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Sierra Nevada Unit

Rally & Luncheon Reviews - 2006

These are the reviews of SNU luncheons and rallies that were published in SNU newsletters. Most were written by Diane Leipper unless otherwise indicated.

January 2006 - Luncheon at Bavarian World

A great start to 2006 for the SNU! We had 20 people including 4 guests at our lunch at Bavarian World on Saturday the 21st. The guests were Raffi and Susan Simon and Steve and Liz Wilson. Raffi and Susan are WBCCI members at large and live in Reno. Steve and Liz Wilson live in Stateline and are in the process of searching for just the right Airstream to purchase. We hope both the Simon's and the Wilson's will become frequent participants at SNU events. Everyone had a great time socializing and catching up on all the news. Vicki Grossman brought some really cute pictures of their pups all dressed up for the Holidays. Fred Hersey brought his album of Airstream photos so the Leipper's can scan them and add them to the on-line collection. Also, although we didn't sing, we want to wish Randy and Dyann Thornburg Happy Birthday. Their birthday was the day after our luncheon. During the business part of the lunch we discussed several topics including the proposed WBCCI name change, SNU membership update, upcoming SNU events, the treasurer's report, and the Monetary guidelines of the SNU. We voted on several items including electing Kimber Moore to be an SNU delegate at the WBCCI meeting in June 2006, a change in the bylaws to include electronic voting, and the potential for the SNU to offer the option to members to pay dues and an annual rally fee on line. To see the meeting agenda go to: http://sierranevadaairstreams.org/snu/pubdocs/index.html. We would like to hear from those of you who were not able to attend the meeting. You can print out the opinion form, fill it in and email, fax or mail it to the SNU. Fax number - 775 972 5011. Mail: PO Box 60572, Reno NV 89506.

February 2006 – Anniversary Celebration at Silver Oaks

Mother Nature tried to remind us who was in charge the day of our Anniversary luncheon by providing some snowy blustery weather. Although that understandably prevented most of our guests from over the hill from attending, we did have a great turnout. The luncheon was well worth the effort to get there! Randy and Vicki Grossmann chose a great facility. Silver Oak had a nice big room for us, great food, and very helpful staff.

Amazingly enough the SNU was at a rally and a luncheon at the same time. How can that be? Check out the pictures of the SNU's 30th Anniversary Luncheon held February 18th at Silver Oak. When members and guests arrived they were greeted with the site of the SNU at a rally at Silver Oak. This rally was a miniature created by Vicki and Randy Grossmann. The scale and detail were extraordinary. They took a string of Airstream lights, paired them to vehicles that very closely matched the actual tow vehicles of our members and “parked” them in a pine forest reminiscent to Twin Lakes. The campground even included a campfire, birds in the trees, and deer. This campground was close to a lake, which just happened to be the decoration on the anniversary cake. Parked by the lake was another Airstream and someone catching a fish for dinner. Was that Jerry, or maybe Rich??

The Grossmann's have offered to be the keepers of the campground for at least the next 6 months. We plan to bring it to as many of our rallies as possible so everyone will have a chance to see it. Other possibilities are displaying it at Mt Family RV's open house in June and the WBCCI international rally at the end of June. This diorama is an incredible work of art. Don't miss an opportunity to see it at a rally or other event this year.

Vicki created silver bead necklaces with blue bows for the ladies of all ages who came to the luncheon. I'm sure we will all be wearing them at future SNU rallies. Dave Putnam and his mother Ferne were our guests. Dave, former Membership Chair for Region 12 was very helpful in referring potential new members to the SNU and assisting us in other ways. Jon and Jelaine Whipple from Mt Family RV were there with their two kids. Jon also brought Mike Quinn who is the new Airstream sales associate at Mt Family.

All ages were represented from babies to members in their 80's. The camaraderie and enthusiasm were great to see. Lots of ideas, plans and information were shared as well as just plain visiting. A pamphlet was handed out that expressed recognition and thanks to the SNU members past and present who have supported the Unit. This gathering was a great example of the growth and change the SNU has gone through in the last 30 years.

The SNU President Don Damoth, who is currently in Arizona, called to wish us well and congratulate the SNU on a successful 30 years. Don Clark, Region 12 1st Vice President called to let us know that although the weather had prevented his attendance, he want ed to wish us well. Clark also shared some information regarding WBCCI and Region 12 with us.

March 2006 - Rally at Washoe Lake

The Sierra Nevada Unit rally at Washoe Lake State Park was a good exercise in getting the rig ready and making sure everything works. Friday, arrival day, had winds that tested rig stability on the road so you could check your sway control. Saturday started with rain pelting the rig and providing the wake up call. Wind gusts rocked the rig. Across the lake out the window at times was a rainbow. The mid day BBQ was a time to bundle up and gather around the coals. Snow flakes were visibile at times. Sunshine at other times. Wind nearly all the time. Get outside and get invigorated by the weather and then get back inside to a nice, warm, and dry RV. The system passed along Saturday night as forecast so Sunday morning was cold, clear, and crisp. It warmed up quickly. The beaver was out on a commute down the creek to the lake. The red-tail hawk family nesting in the tree on site was out and about as well. The geese and ducks on the lake were making lots of noise. What a day. Too bad we had to pack up and head home.

Despite the weather we had a great time. We were delighted to have Von Gallion and his friend Yvonne DeRoule join us. The Thornburg's had run into them the previous weekend and invited them to the rally. Von has been an active Airstreamer and WBCCI member for a long time and a member of the SNU since 1980. Von has attended several WBCCI international rallies and represented the SNU carrying the Unit flag in the opening ceremony. He and Yvonne are both saxophone players and play in the bands at the international rallies. It was great to visit with both Von and Yvonne and we hope to see both of them again soon. Other rally participants were the Warn's, Thornburg's and Leipper's. Saturday the Grossmann's, Rich Jaggard, and Dave Gmur came out to visit. They joined us for lunch which included hamburgers provided by Wes Warn and BBQ'd by Rich during intermittent snow showers. Because of the wind everyone adjourned to their trailers to eat their lunch. We spent the afternoon visiting each other in various trailers. At dinner time we had what Bryan defined as a Round Robin Pot Luck. In other words you went around to various trailers and picked up the different components of your dinner. Then you could go back to your own trailer to eat or share your meal with others. Bryan made the rounds after dinner with dessert and coffee. We were also delighted to see Bill and Jan Heaton who stopped by for a visit on Sunday morning. They are now retired and hopefully we will see them often at future SNU rallies.

The weather, once again prevented Region Vice President Don Clark form visiting with us but it looks like staying home was a good idea as he and his wife welcomed a new grand baby on Friday. Congratulations. Off and on during the weekend we discussed various topics including the proposed WBCCI name change, the SNU relationship with Mt Family RV, and upcoming rallies. Please take a moment to read the enclosed information on the WBCCI proposed name change and cast your vote. You can also go on-line and vote. Your opinion matters. The SNU wants to ensure that it's delegates are speaking for every member of the Unit. All things considered we had a great time and everyone is looking forward to our April rally at Walker River. Check out the pictures of the March rally

April 2006 - Rally at Walker Resort

Another great SNU rally. This time at Walker River Resort near Smith NV. The campground was in a grove of cottonwoods on a bluff overlooking the Walker River. The season hasn't begun yet so the hot tubs and swimming pool weren't open but we didn't miss them too much as we had a lot of visiting, brainstorming, and discussing to do. Of course we also had our informal pot lucks, a few inspirational naps and other strenuous activities to keep us busy. Rich and Brian Jaggard came by for a visit on Friday. They had spent the morning fishing in the Walker River. Other guests were Roger and Jan Jeppson and B Martin and John Yokela. Come to find out Roger is a native Nevadan whose family used to own the ranch where the Walker River Resort is located. When Roger and Jerry who is also a native Nevadan, got going on old time Nevada gossip it sure brought to mind small town big country society. It was like having our own living history discussion

May 2006 – Rally at Unionville

Dyann Thornburg

The SNU Unionville rally was held on Thursday, May 18,2006 through Sunday, May 21, 2006 with one of the largest member participation, if not the largest. There were 10 Airstreams rigs and one 5th wheel (sob--some other brand) which belonged to Jerry and Dyann Thorburg's neighbors, Gary and Mary Hill. Roger and Jan Jeppson are our newest SNU members. They joined after attending the April rally and we were pleased to see them again. Gary and Anita Haskett also attended their first rally. They recently purchased a brand new 28ft. 2006 Safari from Mountain Family RV and learned of the WBCCI/SNU from their neighbors Bryan and Diane Leipper. Other member attendees were: Von Gallion and Yvonne DeRoule, Bryan and Diane Leipper, Don and MaryLou Damoth, Roger and Jan Jeppson, Dave Gmur, Rich Jaggard, Randy and Vicky Grossman, Wes and Roylaine Warn and Jerry and Dyann Thornburg for a total of twenty people! The weather was mixed with wind and rain some nights.

Saturday, May 20, 2006 turned out to be an absolutely beautiful day though with lots of sun and warm temperatures. A brunch was held at the Old Pioneer Garden Inn with a total of 24 people (4 of whom where guests of the inn and not part of the rally). Mitzi Jones, owner of the inn, cooked a great homemade brunch for us. Her son Dave gave us a brief history of Unionville, telling us about the mines and the Chinese miners that worked there. He said they are still finding artifacts left behind. After the brunch the Haskett's as well as Von Gallion and Yvonne DeRoule had to leave due to other commitments but the rest of us were given a tour of the old one room schoolhouse. The new owners are in the process of restoring it for use as a party and community hall. From there some of the members returned to their trailers for the customary "inspirational nap". Others went exploring, checking out the wildlife, plants, mines and collecting unique rocks, while a few traveled to Kyle Hot Springs for a soak. Potluck dinner was shared on Friday and Saturday nights with no one walking away hungry.On Sunday the wind was back and most everyone started for home around midmorning with Randy and Vicky Grossman deciding to stay an additional night. A great time was had by all and this area will definitely be put on the schedule for future rallies...great location and wonderful people in Unionville

June 2006 - Rally Boca Springs

Dyann Thornburg

Springs, CA on June 22 – 25, 2006. This is the same group campsite the unit has used in previous years. This year though the road up to the campsite was in dire need of repair. During to the harsh winter and spring there the road was almost washed out in spots. All who attended made it safely through. This month had a small group of members attend compared to last month’s rally in Unionville since three of our members went to Salem for the International Rally.

There were four rigs: the Damoths, the Thornburgs, the Warns and the Jeppsons. The weather was hot during the day (in the 90’s) and cool at night (in the 50’s). Unlike previous rallies this year though there was no wind (yeah). Potluck dinners were fixed most nights with good food and great company. Discussions ranged from cooking to automobiles.

Serious Business – Not On Friday a reporter and photographer from the local Truckee, CA newspaper showed up to do a story about Airstreams and the WBCCI – SNU. We spent about an hour with them explaining why we thought Airstreams were so popular, about the WBCCI and our unit. The reporter had apparently seen our unit’s rally announcement in their paper and decided to do a story. The pictures taken will be sent to Don Damoth and they will let him know when the article will be published.

On Saturday the Thornburgs had their friends Eric and Tracey Amberson and their son Cole come up for lunch and spent a few hours with the group. The Amberson’s brought their friends Mike and Lynette with them and a few games of horseshoes were played.

Potluck under the Pines The Jeppson’s had to leave Saturday afternoon because of another commitment. That night we had our only campfire for the weekend because we ended up a little low on firewood. Unlike last year when the camp host supplied us with lots of firewood from trees they had just finished cutting, this year there wasn’t any to be had in the area. (Which was probably a good thing for Don because there was no chance for him to almost cut his thumb off like he did last year.) Sunday around noon the remainder of us took our bug bites and packed up to head home. All in all it was a very relaxing weekend and everyone had a good time

July 2006 – Obsidian Dome Rally

Thanks to Rick Laborde we had a great rally in July at Obsidian Dome. At a little over 9,000 ft elevation we got a reprieve from the heat. A few rain showers also helped cool things down. Rick's excellent directions and pictures made finding the campsite easy. He had also put up some SNU signs which provided additional assurance we were going the right direction, especially when the road began to narrow. After some discussion we decided that the road to the campsite rated a 4 on the SNU scale but it was well worth the drive and we all definitely agree that this site will be added to our favorite rally sites. We had a nice flat area to park right on the edge of a cinder cone and right in front of an Obsidian dome with glass creek just across the road. The weather was a mixture of showers and sunshine which made the gazebos a valuable asset. On Saturday Rick took us for a drive to the Sagehen area to check out another possible rally site. We also went up to the top of Sagehen Peak for some fantastic views of the surrounding mountains and valleys and Mono Lake. Just for fun, our pot lucks on Friday and Saturday were “formal” affairs. In other words we had white (paper) table cloths, with a candelabra and a beautiful flower arrangement made by Vicki Grossmann. We also served champagne/sparkling cider in crystal (plastic) wine glasses. Rick has supplied the site with a nice wood pile so we were able to enjoy some great campfires in the evenings. All in all, another successful rally.

August 2006 – Hat Creek Rally

Perfect weather, great people and great food made for another great SNU rally. The group area at Hat Creek has changed since the early 1990's and is not quite as conducive to RV parking as it used to be but it is still a neat site right near the creek. We were delighted to have Claudia and Don East from Yreka with their 1963 Bambi join us for the rally. This rally ended up being an SNU version of a vintage rally as all the Airstreams were 25yrs old or older. Brian Jaggard caught quite a few nice trout. He also treated us to a campfire violin serenade after our pot luck on Saturday. Thank you Brian. We had a lot of fun with our ice cream social. Instead of mid afternoon we had ice cream for dessert. Umm Good! Don brought out his “pink” flamingo's to add to the ambiance of the event. I think his flamingo's are the reigning number one. First of all, instead of pink, his were Airstream aluminum in color. AND they had a nest made out of silver material. AND there were eggs in the nest. Little aluminum colored “airstream” eggs complete with wheels and hitch. We didn't really have a business meeting at this rally and no decisions were made. We did hand out the draft of the 2007 rally schedule and discussed various other items.

September 2006 – Rally at Lahontan

Fantastic weather, warm and sunny. Not only was it a great weekend for Airstreamers, it was great for other campers and boaters. That raised the noise level considerably on Saturday. It was also a great weekend for a shakedown campout in a brand new 30ft Classic Airstream. Gary and Donetta Curtis just purchased their Airstream five days before the rally. We were delighted to meet them at the rally and of course we gave them an earful of ideas and suggestions. We also had several visitors on Saturday. Jerry and Dyann who couldn't come to the rally because they were in the middle of several home remodeling projects, spent a few hours with us. Mike and Phyllis Peyerl from Fallon also came by for a visit. Wes and Roylaine's neighbors who have an Airstream for sale stopped by and Dean from Yerrington brought his 1960 Globetrotter out. He too, is trying to sell his Airstream. In addition to our usual pot lucks, inspirational naps, walks, and gab sessions, the SNU introduced it's next effort to keep members minds active and bodies agile – yoyos. We all had a great time recalling childhood memories and testing our skills. Maybe by the end of 2007 we will have an SNU yoyo champion???

October 2006 – Buckland Station Rally

Our site unseen choice for the October rally turned out great. It was across the road from Buckland Station on the old ranch property owned by the State of Nevada and part of Ft. Churchill State Park. We were parked near a new picnic area developed in an old apple orchard. It was right near the Carson River. By Friday we had five Airstreams parked under the trees. We also had some guests. Susan, a guest of Kimber's, Diane and Bryan's cousin, Karen from San Diego, and also their friend Gene from Reno. Roger and Jan Jeppson came out for a visit on Friday. Tim, who had to work this weekend did manage to get out for a visit on Saturday night. Our newest members, the Curtis's didn't waste any time putting many of the suggestions and ideas they got at the Lahonton Rally into effect. Since last month they have installed solar panels, gotten an outdoor rug, got a shell on their truck, and most important, they got their obligatory pink flamingo. They found a really neat one in Walker after a camping trip in the Bridgeport area. The weather for the rally was fantastic. Warm sunny days and cool nights. The rangers brought some barrels for us to use for a campfire and we cleaned up a lot of weeds and brush in the area to use as fuel. A highlight of this rally was a tour of Buckland Station historic site. This building is undergoing extensive renovation. At this time only the first floor is close to being finished. Once the entire structure is refurbished and furnishings installed it will be open to the public. Other rally activities included our usual pot lucks, catching up on The Thornburgs and the Curtis's remodeling projects, sharing information and ideas, and of course just relaxing around the campfire. A good time was had by all and I think the general opinion is that we should keep this site on our list of potential rally sites in the future.

November 2006 - Luncheon at Carson Valley Inn

We had a great time, as usual. New members Brian and Linda McKeand were there as well as Dyann and Jerry, Rich, Bryan, Dave, Virginia, Diane, and Janet and Roger. Discussion focused on Airstream stories and travel plans, current and future as well as other topics. The place wasn't conducive to much of a business meeting but we handed out a flyer with all the info members needed to make sure they were up to date. The topics on the flyer are also discussed in this newsletter. They include the Region 12 proposed amendment to the WBCCI constitution, a request for input on the SNU newsletter, and topics posted on the SNU discussion group forum. We need you input on these various issues so please provide your ideas on the topics included with this newsletter. The SNU treasurer also provided an update on the SNU financial status. As of November 17, 2006 we have $1,564.37 in the bank. Since July 1, 2006 we have collected $260.00 in dues (SNU dues only). There were no expenses in the months of October and November other than dues to WBCCI. An annual financial report for budgeting purposes will be submitted by the end of January 2007

December 2006 – Luncheon at the Overland in Fallon

Despite threatening weather, we had a great turnout for our December lunch at the Overland in Fallon. Anita and Gary, Jan and Roger, Jerry and Dyann, Wes and RoyLaine, Fran, Dave, Diane, Bryan, Rich, and Jenny. Rich brought a guest, Everett who has several Airstreamers in his family. Jenny had just gotten home from college the night before the luncheon. The Overland, establish ed in 1908, is a neat old historic place with lots of atmosphere. The Basque restaurant serves really great food which we all enjoyed. After lunch most of us adjourned to the Thornburg's for coffee and cookies and conversation. A great time was had by all and we even got home before the snow started sticking to the roads.



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