CUATRO ESTADOS HAPPY NEW YEAR! FEBRUARY AND MARCH RALLIES

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1 CUATRO ESTADOS In This Issue 1. February and March Rallies 2. Annual CE Dues 3. Christmas Party Report 7. Big Bend Rally 14. June Caravan Rally Rally Schedule 20 Birthdays and Anniv. 21. What members are doing. HAPPY NEW YEAR FEBRUARY AND MARCH RALLIES It s time to make your reservations for the February and March rallies Space is filling up fast. If you even think you might go, book the sites NOW. The February one requires a $25 deposit only, refundable if cancelled 48 hrs in advance. The March requires full payment up front, but fully refundable (minus $5 resrvtn fee) up to 48 hrs in advance. Here s a preview of activities: Feb Tombstone Territories RV Park, Huachuca City, AZ -- $28.92/night + elec (metered), , ask for Blue and specify with Cuatro Estados. Note we have extended rally dates by one additional day. If you wish to go from there to the March rally on Mar. 1 st, be sure you specify you d like to stay over on the 28 th as well. They have a clubhouse for our use, plus pool & spa, and excellent dog walk all around the campground and trails beyond. 1

2 2015 DUES are due by January 31. Please mail your check made out to Cuatro Estados - mail to: Lynn Buckingham, Nassau NE, Albuquerque, NM $7.50 per person. Rallymaster: Edith Osburn, , or dollmaster37@gmail.com -- Please contact her when you ve made your reservations. Feb 23 Arrival and usual Happy Hour with snacks. Feb 24 Tour Tombstone, do lunch in town. Light Potluck that evening. Feb 25 Cochise Stronghold (4WD), west side off Middlemarch Road. Pack lunch. Feb 26 Tour Bisbee Historic District, Lavender Pit Mine, do lunch in town. Feb 27 Tour Ft. Huachuca (Sierra Vista), optional back country drive (high clearance required) to Parker Lake and Coronado National Monument. Pack lunch. Feb 28 Departure day for some. Those staying over, will have info on the many options available to do in the area. Mar 1-6 Catalina State Park, Oro Valley, AZ (Tucson) -- $30/night 30 amp, $35/night 50 amp. Reserve in Loop B. (Rallymaster in B74) azstateparks.com/catalina or Rallymaster Rae Phillips, raecyp65@gmail.com, This is a very popular, large Sonoran Desert park, with dozens of great hiking trails, but near shopping & restaurants. We will be offering trips to explore: Sabino Canyon, Saguaro National Park, Biosphere 2, Historic Tucson, Catalina Mtns & Mt Lemon, Bear Canyon, Sonoran Desert Museum, International Wildlife Museum, and many other options. 2

3 CHRISTMAS PARTY LYNN BUCKINGHAM The Cuatro Estados Christmas party was held at my house on Saturday, Dec. 13. Attending were Carrs, Carlsons, Coonrods, Eckels, Halaszes, Milhollins and Buckinghams. We had pulled pork catered by Kellers, which was very good and plentiful enough so that many could take some home. This was supplemented by buns, chips, dips, cheeses, salads and desserts. Enough food for 40 I never thought carrot cake mix would be very good but it wasn't bad. No more grinding of carrots. The feast was followed by the opening of gifts. It's amazing what one can buy for $10 or less--tools, wine, ceramic bells, etc. Thanks a million to Phyliss Carr She created a gorgeous centerpiece and contributed it for the door prize. She also made colorful patchwork potholders from patchwork her mother had done years ago, for all of the ladies. And she had numbers and names ready for the drawings for the gift exchange and the door prize. I had the privilege of drawing a name and it was ours I swear this was not intentional. I love it We concluded the party with the singing of Christmas carols, accompanied by music played on Bill Eckel's computer. A note on Bill--he arrived decorated with blinking colored lights and continued to blink and provide cheer throughout the party We wish more of you could have attended this fun party but I know you're scattered throughout the country. Merry Christmas to all 3

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7 2015 BIG BEND RALLY Get your spaces reserved NOW. The Rio Grande RV Village (only full hook up park in Big Bend) is filling up fast. There were only 18 sites left out of the 25 as of LAST MONTH BJ's RV Park is small and reservations should be made now. I recommend doing ALL reservations now. If you plan to go on the Big Bend Trip in the spring you will need to reserve your RV spaces Today If you are not sure about the trip it would be better to reserve it now and cancel later should something come up. When you have made your reservation please contact me, Becky Coulter, coulter06@comcast.net. March (2nights)-depart on the 25th-Maverick Ranch RV Park at Lajitas Golf Resort & Spa, 10 Main Street, Lajitas, TX (432) , $35-36 tax included w/ AARP or Good Sam full hook ups. Cable $2 extra. Refund 2 weeks prior to arrival.& March 25,26,27 (3nights)- depart on the 28 th -BJ's RV Park, FM 170 w Rd, Terlingua, TX (One mile east of Historic Terlingua Ghost Town) (432) , $27 full hookups.& Send cash or check for one night $27.00 to BJ s RV Park, PO Box 275, Terlingua, TX 79852, include your type of RV and length and they will assign you a spot. If you cancel 2 weeks before arrival they will refund 50% of your deposit.& March 28, 29, 30, 31, Apr 1, 2 (6nights)- depart on Apr 3-Rio Grande RV Village- $33 per night double occupancy. Full refund outside of 72 hrs. Forever Resorts Concession call to make reservations or March Big Bend Ranch State Park-, East side March (depart on the 25 th ) Page 7

8 March 23 rd (Monday)- Arrive in Lajitas, TX, Maverick RV Park Ranch Resort and Spa Day of rest-enjoy the resort, go swimming, go to the spa, golf, shoot, ride horses. 5pm- Happy Hour and Heavy Coulter s Rig March 24 th (Tuesday)- (Pack a lunch) Depart RV Park for Barton Warnock Environmental Education & Vistor Center 1 mile east of Lajitas (HC 70, P.O. Box 375 Terlingua, TX 79852, (432) ) For orientation and to peruse the interpretive exhibit on the region s natural and cultural history as well as the two-acre desert gardens. Then, continue westward on Texas M 170, this river road follows the meandering Rio Grande and is among the most spectacular in the nation. We will be stopping at the many pull-outs to, revel in the view and check out the wayside exhibits. Near the east end of the drive, turn northward to on the dirt road form FM 170, to Sauceda Ranger Station, which is 27 miles of rugged dirt road. Once at Sauceda Ranger Station, peruse the interpretive exhibits on the park s ranching heritage at the Sauceda Historic District/Chillicothe Ranch. Enjoy a picnic lunch under a shade tree outside the bunkhouse, then drive to the Solitario Overlook a few miles further. There you can actually see the exterior of the park s signature geologic formation. OR take a Short Hike. Ojito AdentroTrail- (1 mile) immediately adjacent to the Sauceda road. The trail traverses desert scrub into moist riparian woodland. This oasis-like patch of green is a particularly good spot to bird-watch. The Cinco Tinajas Trail (3/4 mile)near Sauceda is well marked; elevation change is only 200 feet and the vistas of the inner reaches of the park are breathtaking. Tinajas are naturally formed bowls that hold water when many other sources are dry. Continue on to the Fort Leaton State Historic Site. Ft Leaton is located four miles southeast of Presidio (Near Onjinaga) on the River Road to the Big Bend (FM 170E, Presidio, TX 79845). Return home. Page 8

9 BIG BEND WEST SIDE March 25 th (Wednesday) 9am--Terlingua Ghost Town 6pm--Music & Dinner- The Starlight in Terlingua ($17-18) , (call for reservations on March 23 rd ) March 26 th (Thursday)- A Fascinating circle drive 8:30am--From Terlingua, enter the park at the Maverick Entrance Station and take the Old Maverick Road south. It is a good 14-mile dirt road (slow down), and the view of the exit from Santa Elena Canyon dominates the landscape. About halfway, Luna's Jacal is an interesting historical stop. As you approach the canyon overlook, the canyon looms more majestically at every turn. After taking hundreds of pictures at the overlook, you drive to the canyon trailhead and park. The trail to the Rio Grande and its exit from the canyon is short and easy, then ascends the cliffside to afford magnificent views of the canyon and the desert beyond. The trail then descends a relatively short distance into the canyon, until you can go no further. The views are awesome (This is a mustdo for those who are physically capable, and that is almost everyone.) After returning to the parking area, continue east to the Cottonwood Campground, a beautiful lunch stop under towering cottonwood trees. Usually, lots of birds, including the stunning vermilion flycatcher, accompany you Once lunch is over, drive the short distance to Castolon, an old army post with a store and several old buildings to walk around and look at. Castolon Peak dominates the landscape to the north. (It is usually HOT by now--be prepared) Continue north to the Tuff Canyon area, a really scenic and interesting volcanic area. Parking is very limited, but try to pull off the road and walk around a little bit. Continue on the Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive to the Mule Ears Overlook. The reason for the name will be evident There is a pretty popular trail here, but time constraints will probably not allow us to do it. Back in the car, ascend to Sotol Vista. The sotol will not be blooming, but it is still a beautiful viewpoint. Page 9

10 Continue northward to the Sam Nall Ranch. Begin at Mile 3, Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive.This is a short, easy walk (.05mi), mostly through the trees of the Nall homestead, and a historically significant part of the park. To the east, you can see "The Window," a V-shaped cut in the Chisos Mountains and one of the prominent landmarks in the park. Lower Burro Mesa Pour-off Trail- Begin at the end of Burro Mesa Spur Road off the Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive, this an easy 1 mile round trip hike that leads through a gravel drainage, and ends in a narrow box canyon where water has carved a deep channel into Burro Mesa. The end of the trail is the base of a 100-foot pour-off. Usually dry, the smooth, polished pour-off attests to the power of water that floods this canyon during summer rains. Drive north to the junction and return to Terlingua for Happy Hour This is an all-day drive. March 27 th (Friday)- BIG BEND CENTRAL AREA- (from the west side) The majestic Chisos Mountains dominate the landscape of the center of the park. The junction is about miles from the west entrance. 8:30am--Drive to into "The Basin" it is a beautiful, but slow, steep, and windy, 7 miles. The Basin is dominated by an imposing monolith called "Casa Grande." In the Basin are a Visitor's Center, a museum, a lodge, nice restaurant, and a store. It is probably about 10 degrees cooler than on the desert floor, but still hot most of the time. The main activity in The Basin is hiking. There is a short, easy trail to The Window Overlook, which provides great views. The most popular trails are the Window Trail and the Lost Mine Trail. Both of rated "moderately difficult," due to elevation change and length. HIKE #1-The Lost Mine Trail is Difficulty: Moderate; Distance: 4.8 miles round trip, it begins at mile 5.1 on the Basin Road and has limited parking It is mostly uphill to the summit, but then downhill all the way back. Quote from the park website: "This Page 10

11 trail serves as an outstanding introduction the flora and fauna of the Chisos Mountains. With limited time, hike to marker 10 (about 1 mile), where a saddle offers stunning views of Casa Grande and Juniper Canyon. The remainder of the trail climbs steeply in and out of juniper, oak, and pine forest. The trail abruptly levels out at the ridge with superb views of Pine Canyon and the Sierra del Carmen in Mexico. A brochure is available at the trailhead." HIKE #2-The Window Trail is somewhat longer (5.6miles round trip, all downhill to the Window, then all uphill on the return.) Quote from the park website: "This trail descends through Oak Creek Canyon to the Window pour-off which frames panoramic desert vistas. During wetter periods Oak Creek may be flowing, and must be crossed several times. Use caution on this trail: the top of the Window pour-off is slick rock with no railings, and the return hike is uphill." HIKE #3-Window View Trail-Difficulty: Easy; 0.3 mile round trip Begin at the Chisos Basin Trailhead. This easy, paved wheelchair accessible trail circles a low hill with excellent views of the mountain peaks surrounding the Chisos Basin, and a view through the window. Benches along the trail offer a place to sit and enjoy a classic Big Bend sunset. This trip into The Basin will be an all-day affair. Big Bend- East side March 28 (Sat), 29, 30, 31, Apr 1, 2 (Thur) Saturday March 28 th - Arrive Rio Grande Valley CG- (Relaxing day) Depart West side of Big Bend stop in route to east site to visit the Park Headquarters and gas up at Panther Junction if needed. --Distance to Rio Grande Village from Terlingua, 50.5mi-Time: 1hr 23mins --Arrive Rio Grande Valley CG --Nature walk--a short, relatively easy walk from the campground, over a boardwalk through a riparian area, then up a hill to a stunning view of the Rio Grande, Mexico, etc. About an hour, and well worth it. (On your own) 5pm--Drive to the Sierra del Carmen overlook in the evening and watch the sunset. Amazing color changes on the cliffs in Mexico --Bring your Wine and cheese Page 11

12 Sunday March 29 th -(Easy day) 9am--Boquillas Canyon, one of the major sights of the park. From the parking area, it is a short but relatively strenuous hike up a cliff and down the other side into the canyon and down to the Rio Grande. This would be a morning activity to avoid the heat. 10:30am--Border Crossing to Boquillas, Mexico for sightseeing and lunch. Touted as the safest border town in Mexico. This has been closed since 9/11, but it is open again, thanks to the efforts of the NPS. The citizens run a ferry across the river ($5), then you walk 15 mins in sand or pay to ride a burro up to town. The main activities are doing some shopping, and having tacos and a cerveza at the cafe (don't drink the water). Boquillas is a tiny, poor town, but this is a "must-do." Passports are required, the gate closes at 6pm. Tickets are available at the RGV store. Monday March 30 th -Depart RGV- (pack a lunch-busy day) Depart 8:30am- Chihuahuan Desert NatureTrail, - this is an easy 0.5 mile round trip walk that begins at Dugout Wells Oasis, 6 miles southeast of Panther Junction A very knowledgeable ranger conducts this guided walk and talks about the plants and what the natives used them for. You will see remnants of human settlement and typical Chihuahuan Desert habitat. --Head northwest to Grapevine Hills Rd. Drive up the dirt road 6 miles to the parking area- hike the Grapevine Hills Trail to Balanced Rock. This is a nice, somewhat strenuous 2.2 mile round trip hike through mostly soft sand, a very scenic area. Steep climb the last quarter mile into the boulders. --Return the way we came and turn left at Panther Junction on to 385 North, take a right on Drive to Dagger Flat Road, to a "forest" of giant dagger yucca, which may be blooming. Really beautiful. --On your way home going south on 385, stop at the Fossil Bone Exhibit. Page 12

13 Tuesday March 31 st -(Easy day) 8:30am--Daniels Ranch, a great birding area. Sometimes a guided ranger walk is offered early in the morning. Some birds include the vermilion flycatcher, turkey vultures, black vultures, black hawks (which are rare in the US), pyrrhuloxia (a relative of the cardinal), cardinals, and many more. 10:00am--Tour the Hot Springs Historic District and bathe your tired feet in the springs. 12:30pm-Lunch at the Chisos Mountain Lodge in the Rio Grande Village Afternoon on your own. Wednesday April 1 st Day on your own- See anything you missed or wished you had done OR just relax. Thursday April 2 nd 9:30am --Drive to Mariscal Mine Historic District, an old quicksilver (mercury) mining site. A dirt road, but does not require 4WD. Very interesting, historically. On the east is a back road to an old Cinnabar (mercury) mine, which is very interesting. Cinnabar was a major industry in the area at one time. These roads are all dirt, but not difficult to drive. Any vehicle with moderate clearance can do them. Friday April 3 rd - Happy Trails to you- depart for home Page 13

14 JUNE CARAVAN RALLY JUNE UTAH CARAVAN - Make the first two reservations NOW If you want a confirmed site. Check out photos posted on facebook to tempt you Rallymasters: Rae Phillips, raecyp65@gmail.com. Com, cell (we re on the road for winter, so use or cell), and assisted by Diana McVey. People who follow me around discover places they've never heard of; and I ll guarantee this trip will have the most WOW moments you ve ever seen Don t believe me? Ask someone who s followed me off on an adventure. We re thinking of adding an optional week or more in route in May: Memorial Weekend in Moab, and then Ridgeway SP, and Fruita CO (State Park west of Grand Junction). Let me know if you d be interested in that as well. From each base camp we ll offer a variety of scenic drives, dramatic hikes, interesting history, exciting float trips, back country byways, tranquil settings & starry nights. Make your own reservations. Confirm with me (Rae). I am limiting this caravan to 10 rigs only; first CALL first added. June 1, Mon (4 nights) Dinosaur National Monument, Green River Campground (8 miles no of Jensen, UT, far NE corner of state). Reserve sites in Loop B (6 mos advance, recreation.gov, ), dry camping, no facilities. Phillips in site #26. Day 1: Visitor Center, shuttle to Quarry site, easy hike through time to Page 14

15 view dinosaurs still in rock. Day 2: Drive into CO and the amazing areas of that state s contribution to this national park (dramatic scenery, amazing views, paved all the way). Day 3: Optional Green River raft trip (class III) $96, all day, through parts of Dinosaur NM June 5, Fri (4 nights) Flaming Gorge Natl Rec Area (42 mi no of Vernal). Reserve sites in Cedar Springs or Deer Run campgrounds (6 mos advance, recreation.gov, ), dry camping, dump stn, showers. Very limited sites at this two locations that will accommodate us (size-wise). Otherwise will need to go into Firefighters Memorial Campground south across the highway. Phillips in Cedar Springs site #10. Day 1: Visitor Center, Museum, overlooks. Day 2: Sheep Canyon, Manila, back byways. Day 3: Dutch John area, raft trip for those interested. June 9, Tues (1 night) Fossil Valley RV Park , Vernal UT, partial or full hookups, all facilities. Afternoon at amazing Dinosaur National History Museum I guarantee you ll understand geology, paleontology, transitionals before you are through. (This also gives an evening for shopping & laundry; all within walking distance of campground, including Walmart.) June 10, Wed (3 nights) Huntington State Park , junction Hwys 10/31 (20 mi so of Price). (4 mos in advance, reserveamerica.com, ), some hookups, showers, dump, Huntington Lake. Day 1: Back Country Byway to San Rafael Rift and Wedges Over look. Day 2: Drive scenic Hwy 31, Electric Lake, Eccles Canyon, loop back via Scofield Lake. This is a very little-known (unpopulated) central part of Utah, with some amazing terrain & history. June 13, Sat (4 nights) Capital Reef Natl Park, camp at Thousand Lakes RV Park. Torrey UT, , hookups, amenities. Day 1: Capital Reef Visitor Center and main scenic drive into park with side hikes into canyons. Day 2: Notom Rd to Burr Trail & optional 4WD road to reach hike to Waterpocket Fold overlook (if you can Page 15

16 hike it, don t miss it). Day 3: Back country drive to the northern end of park, some 4WD. Or many optional assorted hikes throughout the park. June 17, Wed (3 nights) Grand Staircase-Escalante Natl Mon, camp at Canyons of Escalante RV Park ( ), full hookups, in Escalante UT. Day 1: Drive Hole-in-the-Wall road to Devils Garden and more serious hikes beyond. Day 2: Many choices: Travel back to Boulder and go out to Long Canyon. Or loop drive into Hell s Backbone, Box-Death Hollow Wilderness. Or backtrack to Calf Creek to hike Falls Trail. June 20, Sat (4 nights) Bryce Canyon Natl Pk, camp at Bryce Canyon Pines Cpgd ( ), hookups, just west of national park. In route, we ll stop in Cannonville and take cars to Kodachrome Basin SP & Grovenor Arch. No need to explain why we need 3 full days at Bryce NP Wonderful hikes, or just drive and overlooks if you can t hike. Page 16

17 June 24, Wed (5 nights) North Rim Grand Canyon, camp at Kaibab Camper Village ( ), full hookups, Jacobs Lake AZ. (Or can dry camp at nearby Jacobs Lake NFS cpgd.) In route, we ll park at Mt Carmel Junction and take cars to Coral Pink Sand Dunes SP. And for those interested, outside Kanab we ll stop at Best Friends Sanctuary that has a wonderful facility dedicated to rehab of orphaned animals across the US and prepping them for living with an adoptive family. From Kaibab after set up in camp, we will of course drive down to all the overlooks around Grand Canyon. And maybe lunch in the famous lodge. (And the gift shop is amazing too.) Plus there s no shortage of hikes around here May include a side trip to several amazing choices in the region. Rae -- P.S. This may be the last caravan I lead. Be part of this "historical" (hysterical?) moment Page 17

18 2015 Cuatro Estados Rally Schedule to whet your appetite for the November (2015) rally, here is a cool video of Bosque del Apache Cuatro Estados Rally Schedule Feb Tombstone, Bisbee, AZ, Tombstone Territories RV Resort, 211 E Hwy 82, Huachuca City, AZ $28.92 plus elec. Rallymasters: Ed & Edith Osburn, dollmaker37@gmail.com, Reservation by Dec 10. Mar 1-6 Catalina State Park, Tucson, AZ N. Oracle Rd Tucson, AZ 85737, Reservations, (520) or azstateparks.com/catalina/, Loop B, water, 20,30,50 amps, $30. Rallymasters: Rae & Dub Phillips, , raecyp65@gmail.com. Reservations by Dec 1 Mar 23-3 Apr Big Bend Natl. Park, TX - Rallymasters: Coulters, coulter06@comcast.net, Co-Rallymasters: Beckers and Pickthorns. (RV park info disseminated Sep 2014) Reservations NLT Oct 31 May 7-10 Gallup, NM, USA RV Park, , 2925 Hwy 66. $32.58 full hookups w/ FMCA discount and tax inc. Rallymasters: Buck & Lynn Buckingham, lynnbuck2@msn.com, Reservations by Mar 7. June 1-24 Utah Caravan Trip. Rallymasters: Rae & Dub Phillips, , raecyp65@gmail.com, assisted by Diana McVey. Join us for any or all See November newsletter & separate from Rae. Important reserve Dinosaur Natl Mon (6/1 for 4 nights) and Flaming Gorge NRA (6/5 for 4 nights). Reserve both by first week in December. RSVP Rae when these reservations are made. June North Rim of Grand Canyon, Kaibab CampeRVillage, Jacobs Lake, AZ, , Full hookups $36, dry camp $18. Rallymasters: Diana McVey, , dondiana@verizon.net, assisted by Rae & Dub Phillips. Page 18

19 *June 4-7 Riana-Abiquiu Lake, NM, 14 elec, 40ft sites, (reserve spaces 1-7 or 9-15), no host rally, make reservations Newmexicostateparks.reserveamerica.com June th Region I Rally- Bayfield Riverside RV Park, Bayfield, CO, , Rallymaster: Jamie Erickson, or Larryerickson9935@comcast.net July 9-12 Westcliffe, CO (near Walsenburg, CO) High Mountain Hay fever Bluegrass Festival (for area charities) , highmountainhayfever.org/,dry camping $10 entire festival stay. 4 day festival pass $70. Rallymasters: Steve & Sandy Varley, sndyvarley@yahoo.com Reservations by May 31 for best rates. *July Cochiti Lake, NM State Park, elec/non-elec sites, no host rally, make reservations Newmexicostateparks.reserveamerica.com Aug Pendaries, Rociada, NM (Las Vegas, NM) Pendaires RV Park, 3 Park Place, Hwy 105, Rociada, NM 87742, (505) , $30-39, full hook ups. Rallymasters: Ron & Genny Zawistoski, , genznm@yahoo.com Reservations by Jun 18. Aug Pendaries, Rociada, NM (Las Vegas, NM) Pendaires RV Park, 3 Park Place, Hwy 105, Rociada, NM 87742, (505) , $30-39, full hook ups. Reservations NLT Jun 18. Rallymasters: Ron & Genny Zawistoski s, , genznm@yahoo.com Sept Monument Valley,UT, Goulding s Campground, 1000 Main St. Monument Valley, UT , (435) Reservations NLT July 22. Rallymasters: Frank & Dessa Halasz, , fhalasz@swcp.com; Co-rally masters Bev & Bill Eckel Sept 29-Oct 3 Farmington, NM, FMCA Rocky Mt. Ramble Page 19

20 Nov Bosque del Apache,NM (Festival of the Cranes Nov 17-22) Bosque Bird Watchers RV Park, 1481 New Mexico 1, San Antonio, NM 87832, (575) Reservations NLT Sep 14. Rallymasters: Jann and Barry Engleman BIRTHDAYS & ANNIVERSARIES BIRTHDAYS: Linda Feltner 1/3 Alice REED 1/5 Louise Milhollin 1/5 Ted Carr 1/7 Carol Kalb 1/7 Gail Downs 1/8 Ed Osburn 1/8 Vickie Becker 1/13 Bill Warshauer 1/15 Bill Manchester 1/21 John Obermiller, Sr. 1/28 FN ANNIVERSARIES: Charles & Julieta Dodds, Jr. 1/2 Dennis & Lydia Reed 1/11 Michael Rozdilsky & Mary Jane (MJ) Brenner 1/22 Gary & June Stroschein 1/30 Page 20

21 WHAT OUR MEMBERS HAVE THIS MONTH "I CAN TELL YOU STUFF..." by Rae Phillips Phillips & Osburns had a delightful Christmas dry camping (with hundred of other RVers) at the Imperial Dam Rec area north of Yuma AZ. The area we camp in (called "Kripple Kreek") celebrates the holiday by putting out luminarios along a mile route thru their area (over 800 put out this year), plus holds an evening potluck. Others in the area decorate their trucks, cars, and utility trailers with lighted yard ornaments (run by generators on board), and parade through the entire region. Just delightful Phillips are settled into Quartzsite now and will be here off and on through all of January, with brief breaks to attend a Bluegrass Festival in Blythe and a week at KOFA Wilderness Area south of Qz. Osburns will be joining us shortly. Others possibly/probably coming to Quartzsite at some point during January: Barnes, Carr, Carlson, Halasz, Stroschein, Varley, Zawistoski. Others out and about for the winter: Coulters are once again spending it at their "Fam Camp" at El Centro Naval Air Station (after Christmas with the kids in the midwest). Minners camping out at Faucette's place in Benson, AZ. Pickthorns enjoying the fireplace in their new motorhome, hanging out in San Diego & Palm Springs areas. Englemans trying out winter in southern TX (not too happy with weather as yet, but great birding). Herrs are settled in Florida on Sanibel Island. Coonrods are embarking on a new phase in their lives. They've sold their home and have moved into a senior facility apartment that is nice and spacious. Home phone number remains the same ( ), but the address is: Academy Rd NE, Apt 109, ABQ The Obermillers: got the motor home to Myrtle Beach Nov. 5th, parked and took the car off the trailer and headed north. We got back here to Myrtle Beach Thursday evening Dec. 4th, unpacked the car Friday, Saturday got the flag up, fireplace moved and got a fire ring, put out and anchored the awning, hung up the thermometer, chairs out, tablecloth on, unloaded the little scooter from the trailer... and we're settled. Put 3600 miles on the car going "up north" to visit all the relatives. I just wanna STAY PUT now. Went to church at 9:15, came home and fixed omelets. All mornings start out degrees. Now at 11 a.m. it's almost 70. We had our lst campfire Saturday night. I had kindling gathered on my walks Page 21

22 to the office, but we had to "steal" 3 logs from a neighbor's stack. They'll be back after Christmas. We called the wood guy and ordered a half cord, so will repay 'em. We haven't been able to have fires in Ruidoso for several years, so we REALLY enjoy 'em. A neighbor or two always stop by. Head back to Ruidoso in March. I don't think we'll see you at a rally - maybe the Oct. one if any. Going on the Fantasy Tour in May, June-July-August in Ireland visiting the kids. Beckers spent the first couple of weeks of Dec. in Jonesboro, AR visiting cousins Paul and Paula. Took care of Dr, dentist and Eye exams. The major upshot of this is a complete hip replacement for Vickie - scheduled for Jan. 28, Her surgeon is highly recommended and they liked him. Then the Beckers were in Eureka Springs, Arkansas, for a week. A quirky fun old Arkansas town. They visited with their good friends Will and Denise. Highly recommend the Turpentine Creek large Cat Sanctuary and 2 places done as side trips: Pea Ridge National Military Park and Crystal Bridges Art Museum in Bentonville. Chritsmas was in Plano TX with Carl s son and daughter-in-law and adorable 4 year old twin granddaughters (Halia and Kavai), who thought it was great fun to use the RV as a playhouse. Feliz Ano Nuevo Page 22