News: California

Fresno Floaters
Local Chapter
By Glen and Virginia Duysen

The Nov. 19-22 meeting was well attended with 14 Floater rigs gathering at the Bakersfield River Run RV Resort for a weekend of fellowship.

After a delicious Thursday evening meal provided by wagonmasters, Sue and Barbara Castle, the group attended the play, "On Golden Pond" at the local Star Playhouse Theater. It was very well done and enjoyed by the Floaters.

Friday the group traveled to the Buena Vista Museum of Natural History in downtown Bakersfield. Displayed were large collections of dinosaur bones, shells and sea life, rocks, petrified wood, and gemstones—very interesting and educational exhibits.

Saturday afternoon was perfect for the usual competitive beanbag baseball games. In the evening Mexican train and Poker kept the group busy. That evening we enjoyed a traditional Thanksgiving meal and gave thanks for the many blessings we have in the U.S.A. The Fresno Floaters are looking forward to their annual Christmas party and dinner at a Fresno restaurant on Dec. 19.

Lee Ann Bybee 661-809-3374

Hi-Desert Rig Runners
Local Chapter
By Tryna Morton

The Hi-Desert Rig Runners Christmas outing was held Dec. 3-6 at the Banning Stagecoach KOA. Members began arriving Thursday, got their RVs setup, and then met in the clubhouse to begin decorating under the direction of Clare Gilbertson. The theme this year was Mr. and Mrs. Claus. Our traditional holiday goodie table was heaped with wonderful, delicious, sinful sweets that everyone snacked on throughout the weekend.

That evening the group took a short drive to Sun Lakes Country Club for dinner. Tryna and Al live in this gated community and were able to grant us access to their restaurant. The community has 3,400 homes with many facilities that were well decorated for the holidays. It was indeed a magnificent sight!

Friday the Executive Board treated us to a delicious breakfast and afterwards, the cards and puzzles came out. We also enjoyed the lively music of Pineapple Jam, a group of senior ukulele players. We were able to get them to entertain us since Al is a member of the group. They played some Christmas music, some oldies, and did some solo pieces. Their music was enjoyed by all and followed by a "make your own sundae" party.

Friday night found us enjoying an Italian meal catered by Roussos, followed by our annual gift exchange game. As always, a few coveted gifts went round and round. It seemed like everyone wanted the handmade Winnebago quilt, the 16-gig memory stick, and the hands-free soap dispenser.

Saturday a group of us went to Tortillas, a local Mexican restaurant for lunch and then returned to the clubhouse to dig into our stuffed stockings that everyone had been filling all weekend. Following that, there was time for more puzzles, poker, and snacks.

That evening Tryna installed Augie and his board, first in a humorous way and then in the traditional Winnebago ceremony. Afterwards, the mood was lightened considerably as we played "White Elephant Bingo." For some reason, no one got tired of this game though Connie was terribly sad to lose her "pet parrot" to Mary and Bob got to take the gorilla home for the year! The game was lively, fun, and certainly enjoyed by everyone.

Tryna Morton 951-845-9343 tmorton744@verizon.net

Winnebago-Itasca Travelers