We feel sorry for all those members who missed out on this great kick-back
rally held in Quincy, CA. at the Pioneer RV park. We had 16 Chinook coaches
participating, ranging from 1990 to 2005 models.
Festivities started Thursday at 5pm, with a "meet and greet" social
in the clubhouse. Beverages and appetizers were provided by the club, and
hosted by the rally organizers, Kathy Bailey, Jan Olmsted, James and
Janice Still. This lasted well into the night, and we don't think
anyone had to cook that night.
The next morning, bright and early at 10 am, we all met in the clubhouse to
hear a presentation by Sarah, from the Quincy Chamber of
Commerce. She covered things to see and do in Quincy and the
surrounding area. She brought brochures, maps and a wealth of information
about the town.
We were free until 12:30, when a walking tour of the Quincy Lumber Mill (owned by Sierra Pacific
Industries) was available, and most eagerly went. The mill was just behind
the RV park and we all walked to it. It is one of the few active lumber
mills left in California, and employs
about 150 locals. They are currently only handling logs greater than 18"
in diameter. We all obediently donned the hard hats, safety glasses and ear
plugs they provided. The tour was narrated and guided by one of the mill's
officers. We were all awed by the amount of work, and steps
needed to get from a log to kiln dried finished lumber. The amount of lumber
produced here is staggering.
The tour lasted until about 2:30, and about an hour after we got back to the RV
Park, we were treated to a thunderstorm, lightening, showers and
hail. This lasted for a little more than an hour. As soon as it
passed by, we all peeked out of our RV's, looked at the sky, decided it
was now safe, and carried on with preparations for the potluck scheduled for 6
pm.
The potluck proved to be a real treat, with many special dishes provided by our
great co-pilots and culinary wizards.
Jerry Earley provided projector and showed some pictures of a
recent Alaska Trip by Mike and Margie Froess. After eating, we ended
up outside for further visiting until after 10pm.
Saturday, starting at 8am, we were treated to coffee and donuts in the clubhouse,
provided and served personally by the campground owners. The rest of the day we
were free to self tour the area. Some of us walked to town, did the
walking tour of historic homes or shopped in Quincy. Others went to
see the museum in Taylorsville that has a very extensive "world
class" display of minerals, both rough and carved into works of art.
Others went to see the railroad museum. Those
that didn't, relaxed at the RV park.
At 4:30 that afternoon, we all attended an impromptu potluck, and feasted
again. WOW, three days without having to cook dinner!
Saturday night, the fairgrounds, about 2 blocks away, were having races with
sprint cars, which some of the members went to attend.
Sunday morning, we said our good byes, and headed for home or in the case of
one couple, an extended trip to Newfoundland.!
Travel safely,and see you all
at Tahoe for the annual rally.