Seven Feathers Rally – rally report and photos

Oct 052019

The photos are below the rally report and subdivided by day of the rally.

Rally Report by Shirlee McArthur, First Vice President

The rally started on Wednesday with pumpkin decorating for our table centerpieces, and a Happy Hour supplied by our very own Jim Kanomata. A wonderful Southern BBQ dinner was catered by the 7 Feathers Casino Dinner, and was followed by a jam session with Grace, Steve Ferguson, and Gino Sanfilippo.

Thursday would bring more adventures as we would be going on a tour for the day. After breakfast by the Cascaders, two buses took us to a nice rest area along the Umpqua River, On we went to the Tiller Ranger Station, where our driver/guide showed us the old Ranger Station and the rebuilt observatory on top. We drove through a covered bridge (the Milo Academy Bridge) to a nice little farmer’s mini market, where they only sell homegrown, absolutely fresh and delicious products, including honey, vegetables, etc. We then drove to Melrose Vineyards in Roseburg, the site of an early French settlement. We had a delicious lunch and, of course, various wines had to be tasted! A wonderful lunch of Bowtie Cajun Prawn Pasta, Salad and Garlic Bread, and 3 wine tastings were included ... and as extra the most delicious French baguette. Our final stop was the Wildlife Safari in Winston, where we drove through the 600-acre animal park and see many wild and exotic animals. Fun was had by all!

Friday would again begin with a wonderful full breakfast by the Cascaders, followed by a session for all on Genealogy presented by Shirlee McArthur; a lot of tips were shared. The book “The Oregon Trail” by Rinker Buck was discussed at the Book Club meeting, hosted by Carol Minnie. The afternoon included tech sessions on learning how to switch our batteries out for lithium batteries by Jerry Work, and a Great Ideas Swap presented by Stuart and Shirlee McArthur; many great ideas were discussed.

In the late afternoon we were provided with an Oregon Craft Beer tasting by Two Shy Brewery, where we chose from all kinds of beer ... a hazelnut dark beer, a bit sweet, was my choice - it had a very interesting flavor. Pizza and salad followed, after which we played 2 rounds of the GMC Couples Game, with Dave deGraffenreid as Showmaster.

Saturday would start with another great breakfast by the Cascaders. The Western States Membership Meeting followed, where a slate of officers for 2020 was approved by members present. Only one change for 2020: Blanca StClair will take over as Secretary; Donna Ventura will continue as Newsletter Editor [see list of Officers elsewhere in this newsletter]. Tech sessions by Jim Hupy and Hal StClair were conducted, and a lunch of hot dogs and chili for all was followed by the Swap Meet and Open House of participating coaches. This was followed by a wonderful catered dinner of broasted chicken, potato salad, and peach cobbler by Vickey & Sisters. Many attendees dressed in their Halloween finest - George Beckman as Sylvester the Cat won best costume, with Nancy Ferguson, costumed as the Wicked Witch, and Gary Bovee, as Dracula, giving him a run for his money.

Sunday started with a pancake and sausage breakfast by the Cascaders, followed by Church service, with Ruth and George Beckman presiding. Armand Minnie then explained how to use the GMCWS website. Ladies Brunch included a presentation of Indian basket weaving and traditions of the Cow Creek Tribe by artisans Beth Gipson and Tabitha Johnson. Afternoon tech sessions included Gary Bovee on the Onan generator, and John and Alyce Shutzbaugh told us about their 41-year history as first generation GMC owners .... imagine! they only had 3 major breakdowns in all those years!

After a great Happy Hour and delicious catered dinner, we had a fantastic auction with our auctioneer, John Lockwood and his wife Dee as assistant - he not only made attending worthwhile but also made us laugh till tears ran down our cheeks!

Monday we said goodbye to old friends and new, until the Spring 2020 Rally at Black Oaks RV Park and Casino in Tuolomne, CA, May 1-5! See you there!

Shirlee McArthur