MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT
Welcome to another awesome Matterhorn Newsletter.
Nothing much to report on from the Hobden family with regard to Alpine Coach travel for this edition of the Matterhorn Newsletter. We’re still parked in Mesa, Arizona and continue to deal with home renovations, medical issues, and visitors over the last few months. We’ve been getting our “travel” fix by following everyone’s adventures on social media and Facebook.
I’d like to take this opportunity to thank the many friends and well-wishers for their kind words regarding Stilla’s operation. We’re happy to report that all is now well and the outlook is good. We look forward to seeing everyone again soon at the upcoming rallies.
In closing, I’d like to remind everyone to tell any other Alpine Coach owners that you may meet in your individual travels about our awesome Alpine SoCal Chapter. It’s all about having fun and meeting new friends to share the Alpine experience. Safe travels :)
Faithfully Yours,
David Hobden
President, Alpine SoCal
I’d like to take this opportunity to thank the many friends and well-wishers for their kind words regarding Stilla’s operation. We’re happy to report that all is now well and the outlook is good. We look forward to seeing everyone again soon at the upcoming rallies.
In closing, I’d like to remind everyone to tell any other Alpine Coach owners that you may meet in your individual travels about our awesome Alpine SoCal Chapter. It’s all about having fun and meeting new friends to share the Alpine experience. Safe travels :)
Faithfully Yours,
David Hobden
President, Alpine SoCal
MEMBERSHIP REPORT
Mary Langord / 1st V.P. Membership
Alpine SoCal continues to
be a very active chapter, with a current membership of 73 Alpine coaches. We
are well into our 16th year and still have many members who have been with us
from the beginning when our Alpines first took to the open road. As
our beloved Alpines find themselves a new owner after a resale, we’ve
been fortunate to have those second and sometimes even third generation owners
join us.
We’ve been able to stay active because of all of you!! You’ve passed on the news about our club and have welcomed newcomers with open arms. You’ve made my job as Membership Chair a very easy one and for that I am thankful. Keep up the good work!
We’ve been able to stay active because of all of you!! You’ve passed on the news about our club and have welcomed newcomers with open arms. You’ve made my job as Membership Chair a very easy one and for that I am thankful. Keep up the good work!
FROM YOUR FMCA NATIONAL DIRECTOR
Carolyn Swan
The fires in southern California almost got to us this last week, but by the grace of God, they didn’t make it to our side of the hills! We moved our cars to shopping center parking lots and the Alpine was ready to go, but it never became necessary! Our hearts and prayers go out to any who are experiencing firsthand the terrible fires in Northern California!
Tris had his hip replacement surgery 2½ weeks ago & he has done incredibly well! In fact, I had to inspect his incision to believe that they had really done surgery on him! He came home 2 days post-op, used a walker for 2 days (only because I insisted), a cane for 1 day and has been totally weight bearing since then! Oh – I almost forgot – he has been totally pain free since surgery. The medical team keeps insisting that he will not be “healed” for 6 or 7 weeks at least. It has been a challenge to keep him down. A Physical Therapist came to our home 5 times & discharged him at 2 weeks post op, stating that Tris was the strongest & best patient he had. He is walking up to 2 ½ miles daily in our low hills. We attribute it to his PT & Cardiac Rehab he had undertaken until just before surgery & all the prayers that went up on his behalf. He will return to Cardiac Rehab next week & we will be back traveling in Dec.
FMCA News – I would like to encourage you to be sure & vote now on the Amendment on whether or not to change the Bylaws to accept all Recreational Vehicles into our FMCA Membership and don’t wait until Nov 30th! Go to the website for instructions on the voting procedure!
Check out the new FMCA website for Area Rallies that might be near to where you are or where you are traveling & plan on attending. Tris and I are planning on attending the Western Area Rally in Indio, CA at the Riverside County Fairgrounds, 01/10-14/2018, where we will be volunteering and Tris will again be Assistant Safety Officer, with Leonard Davis, from Alpine NorCal. If you are planning on attending, email us and let us know. We will be entering early with the Advance Crew to set up, but if enough Alpiners want to come & Volunteer & park together, let us know by Dec 1 to make arrangements for your entry.
In early March we plan on heading to Perry, GA for the 03/15-18/2018 International Convention after attending the ACA Pre-Rally in Pine Mountain, GA. This summer, July 18 - 21, 2018, FMCA will hold its 98th International Convention & RV Expo at the Cam-Plex Multi-Event Facilities in Gillette, Wyoming. We had so much fun last time it was held there – You won’t want to miss it!
Be sure & check out all the new Member Benefits that are listed on the FMCA website!
Looking forward to seeing you again down the road! Be safe & God Bless ‘til we meet again!
FROM YOUR FMCA ALTERNATE DIRECTOR
Gayle Picha
Weather is the most talked about thing here in Indianapolis. We arrived to 85-degree temperatures with 70% humidity. From about midnight until roughly noon the first day, we received record rainfall, nearly 4 inches of rain, severe thunderstorms, flash flood warnings and we went under tornado watch. Today was less threatening but still included thunderstorms and temperatures in the 80’s. Tomorrow’s prediction is more severe weather. Got to love humidity to live here!
At any rate, this is the report on today’s FMCA vote and decisions. There were basically 3 votes for by-law changes that dominated the last two days' meetings. There was a lot of “flogging of dead horses” but in spite of that it was also an eye opening experience for both Gayle and me as to the dilemmas facing FMCA both now and in the future. The vote results are as follows:
Proposal 1: This proposal was to restrict husband and wives from holding simultaneous positions on the Executive Board. One major concern was that the Executive Board serves as an example or “template” for the rest of our organization. This policy could conceivably trickle down through the Governing Board to Regional or even down into local chapters. The proposal was defeated.
Proposal 2: This was an attempt to create a more politically correct statement regarding membership by expanding categories like race, religion, sexual orientation, and political beliefs etc. After much discussion, it was determined that the existing wording adequately depicted the nature of membership in FMCA and the proposal failed.
Proposal 3: This was the “biggie” everyone was waiting for… Will FMCA allow towables into the organization? If so, changing the words in the by-laws from“Motor Home or Motor Coach” to read ”Recreational Vehicles” and if the proposal passes, defining what a “Recreation Vehicle” actually means. This was a time consuming discussion, and somewhat passionate for some. I personally found the long-winded discussions went on far too long since in theory, votes should not be able to be swayed. In theory each delegate’s vote was supposed to be already directed by his or her respective chapters. SoCal was in favor, so Gayle voted Yes; NorCal directed me to vote against, so I voted No. The No votes were very few and far between. The proposal passed the governing board by a substantial majority. This does not mean we are now allowing towables. It means that the Governing Board approved it to be sent to the General Membership for final approval. The General Membership will now receive a ballot over the next few months via FMCA Magazine, or possibly a card that may be mailed. It is my understanding that votes cannot be submitted on-line. Look for the actual details in the Magazine. I believe votes must be received by mid-November this year. If passed, changes will take effect early to mid December.
As it applies to FMCA, the definition of a Recreational Vehicle needed to be determined. This was also a long-winded discussion. After several hours of discussion, the following definition was approved:
“The term Recreational Vehicle is defined as a self contained, wheeled vehicle that includes permanently installed cooking, sleeping and sanitary facilities”.
This definition will remain until the Governing Board meets again next summer, at which time a permanent definition will be adopted for the new by-laws.
There were also minor changes proposed for policy and procedures, some of which need to be revisited once the towable vote is approved or disapproved by the General Membership vote. Those issues will be revisited to make sure they do not conflict with the new towable change if passed.
We also have a new slate of Executive Board officers that will be published in the next FMCA magazine. Please pay specific attention to the next few issues of FMCA magazine for important information and details.
Steve Picha, NorCal National Director
Gayle Picha, SoCal Alternate Director
FROM YOUR TREASURER
Rick Fisher
Checking account balance as of 10/15/17: $4426.93
SARC 3rd QUARTER 2017
Ramona Escamilla
I would like to start by welcoming Debbie Lacy to the SARC committee. She will be a great asset to SARC and I want to personally thank her for taking on the challenge. I am stepping down and she will be replacing me for 2018.
SARC would like to extend a wonderful thank you to John and Lorraine Foster and also Mike and Ann Fleming for a terrific rally in both Mammoth and Lone Pine. What a great undertaking to do a rally in two different locations. It was a great turnout and lots of fun had by all. Thank you very much for the generous giving of your time.
In case you have ever wondered how our practice of providing Wagon Masters with complimentary RV sites is paid for, here are the facts. Historically, our WM site fees have been absorbed by positive net operating rally surpluses and general membership funds when needed. This has worked well while allowing us to maintain a strong operating balance. However, in recent years our Rally and Wagon Master Program has evolved with longer rallies in our mix and more regularity of encouraging Co-WM’s vs Single WM Teams. Also, beginning in late 2015, the WM site fee reimbursement policy was enhanced to cover ALL Nights of a rally. These changes have helped sustain a robust rally program and to recognize the strong contribution our WM’s make.
These factors have been quite positive, but have raised costs and reduced our operating balance below a level considered desirable to comfortably and optimally operate.
In response, beginning with 2018 rallies the Wagon Master Site Costs will be included in the Rally Fees. The Cost amount will be kept simple by utilizing a fixed average cost estimate per participating coach. For 2018, $20.00 per coach will be included in the fee for all rallies. This will assure that our annual rally program will at least break even, relieve the general fund from covering rally shortages and over time will restore the Club account surplus to a stronger level.
If you have any questions, please contact Bill Figge (SARC) or Rick Fisher (Treasurer). Thank you for support of this change.
The 2018 rally schedule looks great! Many fun rallies will be coming in the future, be sure and sign up quickly for an exciting adventure “camping” with friends.
Great News!
Our rally schedule for 2018 AND 2019 is nearly complete and can be found on this link:
www.alpinesocal.com/media/contentbuilder/upload/rally/Master_Rally_Schedule.pdf
It’s time to mark your calendars and to keep your eyes out for rally registration forms for the first half of 2018. Several rally registration forms will be sent to you and posted on the Alpine SoCal website between November 2017 and March 2018. The registration form for the January FMCA Indio rally is currently available on the FMCA website. The registration form for ACA’s Desert Rat rally is available on the ACA website. In November, the Pala (2/8 - 2/12) registration information will be sent to you. In January, expect to receive the Camp Verde, AZ (4/9 – 4/16) registration information. And in February or March, the Rhododendron Festival (5/16 – 5/21, Florence OR) registration will be sent to you.
Thanks to everyone at the Mammoth/Lone Pine rally who volunteered to host rallies during 2019. Yes, 2019! We really DO plan that far ahead! February 21 – 25, Milo, Janet, Jim & Steph will host a rally at Mission Bay RV Resort in San Diego. Marilyn, Fred, Helena & Bob will be our hosts at Golden Shores RV Resort in Long Beach during late April or May. Sometime in September, Michael, Teresa, Mike and Mikey will be our hosts at Pismo Coast Village. We’ll close out the year (10/17 – 10/21) celebrating Borrego Days at the Springs @ Borrego, hosted by Milo, Janet, Dean & Susan. In addition, Joel & Mary are investigating whether a rally to the 2019 Rose Parade is feasible. And we are leaving the month of March open for a possible pre-rally to the FMCA Winter rally if it is held in the West (possibly Pomona, Chandler or Tucson).
For those who haven’t been a Wagon Master for a few years and for those planning to be in the future, you might enjoy Stephanie’s message to our 2018 & 2019 Wagon Masters and the chance to get re-acquainted and updated with the Wagon Master program below.
It has been my pleasure serving as a member of SARC and I would like to thank Ann, Stephanie and Bill for making it such fun. I give my best to Debbie and I’m sure she will enjoy being a part of SARC as much as I did.
Thank you everyone,
Ramona
WAGONMASTER WELCOME
Thank you so much for volunteering to host a Rally. Alpine SoCal has a great history of having fun. It’s because we have a fantastic group and because people like you volunteer so that we can continue the fun. This pack of forms is meant to guide you along the way, although it may be redundant for you experienced Wagon Masters. Remember that a member of the SoCal Alpine Rally Committee is available to help should you have questions. Right now the person doing the “Mentor” position is Stephanie Archer at saarcher@cox.net, 949-586-5013 h or 949- 874-1081 c.
The first step in having a rally is deciding on the date and location. The Rally Check List and RV Park Questionnaire may be helpful in getting you started. The park you choose will likely want a reservation deposit and you should complete a Rally Advance Form and email it to the Treasurer (Rick Fisher 818-832-9750 h 818-426-2363 c rickjfisher@gmail.com) who will send the check directly to the campground.
Then decide what activities, if any, will be included in the rally fee – such as a catered dinner or breakfast at a local restaurant. Ideally, activities are paid by check from the Treasurer or the President at the time of the event. If a deposit is needed for an activity, complete a Rally Advance Form and email it to the Treasurer who will send the check directly to the vendor. About 30 days before your final count day with the campground or a minimum of 60 days prior to the rally start date you should send out a Registration Form by email. The form should include a “register by” date, a “no refunds after” date and a “make check payable to Alpine SoCal” statement. The rally registration fee should include $20.00 per coach to help cover the cost of the Wagon Masters’ camping fees.
A preliminary Rally Schedule of daily activities should be sent at this time. You may want to optionally include a Cover Letter about the area or an Activity Flyer that lists expected and/or optional activities. If you decide to include photo images in any rally promotion documents, be sure the photos were taken by you or someone you know. As the SARC Mentor, I am happy to send the email for you as I keep my Alpine email list up to date. You can send me the forms as PDF attachments.
SoCal members receive first priority for rally reservations. Other regional Alpine club members (e.g. NorCal, NoWACA, ACE and ACA) may attend our rallies if there is space available after SoCal members’ registrations have been received. Friends of SoCal members may only attend week long rallies and only if they meet the following criteria: They must drive a motor home (no 5th wheels or trailers) and they must be members of FMCA.
As the registration forms and checks are returned to you, log them in on the Rally Attendees & Income Report. A sample report and instructions for completing the report are included on sheets 2 and 3 of that Excel document. You will be given a bank stamp for endorsing the checks and deposit slips to record all checks prior to depositing the checks at a local branch of the bank which is named on the deposit slip. Write your name and the name of the rally on the front of each deposit slip. On the back of each deposit slip, write the amount of the check and the name of the check writer, for each check deposited. There is no need to make copies of the checks prior to depositing them. Keep the deposit receipt you receive from the bank teller and include it with all the paperwork you submit to the Treasurer after the final reconciliation is completed. After each deposit, send an email to the Treasurer containing the following information: your name, the name of the rally, the date and the amount of the deposit. Any cash received should be recorded on the Rally Attendees & Income Report and deposited into the bank using the same procedure as is used for a check deposit. No rally money should ever be deposited into or withdrawn from the Wagon Master’s personal bank account. Any refunds owed to rally attendees should be recorded in the “Refunds” column of the Rally Attendees & Income Report. The Wagon Master and Co-Wagon Master should pay the full rally fee. Camping fees will be reimbursed as part of the rally reconciliation process.
Members who want to come early and/or stay later should make those arrangements with the Park. On the first day of the rally, be prepared to assist with check in and spot assignment unless the RV Park is doing it. Welcome the attendees with a Rally Schedule and possibly a bag or envelope of brochures and/or flyers that highlight local points of interest and events. The Rally Expense and Reconciliation Report is used to document all expenses incurred for a rally and to determine the amount of reimbursement owed the Wagon Master(s) for out of pocket expenses. Each rally expense should be recorded as a line item on this document. A receipt must be provided for each rally expense. Rally expenses may be paid either by the Wagon Master or by the Treasurer. Rally expenses should never be paid from received cash. The Wagon Master may submit a Rally Advance Form to the Treasurer for a cash advance to cover anticipated rally expenses. The cash advance becomes the Wagon Master’s money to spend on items for the rally. The cash advance should be recorded on the Rally Expense and Reconciliation Report (e.g. “LESS ADVANCE”) and will be deducted from any reimbursement due the Wagon Master for out of pocket expenses. A sample report and instructions for completing the report are included as sheets 2 and 3 of the Rally Expense and Reconciliation Report Excel document. Camping fees for all nights of the rally (payable for at most two Wagon Masters per rally) should be recorded in the “WM CAMPING” column of the Rally Expense and Reconciliation Report. If rally fees exactly cover expenses, then the RALLY NET on the Rally Expense and Reconciliation Report will be zero. Once the Rally Attendees and Income Report and the Rally Expense and Reconciliation Report are complete, email them along with the receipts (either scanned or mailed) to the Treasurer with a copy to the SARC Mentor. Once the reports have been reviewed and approved, the Treasurer will write reimbursement checks for the amount listed on the Rally Expense and Reconciliation Report. In the event there is an overpayment of rally fees by participants in the amount of at least $20.00 per coach, refunds will be issued to rally attendees after final review by the Treasurer and with concurrence of the club President. Please call or email if you have any questions.
Thanks for hosting and do have fun.
Stephanie Archer, SARC Mentor
UPCOMING RALLIES 2018
Desert Rat Rally – January 2018
January 17-23, 2018
Quartzsite, AZ
We’ll have our usual “big tent” along with catered meals nearly every night, music and dancing, “gear-head” session with catered lunch, games of chance/skill [w/prizes], margarita night, campfires, opportunities to go jeeping and golfing, a trip to the “Desert Bar,” along with plenty of time to connect with old friends and make new ones. Plus, there is lots to do in the Quartzsite area while we’re there:
- The Quartzsite Sports, Vacation and RV Show with over 20 acres of vendors runs
- Quartzsite Market Place Street Fair
- Tyson Wells Market Center Swap Meet
- Desert Gardens - Gem & Mineral
- QIA Pow Wow - Gems, minerals & jewelry
- Tyson Wells Sell-A-Rama - 23 acres of rocks, gems and flea markets
- Plus, opportunities for RV window and topper replacement, Hydra Hot maintenance, tow bar renovation, engine analysis, etc.
Registration material is available on the SoCal website,so mark your calendar now!
Rally hosts, Steve & Gayle Picha and Tom and Nancy Polk are working the details
Pala Rally – February 2018
Wow, it’s
hard to believe that we are winding down 2017 and gearing up for 2018
already. Our first rally of the year is
right around the corner at Pala Casino RV Park in Pala, California (a new
location for the group), February 8-12,
2018. Within 30 miles of the RV Park you
can be in the Temecula Valley Wine Country,
Old Town Temecula, at the beach in Oceanside, or at the Palomar Mountain
Observatory among many other things to see and do. Be on the lookout for the registration forms
coming out soon. Or click on the link here to access the forms on the SoCal website:
We are looking forward
to seeing everyone there.
Dean and
Susan Vargo
Barry and
Debbie Lacy
Milo and
Janet Prodanovich
RALLY REMINISCINGS
A Look Back – the Alpine Rolling Rally
Janet Prodanovich
Milo and I spent the month of August touring Oregon, from Ashland to Portland and then over to the coast. We worked our way from Astoria down the entire coast to the Redwoods in Crescent City. The culmination of our trip was the Rolling Rally hosted by the Fosters and Flemings. The rally started in Mammoth Lakes where the air, while thin, was blessedly smoke free due to the fires in Oregon.
Our first exploration began with a carpool to Minaret View Point and then Devil’s Post Pile National Monument – a testament to the powerful forces that moved earth and rock creating the beauty and majesty of the Sierra mountains. We hiked the trail to Rainbow Falls failing to realize the gentle downward slope would become an uphill trudge in the rarefied air. We lunched at Reds Meadows before heading back to our campsites.
The next day we drove to the Mammoth Mt Ski resort and boarded the Gondola for a leisurely ride up to an altitude of 11,053 feet and brisk temperatures. We happened onto an interpretive ranger who offered us a short walk and explanation of the fire (volcanic) and ice (glacier) forces that formed the caldera we were viewing.
The following day was ours to explore. We found several absolutely pristine lakes and miles of beautifully groomed trails. That evening we gathered in the club house for margaritas and a Taco Party.
Day 5 our rigs began rolling south to Lone Pine. Dark, ominous clouds began appearing on the horizon the evening we arrived. Before long the White Mountains to the East were enveloped in black clouds and a lightning show ensued.
Lone Pine is home to the Alabama Hills, a location favored by the Hollywood producers of the popular era of westerns: Gunga Din, the movie Tremors and even some Star Trek scenes. A docent from the Museum of Western Film History led our car pool as we drove to specific locations where he would match a scene from specific movies to the rock locations we could see.
One evening we descended en masse upon the Season’s Restaurant for an exquisite meal that did not disappoint.
Our last day was another day on our own to explore. Lots of options included a drive up to Whitney Portal, a visit to Convict Lake, a tour of the Manzanar Historic Monument or a trip up into the White Mountains to the ghost town/silver mine formerly known as Cerro Gordo.
The Cerro Gordo trip was not for the feint of heart. Just north and east from Lone Pine, the town is located at an altitude of almost 9000 feet and some 12 miles up a steep and narrow road.
The parties on our trek to Cerro Gordo included the Prodanoviches, the Polks, the Lacys and the Reynolds with Frank Krauland and Greg Vaughan. As we exited the paved road to head up the mountain, we took the road less traveled and soon realized this could not be the right road. We turned around and headed back down the mountain only to come upon a van with a young girl and several young children stuck in the sand. As Barry Lacy began positioning his Wrangler to pull out the van, Greg Vaughan climbed into the driver’s seat and very skilfully maneuvered the van out of the ditch and back to the paved road to the very great relief of its driver.
With a good deed accomplished we completed our trek up the mountain.
In its hey day, Cerro Gordo’s silver mine population boomed to almost 2,500 and at one time was larger than Los Angeles. There are currently two active houses. One is occupied by a full-time caretaker, the other home is shared by a series of volunteers who monitor the property for several weeks at a time. There are remnants of several shacks and out-houses used by the miners. We toured the bunk house, a small hotel with original furnishings seen in its large kitchen, dining room with an ornate pot belly stove, a saloon, and card room. Surprisingly, a beautiful stained glass window was installed in the mine’s storage facility and an old Maytag washing machine was installed just off the kitchen.
The silver mined from Cerro Gordo was smelted in Keeler, shipped across Owens Valley Lake and transported to build Los Angeles. The silver from Cerro Gordo, valued at approximately $17 million dollars at that time, transformed the pueblo of Los Angeles into a busy center of commerce.
As we traveled back down the mountain to the comfort of our coaches, we can only marvel at how rugged and difficult life was in this town and appreciate all our good fortunes.
The next morning we were rolling again, this time homeward bound.
I Heard it through the Grapevine...
I Heard it through the Grapevine... what happens in Mammoth and Lone Pine does not necessarily stay in Mammoth and Lone Pine ...
Milo and I spent the month of August touring Oregon, from Ashland to Portland and then over to the coast. We worked our way from Astoria down the entire coast to the Redwoods in Crescent City. The culmination of our trip was the Rolling Rally hosted by the Fosters and Flemings. The rally started in Mammoth Lakes where the air, while thin, was blessedly smoke free due to the fires in Oregon.
Our first exploration began with a carpool to Minaret View Point and then Devil’s Post Pile National Monument – a testament to the powerful forces that moved earth and rock creating the beauty and majesty of the Sierra mountains. We hiked the trail to Rainbow Falls failing to realize the gentle downward slope would become an uphill trudge in the rarefied air. We lunched at Reds Meadows before heading back to our campsites.
The following day was ours to explore. We found several absolutely pristine lakes and miles of beautifully groomed trails. That evening we gathered in the club house for margaritas and a Taco Party.
Day 5 our rigs began rolling south to Lone Pine. Dark, ominous clouds began appearing on the horizon the evening we arrived. Before long the White Mountains to the East were enveloped in black clouds and a lightning show ensued.
Lone Pine is home to the Alabama Hills, a location favored by the Hollywood producers of the popular era of westerns: Gunga Din, the movie Tremors and even some Star Trek scenes. A docent from the Museum of Western Film History led our car pool as we drove to specific locations where he would match a scene from specific movies to the rock locations we could see.
One evening we descended en masse upon the Season’s Restaurant for an exquisite meal that did not disappoint.
Our last day was another day on our own to explore. Lots of options included a drive up to Whitney Portal, a visit to Convict Lake, a tour of the Manzanar Historic Monument or a trip up into the White Mountains to the ghost town/silver mine formerly known as Cerro Gordo.
The Cerro Gordo trip was not for the feint of heart. Just north and east from Lone Pine, the town is located at an altitude of almost 9000 feet and some 12 miles up a steep and narrow road.
The parties on our trek to Cerro Gordo included the Prodanoviches, the Polks, the Lacys and the Reynolds with Frank Krauland and Greg Vaughan. As we exited the paved road to head up the mountain, we took the road less traveled and soon realized this could not be the right road. We turned around and headed back down the mountain only to come upon a van with a young girl and several young children stuck in the sand. As Barry Lacy began positioning his Wrangler to pull out the van, Greg Vaughan climbed into the driver’s seat and very skilfully maneuvered the van out of the ditch and back to the paved road to the very great relief of its driver.
In its hey day, Cerro Gordo’s silver mine population boomed to almost 2,500 and at one time was larger than Los Angeles. There are currently two active houses. One is occupied by a full-time caretaker, the other home is shared by a series of volunteers who monitor the property for several weeks at a time. There are remnants of several shacks and out-houses used by the miners. We toured the bunk house, a small hotel with original furnishings seen in its large kitchen, dining room with an ornate pot belly stove, a saloon, and card room. Surprisingly, a beautiful stained glass window was installed in the mine’s storage facility and an old Maytag washing machine was installed just off the kitchen.
The silver mined from Cerro Gordo was smelted in Keeler, shipped across Owens Valley Lake and transported to build Los Angeles. The silver from Cerro Gordo, valued at approximately $17 million dollars at that time, transformed the pueblo of Los Angeles into a busy center of commerce.
As we traveled back down the mountain to the comfort of our coaches, we can only marvel at how rugged and difficult life was in this town and appreciate all our good fortunes.
The next morning we were rolling again, this time homeward bound.
I Heard it through the Grapevine...
Teresa Weitz
I Heard it through the Grapevine... what happens in Mammoth and Lone Pine does not necessarily stay in Mammoth and Lone Pine ...
- The rolling rally was a lot of fun but for Debi Johnson the real highlight was learning about Mammoth from SoCal's Lorraine Foster who grew up in the area. Lorraine gave a personal tour showing where she lived and grew up.
- Dave McCoy was the owner of the resort back then, and Lorraine and her brother spent a lot of time at the resort after school. McCoy was very good to the local kids who did odd jobs for him. During the summer months, the kids would pick up trash and any "treasures" that were uncovered after the snow had melted. Lorraine was part of the workforce during the time the gondola was being constructed. Each section to be transported up the mountain for assembly was organized in numerical order. Lorraine made sure each item was numbered and that the correct numbers were transported in sequence.
- There were weeks' old baby tortoises at the RV Park in Lone Pine. Four were the size of a sliver dollar. Each shell was marked with dots in individual patterns. Folks had fun speculating about what the dots represented.
- Margarita Maestros, Bill and Greg, Making Magic at Happy Hour
