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Wallowa ‘Harvest Moon Rally’ 2016

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Some of the Attendees

The Harvest Moon rally was held at Wallowa Lake State Park, near Joseph, Oregon. Wagon Masters were Dick and Nancy Harris and Bill and Paula Shull. We were very fortunate to have good weather, though the evenings were quite chilly. Those attending were Dean and Sue Bjornson, Mark and Marsha Camrud (guests from New Mexico), Dick and Nancy Harris in their new (to them) Winnebago, Ron Mahugh and Mary Burchett, Tom and Dianna Schramm (new NWTFC Members), Bill and Paula Shull, Mike and Chris Stark (also new members), Steve Webber-Plank, Tom and Pat Wilhelm, Rodger and Colleen Wright, and Al and Virginia Zimmerman.

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Valley Bronze Foundry Workers

After a continental breakfast Wednesday morning we gathered at Valley Bronze Foundry for a tour that covered all facets of the bronze process from making a wax positive model, constructing a mold around it, burning out the wax, to the actual pouring of the molten metal into the mold. Even then we learned the process was far from complete. We watched as artisans assembled the cast pieces, cleaned up any areas that needed attention and added a final patina. We were amazed at just how complicated the process of producing a finished bronze sculpture actually is. As an aside, we learned that Valley Bronze produced all the extensive bronze work that makes up the World War II Memorial in Washington, D.C.

Thursday we breakfasted in style on Al and Virginia Zimmerman’s delicious pancakes and sausage. Thus fortified, some of the more stalwart of us took a human powered ride on the Joseph Branch rail line – a twelve-mile round trip to Enterprise. On the way we saw lots of the local countryside with farms and beautiful woodlands.

Friday was a free day with rides on the Tramway to the top of Mount Howard and back, hiking, exploring Joseph, or just relaxing and visiting. The fine evening meal was catered by the Chuckwagon Sisters.

Saturday, after breakfast, we packed up, said our goodbyes and left for home or other stops. The Shulls would like to thank the Turners for their support, the Harris’ for doing all the grocery shopping and meal planning and preparation. Al Zimmerman was invaluable as a logistics consultant.

Paula Shull, Wagon Master