Merry Christmas. A 2008 newsletter for the CW club members.

Merry Christmas from the Northwest
I just wanted to let all the CW club members know what a great year we have had out West in 2008. We have had new people join the CW club this year, and they want to get together too. As I write this, about everything between Salem, OR and Seattle, WA is closed for the blizzard going thru. The first Jamboree of the year, the SNWJ (Spring Northwest Jamboree) was held April 25th -27th in Viento State park in Oregon. This was well attended by 6 rigs, and one member even needed some work on the way, yes a tow truck was used.
The second Jamboree of the year was the FNWJ (Fall Northwest Jamboree) held September 26th - 27th at the Centrallia WA Elks. Four rigs, 2 from WA and 2 from OR gathered for another great time.
And two of our members even made the trip to Forest City and see the Winnebago factory. Heck, one of our '73 Indians even drove back for the rally this last Summer.
My own vacationing was mostly to the Oregon Coast where my wife and I drove from California to Washington along HWY 101. We seem to just find things to look at. Another thing we did in June, was to take a trip (with the camrybago) to visit Old Ed in Utah. Now we didn’t really make the trip to Utah just to see Ed, but to see where we lived 30 years ago. And meeting Ed was the highlight of our trip. Not really, but I will let him think that.
Another new thing for us this year was joining the Elks club. They have several RV parks and lodges on the Oregon Coast that we have enjoyed. It is very nice to travel and be treated like friends where ever you stop, hey that’s just like our CW club.
And this next year, 2009, should be even better. The thought of retirement puts a smile on my face. Just think, a paycheck coming in without even going to work. I wonder if enough people would read my blog so I can retire sooner????? Probably not........

The Classic Winnebago Fall NWJ 2008 9/26-9/28/08

The Spring 2008 Classic Winnebago Jamboree was great. And some of us really wanted to cut down on the travel for those up North, so we set up a jamboree between Portland, OR and Seattle, WA. Not all of those who would have liked to join us could, because of the distance to travel, but I think we will move the locations around so all can attend when they are close. It just so happens that there is an Elks Lodge in Centrallia WA with RV parking so we set it up. You know for $12.00 a night we got electric and water and a neat place to use. There were 2 other rigs there but they didn't mind and one even offered to move if we wanted to be all together. The Elks are a great group to join, if you want my opinion.

The great Classic Winnebago website move

Most of my not so busy time has been spent on the CW web site move. I know the members will really like the new place but it really is time consuming..........

The Oregon Coast 10/24/08 - 10/26/08

Some driving video taken along Hiway 101 between Lincoln City and Newport. It was a Friday after work trip as the sun was setting. A beautiful weekend in October, we stayed at the Newport Elks Lodge RV parking area. The only problem was after plugging into the "Luxury Pole" the plug came loose and we lost AC power in Wilbur. After a few busy minutes we were back to full power. That is nice, since the temp drops at night and an electric heater feels good. Not to mention the cable TV.
Here is the video

My Oregon Coast HWY 101 11/2/08

Off again to the coast 7/27/08 - 7/29/08

Sunday July 27, 2008
With the new Honda power plant we head back to the coast. Before we get to the ocean we decide to call a campground that we found last year called Whalen Island. It is a Tillamook County Park and in a neat place. Sure enough they have open sites so we head there. Took a few walks and after supper it was again movie night. My favorite was showing, RV. Everytime I watch it is good fun.

It's always crowded here at Whalen Island

Monday July 28, 2008
We decide to stay for another night here. Close to us is a very popular beach called Cape Kiwanda. People drive out on the beach and launch boats right into the ocean. They don't need no stinkin boat ramps. Then others think they can drive out on the sand and get stuck. now that is good entertainment too. The tow truck drivers even like it, lol. Ate at the Pellican Brew Pub and walked around the town untill we go back to the park for the night. We just had to watch more movies with the new Honda. Life is good again.. Anyone want to buy a kipor????

Cape Kiwanda

Tuesday July 29, 2008
Bath day and the Honda worked great. Heat and blow dryer and all. Drove back to Lincoln City but decided to head for home instead of spending the night. It's raining and Wilbur doesn't like to get wet.

July 26, 2008

I can't find anyone close to home that can fix my Kipor so we go out and buy a new Honda 2000 Watt gen. That should keep us in power for a while. It will power an electric heater and everything else. We don't have an A/C since the coast is always cool, and we like it that way too. This Summer we saw plenty of the portable generators outside every kind of RV. Just because they sip the gas it makes sense to use them. And I like having the outside storage where the old Onan was.

Oregon Coast 7/19/08 -7/23/08

Saturday July 19, 2008
This is another vacation on the Oregon Coast. We drove here for an ELVIS contest at the Chinook Winds Casino in Lincoln City, OR. Now I am not a big fan of "The King" but my better half is so we went. Wow some people should not wear polyester. Anyway Sophie ended up with a scarf from one of them, whatever that means. We dry camp in the parking lot of the casino for free along with every other kind of RV. The first spot we pulled into was close to one of those 40' DP made by Winnebago. And the guy comes over to talk about how nice Wilbur is. Must be a good place huh. The wind was blowing pretty hard but the view was great so we stayed.



Sunday July 20, 2008
After a good nights sleep we drove the 1/2 mile to Roads End State Park. It was a very low tide so we took a walk. Two hours later we returned to have breakfast. Wow with all the rocks exposed we were able to walk a long ways and see hundreds of star fish and other creatures and plants. Later we did go look around at some stores but no great buys. the sun set was really great. Spent several hours at D River State Park watching the kites and kids. Overnighted at the local casino.

Monday July 21, 2008

Got up and drove back to D River SP for breakfast and a long walk or two. We did find some candles at the local grocery store on sale and Sophie thought they would make good gifts for co-workers. Then on the way back to Wilbur we go past the Library and have to go in. Of course Sophie finds kids books she uses in the schools. She loves to give books to her kids to take home. After supper we decide to drive back to the casino for a movie night. The movie tonight is "Wild Hogs". Popcorn and a movie sure is a good way to end they day.

Tuesday July 22, 2008

It's bath day today. I can still remember the first time we used the shower in Wilbur. Now I have used several places to clean up but the Mrs. thinks everything needs to be just right. You knoe she has me, lol. But she learned that you only get so much hot water before it cools off. She is a pro now. After getting all clean we drive to the Taft area of Lincoln City. This area is an a large bay. We go for a walk and on the way back we past the Mo's resturant. Now they are well known for the fish and chowder they serve so in we go. Usually there is a line out the door, but not this time.

My Kipor generator died today. After the showers someone needed to blow dry her hair so I started up the Kipor. When I went to turn it off the knob was loose and gas was leaking out. I shut it off and layed it on it side so the gas was not leaking. Will look at it later. No movie tonight back at the casino.

Wednesday July 23, 2008

Decided to look for whales in Depoe Bay today. No whales were seen so we checked in with the whale center and it seems like the whales are not to active yet.

Good day for a nap. After a nap life is all good again. The clouds are comming in and some moisture is felt. We drive around and think maybe we should go home to take care of the Kipor. Then it starts raining, more and more rain. Guess this would be a good time to head home. Everything is going good untill one time when I turn the wipers back on they don't move. This is one of those watch this moments. As my co-pilot watches I give the dash a few gentle whacks with my fist and the wipers work just fine. You just have to get Wilburs attention sometimes. We make our usual stop at the Spirit Mtn casino to dump the holding tanks and then on home.

Grand National Rally 2008

I am reposting this info from a friend who is in Iowa. For my daughter, who thought I was pulled over for speeding, it was not me..............

"With headwinds and 3 mountain passes, I got 7.3 mpg. During the trip in SD, I even got pulled over for speeding. Really! I chatted with the trooper who was great and only gave me a warning. I told him the cruise was set at 61. The cruise does fluctuate & maybe the bigger wheels/tires (19.5) speed me up! I personally think he gunned another car and was thinking I was transporting something illegal. But, I wasn't what he expecting. Ha! Pic: Winnie in front of the main plant and the "Big Bertha" assembly lines building. I'll send more pics from the rally! Rally officially starts on July 21, but people are already arriving. I am having a few things tweaked on the Winnie and found an auto body shop that is detailing the exterior & buffing the aluminum trim. It will sparkle! Friday morning, July 18, one of the TV morning shows will be on the rally grounds. Maybe the Winnie will be featured or filmed."

California or Bust

Wednesday July 16, 2008
We are camped about 20 miles from Washington and decide to cross the boarder. Now for those of you who have never been here you find a rather large bridge to cross. So there was some concern but Wilbur had no problems with it. Once in Washington we stop at a visitors center and take some pictures. Then head South and think if we should head for home. This is not to be looked at as the end of a vacation but we like to call it "restocking". So as we drive and stop a few times we think about home. OK we head home and plan to come back Saturday. Of course we have tickets for the Elvis competition at the Chinook Winds casino in Lincoln City Saturday. Then we plan on spending a few days on the coast again. Wilbur should have a new shift cable and we should have clean clothes and more food.
WOW we made it. From California to Washington on hwy 101. That was something I wanted to do for some time now. And with only a few problems Wilbur came thru.

California or Bust

Tuesday July 15, 2008
We leave Newport Elks, but not before going inside for a tour of the lodge. I think we will be back to visit Newport soon, since we will be Condo camping in a couple of weeks close by. The main stop this morning will be the factory outlet stores in Lincoln City. Sophie loves to find a bargain. We drive on and are thinking of where to stop for the night. There is a cheese factory in Tillamook that lets people park for free in a grass area and we look at it, but then decide to drive on to Seaside. There we look at a place I have seen on the freecamping.com site. It's now $15.00 but we decide to stay. A short drive from the beach where we watch one of the better sun sets of the trip. The fog can cover the sun asw it sets but tonight is good. We walk on the famous boardwalk in Seaside and life is good. Only 15 miles from Washington.

California or Bust

Monday July 14, 2008
We leave Coos Bay and head North. It is still foggy so we drive along and stop where we like. The main stop was at Port Orford where we walked on the beach and ate lunch. There was a guy in the parking lot driving a Toyota MH and he ask a lot of questions about Wilbur. Sure sounded like he would like a Classic Winnebago. After lunch we drove along and spent sometime in Yahats. The weather is improving and Wilbur is giving us no problems, even if the shift lever is hanging from the cable. We decide to drive into Newport and stay at the Elks Lodge. More people are there and some wanted to talk about Wilbur. Seems that one couple even bought a new Indian in '73 just like Wilbur. They even came in for a tour. Same floor plan and colors.

California or Bust

Monday July 14, 2008

Today has been much better than last Monday. That was the day Wilbur had a starter problem. We left the Mill casino's dry camping lot. I did notice several of the MH's using a small Honda generator instead of the coaches regular one. I guess with the price of gas the smaller ones pay off. We use a Kipor 1000 watt for our stuff.

Stopped at Reedsport post office for some 1 cent stamps since our postcard stamps from last Summer need them. But after the post office we found a gift shop on the Umpqua river that had stuff to good to pass up, so we stocked up on the much needed gifts.

California or Bust

Sunday July 13, 2008
A very foggy morning. The plan is to drive to the California border and if its foggy take pictures, then head North. Well thats what happened. We bought some gas in Brookings and then drove to Port Orford where we walked on the beach and had lunch. Its still foggy but we enjoy it. The next stop is Bandon. This time the stores are open. We walk around and look at some stores. Nothing good to buy so it's off to Coos Bay. Once at the Mill Casino dry camping lot we set up the Kipor genset and watch TV. The internet is free from the RV lot.

California or Bust

Saturday July 12, 2008
Put the old cable back in and left the cable thru the dash. It still needs some help shifting but I can help it from the drivers seat without getting greasy. Drove down to the Farmrs market on the board walk but even Sophie didn't buy anything. Not so good shoping but I did find a Habitat for Humanity Tee shirt to buy. Maybe someday I will help them out more.
We found a place to park by the beach and walk. Sophie sure likes the beach even though there is some fog. She finds several rocks to pick up. We might not get over the mountains with all these rocks.
We stop for some smoked Salmon at a nice smokehouse then Fred Meyer for more groceries. Back at the Elks we have a great supper and settle in. Cable TV is good. After a hot day Friday of over 100 it is now about 60. Should sleep good tonight.

California or Bust

Friday July 11, 2008
Got going about 8:00AM and made it to Bandon before all the stores opended, good timing again. We did find a bakery open and bought a good desert for later. Stpped at a place called Ophir State park and walked on the beach picking up rocks and stuff. Then thought we should get to the Elks Lodge in Brookings before they fill up. Boy is it hot in Brookings. Its Friday about 1:30 when we got one of the last few spaces. Guess it fills up on the weekends. One problem developed while driving around town though. I turned around in a steep area and when I shifted down into 1st it didn't want to go into 1st. Then out on the road it was in 2nd. Oh boy another problem on this trip. When I found a place to stop and look at it I was able to move the shift lever on the trans. but the cable was bent behind the shift lever. I oiled it and we drove back to the Elks. Once it cooled of and I cooled off I took the cable out and checked it over. Straightened it and oiled it some more. I will try it in the morning. We called it a day.

California or Bust

Thursday July 10, 2008
Up and drove to the water front for breakfast. We like looking at boats while we make and eat breakfast. The drive to Coos Bay was nice and windy. Guess they could use some wind generators here. Sophie remembered the Macy's store so we stopped for awhile.
Spent most of the day at Sunset Bay State park. The wind was calm and we took it easy. Now back in Coos Bay we check out a couple of thrift stores and kick back. I think we will stay at the Mill Casino lot tonight.
We stop at the Mill casino and it is windy here. After supper we walked around the casino and looked for a game I found last year. It was a Green Acres machine. You know Wilbur likes that show with Arnold the pig. Could not find it anywhere so we went back to Wilbur and made popcorn and plyed cards. Life is good.

California or Bust

Wednesday July 9, 2008
Up at the crack of 8:30. Guess I was tired after the starter changes. It's cold and windy, but we like it anyway. Have a great breakfast and leave for Florence. Once in Florence we check out the Elks Lodge camping area and also the Elks campground 5 miles North of the Lodge. Both places look fine. We spend most of the day at Heceta Head beach, then drive to the casino for a free night of parking. The new Casino and Lodge at Three Rivers Casino is very nice. Lots of overnight parking too.

California or Bust

Tuesday July 8, 2008
The new starter is all in and we are back in Newport for the night. Found the Elks lodge and enjoy the Elec, cable and water. Sophie is very happy to watch TV and blowdry her hair after a shower. For the $12.00 we feel the lodge is great.

California or Bust

Monday July 7, 2008

Today was a bad day, not the whole day, but after 4PM Wilbur had problems. Here we are, on the Oregon Coast doing what we enjoy and the starter acts up. We had just visited a couple of Casinos, bought some tickest to concerts, ate lunch watching the ocean, and after stopping at our favorite thrift store in Newport OR I start Wilbur up only to have the starter continue to run. The key was off, the engine was off but the starter was running. I get the tool box out and the wire off the battery in record time. Now what to do. I put the wire back on, try it again but have the same thing. I knew there was a NAPA close by so off I drive. Stop in front and jump out to pull the wire off the battery. I go inside to talk with the guys and think about what to do. Maybe just let Wilbur cool off, yea on the coast things were in the upper 60's.

As I think about what to do I remember the relay I changed last year so I put that on, no change. There was a lifetime warranty in Wilbur when I bought it so a free starter would be better. I call AAA thinking a tow home would be in order, but they checked it out and removed they power cable to the starter from the relay. One guy held it on the relay and pulled it off when I started Wilbur. All is good as long as I don't turn him off. So we head home. Arived home about 8:30PM and call Shucks. They have the starter so will wait till tommorrow.

The Utah trip 6/23/08 - 6/28/08

As I start this post, you have to understand that in 1975, the USAF thought I should move from Thailand to Utah. Now I go from setting around the swimming pool in Southeast Asia in December to Ogden Utah in January. So I started the year of 1976 in Utah. In June, the 12th to be exact, I went back to my home town of Salem Oregon to marry my fiance. Then she moved to Utah with me for 3 years. We left Utah in 1979 after I was out of the Air Force and attended college for 1 year at Weber State university.

So now, after 30 years and raising a couple of kids, we think we want to see what things look like. The first day we drove from our home in Keizer, OR and drove to Boise, ID. Now back in the old days we would drive from Ogden, UT to Keizer in one day. Now 2 days seem about enough driving. Once in Boise we find and check into a hotel then have supper at the Red Lobster. And you wouldn't belive that they have a rather large shopping mall close by. We looked but didn't buy anything even at the Macys store.

The next day we headed for Twin Falls, ID where we found a large canyon where the Snake river went thru town. They also have the Niagra Falls of the West. It really was impressive to see.

Arrived in Ogden and found a room and supper. After supper we drove to the apartment we had lived in 30 years ago. Several thoughts ran thru our minds and when we saw that the place was less than we were expecting. I guess the years were not good for this part of town. The mountains up the street were the same, the park across the street was bigger than I remember but it was the same place. Oh well you can never go home or something like that.

Wednesday we went to the museum at Hill Air Force base. Now they have a really great collection of planes. Outside was a B52, but even that didn't look as big as I remember they were when I worked on them in Thailand. Inside I went right for an F4. This one was all shiny and clean. Not like the ones I worked on. Still a lot of memories of fixing them came back.

The top plane is a C130, Next is a B52 and the F4 at the bottom.

One plane missing from the museum that I worked on was a KC135. It must still be used since it's an inflight refueling plane. There was a C130 outside and I remember flying across Thailand in the back of one of those, right there with the rest of the cargo.

Then it was off to find some schools my wife use to teach in. We looked up the address in the phone book and off we went. Who would have thought a school out in the country could be surrounded by houses. Roy elementry did not look the same at all. The principle was there so we were able to walk around but it was all rebuilt and new.

Then we found Hooper elementry school. A sectetary was there so we got to see the inside. Now instead of a new school it was still the same building that was new 30 years ago, except the inside was changed from an open classroom school. They walled it all up into regular classrooms but it was the same school.

One thing I did do when we were at the museum was call a cousin of mine who is stationed at Hill AFB. I saw him 2 years ago at a family reunion. He and his family met us for supper at a Cracker Barrel resturant. That was new to us since they don't seem to have them out West where we live. Anyway, after a great supper and learning some of what they have been doing the last 23 years of being in the Air Force, he took us on base to tour the places I use to work. Now some of the base is the same but most is changed. The planes are now newer and smaller with the ability to do more than the old ones I worked on ever thought of. Still it was great to hear how cold it gets in the Winter and how hot it is in the Summer to work on planes outside. They even have covers over the planes where they park them outside.

Then the long awaited person to meet, Old Ed. Now not many CW members have or will ever get the chance to meet Old Ed, but we sure know him. I might even say that after knowing Ed for over 4 years on the internet, I was not sure what to expect. Not wanting to spoil any thoughts you might have about Ed, I will say he is real. You know he is not like the Easter Bunny or Santa. And his wife has a real name too. It is not SWMBO. And his youngest daughter is a very sweet 6 year old going into the first grade, and she loves math. We had a chance to vist in their home where we talked about everything from how the town of Ogden had changed, to Winnebagos. One thing you can say about CW members is they are down to earth. Infact you don't have to be crazy to enjoy old Winnebagos, but it helps.

Back at our room we had several thoughts on the choices we made to leave Utah 30 years ago. Did we do the right thing to move back to where our families lived in Oregon or continue our lives in Utah. Well we think the move back was the right thing to do.

The next day we had enough of Utah and headed towards home. This time we went thru Pocatello, ID. Having never driven this way we thought it might be a nice drive. It was different but you know Idaho and Utah have nothing on Oregon. Sure this was the Southern part of the state but you should see Oregon sometime. Then we stopped in Burly, ID to see some of the Snake river where the have boat races. Some boats were practicing and making a few laps but it was very windy and not many were out on the water.

At that time we thought the place we liked the best was in Twin Falls, ID.

The bridge and canyon trail were very neat. So thats where we went. We got a room with a view. Now what is this motorhome that my wife spotted out our window??

The wind was blowing so hard we wanted to have a picnic down by the river but settled for a pizza in the car looking down in the canyon.

I called another CW friend in Kennewick, WA. Bill said we should stop by so off we went to Kennewick. We first met Bill and his lovely wife at the NWJ (Classic Winnebago Northwest Jamboree). And even though we had met before, we went to their house anyway. Pat makes up for Bill but Bill knows how to BBQ a good chicken. And besides Bill let me name his Winnebago and even gave me 2 CW travel mugs, thanks Bill.

After much great food and good visting we called it a night.

Then came Saturday. The day we are to drive home. After a week of a road trip it was good to think tonight we would sleep in our own bed. We did make a drive thru the town of Kennewick to see Columbia Park. Wow, what a great park on the Columbia river. This is where they were getting ready for hydroplane races. Of course we had heard of a large shopping mall in town so before we left we needed to check it out. Wouldn't you know it we were there before any stores opened up. Don't you just hate that. Oh well we have to get going home.

This time the trip home was on the WA side of the Columbia. Some of the views of the river are really great from WA. There is a replica of Stonehenge. This was built on a high area overlooking the river.

The last part of our trip home went fast. We did think we might meet up with some other CW members but when we got thru to them, they were on the Oregon Coast wondering if we were there. Seems like once the temp gets up to 100 everyone heads to the coast to cool off.

So that was pretty much what we did on our Utah trip. Sophie said she missed Wilbur and was going to give him a big hug when we got home. Sure getting 35 MPG with the Camrybago is good, but the hotels are not as nice as your own bed every night. And Oregon has about everything we saw this week without some of the many miles we traveled. Not to make anyone feel bad about their State or town, but for us the great Northwest will be where you will find us for quite some time....

May 12th trip to the coast and maint. on Wilbur

Monday we took Wilbur to the Coast. Now a day off should not be wasted so Monday after work we drove to the Coast for a couple of nights. It was a quiet time and some cool damp weather. On Monday I put gas in Wilbur and thought it was slow turning over but it started. Then when it was in the driveway I started it a few times and that was it. The battery was dead. Since it was only 4 years old and had a 100 month warranty back it went. For $18.00 I got a new battery and boy does it turn over now. Must have been the running light contest at the NW Jam that did in my battery. Oh well the price of fame. Anyway another great trip to the Coast and I do have to brag about my gaming in the casino. Now normally I don't spend much time or money except for a good meal but this time I put my $1.00 in a machine and while the Mrs. got a phone call I ran the money up to $14.00. Now thats the most I have ever walked away with. Yea I'm a big time spender.

Jeff picks up Bago parts and we go window shopping

Today Jeff made the trip from Seattle to pick up some parts I found for his '73 Indian. Then we met with the previous owner of his rig to pick up a few "left behind" parts. Now for those of you that do not know Jeff he is really nuts about Bagos. I mean this in the most positive way but I guess growing up in Forest City Iowa does that to you. I feel really fortunate to have met up with Jeff and consider him as "Mr Winnebago". Anyway here are some pictures from todays outing.

Here Jeff has a load of front seats, an A/C roof cover, inside A/C cover, inside lights, 4 speaker covers and misc. parts

Jeff goes window shopping

And then dreams of having a shorty. Well maybe some day Jeff.

The Jamboree River Run

Terry launches his boat.
Another Brave shows up while we were on the river.
The Queen Mary goes by.
The girls on the way to Hood River for shopping.

Parts Bago's I have found

Here are a couple of parts Bagos I keep my eyes on.

More NWJ Pictures

Show and tell
Wow we sure enjoy looking at manuals
Notice the pillow on the table. Jeff had it made from the fabric stored under the seat covers. It is the same as my Wilburs dinnet cushions.

The Classic Winnebago NWJ 2008

Here are some pictures of the Jamboree. Click on them to enlarge, Les

The welcome banner with everyone

Kaye made the cake. I think it was the tow truck ride that caused the damage to the cake, but we ate as much as we could.

Our group dinner. Bill almost hid behind Terry's boat.