Siuslaw Rally Report – June 2026
Ed and I, Duane and Kathy Klopfenstein (our fabulous co wagon masters) arrived at Woahink Lake RV Park near Florence OR on Wednesday, June 10. We all shared some hugs and started to get things set up for the rally. Duane and Kathy did beat us there and already had the tables arranged. I made some burlap bows to hold the tablecloths in place which were a big improvement over the clips I used last time. Kathy brought some lovely flowers and bowls of candies to decorate the tables. The rest of the group started arriving at Woahink Lake RV Park Thursday June 11 in the early afternoon and found that the parking spots were really nice with plenty of privacy as well as place for chairs to be set up. The weather was nice and warm – very comfortable. So far, so good! Many were out walking dogs and seeing old and new friends. At 3:30 pm we gathered at my house for snacks, welcome bags, and chats. Thus began our rally.
All the breakfasts and dinners were well received and no one left hungry. The Swim Biscuits were a big hit. They will be a staple at my rallies. I decided to see how well we knew our fellow club members. Most attendees sent me a baby picture of themselves. I put up those pictures on the wall with no names, just a number. There was much discussion and studying of the baby faces over the next days of the rally. The reveal was on the last day. I thought it was great fun.
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Day 2 Friday June 12, many of the group had signed up for the Dune Buggy ride over the Oregon Dunes. It was exciting and some got pictures while others had their eyes shut on some of it. This was our Taco Bar dinner night and Al and Elaine Zimmerman joined us. It was so wonderful to have them with us. They’d love to stay in touch, so feel free to call or email them. The activity after dinner was horse racing which was enjoyed by all. Josh Letts was the grand prize winner.
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Day 3 Saturday June 13, started with Ed setting up Al’s stoves to cook the French toast. Even though he had fired them up at home before we left to make sure they were working properly they refused to light. After many attempts it was time to move to plan B. We took the griddle tops inside and put them on the stove in the clubhouse. It worked out fine but made quite the mess. The afternoon activity was a short trip to Darlingtonia State Natural Site to see some insect eating plants. It was quite hot and afterwards, John Turner took us over to a lake that had bordered the dairy farm he’d grown up on which had a store and ice cream for those feeling the heat.
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Day 4 Sunday June 15, was a free day. A couple of our club went golfing, some of us played games, and the rest rested. After dinner, the baby pictures were identified to the great surprise of most of us. Nancy Harris got the most correct, which we chalked up to her many years as a teacher. We had a raffle of some of the leftover money from the rally and we all left with a bit of money.
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Day 5 Monday June 16, we packed up with some of us going home, some on to the next rally but all very happy to have been together again.
We had 14 coaches and 28 people signed up to attend the rally. Kathleen’s invitation for anyone in the area to stop by brought in Wendy & Mark Pitts (Florence, WA), who’d bought the Zimmerman coach, and they joined our group! Scott and Carolyn Carpenter (W Richland, WA) had motor issues once they hit the road. They did manage to get their coach home but were not able to attend. Tony and Theresa Black (Yelm, WA) also started driving but then had a medical issue that made them unable to attend.
Attendees:
Ed & Keri Pratt (Roseburg, OR), Duane & Kathy Klopfenstein (Scio, OR), Dick & Nancy Harris (Albany, OR), Mike & Lynn Ashbridge (Oregon City, OR), Kerry Leyden & Mariel Ennik (Walnut Creek, CA) , Stan & Carol Scott (Walnut Creek, CA), Wojo & Kathleen Walczak (Lakebay, WA), Don & Lucy Reed (Nipomo, CA), Josh & Christine Letts (Vancouver, WA), Ed & Jeanette Block (Vashon Island, WA), John & Marie Turner (Salem, OR), Rick & Kris Hecks (Tacoma, WA).
Submitted by Keri Pratt & Kathleen Walczak
NWA Regional FRVA Rally – North Bend Oregon Report – June 2026
Only 7 of our coaches travelled down to the FRVA Regional Rally on Monday June 16th. This rally didn’t start until Tuesday June 17th, so we were a day early. Although it had been quite warm up near Florence, it was quite windy and downright chilly most of the time. Our club under Mike Ashbridge’s marvelous leadership set up and managed the FRVA Store as we’ve done for so many years. There were not nearly as many folks in attendance, nor vendors to visit, but the Ko-Kwel Casino did not disappoint with the foods they served us, starting with the traditional Hot Dog Bash on Tuesday night where nearly every table was full. It was a nice feeling to be with our club amongst the FRVA membership. Every morning had a fabulous selection of fresh pastries and coffee by the Casino. Folks attended various workshops and mingled and visited. Our Wednesday June 18th Ice Cream with Strawberries Social was a delicious treat. We were on our own for meals and Keri let us all know she was ready to make us a takeaway dinner of leftovers from the first rally. We got lucky regarding the wind that evening and looking out our coach window saw Mike Ashbridge out setting up chairs and tables. Further notice to all that we could actually eat together outside was sent and we had a lovely ‘Goulash’ of leftovers along with leftover cheesecakes and desserts which everyone was happy to consume. The last night Saturday June 20th there was a catered dinner of a delicious roast pork and side dishes, and we were happy to have the Zimmerman’s join us for dinner. A 60’s era band played afterwards, and some even got up and danced. The Conga Line was probably the biggest hit. Although we were a small group who came together to support our Club’s Commitment to run the FRVA Store, it was truly wonderful to have a few extra days with everyone.
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Submitted by Kathleen Walczak