David Hobden
Welcome back to another fine digital Matterhorn Newsletter. The health of the Alpine SoCal group continues to be strong thanks to the untiring efforts of our executive board, wagonmasters, and members at large.
Unfortunately, I still don’t have much “Alpine” news to report on from the Hobden household. We continue to work on projects around the new (to us) house here in Mesa, AZ. My most recent accomplishment was finally getting 50 amp power installed to the Alpine Coach. This was a major project since the breaker box is on the opposite side of the house from where the Coach is parked and required a lot of digging to bury the new cable around the side of the house and through the back yard. I just hope the Alpine doesn’t get too comfortable parked there :) Our current plan is to head north before the oppressive heat returns to Arizona - we don’t want to spend another summer here if we can help it.
We were able to break away in January and attend the ACA Desert Rat Rally (17-23 Jan) in Quartzsite where we got to enjoy the company of many of our awesome SoCal members along with all the other ACA, NorCal, and NoWACA folks. What a fun time! The weather cooperated this year and a great time was had by all. Unfortunately, we weren’t able to attend the most recent SoCal Rally at the Pala Casino RV Resort (8-12 Feb) due to a scheduling conflict but we look forward to seeing you all at the upcoming Camp Verde Rally (9-16 Apr) which promises to be great fun.
I ask everyone to continue to support our club and mission to enjoy the friendship and camaraderie of fellow Alpine Coach Owners and don’t forget to share your travels and adventures with us on the Alpine Coach Owners Facebook page (www.facebook.com/groups/AlpineOwners). Additionally, don’t forget to send your photos and/or articles to our newsletter editor (Teresa Weitz) for all of us to enjoy in between rallies.
In closing - I know I’ve said it before - but 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/lst V.P. Membership
Hi Fellow Alpiners,
It is my pleasure to announce that we have reached a new milestone in our Membership. Alpine SoCal is now 75 members strong!
Helping us to achieve that number are our two latest membership couples. Please give a hearty “Welcome” to Dan & Carmen Wendall of San Diego AND Al & Jan Hoyo from San Felipe, Baja CA. It was great fun to meet them at the recent rally held at the Pala Casino RV Resort.
Joel and I were not able to fully participate in the rally due to a scheduling conflict. We were fortunate, however, to be able to drive down for the day on Friday and attend both the Board Meeting and the General Membership Session. I can truly say that the attendees made this a very special rally and the vibes present at the membership meeting were awesome. I would like to say again that I believe we have an amazing chapter and that is due solely to each of you, our members.
One order of business was the presentation of a Certificate honoring the Chapter’s 10th Anniversary as members of WMHA. Roy McDaniels, the southern region Vice President of WMHA, was in attendance and we received his glowing comments about the health and enthusiasm of our chapter. Alpine SoCal is actually 15 years of age, but the first five years we operated directly under ACA. We became an independent Chapter on our own and thus members of WMHA ten years ago.
Another highlight of the membership meeting was the presentation of an Honorary Lifetime Membership Award to Mac & Anne McDougal. Mac and Anne have given selfless service and unparalleled leadership support to members of Alpine SoCal. Seeing their "SOSUEME" license plate at rallies reminded us that we always had expert legal advice from one of the best. They are an amazing couple and it was a personal joy and privilege to make the presentation.
Now I would like each of you to do me a big favor. Please sign in to Alpinesocal.com website and verify your personal information: http://alpinesocal.com/
I know that there are several of you who have moved and your address on our roster is not current. Please email me your new information so that I can bring the roster up to date.
While on the website, also check the last column of our roster which is the date your membership expires. Many of you will be asked to renew your membership by June 30 of this year. Membership dues are $15 annually and multiple years may be paid for your convenience. You may mail me a renewal check anytime between now and June. Make check out to Alpine SoCal and mail to 25161 Cineria Way, Lake Forest, CA 92630
Also, please know that I would welcome a new picture of you for our website. Many of us do use the information on the website and a current picture of each member would be really appreciated. Again, just email me a .jpeg picture of your choosing and I’ll do the rest. It’s so nice to be able to place a name with a picture, especially for those of us of mature age…lol!!
Safe travels everyone! Hope to see you soon!
From Your FMCA NATIONAL DIRECTOR
Carolyn Swan
FMCA ROADSIDE RESCUE
(Name changed from Roadside Assistance Program so not to be confused with the FMCASSIST Program) This Program is offered by FMCA to Members in the USA & Canada at a group rate of ONLY $69 a year and covers everyone in your household, even children under age of 25, for up to 3 years with a 3-year FMCA membership.
INCLUDES: Service provided by SafeRide RV Motor Club (administered in Florida) for rescue in ANY of your motorized vehicles 24/7 hours/days for BREAKDOWNS only (NOT ACCIDENTS).
It covers ALL of your vehicles: lockout service, fuel delivery, mobile tire
change/service, battery boost, winching service (went over the side), mobile mechanic for repair, (travel fee & repair fee included, parts & labor extra), Repair Locator, RV Technical assistance, all vehicle towing, Towing Motorhome (DRIVE SHAFT must be DISCONNECTED - ask for FLATBED to be sent for TOW);
CONCIERGE Services - driving directions, hotel reservations, restaurants reservations, theater tickets, etc;
Trip Interruption: up to $1500 or $300 a day for hotel and food x 5 days!
SafeRide RV Motor Club (877-581-8581/ dispatch 855-737-0737)
FMCA TECH CONNECT
1) SPRINT HOT SPOT for $49.99 a month with unlimited data @ 3G/4G LTE speed + 300MB roaming coverage (+ one-time $39.99 rental charge for Hot Spot).
PLUS - Technology offers & discounts like 10% Wi-Fi Ranger products & 15% on Cell Booster products
OR
2) VERIZON CONNECT for $49.99 monthly Mobile Broadband Plan with a 2-year agreement (only 1 cent for the MiFi mobile hotspot device) for 4G LTE & unlimited data up to 25GB month and then reduced speed.
Same Technology discounts as offered above. For this you must have a Verizon Wireless account and you must go through FMCA.com to set it up.
Other Benefits are coming as well. We also have the ones you are familiar with like:
-FMCA Assist Medical Emergency
-International Travel Insurance through 7 Corners
-Pet Insurance
-Tire Savings (save a bundle on car & coach)
-Guardian Glass Windshield Replacement Assistance
-New Vehicle Invoice Pricing; Passport America Discount Camping
-Mail Forwarding
-Fantasy RV Tour discounts
-Office Depot, Office Max, Staples, UPS discounts
-Social Networking through RVillage.com
Check out the new FMCA website to register
REMEMBER: Benefits are offered through your current FMCA Membership. To lock in a 3-year policy, your membership must go through the end of that 3- year policy. AND REMEMBER, EVEN IF YOU QUIT R-Ving, you can KEEP your MEMBERSHIP in order to KEEP your benefits (like those above) &/or the FMCA ASSIST Medical Emergency & Travel Assistance for out of area (50 miles) emergencies and it can be used World Wide (however, return of vehicle is limited to North America) - and it includes a discount drug card.
Number to call is on the back of your FMCA Membership card! (This Assist is worth the $60 annual membership fee or $50 if you buy 3 years or 6 years for $260).
Or click this link for a complete list of all membership benefits:
https://site.fmca.com/fmca-membership-benefits
TREASURER's REPORT
Rick Fisher
Balance as of 2/15/2018 is $10,797. Nothing else to report.WEBMASTER REPORTS
Jim Archer
Digital Cable Systems
There was a situation that came up at the 2017 October rally in Mammoth Lakes in regards to cable TV. The Mammoth Mountain RV Park has converted to a digital cable system. Unless you have a television that can tune digital cable signals, you need to use a converter box, which the RV park can provide. There was the problem: It is virtually impossible to connect the converter box to the TV’s in our coaches!
Just like the conversion from analog to digital broadcasting revolutionized the over-the-air TV industry, digital cable is revolutionizing the cable TV industry. The benefits are similar, with crystal clear reception, better sound, and the ability to provide many more channels for our enjoyment. But again just like the OTA conversion, many older televisions cannot tune digital cable signals. The cable company can provide a converter box that will attach to your TV. It works fine in your home, but in an RV those connections are hidden away where we can’t get to them easily to make the necessary connections.
There was a situation that came up at the 2017 October rally in Mammoth Lakes in regards to cable TV. The Mammoth Mountain RV Park has converted to a digital cable system. Unless you have a television that can tune digital cable signals, you need to use a converter box, which the RV park can provide. There was the problem: It is virtually impossible to connect the converter box to the TV’s in our coaches!
Just like the conversion from analog to digital broadcasting revolutionized the over-the-air TV industry, digital cable is revolutionizing the cable TV industry. The benefits are similar, with crystal clear reception, better sound, and the ability to provide many more channels for our enjoyment. But again just like the OTA conversion, many older televisions cannot tune digital cable signals. The cable company can provide a converter box that will attach to your TV. It works fine in your home, but in an RV those connections are hidden away where we can’t get to them easily to make the necessary connections.
New televisions are required by law to be capable of tuning digital OTA signals. You can fix the situation by simply buying a new TV. However, this is NOT true for digital cable signals. Many new televisions currently on the market cannot tune digital cable signals. In order to do that, televisions need a QAM tuner. (That stands for quadrature amplitude modulation if you care.) Many televisions don’t have a QAM tuner, especially lower end TV’s. If in doubt, check the specifications or the manual.
In fairness to the campground owner, they are stuck in the middle. If the local cable TV company converts to a digital system, the campground is stuck with digital service, and offering the conversion boxes that we can’t use. And to make things worse, those boxes are not free to them, so they need to charge a deposit to make sure they get them back. So now the campground operator is forced to charge you for something you cannot use. Don’t be mad at them, they are stuck in the middle. Some compound the problem by charging a rental fee. These operators deserve your ire!
Currently most of the campgrounds still offer analog cable systems, but there are a growing number of campgrounds that have converted. There are plenty of ways to set up the entertainment system in your coach to allow you to use digital cable when it is available. If you are in the market for a new television, make sure you buy one with a QAM tuner. But you need to be prepared in advance, not convert at the RV park.
Currently most of the campgrounds still offer analog cable systems, but there are a growing number of campgrounds that have converted. There are plenty of ways to set up the entertainment system in your coach to allow you to use digital cable when it is available. If you are in the market for a new television, make sure you buy one with a QAM tuner. But you need to be prepared in advance, not convert at the RV park.
SoCal Website Upgrades
The Alpine SoCal Website has recently undergone some significant changes -http://alpinesocal.com/index.php
I sincerely hope that nobody has noticed anything different! The changes were mostly behind the scenes. I needed to upgrade the website to a new version of the software behind it. I would like to say that everything went smoothly. I would LIKE to say that, but it would be a lie! But it worked eventually. The changes took place at the first of the new year.
If you find anything that is not functioning as you think it should, please bring it to my attention. I am still working on improving the loading time.
One change you may have noticed is that I have added a link to a series of webpages for Alpine Coach NorCal. NorCal now has a webpage that will show their rally schedule, as well as rally registration forms, etc. These pages mirror our Rallies page. (Your webmaster loves copy and paste!) If any of our members are heading north and think they might like to join a NorCal rally, please check out their rally schedule.
Anyone who has checked the Alpine Coach Association website lately will find that their rally schedule now includes links to the regional club rally schedules instead of our rallies being included on their schedule. It was a losing battle to keep all of the various rally schedules in sync and up to date.
Enjoy your travels!
The Alpine SoCal Website has recently undergone some significant changes -http://alpinesocal.com/index.php
I sincerely hope that nobody has noticed anything different! The changes were mostly behind the scenes. I needed to upgrade the website to a new version of the software behind it. I would like to say that everything went smoothly. I would LIKE to say that, but it would be a lie! But it worked eventually. The changes took place at the first of the new year.
If you find anything that is not functioning as you think it should, please bring it to my attention. I am still working on improving the loading time.
One change you may have noticed is that I have added a link to a series of webpages for Alpine Coach NorCal. NorCal now has a webpage that will show their rally schedule, as well as rally registration forms, etc. These pages mirror our Rallies page. (Your webmaster loves copy and paste!) If any of our members are heading north and think they might like to join a NorCal rally, please check out their rally schedule.
Anyone who has checked the Alpine Coach Association website lately will find that their rally schedule now includes links to the regional club rally schedules instead of our rallies being included on their schedule. It was a losing battle to keep all of the various rally schedules in sync and up to date.
Enjoy your travels!
Debbie Lacy
Our 2018 Rallies have gotten underway with a great rally at a new location, Pala Casino RV Resort, located in Pala, California. The rally was hosted by the Vargos, Prodanoviches and Lacys. We all had a great time and welcomed two new members (Don & Carmen Wendell and Al & Jan Hoyo) to the club and honored Mac and Anne McDougal with an Honorary Lifetime Membership.
See below our rally schedule for 2018 and 2019 all set with Wagon Masters and locations, just waiting for a couple of the dates to be finalized.
2018
Distant Drums RV Resort, Camp Verde, AZ April 9-16
Rhododendron Festival, Florence OR (NorCal/SoCal) May 16-21
Napa Expo Fairgrounds, Napa, CA September 5-12
Flying Flags RV Resort, Buellton, CA (SoCal/NorCal) October 26-30
2019
Mission Bay RV Resort, San Diego, CA February 21-25
Golden Shorts RV Resort, Long Beach, CA April/May (TBD)
Pismo Coast Village, Pismo Beach, CA September (TBD)
The Springs @ Borrego, Borrego Springs, CA October 17-21
Registration forms have gone out for Distant Drums and Rhododendron and can also be found on the SoCal website: http://alpinesocal.com/index.php/rallies
By now you should have received a copy of the 2020 Rally Preference survey either at the Pala Rally or by email. We would like to encourage everyone to fill it out and let us know your thoughts on the suggested areas or any area that you think would be a great rally location. If you have not received a survey you can find it on the SoCal website. If you are planning on attending Camp Verde, Florence, Napa or Buellton you can fill it out there. If not, you can print it, fill it out and return it to Bill, Stephanie or Debbie via email.
SARC was established in 2014 and our efforts have been devoted to:
- Establish our Rally Schedules further into the future
- Involve more of our members as Wagon Masters
- Seek more member input to guide the nature and location of rallies
- Make rally planning more user friendly, especially for Wagon Masters, and accounting functions
- Pursue more joint opportunities between SoCal & NorCal Alpine Clubs, and
- Maximize the concept of SARC to share the workload
UPCOMING RALLY
SAVE the Date and THINK WINE COUNTRY
Alpine Napa Rally, Sept. 5-12, 2018
With less than 8 months to go, it is time to mark your calendars for the September 5-12, 2018 So/NoCal Rally.
For the 28 Alpiners who participated in our May 2014 Napa Rally, it's time to go again. For those who didn’t, be sure to peek at our Alpine SoCal website to read and enjoy the photos from the June 2014 Newsletter and be convinced that you don’t want to miss it this time.
It's easy to access: http://www.Alpinesocal.com/, click Newsletter, click VIEW for JUNE 2014.
Or simply click this link: http://alpinesocal.com/media/contentbuilder/upload/matterhorn/June_Matterhorn_2014.pdf
You will find 6 enjoyable articles and photos beginning on page 5-11.
Be assured that while our Rally Schedule will be different from 2014, it will be a memorable group event with a mix of some group activities and lots to do on your own in this spectacular and diverse destination.
And if you considered not going because of the fires in October 2017, just check the news to learn that the Wine Country is up and running and beautiful as ever.
More to come in a couple months.
Any questions contact your Humble Wagon Masters
Bill & Pattie Figge & Paul & Katie Lisec
Figgebp@mac.com Lisec12455@aol.com
(805) 300-0033 (818) 723-7936
Alpine Napa Rally, Sept. 5-12, 2018
With less than 8 months to go, it is time to mark your calendars for the September 5-12, 2018 So/NoCal Rally.
For the 28 Alpiners who participated in our May 2014 Napa Rally, it's time to go again. For those who didn’t, be sure to peek at our Alpine SoCal website to read and enjoy the photos from the June 2014 Newsletter and be convinced that you don’t want to miss it this time.
It's easy to access: http://www.Alpinesocal.com/, click Newsletter, click VIEW for JUNE 2014.
Or simply click this link: http://alpinesocal.com/media/contentbuilder/upload/matterhorn/June_Matterhorn_2014.pdf
You will find 6 enjoyable articles and photos beginning on page 5-11.
Be assured that while our Rally Schedule will be different from 2014, it will be a memorable group event with a mix of some group activities and lots to do on your own in this spectacular and diverse destination.
And if you considered not going because of the fires in October 2017, just check the news to learn that the Wine Country is up and running and beautiful as ever.
More to come in a couple months.
Any questions contact your Humble Wagon Masters
Bill & Pattie Figge & Paul & Katie Lisec
Figgebp@mac.com Lisec12455@aol.com
(805) 300-0033 (818) 723-7936
ENGINEER MIKE's TECHNICAL ADVICE COLUMN
Michael Fleming
We shared this at the wonderful New Braunfels Heritage Rally gearhead session (Thanks! to Sandmires again). If you weren't there or you need a reminder, you can read the codes off your electronic (ISC or ISL or ISM) Cummins engine computer using the Cummins Fault Advisor app (was free when I downloaded in for android) on your smartphone. You'll need a Deutsch 9-pin to OBD2 adapter and an OBD2 bluetooth gizmo. The adapter & gizmo form a "dongle" that broadcasts to your smartphone wirelessly, after plugging into the 9-pin diagnostic port (in battery box on all ISC & later engines, and on front firewall on 2005+ coaches).
For the Deutsch9pin-to-OBD2- you can get it off eBay (cheap & maybe works) or www.obd2allinone.com/adapter.asp for US made for a few bucks more; the latter is what I did. Cost me about $120 for gizmo & adapter.
Cummins' app is available free for android @ the PlayStore, I'm assuming the same "Cummins Fault Advisor" app will be available on iTunes or wherever Apple takes buckets of your money at some point but I just checked Cummins' website & they only show android at this time.
That's my $.02. EngineerMike
A RECAP - ALPINE SoCal PALA RALLY - February 2018
Janet Prodanovich
WHAT A WEEK….. The Eagles WIN THE SUPER BOWL– this Philadelphia girl is on cloud 9. The stock mark roller coasters with 1000 point dips and hundred point rebounds. Record cold sweeps across the middle, southern, and eastern seaboard. We avert a government shut down.
What else can SoCal Alpiners do but seek refuge, flocking to the Alpine SoCal Rally at the Pala RV Resort in Temecula. Immediately we are warmed with day time temperatures in the mid-70s, abundant sunshine and comforting smiles and hugs of our Alpine family, some 22 RVs strong!
We missed the Brunholds due to health issues. The Swans were forced to cancel due to mechanical issues after already having replaced their radiator and Cummins engine (ka-ching $). Tris and Carolyn and Joel and Mary Langord were however able to make it to the rally for Friday’s Board and Membership Meetings and Heavy Hors D’oeuvres.
Friday afternoon Dean Vargo and Janet Prodanovich renewed their spirited Bean Bag Toss Challenge and were joined by several more spectators/participants. A good time was had by all. We hope more of you will come out, challenge and cheer us on during rallies to come. New member Al Hoyo has already proven to be a worthy challenger.
Saturday morning, a representative from Redlands Truck and RV Performance Center presented an overview of services offered and some thoughts for RV maintenance that was well attended and well received. Knowing that something and anything can and does go wrong, it is always helpful to have professionals offer us some practical reminders and advice.
Saturday afternoon a Paint & Sip presented an opportunity try to capture a Sunset Flight of balloons over Temecula.
Sunday morning 6 Jeeps/4 wheel drive vehicles lead by Dean Vargo departed for an off-road adventure up the Nate Harrison Grade Fire Road at Palomar State Park to the Boucher Fire Overlook hoping to see the Pacific Ocean. However, all they could see was haze-shrouded views of the Temecula valley due to an incoming Pacific storm.
 |
| a little fuzzy...but then there was a lot of "tea" drunk by these ladies |
Sunday afternoon a Ladies “Tea” “T” “Ti” as in “Tini” was attended by many. What a wonderful and wildly diverse group of ladies! I have attended just 2 “Teas” and welcome the unique opportunity this offers us to share and learn more about each other. Especially poignant during this gathering were the stories Anne McDougal shared from her long history with Alpine So Cal. The Ladies Tea is open to all ladies and we hope and encourage all ladies to attend. (An alternative “Tea” is provided and BYOD is always the default).
Sunday afternoon Open House: This was an unexpected treat. Helena & Bob Mazzocco had recently completed some interior and exterior remodeling of their coach and wanted to share. What a treat! Several others also opened their coaches for a tour. I understand the Fisher’s Alpine suffered some major problems requiring major sleuthing to figure out the problem(s) before repairs can be addressed. Determined to join the rally, the Fisher’s arrived in a new Allegro Open Road complete with a fireplace!! (I’m jealous). Others showed off modifications made to the underneath bays, front entertainment center and more. Many of us are curious as to what people are doing with their motorhomes and if you are willing, we encourage you to share.
Free time allowed us to explore the many gastronomic offerings at the Casino Resort. The sushi bar offerings were exquisite. The Café’s Philly Cheesesteak was amazing. The buffet’s offerings were overwhelming, and the Prime Rib particularly spectacular.
Many enjoyed visits to/from local friends and family member.
For those of us familiar with the sculptures that grace the landscape of Borrego Springs, sculptor Ricardo Breceda’s Gallery & Sculpture Garden was a short drive outside of Temecula.
Last but certainly not least. We welcomed new members Al & Jan Hoyo and Don & Carmen Wendell. Bittersweet, we learned that Mac & Anne McDougal have decided the time has come to sell their motorhome. But on a higher note, the club surprised Mac & Anne with a Lifetime Membership and celebratory cake, our expression of love and friendship, and small thanks to their 14 years of membership and their significant and long term contributions to our club.
Safe travels to all until we meet again …….
I DON’T NEED NO STINKIN’ CASINO TO SPEND MONEY AT PALA!
Stephanie Archer
A handmade quilt and a piece of yard art made by a famous metal sculptor were treasures I found during our Pala rally.
Who knew that dropping off the 2020 Rally Preference Survey to Marie Murphy would result in me being able to acquire a beautiful handmade quilt from her? Thank you, Marie! It’s the perfect size to snuggle in while watching TV…if I can keep our cat, Ava, from taking possession of it. Ava burrowed into the folded quilt while Jim and I were at dinner. When we returned, I had to drag her out from between the folds of the quilt. And she didn’t come out peacefully! That Darn Cat.
The 4 foot long gecko was made by Ricardo Breceda, the metal sculptor who created the bigger than life metal sculptures which are scattered throughout Borrego Springs (remember the serpent that spanned both sides of the road). His “gallery,” three and a half acres or wall art, yard art and bigger than life metal sculptures, is located in Aguanga, just down the road from Rancho California/Aguanga Outdoor Resorts. On the weekend of the Pala rally, there was an art show at the gallery, complete with free food, drinks and music. No, the gecko wasn’t free! But it was reasonably priced. I’m looking forward to being able to see it from my kitchen window. “Jim…another item for the honey do list….please hang the gecko on the wall outside the kitchen window”.
REFLECTIONS OF A NEW MEMBER
Jan Hoyo
Stephanie Archer
A handmade quilt and a piece of yard art made by a famous metal sculptor were treasures I found during our Pala rally.
Who knew that dropping off the 2020 Rally Preference Survey to Marie Murphy would result in me being able to acquire a beautiful handmade quilt from her? Thank you, Marie! It’s the perfect size to snuggle in while watching TV…if I can keep our cat, Ava, from taking possession of it. Ava burrowed into the folded quilt while Jim and I were at dinner. When we returned, I had to drag her out from between the folds of the quilt. And she didn’t come out peacefully! That Darn Cat. The 4 foot long gecko was made by Ricardo Breceda, the metal sculptor who created the bigger than life metal sculptures which are scattered throughout Borrego Springs (remember the serpent that spanned both sides of the road). His “gallery,” three and a half acres or wall art, yard art and bigger than life metal sculptures, is located in Aguanga, just down the road from Rancho California/Aguanga Outdoor Resorts. On the weekend of the Pala rally, there was an art show at the gallery, complete with free food, drinks and music. No, the gecko wasn’t free! But it was reasonably priced. I’m looking forward to being able to see it from my kitchen window. “Jim…another item for the honey do list….please hang the gecko on the wall outside the kitchen window”.
Jan Hoyo
I had heard about you people! Last year, my friends ASC Members Janet and Milo Prodanovich visited my husband and me in the little Baja fishing village of San Felipe, where we live. At the time, Janet was a Wagon Master for your anniversary rally. She wanted rally gifts so we shopped the malecon and Janet came home with Mexican (glass) hummingbirds.
Since then we continued to hear about ASC rallies and the big fun you have. So, we decided it was time to attend a rally and we made it to the February rally in Temecula. And I will absolutely attest to the fact that: You do have fun!
Immediately we were impressed by how welcoming everyone was. It did not take long for us to feel like we’d been members of the organization for years. Activities were planned to help you get to know others, like the tell-all girls’ Mar-TEA-Ne hour, which I can’t say anything more about because I think it’s like being in Las Vegas!
We enjoyed an Alpine “Open House Tour” where members threw open their doors and invited others to see modifications and enhancements made to their coach.
A group went “off road” to Boucher Hill Fire Lookout atop Palomar Mountain. We enjoyed fellowship, friendship, dining, libations and came away with new friendships.
We enjoyed an Alpine “Open House Tour” where members threw open their doors and invited others to see modifications and enhancements made to their coach.
A group went “off road” to Boucher Hill Fire Lookout atop Palomar Mountain. We enjoyed fellowship, friendship, dining, libations and came away with new friendships.
By the second day of the Rally we had become ASC members. We salute your iconic blue ASC flag for being an organization that’s so easy to love! Rally On fellow members and we’ll see you at a future rendezvous ready to welcome the next new members!
Jan & Al Hoyo
RV travel blogger, LifeRVstyle.com
On to NOLA - It's mostly about FOOD!!
Bill Figge & Marilyn Fogel, editor
Overnight stops along the way included Katy and Beaumont, Texas, and Abbeville, LA. During the 2 nights in Abbeville, most of us visited Avery Island, took a Cajun/Creole Food Tour and ate dinner together at the popular Shucks Restaurant. Avery Island is the Tabasco capital of the world, distributing about 300,000 bottles daily worldwide. It's amazing how a product that simply consists of distilled vinegar, red peppers and salt is so globally popular. The island is beautiful to see, but don’t take shortcuts to get there or you may find how common road closures and bridge outings can be. The FOOD Tour introduced us to Lafayette, LA and a wide variety of local businesses and FOOD samplings, i.e. cracklins, gumbo, jambalaya, boudin sausages, oysters, alligator, and scrumptious southern desserts…..mmm…mmm…..The guide/driver was a former history teacher and also FOOD enthusiast. The restaurant Shucks is known for their oysters, but also offers a wide array of fish and other popular dishes. A few of us visited the Lake Martin Swamp & Rookery for our first view of the swamps and observed a very large Alligator basking in the sun along the side of the local dirt road and water canal. He could have eaten a group many times our size!!
Just in case you missed it, we started getting the impression that this excursion to LA, was vastly about the FOOD with a bit of history, culture and other touristy things thrown in.
Next, small caravans of us moved on to NOLA (New Orleans, Louisiana) to spend most of the week at the Bayou Segnette State Park located in Westwego, about 20 minutes south of NO depending on traffic. We had lots of free time to pursue personal interests. Trips to New Orleans often included the French Quarter, visits to a plethora of museums including the highly rated WWII Museum, the historical Streetcar ride along St. Charles Ave and other city attractions. Swamp Boat and Plantation Tours were enjoyed by many. And everyday, members shared their dining experiences. Even an informal morning gathering prompted the Mazzocco’s to find local Beignets for us so we could maintain our high blood sugar levels. Sounds like a bit more local tourist activities mixed with a lot more preoccupation with, you guessed it - FOOD!!
Finally, the most unique and memorable experience was the evening that Noel and Carol arranged for us to have dinner at their son’s establishment, Elizabeth’s Restaurant. Noel took us in groups of 4 for a tour of the restaurant that seemed small and intimate but seats 186 patrons for Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner most days. Their son, Bryon, an accomplished Executive Chef and Owner, spoiled us with seven courses of the restaurant's many favorites, including praline bacon which had us somewhat politely trying to get the last few pieces. This 2+ hours of casual fine dining experience and socializing was incredible. The Peck’s shared their many experiences establishing and nurturing this wonderful restaurant. You may want to check it out on their website: Elizabeth's 
Our deep appreciation to Noel and Carol for facilitating and guiding us during this 11 day spot rally. It was a great trip that gave us a chance to nurture old friendships while seeing new places and eating delicious FOOD while enjoying great Southern hospitality!
Until next time y’all!
EDITOR'S REMINDER
Don't forget that photos submitted to me are in albums located under the PHOTOS tab. Photos from all the SoCal 2017 and 2018 Pala rallies are available for your viewing pleasure.
I have also created an album from the 2017 ACA Texas rally. Hosts Jan and Dean Sandmire once again outdid themselves for both the pre-rally in Lajitas and the ACA Heritage Rally in New Braunfels. There were 11 Alpine coaches in convoy from SoCal to Texas. More SoCal Alpines joined us at the rallies. We had a blast.
Likewise, if you click on the MAPS tab, you will see the locations for all the rallies.
(Teresa's blog has details about their adventures in Lajitas and New Braunfels)
ALPINE COACH FOR SALE
2000 Alpine Coach M-36SDS (330hp) Limited Edition for Sale.
Very good shape - 2016 Michelin Tires
Please call Mac McDougal h: 619-469-8725 c: 619-889-8725
Very good shape - 2016 Michelin Tires
Please call Mac McDougal h: 619-469-8725 c: 619-889-8725
