500-515. THE HOSTS ARE IN SITE 500 - PLEASE BOOK IN ORDER IN CASE WE DON'T FILL ALL THE SITES.
ALL SITES ARE FULL HOOKUP AND PULL THRU. WIFI IS ONLY AVAILABLE IN THE BALLROOM AND LAUNDRY AREAS. PLEASE E-MAIL MARY AT MARYCCOLEMAN@HOTMAIL.COM AFTER YOU RESERVE WITH YOUR SITE NUMBER. WHEN YOU RECEIVE YOUR RESERVATION CONFIRMATION, CHECK OUT THE LINKS ON THE RESERVATION.
DEPOSIT: $56.00 FULL REFUND IF CANCELED BY DEC 30.
TOTAL COST: $151.20 (Total amount may not include taxes and applicable resort fees.)
~ Mary Coleman
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QUINCY, CA Mini Rally
NEW DATES:
In May 13 (Thurs.) - Out May 16 (Sun.), 2021
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Come, enjoy and relax in the pines at the Pioneer RV Park. Do lots or do nothing! Located between Lassen National Park and beautiful Lake Tahoe, Pioneer RV Park is only 70 miles from Reno, Nevada. It is nestled in the heart of the Sierra Nevada Mountains in a relaxed natural setting that is far from railroad or highway noise.
From scenic drives like the Feather River Scenic Byway to hiking, fishing, golf, museums and shopping, you'll love this Sierra Nevada RV location. Enjoy lake & stream fishing, boating & jet skiing (rentals available at nearby Lake Almanor or Bucks Lake). For hikers, the Pacific Crest Trail is right nearby, plus biking, horseback riding & fun spots to OHV. Nearby Graeagle offers golf courses for all skill levels.
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The park is also 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. |
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LOCATION: Pioneer RV Park, 1326 Pioneer Rd, Quincy, CA 95971
HOSTS: Debbie & Bob Shetland
SITES RESERVED: 15
COST: 2021 Rates are not available at this time.
We love this area so much that we've already had a number of rallies here. The park is peaceful and beautiful. The clubhouse is a great gathering place, but if it is closed due to COVID-19 we will gather near the host site and follow social distancing guidelines.
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CANYONVILLE, OR Mini Rally
NEW DATES:
In July 13 (Thurs.) - Out July 18 (Sun.), 2021
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Seven Feathers RV Resort is a quiet and pristine place in the heart of beautiful Southern Oregon, located at Exit 99 off the I-5. In the "Land of Umpqua" it is nestled in a canyon of Douglas Fir and Pines where their fragrance lingers long after quiet hours.
It is a beautiful park with well spaced sites, level concrete pads with patios , and 23 acres of manicured lawns and lush landscaping. There's a heated pool and hot tub, fitness center, family-style showers and restrooms, golf packages, guest lounge, gift gallery, 24-hour Seven Feathers Truck Stop with grocery, deli/ice cream (both within walking distance), a garden walk along Jordan Creek, and shuttle service to the Seven Feathers Hotel & Casino Resort across the street. Check out the resort Site Map. |
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LOCATION: Seven Feathers RV Resort, 325 Quintioosa Drive, Canyonville, Oregon 97417 (from I -5, exit 99)
HOSTS: Debbie and Bob Shetland
SITES RESERVED: 15
RESERVATIONS & CONTACT: Contact Debbie Shetland at debbieshetland@gmail.com or (949) 300-5231. If you wish to come earlier and/or stay later, please let me know, so I can see if the park can accommodate. Outside of rally dates, regular camping fees will apply, but they do offer discounts for Good Sam, Family Motor Coach, AAA, AARP, Senior, Active or Non active Military.
DEPOSIT: 2021 Rates are not available at this time. The deposit will include first night stay plus a portion of the Barbeque Pavilion rental cost.
ADDITIONAL COST: When you check in, you will be charged for the remaining two nights at and pay for any extra nights.
DEADLINE: Deposit due by June 15th.
ACTIVITIES: TBD
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HEBER CITY, UT (18th Annual)
NEW DATES (as reported in
"Heber City, UT Rally Update"):
In September 19 (Sun.) - Out September 23 (Thurs.), 2021
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Mountain Valley RV Resort, located in beautiful Heber City, Utah, is one of the finest RV resorts in the Western United States and the highest rated park in Utah with a 10/10/10 Good Sam rating. The resort is just off HWY 40 in Heber City, located in Northern Utah just 45 minutes east of Salt Lake City, 20 minutes south of I-80 (Park City) and 30 minutes east of I-15 (Orem). It is sheltered by the stunning Rocky Mountains of the beautiful Heber Valley that is home to blue ribbon fishing on the Provo River and over 90 holes of championship golf.
The resort has two swimming pools (one for families and one for adults), two pickleball courts, basketball, volleyball, shuffleboard, and a dog park. It also has a new clubhouse featuring conference room with kitchen, small game room, indoor/outdoor fireplace, exercise room, large foyer with large screen TV and pool table.
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We are all set for our Annual Rally at Mountain Valley RV Resort in Heber City, Utah. Our group has 20 sites reserved. Our sites are P 1-9 and P 12-22.
Attendees MUST make reservations no later than January 10th, 2021 as their sites are now booking one year in advance. Each attendee will request a rig site and pay a deposit of $63.49 under their own profile. Total stay will be $253.96. Each site will be reserved in their name. They will need to give our name: David and Sue DeMartini as hosts under Chinook RV Club when they call in their reservation.
Any sites not claimed by January10th will drop off our reservation and will be given to whomever then requests a reservation, putting strangers in our midst. I know it seems early to make a reservation but they say times have changed dramatically and RVing has become extremely popular....they are completely booked a year in advance!
Let’s hope we are all free to enjoy some of our past travel experiences. It will be such a treat to see old friends!
~ Sue DeMartini
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LOCATION: Mountain Valley RV Resort, 2120 South Hwy 40, Heber City, UT 84032
HOSTS: Sue and David DeMartini
SITES RESERVED: 20
RESERVATIONS: Call Mountain Valley RV Resort at 435-657-6100 to reserve your site under your name and pay the deposit. Ask to be put close to sites already filled by our group, so we can be close together in case we don't fill all our spaces. Tell them that David and Sue DeMartini are the hosts under Chinook RV Club. Please notify David and Sue when you've made your reservation: dpd17@aol.com.
DEADLINE: January 10, 2021
CANCELLATION POLICY: Deposits are refundable minus a $10 cancellation fee if reservation is canceled at least 8 days prior to the scheduled arrival date. If you cancel within the 8 days of your arrival you forfeit the deposit amount. No-shows will be charged full rental charges for time reserved.
DEPOSIT: $63.49
TOTAL COST: $253.96
EXCURSION: TBD
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To Join the Chinook RV Club Facebook Page |
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Our Facebook Page is private and hidden, so if you haven't already joined, there's a little process you need to follow:
- If a club member wants to join our club's FB page they must first be signed up with Facebook.
- I can only send invitations to FB Friends, so send me a friend request.
- I will then issue an invitation to the club's FB page, which the member must accept to complete the process.
- Then, I will “unfriend” the member in my personal FB account. Please do not take this as a slight! Our friendship will still exist at the Chinook RV Club page, but there is no telling if our social media preferences align, and I do not want to take a chance that our individual preferences would in any way endanger our Chinook related relationship!
~ Dave Shehane, V.P. Membership and Webmaster
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Club Google Folder and the Online Directories |
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~ Dave Shehane, VP Membership
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Chinook History Since 1938 |
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First Generation
1971 Chinook 18 Plus
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Second Generation
1988 Chinook Concourse 18+
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Third Generation
1998 Chinook Concourse XL
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THE CHINOOK SONG (OPUS THREE) by Al Enriquez 9/17/2003
(Sung to the tune of On Top of Old Smokey)
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WE ARE HAPPY RV'ERS
WE SELDOM GET SHOOK
AND OF ALL OUR POSSESSIONS
WE LOVE OUR CHINOOK
WE TRAVEL THE HIGHWAYS
WITH NO CARES TO BEAR
WHEN WE STOP AND HOOK-UP
MOST PEOPLE STARE
THEY GATHER AROUND
TO ADMIRE OUR RIG
WE ASK THEM INSIDE
IF THEY'RE NOT TOO BIG
REFRAIN
WE'VE TRAVELED THE COUNTRY
AND WHEREVER WE ROAM
IN OUR TWENTY-ONE FOOTER
WE NEVER MISS HOME
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WE GO EAST AND WEST
NORTH AND SOUTH TOO
WE FACE HILLS AND MOUNTAINS
THEY'RE EASY TO DO
WITH ONLY TWO SEATS
IT IS QUITE A THRILL
TO NOT HAVE TO WORRY
IF GRANDKIDS ARE STILL
TRAILWAGONS GO FORWARD
KEEP CHINOOKS WITH ZEST
FOR AS LONG AS WE'RE ABLE
WE'LL BE DRIVING THE BEST!
WE ARE HAPPY RV'ERS
WE SELDOM GET SHOOK
AND OF ALL OUR POSSESSIONS
WE LOVE OUR CHINOOK
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Chinook RV Club Vehicle Name Plaques Available |
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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.
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Club Officers 2019-2020
President:
Bob Shetland bshetland2@gmail.com
V. P. Membership:
Dave Shehane dshehane@gmail.com
V. P. Rallies:
Debbie Shetland debbieshetland@gmail.com
Secretary:
Patsy Shehane pashehane@gmail.com
Treasurer:
Mary Coleman maryccoleman@hotmail.com
Co-Members-at-Large:
Dale Frank dale.frank@centurytel.net and Jane Earley earleyjane@gmail.com
Immediate Past President:
Dave Shehane dshehane@gmail.com
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Other Club Positions
Webmaster:
Dave Shehane webmaster@chinookrvclub.com
Editor:
Debbie Shetland debbieshetland@gmail.com
Club Historian:
TBD
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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.
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