April 2014

No
T R A C K E R S
P R I N T S
TRACKER WEBSITE:
www.gstrackers.org
The newsletter is available on the website
FMCA CHAPTER
UPCOMING RALLIES
April 25 – 27, 2014
Silver Lakes RV Park
Helendale, CA
Host: Kitt/Carnes
May 30 – June 1, 2014
Camp James, Kernville, CA
Hosts: Bob & Debbie Golk
June 27 – 29, 2014
Wine Country RV, Paso Robles
Hosts: Tom & Dee Williams
WE’D LOVE TO HEAR YOUR IDEAS
FOR A RALLY; CALL
Evelyn Sweeney
760-241-7985
2014 OFFICERS
President – Don Marshall
760-245-8207
Vice President – Kathy Brennan
847-274-2872
Secretary - Nancy Carnes
Treasurer – Lynne Dery
Volume 8, Issue 4
President’s Message
Greetings Fellow Trackers,
As I sit here to write this message my fellow Trackers are at the rally in Buellton. They
are lodged at the Flying Flags RV Resort. This resort is one of the nicest venues in
which to have a rally. With Solvang within a few miles there are so many things to do
and see it could occupy the entire time of the rally. Unfortunately with the necessities
of life Judy and I were unable to attend. I contacted our Vice President Kathy Brennan
to advise her of my situation and as luck would have it she is out of state this week. I
am confident that with Buck and his wife Pat and Dave and Martha there is plenty of
experience to have a wonderful rally. I have contacted Buck to send a rally report,
which should be part of this newsletter.
In April Nancy Carnes and Bill Kitt host the Silver Lakes rally. The dates are Friday April
25 thru
April 27.
TheRV
complete
schedule
andThe
costdates
are also part of this newsletter.
President’s Message (. venue
is Flying
Flags
resort in
Buellton.
Several of our members are residents of Silver Lakes including Judy and I. This is a
Vice
Message
beautiful area
withPresident’s
the RV Park completely
refinished. There is water and 50 amps
Nat’l Director – Richard Hendershott
electric at each site. The only drawback is no sewer at each site. There is one
Alt.Nat’l. Director –
Kathy Brennan
dumping station in the park. I have used it on many occasions and never had to wait
Rally Master – Evelyn Sweeney
Web Master - Marty Robertson
more than a few minutes. If you care to stay a few extra days at the RV Park either at
Sunshine – Judy Marshall
the beginning or after it ends just call the RV Park at 760-245-7180 to make the
Newsletter Editor - Debbie Golk
Membershipadditional reservation. When you check-in be sure to advise of the additional days.
Diane & Marty Robertson
Volunteer Coordinator –
Buck Youngblood
Club Historian – Gloria Hendershott
PAGE 2
President’s Message (Con’t)
A few days ago I received an E-mail from Gale Hubert. In her note she explained that she has taken on a huge family
commitment which is taking up a majority of her time. She asked to be relieved as Co-Rally master. Of course I have
relieved her of her responsibilities. I wish to thank Gale for her dedicated work to the Trackers. She is a person that
takes her responsibilities very seriously and goes beyond what is required.
Drive Safely. We would like to see you all again.
Don Marshall
President
Vice President’s Message
Let me begin by saying I hope this finds all my GST family healthy, happy and enjoying safe travels.
Since Tom and I were unable to make the Buellton trip, we miss you one and all and are looking forward to catching up
in April in Silver Lakes. We did get some great pictures from Gloria and Pat reflecting the activities in Buellton and we
promise not to use them to blackmail anyone.
There's not much to report in my capacity as VP except that there is not much to report which is probably a good thing.
So until next time in the words of my pal Roy, "Happy trails to you, until we meet again."
Kathy Brennan
Vice President
Flying Flags Rally Report
Spring sure “Sprung” in Buellton. The Flying Flags Rally was fantastic, as any of the following attendees will attest: Dave
& Martha Waller (co-hosts), Buck & Pat Youngblood (co-hosts), Floyd & Gale Hubert, Richard & Gloria Hendershott, Bob
& Debbie Golk, Tom & Dee Williams, Don Boesch & Charlotte Ermolenko, Nanette Caldwell, Leo & Evelyn Sweeney, Jim
& Maureen Wheeler, and hopefully soon to be new Trackers Tim Hampton & Marina Harrison. The Flying Flags Park
itself is a top notch facility with extremely friendly and cooperative staff personnel who catered to our every request.
Two of the eleven rigs arrived Wednesday and took advantage of eating at the original Pea Soup Andersen’s just a block
from the park. Thursday saw four more rigs arrive and the twelve folks spread out that night to take advantage of fine
eateries such as the Hitchin’ Post less than a mile away. Super place but someone had too many Margaritas. The last
five rigs arrived Friday bringing the total to 11 rigs/21 people. Although the rally didn’t officially start until the Friday
evening Happy Hour, some did go down the street that morning to another very popular restaurant, Mother Hubbard’s,
for breakfast Friday. Everyone showed up for breakfast on time, right?
The official rally kicked off with the Friday Happy Hour that included wonderful Hors D’oeuvres provided and shared by
all attendees. The main event, the “50’s Sock Hop” started immediately afterward. It was held in one of the park’s
super club rooms with full kitchen and new wood floor. Kudos to Pat and Martha for the wonderful theme decorating,
and Buck and Dave for the heavy lifting. Special guests included James Dean, Elvis Presley and Marilyn Monroe. Many
Trackers wore period outfits and really got into the 50’s theme (see included pics). Best dressed couple went to Floyd
(what a nerd) and Gale who received a six pack of vintage coke. Best female went to Evelyn who won the hula hoop.
PAGE 3
Bob took home best male outfit and was awarded a bottle of spirits. 50’s music and videos played throughout the
event, they were “cool.”
Saturday opened with the full breakfast prepared and served up by Pat & Martha. Thanks Buck for the early coffee and
tracking down that electrical problem. After breakfast all 21 folks headed out in different directions to enjoy many of
the area attractions. Some went to Solvang just 4 miles away to enjoy the shops and great eats. Others visited the
Chumash Casino just a couple of miles past Solvang, the nearby miniature pony farm, Ostrich land along highway 246,
one of the wineries, or many other attractions within the Buellton area. Saturday was capped off by an out of this world
Italian Dinner catered through the park. The Lasagna, Pizza, Salad, Bread and Ice Cream drew rave reviews and all
leftovers quickly went back to the RVs. After dinner Charlotte won the first door prize which was a 50’s refrigerator
magnet, and Gloria won the second door prize which was a DVD of the 50’s classic “War of the Worlds.”
Sunday morning witnessed our farewell breakfast at Ellen’s Danish Pancake House just outside the Park. So popular it
was standing room only but we had the back room reserved to accommodate our attendees. Breakfast officially ended
the rally, but five rigs stayed Sunday night and eight Trackers took part in the 2nd Annual Buellton Wine and Chili Festival
held on the Park grounds. Highly recommend this event to all for next year. Twenty restaurants, twenty-five wineries,
two breweries and one distiller provided all the wine and beer you could drink plus all the chili, chips and other goodies
you could eat. Also included were a souvenir wine glass and wine glass neck lanyard, as well as a great tri-tip meal. A
band provided music and numerous vendors were there selling all sorts of items. Pets were also welcomed as part of a
very relaxing, enjoyable day. Flying Flags Buellton and the entire area gets a big Trackers “THUMBS UP!”
Dave, Martha, Buck & Pat
Thanks to our hosts:
Buck, Pat, Dave, Martha,
James Dean, Marilyn
Monroe and Elvis! You
did a great job!
And a BIG “Thank You” to the always
generous Trackers, who donated to the
Ridgecrest Women’s Shelter and Ridgecrest
Food Bank.
PAGE 4
Motley looking group
Saddle shoes were
the shoes d’jour
Chow line
PAGE 5
Enjoying Italian
food
Best dressed guy (Bob), gal (Evelyn) and couple
(Floyd & Gail)
PAGE 6
April Rally at Silver Lakes
Fri., Sat., Sun., April 25-27, 2014
27925 Helendale Rd., Helendale, CA 92342
760-245-7180
The April Rally will be held at the Silver Lakes RV Park located in beautiful Silver Lakes (AKA Helendale),
CA. between US Hwy 395 and National Trails Hwy (easily accessed from I-15). Two Route 66 Museums are
close-by, as well as the Desert Discovery Center, Mojave River Valley Museum and Western America Railroad
Museum. More info will be provided at the Rally.
Thursday evening: For early arrivals who want to try line-dancing as well as for our aficionados, there will be free linedancing at the Silver Lakes Clubhouse, at 7 pm.
Rally Schedule
Friday, April 25:
4:15 PM-- Happy hour.
5:15 PM-- We will caravan over to the Silver Lakes Inn for a “host provided” Italian/Fettuccine Pasta Buffet in
their Terrace Room. Coffee and Iced Tea are included. Alcoholic drinks and soda may be purchased.
After dinner we can enjoy Friday Karaoke, a popular weekly event located right outside the Terrace
Room. Everyone is welcome.
Saturday, April 26: 8AM--- Host provides hearty breakfast from Molly Brown’s Country Café at RV Park
Pavilion.
4:15 PM--Happy hour.
5:15 PM--We will caravan over to the China Full Moon Restaurant for a host provided Chinese buffet. Drinks
will be extra.
For those who enjoy live music, we can head back to Silver Lakes Inn for some music and dancing
beginning at 8 pm.
Sunday, April 27: 8AM--- Another hearty breakfast and fond farewells.
Non-Silver Lakes Property owners: Couples per rig: $123.00
Single person rig: $77.00
Silver Lakes property owners: Couples per rig: $93.00
For those arriving a day or two or three early, there should be plenty of room. Just call the RV Park at 760-2457180 and the cost will be $15/night.
Hosts: Nancy Carnes and Bill Kitt: 661-718-2868
Payment for this rally needs to be received by WEDNESDAY, APRIL 16 (hopefully, you’ll have some
money left over after paying taxes!)
----------------------------Cut here--------------------------------
Name _____________________________ # in party__________
Phone # ____________________ Payment Enclosed__________
Mail application & check to: Nancy Carnes, 40242 Jacinto Way, Palmdale, CA 93551
For more information or if you have any questions please call: 661-718-2868 or 661-400-7266.
PAGE 7
Enjoy camping by the mighty Kern River!
Join Golden State Trackers at Camp James in Kernville
May 30, 31 & June 1, 2014
A weekend of real camping (eating outdoors, campfires, etc.) awaits you up in Kernville. Join us at Camp
James (www.campjames.net). There are many things to see and do up there: fishing, hiking, white water
rafting and scenic drives to name a few. Camp James is a family RV park in a rustic setting along the
Kern River. There are plenty of shade trees so your satellite dish will probably not work however all
sites have cable TV. All sites also have water & electric (30 Amp) and the park has a dump station. We
will have 4 sites that also have sewer for those of you who can’t do without for a couple of days. These
will be assigned on a first-come, first served basis and they are $5 more per night. All sites are back-in.
The regular sites back up to the river while the full hook-up sites are across the way facing the river
sites.
All sites are also reserved for those arriving on Thursday so you won’t have to move on Friday (the park
will be full this time of year). Friday we have made arrangements for a private tour of the Kern River
Fish Hatchery & Museum (free but they do take donations) for those of us who are there.
The
remainder of the day you are on your own as we wait for the later arrivals. Friday evening we will meet
for Happy Hour and pot luck appetizers. Following this it will be time for a camp fire. If any of you can
bring firewood it would be a big help. I should note that mosquitoes are around in the evening but not
anything like Alaska. We have found that a Bounce dryer sheet tucked in your belt or hanging out of a
pocket will keep them away (and you will smell dryer fresh besides).
Saturday morning we will be serving a homemade breakfast. Afterwards you are free to explore the
area all day. May is the peak of the white water rafting season so if you are adventurous they have
short (about 30 minute) river rafting excursions going all day. We have also made arrangements to tour
the Kern Valley Museum (again, free) for those who are interested. Saturday evening we will have Happy
Hour and then a BYOM barbecue. We need everyone to bring side dishes as follows: A – F Salad, G – M
Side Dish, N – W Dessert. Afterwards it is time to sit around a campfire, relax and listen to the river.
PAGE 8
Sunday morning we will caravan over to a local favorite restaurant for breakfast. Following breakfast it
will be time to say good-byes and hit the road unless you wish to stay another night.
Basic cost for the rally is $90 per rig (2 nights camping + Saturday breakfast). We have 15 spaces
reserved (4 with sewer @ $5 more per night, call us for availability) so RSVP early. If you wish to arrive
on Thursday and/or stay until Monday you need to check the days on the registration form and add the
fees accordingly. We will coordinate your days with the park so you need not call them.
Directions to Camp James:
From where ever you are you want to get to Hwy 14 and head north. When you get to the junction
of Hwy 178, turn left and head west towards Lake Isabella. You will stay on 178 for 35 miles, up
over Walker Pass, past Onyx, then Weldon. Watch for the sign for Kernville on your right. Turn
right on Sierra Way.
This road will take you around the north side of Lake Isabella and into
Kernville. When you reach Kernville continue on straight past town and when you descend the hill
past the Whispering Pines resort watch for the entrance to Camp James on your left.
When you arrive be sure and tell them you are with the Golden State Trackers when you check in
at the office. We will be to your left after you pass through the gate.
Note:
Hwy 178 out of Bakersfield may look shorter for some of you but it is a tight, winding
road with tight curves and overhanging rock that you may hit with your rig. Best to go around to
Hwy 14 and up.
____________________________________cut and mail reservation________________________________
May Golden State Trackers Campout
Reservation form
Need commitment (form, phone or e-mail) by May 15th so we can finalize with the park
Name_________________________________# in party________________
Phone #____________________
Days at rally:
Thurs
Fri
Full hook-up (sewer)? Call us first!
Sat
Sun
No___
Yes____
Total (@ $40 per night) _______
Add $5 per night_______
Tour Fish Hatchery/Museum? (Fri) Yes____ No____
Free
Tour Kern Valley Museum? (Sat)
Free
Yes_____ No_____
Food:
$10
Total________
Make check payable to Robert Golk and send to: 21100 Brentwood Drive, Tehachapi, CA, 93561. Call Robert or Debbie
with any questions at 661-822-0920 or e-mail at [email protected]
PAGE 9
June Rally at Wine Country RV in Paso Robles
2500 Airport Road, Paso Robles, CA
27 -29 June 2014
June 26th
Thursday,
Arrive Early $44 (Weekday) Arrive after 2PM
June 27th
Friday
8:30am Bloody Mary's and coffee etc.
Socialize and so forth. On your own until 4:30pm
4:30pm Cocktails and stories by any of our great story tellers
5:30pm (in consideration of folks getting a late start and having to travel the extra
distance to Paso Robles)
Bring your favorite heavy Hors D'0euvre to share. After dinner games can be played
for those feeling lucky.
June 28th
Saturday
8:30am Bloody Mary's and coffee etc.
9:00am Breakfast consisting of eggs, hash browns, sausage, biscuits and gravy
On your own to visit Wineries or other sites as desired. There is lots of stuff to do in this
area.
ORRRRR....you can laze around and do nothing. Pool will be open.
4:00pm Cocktails and getting ready for the best Chili Cook Off possible.
5:00pm Chili Cook off.....Those wishing to participate should bring a (serve 6-8 people) pot
of their best stuff for tasting and then have for all to enjoy with dinner.
Prizes for 1st, 2nd, 3rd voted on by members and guests present. Ties will be broken by
the "Great Chili Dude from Texas" (TW)
5:30pm BBQ dinner with homemade coleslaw, potato salad, AND hamburgers/
cheeseburgers as well as the "soon to be" World Famous (well...our little world)
Golden State Trackers Chili. Dessert will be pies (regular and sugar free).
June 29th
Sunday
8:00am Bloody Mary's and coffee etc.
8:30am Continental Breakfast of coffee, donuts and bagels with cream cheese.
Hugs and fond farewells for those leaving on Sunday. Check out time is Noon.
PLEASE REGISTER IN ADVANCE. Make checks out to Tom or Dee Williams. Please send the fee of $135 for the rally. This
includes Friday and Saturday night camping, Saturday Breakfast and Sunday Continental Breakfast as well as Saturday
Dinner and Chili Cook Off. Please send the rally fee and the registration form below to 2761 Georgette Place, Simi
Valley, CA 93063. Any questions please call home: 805-583-1654 or cell phone from Thursday to Sunday 805-368-2500.
PAGE 10
Please advise of your attendance to this event by May 15th to ensure your spot. Late registrations possible on a first
come/first served basis per the Park Management. There is NO extra charge for dogs or for extra people.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Name of Member or Guest_____________________________Phone Numbers____________________________
Length and type of coach ______________________________Number in Party____________________________
Expected Arrival day/time________________________________ Chili Participant YES
NO
PAGE 12
THE BACK PAGE
APRIL CELEBRATIONS
BIRTHDAYS
ANNIVERSARIES
Don Marshall - 4/1
Doug & Judy Key - 4/24/82
Joanne Wells - 4/3
Tom & Dee Williams - 4/24/76
Bill Grove - 4/6
Floyd & Gale Hubert - 4/24/04
Mel Berry - 4/8
Doug Key - 4/16
Charlotte Ermolenko - 4/21