Notes from President
Gail…………………… Well, Alpiners, I don’t really have a lot to say this month, since I was so verbose in the last newsletter.
It’s been a quiet couple of months for the Stacys, as we have not been anywhere since the Mammoth rally.
Speaking of the Mammoth rally, there weren’t a lot of us there,
but we sure had a good time…even though the rally was cut short. We awakened Saturday morning to
forecasts of snow for Saturday night. All but 2 of us decided to pack up and head out that day so we didn’t
get caught there. We were camped at over 7,000 feet, and the snow was supposed to come down to 5,000 feet.
John and I were planning to split up when we left on Sunday, with him heading home for the end of his softball league
and me driving the motorhome to Santa Clarita to spend time with family. No way was I going to try to drive
out in the snow, even if it wasn’t a lot!
We haven’t
decided yet where to go for our summer get-away. Wherever we go, we’ll head out about the end of
July and aim for cooler parts. So far, the weather here in Las Vegas hasn’t been too bad, but we
know that by the end of July we’ll have been subjected to over 30 straight days of over 100 degrees. By
then, we’ll need a break.
After that, we will look
forward to the week-long rally in Zephyr Cove/Lake Tahoe. We love that area, so we are very happy that
the Smiths and Flemings chose this location for a rally. I know it will be a great time for all!
John, Sammi and I hope to see many of you there at Zephyr Cove.
Meanwhile, we wish you all safe, fun and healthy travels this summer.
*
* *
VP/MembershipNoel Pecknoelpeck@aol.com
Editor’s note: The Peck’s
are on the road so no “formal” article from them regarding membership. Noel would like to remind you if you haven’t
sent in your dues please do so ASAP. If for what-ever reason you chose not to remain members at this time
please send a quick email to Noel/Carol stating this so they won’t keep “bugging” you. Thanks
dj
* * *
VP/Rally
DirectorDave FernandezAlpineDriver@msn.com
I am sorry I have not been able to attend some of the rallies this year but recovery has been a lot slower than I
expected. Donna had been my nurse and had to transport me to physical therapy and all my doctor appointments
until I was able to drive again. But I am on the mend and can drive the Alpine again.
Alpine SoCal has some rallies coming up in the near future and for next
year. September 7-13 Members Jerry & Toni Smith, geraldsmith18@hotmail.com and Mike & Ann Fleming mike@fleming.cc will be hosting a rally at Zephyr Cove Resort in the Lake Tahoe
area. October 20-23, Jim & Stephanie Archer, saarcher@cox.net and Jim & June Cheshire, jcheshirej@hotmail.com will be hosting a Rally at the Springs at Borrego RV Resort,
Borrego Springs, CA.
For 2012
we have the following rallies scheduled so mark your calendars; February 16-19, Gail & John Stacy, gjstacy@cox.net, Donna & I AlpineDriver@msn.com will be hosting a rally in Valencia, CA at the Valencia Travel Village
with a visit to the Reagan Library in Simi Valley, CA.
Remember
2012 will be Alpine SoCal’s Tenth Anniversary and we will be back where we held our first rally, Pechanga RV Resort
& Casino. During the rally we hope to attend the Temecula Balloon Festival. Hosting
the Anniversary Rally will be Dave & Donna Fernandez, AlpineDriver@msn.com, John & Gail Stacy, gjstacy@cox.net, and Jim & Polly Klinko, jpklinko@aol.com, your current and past club presidents.
Our week long rally is scheduled for September 11-18, 2012 at Blue Spruce RV Park, Vallecito, CO, hosted
by Jim & Stephanie McCain myruby5@msn.com, Bob & Connie Bowers, bcbowers@q.com.
In October 2012 (dates to be announced) Yucaipa Regional Park, Yucaipa, CA (tentative) during the Oak Glen
Apple Festival. Hosted by Frank & Marcia Morrell, marciamorrell@verizon.net, and Joel & Mary Langord, Langord@mac.com.
We are
looking for someone to put on a rally in March/April 2012, so if you can think of somewhere to go let us know.
We are still looking for Wagon Masters and Assistants….this is your club so get involved and help with a rally.
Do not forget that ACA is having some rallies so check their web site
for details and look at the Alpine SoCal Rally Schedule in the newsletter for more details on upcoming rallies.
* * *
Upcoming Rally’s…. Which Constellations Can YOU Find in the Night Sky?
By
Stephanie Archer
I guarantee after our stargazing party at the
Borrego Springs rally (Oct 20-23, 2011), you’ll be able to find more than the Big & Little Dippers in the night
sky. Dennis Mammana, (www.dennismammana.com), a well known astronomer and night sky photographer will lead us on a stargazing
expedition at the Spring at Borrego’s Astronomy Park. Prior to stargazing, we’ll enjoy
a catered dinner. We hope you can join us for the last Alpine So Cal rally of 2011. The rally will begin
on Thursday, Oct 20, with wine tasting during our social hour followed by a pizza party. Friday is an open
day to explore Borrego Springs (www.borregospringschamber.com) or relax at the RV resort. Visit the Springs at
Borrego website (www.springsatborrego.com) for a description of all the available RV resort activities and amenities.
Friday evening is the catered dinner and stargazing party. In the event Family Radio evangelist
Harold Camping’s prediction is correct and the world ends that night (his last 5 predictions have been wrong), Saturday
evening’s hot hors d’oeuvre sharing will be cancelled! Otherwise you’ll have all day
Saturday to enjoy Borrego Days – an annual festival complete with a 10 am parade through downtown Borrego Springs.
We will depart on Sunday, Oct 23. The rally registration form will be emailed to you and available on the Alpine SoCal
website by mid-July. The completed registration form and payment must be returned by August 30.
We’re looking forward to seeing you there! Oh, don’t forget your golf clubs, they have a great course.
*
* *
Zephyr Cove, Lake Tahoe Rally
The Zephyr Cove SoCal rally being held at Lake Tahoe Sept 7th to the 13th has only one
space of the 25 available remaining. While the registration deadline has passed we will hold that site
open for a few days. Anyone who wants to be on a wait list for a cancellation should contact Jerry
Smith at geraldsmith18@hotmail.com or 916 933 6434. All prior registrations are
on the attendance list. We look forward to having a great time at Lake Tahoe with planned events including
a dinner cruise on the lake and a tour of the Thunderbird estate. We could use some firewood
if you have room in your coach!
Contact your wagon masters for addition information
Jerry and Toni Smith geraldsmith18@hotmail.com
Mike
and Ann Fleming mikefleming@fleming.cc
Mike
and Michelle Collins trek@2mikeys.com
See you there,
Jerry and Toni Smith
* * *
WHERE IS YOUR FAVORITE RV PARK?
One of our favorite
places is the Rincon, just NW of Ventura, CA. dry camping on the side of the road right on the
edge of the beach. Lots of train & road noise (after a bit, you tune it out), but worth it for the
view and wildlife activity! We were there before Christmas last year, and it rained much of the time we
were there. But we felt that if we were going to be camped anywhere in the rain, that was the very best
place, as we could sit in the comfort of our rig and watch the wildlife anyway!
Another favorite place is Yellowstone Grizzly RV Park (www.grizzlyrv.com) in West Yellowstone, MT. All sites have grass and trees
(though not very big for shading the motorhome). It’s very near the west entrance to Yellowstone
National Park, and just down the street is the Grizzly/Wolf Discovery Center...a great place to visit.
The town is quaint and within walking distance from the RV Park. John & Gail
* * *
Mammoth Lakes RallyMay 12 - 15
By Vivian Weinheimer
The Wagon Masters were Jim & Viv Weinheimer, Bill & Patti Figge and Frank
& Marcia Morrell. Bill and Patti could not attend since Bill had surgery the week before
the rally, but they were very instrumental in helping arrange for the sites prior to the rally and other details.
Frank and Marcia stepped in and assisted as Wagon Masters at the rally.
The rally turned out to be "The Big Adventure" with the threat
of a late snow and cold weather. We had a total of nine coaches with 18 attending. We
were pleased to have Gerry and Carolyn Himango from Paradise, CA join us. They had
attended a few rallies with NorCa and decided to join us on this rally. We are now happy to say they
are new members of our SoCal group.
The rally started on Thursday
evening with a baked potato dinner. We asked everyone to bring their own potatoes (already baked), and
we provided all of the fixin's...chili, cheese, onions, sour cream, etc. We also prepared salads to
accompany our potatoes. This was a great alternative to our usual heavy hors d'oeuvres on the first
night, as attendees didn't have to do much so soon after their arrival.
On Friday the 13th we all took a driving tour around the June Lake Loop and up into the Mammoth Loop.
We made a few photo opportunity stops along the way, as snow was still heavy in the mountains making the scenery stunning.
We also visited the Double Eagle Spa and did a little shopping. Lunch was at the quaint Tiger
Bar in June Lake, and the day ended with a pizza party at the clubhouse.
We awakened Saturday to reports of snow forecast for that evening
and into Sunday. Most of us weren't real excited about leaving Sunday morning in the snow and slippery roads, so
all but two of us packed up and left before noon. The Fishers and Himangos stayed
behind and awoke to a white world. They had both been planning to stay a bit longer anyway, so they just
waited for the white stuff to melt.
Ed Matthews
and Jack Giddens entertained everyone while they created a great American Flag pole made out of PVC pipes.
Of course, Frank and Jim had to have one as well and soon we had a flag pole factory! In addition,
Ed Matthews was sewing a beautiful deer skin case to hold the flag pole and flag. So perhaps at the next
rally Ed can conduct sewing classes on how to make these creative cases.
Another part of our great adventure was the fact that bear warnings were everywhere around the park, so everyone
was very careful to keep everything locked up.
Jim said
in 25 years of visiting Mammoth at that time of year he had never seen so much snow with the road closed to Lake Mary and
the water falls falling under the snow. In spite of the bears and unusual weather a good time was had by all. Really a beautiful
scene.
“It was just the two of us waking up to a winter
wonderland. Had to clear the snow from the tops of
the slides but the drive out was easy. Road completely
clear by Hwy 395 and no snow by Lake Crowley”.
.....Rick Fisher
* * *
WELCOME OUR NEWEST MEMBERS……
Gary
& Carolyn Himango from Paradise, Ca. and Steve & Kathy Talbott, La Crescenta, Ca.
I’ll
include their picture as soon as we get one taken
A BIG WELCOME to Gary, Carolyn, John & Sandy! We’re
looking forward to seeing you at many rallies in the future.
* * *
Lone Pine Deserves More Than An Overnight Stop
By Stephanie
Archer
We’ve owned motor homes for over 30 years. In all that time, whenever we travelled
US 395 to Lake Tahoe and beyond, we either drove past Lone Pine or stopped there for one night, since it is a half way point
between Orange County and Lake Tahoe. While we were at the Mammoth rally, several people told us there
was a lot to do in Lone Pine. So we decided to spend two nights on the way home and investigate the area
(www.lonepinechamber.org). We stayed at the Boulder Creek RV Park (www.bouldercreekrvpark.com) which has an up close view of the Eastern Sierras on one side and
the Owens Valley on the other. Many movies (mostly western & sci-fi) were filmed in the Alabama Hills
of Lone Pine. There are a lot of unpaved roads through the Alabama Hills where you can drive by various
movie locations. And there’s a movie history museum in town which talks about the movies that were
filmed in the area. Even if you have no desire to hike to the top of Mt. Whitney, the road to the base
of it is a beautiful drive. At 8500 feet, it offers a spectacular view of Lone Pine, the Owens Valley and
the Alabama Hills, which look like ant hills from that elevation. There are ghost towns and mines
in the area to explore. And 10 miles north of Lone Pine is Manzanar National Historic Site, a former WWII
Japanese internment camp. The next time you’re headed toward Lake Tahoe or Reno, consider driving
US 395 and spending a few days in Lone Pine. It’s worth the time.
* * *
NOMINATING COMMITTEE FOR 2012/2013
The committee
began the process in June of seeking member candidates for the September election. We are pleased that
several current Board Members have agreed to run again. And we also have three Board member incumbents
who are taking a well deserved rest and are not running again after serving our Club so well. So we expect our new Board will
be comprised of a perfect combination of experienced members who bring proven leadership and continuity and first time board
members that add fresh energy and ideas.
Our approach is to encourage
every member to play an important role in the running of our Club. The fun and rich RV experiences we all
enjoy as Club Members is assured and enhanced when many hands contribute. So, whether you plan to run for
the Board, be a Wagon Master or actively volunteer to do other things, this is the time.
Here's our status as of 7/11/11. Five of our Board positions have one candidate.
Very good news! Also, our Newsletter and Web-site editors (appointed positions) have
volunteered to continue.
We still are seeking candidates for the following:
First
VP/Membership Director
Secretary
During July, your loyal nominating committee
had already started calling every member to run for a position. For those we haven't yet reached, please think about running.
For those we've already talked to, please continue to think about saying Yes!
Please contact us with any questions or to say "Sign me UP".
Bill Figge, Chairman
Sandy Johnson
Frank Morrell
Helena Mazzacco
Carolyn Swan
* * *
FMCA
UPDATE
By Carolyn Swan, National Director
Hello, Alpiners!
As most of you know, Tris & I have just returned from a wonderful 9 week trip “down under”!
We spent 4 weeks in NZ, 5 weeks in Australia and 3 days in Fiji. We had a grand time!
Hopefully, I can share our trip with you when we are able to get to a SoCal rally! We will be going to the ACA Pre-Rally
in Watertown WI and FMCA’s 86th Family Reunion in Madison WI August 4-14th.
I am pleased to report that FMCA has successfully undergone IRS’ scrutiny (i.e., audit) for several tax years
dating back to 2004. The reason for the audits is good; however, FMCA realized that a change in our accounting method would
allow us to file amended tax returns, thereby getting some refunds of taxes previously paid. The filing of the amended returns
automatically triggered the audit. Well, the bottom line is that after the audit was complete, FMCA was due refunds
plus interest of approximately $1.3 million dollars. The Finance Committee started the ball rolling on
this. The refunds have all been received, and it improved FMCA assets. This time last year we had
an operating loss of about $800,000. This year it is only about $16,000 loss. However, memberships have
continued to decline and the “Dozen Does It” program and 5 free chapter memberships will be continued throughout
this year.
Reading the Governing Board mailings, I see
that FMCA will continue to offer its members many services and discounts, some of which include: Sam’s Club Partner
Memberships, UPS discounts, Verizon Wireless Services promotion, Merchandise Coupon program and they are proceeding with arrangements
for a Michelin Tire discount.
I thought you might also
be interested in some statistics on our “A Dozen Does It” program. FMCA distributed a total
of 4,895 free membership coupons for chapters to use to recruit motorhome owners to FMCA. In 2010, 2,450 were distributed
and 532 were returned; 184 of those who signed up using a coupon have renewed thus far in 2011. Chapter members also recruited
457 dues-paying members, and 211 of them have renewed thus far this year. The interim numbers for 2011 are: 2,445 coupons
distributed, with 322 new memberships added. A total of 13 prize packages -- the reward for chapters who recruit a dozen new
members – were distributed in 2010, and thus far in 2011, 5 prize packages were distributed. About
future Convention dates – It will be in Indianapolis, Indiana, August 27 to 30, 2012 for the FMCA's 87th Family
Reunion next year at the Racing Capital of the World. Then in 2013 we will be back to Pomona CA in the
winter of 2013 and summer in Hutchinson Kansas for the 88th Convention.
Hope to see many of you in Madison for a Family A’Fair in August! Carolyn
* * *
WORDS OF WISDOM FROM DAVE
….By Dave Fernandez Do not forget to check the motor home before
you leave on your next trip!
Now that I am able to get around and check the coach, I can add things to my list that need to be looked at, serviced
or repaired. I did find some minor problems that needed to be repaired and also one that I did not notice
until I went to start the generator.
While I was recovering from
surgery I did start and run the generator and engine once a month and checked the battery water level. As
I got better I decided to service the generator, so I extended the gen slide and went to start the generator so it would warm
and I could change the oil. Here is where I had a problem with the generator…. it would not start!
It started the week earlier and ran fine for an hour while under a load. The battery voltage showed
charged but the generator still would not start even with the engine running. I checked the code on the
start button and found a trouble code of “64”. After research I found that the service manual
indicated that it was the inverter. I knew that I had not let the smoke out of the inverter and it was
working fine so I checked the batteries and that’s when I saw a heavily corroded terminal where the main cable goes
to the buss bar which was not seen there the week before. So after cleaning and spraying with water I found
a bad battery connector on the main cable which only had a couple of strands powering the coach. Once replaced
the generator work fine and I finished my service.
The
reason I am mentioning this is we sometimes overlook the obvious even though we routinely check our second home before we
drive to another adventure. So before you drive off, check the obvious: tires, tire pressure and the date
on the tires, (change after five years old) batteries, battery cables, all fluids including engine and generator oil and coolant
levels, brake fluid (when was the last time it was flushed…remember flush once every two or three years), HWH fluid
level, transmission fluid level, hydraulic fluid level for the power steering, power brakes and hydraulic cooling fan (Not
HWH) and all hoses both water and hydraulic. Do not forget to check under the coach and look for
oil and coolant leaks after it has been parked for a while. Inspect the drive belts for wear and cracks
(remember with the engine stopped and the key removed from the ignition). If it is time to replace
the drive belts keep the old ones as spares incase one should break while traveling, then you have a replacement which can
get you to a city where you can purchase another. If your coach has Hydro Hot, when was it last serviced
and the fluid level checked? Have you flushed the water tank and water heater? Have
you ever changed the anode rod in your water heater?
All motor homes are equipped with at least one powder fire extinguisher some have added more extinguishers either
powder or foam. Either way, when was the last time you removed it for inspection and checked the pressure
gauge? Powder extinguishers must also be checked once a month to make sure that the powder has not compacted.
You can tap on the cylinder with a piece of wood or a rubber mallet to break up the powder. Have
you tested the smoke detector or replaced the battery? Do not forget to also check the carbon monoxide
and propane detectors.
Remember all motor homes and travel trailers
need to be maintained and inspected regularly because you do not want to get to your destination and find that something does
not work. I have only touched on some items and I know I have overlooked some, so make a list for yourself
for reference in the future to ensure that you have looked at or inspected your second home before you take off the next time.
Now that you have checked and looked at a bunch of stuff, get in and
enjoy your trip to your next destination.
* * *
RECIPE Tater Tot Potatoes 1 can cream of mushroom soup
1 cup sour cream
1 bunch green onions, chopped
1 ½ cups shredded
cheese
½ to 1 bell pepper, chopped
1 large bag “Tater Tots”, thawed
Mix first 5 ingredients together and then add to tater tots. Mix together, pour into baking pan.
Bake 350°
for abt 45 minutes.
Note:
This is a great potluck dish
* * *
Some Interesting Facts (?)… A
friend sent this to me and I thought you’d enjoy reading it. (Hope you haven’t already received it via email!)
THIS IS THE ONLY TIME WE WILL SEE AND LIVE THIS EVENT
Calendar for July 2011 (United States)
July
Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat
1 2
3 4
5 6 7 8
9
10
11 12 13 14
15 16
17 18 19
20 21 22 23
24 25
26 27 28 29
30
31
Money bags
This year, July has 5 Fridays,
5 Saturdays and 5 Sundays. This happens once every 823 years. This is called money bags.
This year we're going to experience
four unusual dates.
1/1/11,
1/11/11, 11/1/11, 11/11/11 and that's not all...
Take
the last two digits of the year in which you were born - now add the age you will be this year,
The results will be 111
for everyone in the whole world. This is the year of the Money!!!
This
year October will have 5 Saturdays, 5 Sundays, and 5 Mondays.
This
happens every 823 years.... These particular years are known as “Money Bags"
*
* *
THANK YOU…. I would again
like to thank all of you who so kindly kept in touch with me during (and after) my extended stay in the hospital &
skilled nursing facilities. I received so many beautiful flowers, cards and e-mails (not to mention the phone calls) –
it was a bit overwhelming! The well wishes and prayers were really appreciated. I’m
doing well now and my doctors are pleased. Barring any unforeseen problems I plan to attend the Tahoe rally.
Love and hugs, Donna (dj) Hall
ALPINE SOCAL OFFICERS 2010-2011
Please refer to your Membership Roster for additional
info.
President
Gail Stacy
1st Vice President/Membership Director
Noel Peck
2nd
VP/Rally Director
Dave Fernandez
Secretary
Donna Fernandez
Treasurer
Stephanie Archer
Nat’l
Director FMCA
Carolyn Swan
Alt
Nat’l Director FMCA
Joel Langord
NON-VOTING BOARD POSITION
Appointed by President
Newsletter Editor
Donna (dj) Hall
Your Board would like to hear from you. Your ideas, suggestions, and/or comments are
important. So don’t hesitate to contact any of us. Also, we’d like to say
THANK YOU for your support.
Webmaster
Dave Fernandez Alpine SoCal website: www.alpinesocal.com
* * *
Next issue will be
early October, so deadline for articles will be 30th of September. Please, I need your input!
Special place you’ve traveled, a recipe, a “tip”, want to sell or buy something, or just say something
about our wonderful RV life style. Email it to me anytime dchall002@gmail.com.
I’d
appreciate it if you could get your articles to me by mid-Sept as I’m probably going to have additional surgery in early
October to “reconnect”my “plumbing”….not looking forward to additional surgery, given what
I went through during the last surgery, but the alternative isn’t all that great either.
Thanks, Editor dj
* * *
