NWTFC High Desert Gathering
Pre-rally to the 109th FMCA Convention
August 9-12, 2024
Wagon Masters: Al & Elaine Zimmerman, Richard & Nancy Harris
19 RVs gathered at the Central Oregon KOA for the pre-rally to the Redmond FMCA international convention. We welcomed several Safari members who came for the pre-rally. Rally attendees came from Oregon, Washington, Texas, Utah, California, New Mexico, Florida, and Texas. Nancy Harris made the tables extra special with special table cloths and flowers.
The rally began with a potluck dinner on Friday. New friends were made and old acquaintances renewed. A special treat was cake and ice cream to celebrate the birthdays of Jeanette Block and Gary Cooper.
Saturday started with a hearty breakfast of pancakes, eggs, and sausage. Then it was off to see some unique sites for central Oregon. The first stop was the Crescent Moon Alpaca Ranch. Debbie, the owner, gave us a very informative introduction to life on an alpaca ranch. Alpacas came from Peru and no additional Alpacas can be imported. Some alpaca mothers were about to give birth, but the stork decided to stay away while we were at the farm. There was no admission charge, however bags of grain to feed the animals were $5, and who could resist feeding these fuzzy-faced, gentle animals.
Following lunch at a park, it was on to Petersen’s Rock Garden. Rasmus Petersen started the rock garden in 1935. He started with a small rock formation near his house. He eventually covered four acres with ponds, bridges, and castles – all built with rocks he acquired within 85 miles of his house. Petersen died in 1952, but the gardens are owned by family members.
Following a taco salad dinner, Gary Smith (moderator of Trek Tracks) shared some life experiences of RVing for more than 20 years.
Sunday started with a continental breakfast. People relaxed, played games, or explored the area. The catered dinner meal included pulled pork, baked beans, potato salad and brownies for dessert. The business meeting provided an opportunity to discuss the upcoming Redmond convention and details related to the caravan to the fairgrounds on Monday morning. Tony and Theresa Black were approved for membership. They own a Safari motorhome, but did look closely at a Trek. Both served in the US Army and live in Yelm, Washington which is SE of Olympia.
After a continental breakfast, the caravan of 12 coaches lined-up and began the journey to Redmond.
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Those attending the High Desert Gathering.
- Mike & Lynn Ashbridge – Oregon City, OR
- Tony & Theresa Black – Yelm, WA
- Ed & Jeanette Block – Vashon Island, WA
- Lee Buckley – Waldport, OR
- Andrew & Carol Callihoo – Weston Lakes, TX
- Gary & Irva Cooper – Poulsbo, WA
- Scott & Carolyn Carpenter – West Richland, WA
- Bob Edwards – Vancouver, WA
- Dick & Nancy Harris – Albany, OR
- Kolin & Deb Kettleson – St. George, UT
- Robert & Barb Henderson – Grants Pass, OR
- Jo Ruby – Lakebay, WA
- Duane & Kathy Klopfenstein – Scio, OR
- Robert & Linda Malseed – Albuquerque, NM
- Kerry Leyden & Meriel Ennik – Walnut Creek, CA
- Gary & Karen Smith – Debary, FL
- John & Marie Turner – Salem, OR
- Wojo & Kathleen Walczak – Lakebay, WA
- Al & Elaine Zimmerman – Coos Bay, OR