MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT
David Murray
2024 is quickly winding down and I can tell you, I am surely ready for this summer heat to pass. The heat here in Ramona has been nothing short of brutal, hitting 114 more days than I care to count. Trying to get anything done in this heat is near impossible.
I understand the couple of outings this summer have been successful and a good time was had by all. Catheren and I apologize once again for being out of things these past few months, but the coach is finally showing progress as we close in on finishing the interior. Our target is Quartzite in January, and look forward to seeing everyone again. We don’t have a lot on the calendar for 2025. I’m open to pretty much any spot rally your interested in putting together and will support in any way I can. Please feel free to email of give me a call with your ideas. Dmurray62@me.com, 619.302.1223.
As we approach the New Year, there will be some that have dues to pay. Please return your dues notices in a timely manner.
Dave Murray
President ACASoCal
Janet Prodanovich
From Your FMCA National Director
IN MEMORIAM: TOM POLK
In Memory of Tom Polk
I was asked to write a FEW words about Tom, so here it goes.
Tom and his lovely bride, Nancy, were married Aug. 1964. They have 4 kids Audrey, Rob, Natalie whom he loved with all of his heart and, of course, Alpine. Yes, I had to add the coach because it was definitely Tom’s baby. They welcomed their new addition, an Alpine Apex, to the family in March of 2006. And, like most new coaches, they went through a rough patch getting fixed, repaired and parts replaced, but loved it all the same.
I don’t know dates, but Tom and Nancy then joined the Alpine Coach Association where he was their Vice President. Also, he was a member of SoCal Alpine and NorCal Alpine where he also served as Vice President /rally director. Tom became very active in these clubs especially as rally director for NorCal. He pushed to have 4- 5 rallies a year in which he was involved in running the majority. In ACA, he took charge of some of the big rolling rallies such as, the Astoria Oregon Rally, the 395 Rally thru Mammoth to Lone Pine and his most recent was his Bucket List Rally to Canada to see the Beluga whales. Although some unforeseen circumstances always arose, Tom always kept his cool and handled the issues. His motto always was, “People like to be led and fed.” He also liked peanut butter, whether with whiskey or on salami. He was always energetic and ready to go visit new places and experience new things. He always looked forward to going on outings but, it wasn’t so much the rally itself as it was more about meeting new members and seeing old friends.
Tom was an inspiration to many of us on how important it was to keep these clubs alive. He realized we are getting older and slowing down, but his attitude was “keep going while you still can.” Even after he found out about his diagnosis, he continued to help me with the Salem Rally AND the Mississippi Rally knowing he was probably not going to make them.
Thank you Tom for the travels you’ve taken us on and new experiences we will always remember.
Your Friend and partner in crime
Jerry Fichera, ACA/ NorCal Rep.
We have a current balance of $10,894.13. I know that Janet has sent out dues reminders and we have had a good response, but if there are still folks that haven't paid their dues, a reminder would be appreciated.
WEBMASTER ARTICLE
Jim Archer
IT’S A LONG AND WINDING ROAD….
From California’s Central Valley (near Fresno) to Wishon Village Campground in the western Sierra Nevada Mountains above Shaver Lake. The campground is so remote, signage is minimal. One of the rally attendees was ready to turn their RV around because they thought they’d made a wrong turn. Fortunately, a local resident told them to continue 5 more miles to the campground! It was worth the winding & twisting roads. At an altitude of 6600’, the air was crisp and smelled of pine; the skies were blue during the day and filled with stars you could almost touch at night; daytime temps were in the low 70s with overnight lows in the 60s….a welcome relief after the 100+ degrees days both Northern & Southern California had endured prior to the start of the rally.
How far did everyone travel to Wishon Village Campground? Those of us coming from Southern California traveled almost 400 miles. Those coming from the Central Coast traveled 200 miles. Our co-hosts, the Mayfields and their friends the Tibbs traveled the least distance – 90 miles from Clovis. And our hosts, Tom & Patty Dietrich traveled the farthest….2250 miles from Indianapolis, IN!!!! Why you ask? Wishon Village Campground was the Dietrich’s summer getaway during the years they lived in Fresno. They moved to Indianapolis 15 years ago when their first grandson was born. Tom said he would host a rally at Wishon Village Campground after he retired. And he retired in July!
Thank you to the Dietrichs & Mayfields for hosting this rally. Both were excellent guides to the area. The Dietrichs spent summers here. Pat Mayfield is very familiar with the area since he worked for Pacific Gas & Electric which manages the Wishon & Cartwright reservoirs. Unfortunately, Marcella Mayfield was only able to enjoy the first evening of the rally. The following morning she was suffering from altitude sickness and had to be taken back down the mountain to relieve the symptoms.
What did we do for activities in such a remote area? EAT WELL, first and foremost. Marcella Mayfield served Italian chili and cornbread the first night. The following morning, in addition to fruit, bagels & muffins, Tom Dietrich cooked scrambled eggs to order! The following evening was a potluck feast – pulled pork, pumpkin pizza, lasagna, Greek chicken orzo, rice pilaf, a chicken chile casserole cooked in a real Dutch oven over coals and birthday cake to celebrate Mikey Collins birthday. There were enough leftovers for dinner the next night. And that night Lynn & Gail Call surprised us with a peach cobbler cooked in the Dutch oven! Yum. They even drove 40 miles round trip to Shaver Lake so we could have ice cream with the cobbler.
After all the eating, what did we do to work off the calories? There were several hiking trails from the campground to Wishon reservoir (a couple of miles each way). There was a leisurely walk among the giant Sequoia trees about a 5 mile drive from the campground. The fish were biting! The Hambarians caught their limit more than one day from both the shore and off a pontoon boat. Pat Mayfield led us on a road trip to Cartwright reservoir, which feeds Wishon reservoir and provides hydro-electric power to the area.
Every evening but one, we gathered around a campfire after dinner. Great conversations. Beautiful starry skies. The night without the campfire, we were entertained for an hour and half by the singing duo – DaLo (Dave & Lori). The campground has a small amphitheater...small stage with changing room and logs cut in half for seats (we all brought our own folding chairs). Dave & Lori performed as Sonny & Cher, Johnny & June Cash, Tom Jones, Elton John, Shania Twain, Dolly Parton & Kenny Rodgers….complete with costumes, wigs and mannerisms. They were pretty talented and extremely entertaining. I never thought about how difficult it is to belt out “I Got You Babe” at 6600’ elevation until Lori mentioned how winded she was after that particular set.
Again, a big THANK YOU to the Dietrichs and Mayfields for making this a memorable rally.
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ANIMAL COMPANION STORIES ON THE ROAD
Our pets seemed to enjoy their time in the mountains too! Our cat, Ava, enjoyed looking out the windows while chattering at the birds & squirrels. The Tibbs’ little dog (sorry I don’t remember her name), sat at Terry’s feet during happy hour enjoying all the tall tales being told. The Dietrich’s St. Bernard/Great Pyrennes
mix, Hannah, enjoyed daytime in her 12’x12’ tent, set up next to the RV, complete with windows, fans and a doggy bed hammock so she could rest off the ground. Her traveling companion, Abby, a 20-year old calico cat, enjoyed Mom & Dad time inside the RV on her heated bed while Hannah was in her tent. Australian Shepherds Rozy (4 years old) & Harley (“mature”) Collins enjoyed walks through the campground. Harley liked to greeting everyone and wait for ear and belly scratches. She’s nose you in the elbow if you stopped petting her before she was ready. Rozy, the Explorer, enjoyed climbing rocks and boulders in the campground and at the dog park.
