Escapees September-October 2024

camping chair chat

CHAPTER 34: Columbia River SKP’s Oregon and Washington We started with 36 memberships at the fi rsto ffi cial meeting of the Columbia River SKPs on July 22, 1993. Our highest membership number was 136 in 2005. Unfortunately, as of July 1, 2024, we are down to 40 members which we are endeavoring to increase. “More People=More Fun!” C lub luncheons are on the fourth Monday of every month at the High Rocks Restaurant, 915 East Arlington Street, Gladstone, Oregon 97027 (503-656-1111). Our club organizes fi ve rallies per year, each offering unique experiences. The fi rst rally, held in January at Quartzsite, Arizona, kicks off our year of adventure. The next two rallies could take you anywhere in the scenic landscapes of Oregon or Washington. The last two rallies are usually at Wapiti RV Park, near Lincoln City, on the Oregon coast and the Hood River fairgrounds, near Hood River, Oregon. At Wapiti, you’ll be bedding down with an elk herd and, from the fairgrounds, you’ll have stunning views of Oregon’s Mt. Hood to the south and Mt. Adams, in Washington, to the north. Because of recent wild fi res in the area of the Hood River, we will be holding this year’s September rally at historic Champoeg State Park, near St. Paul, Oregon. In 1843, pioneers here voted to request that Oregon become a part of the United States. There are a lot of things to see and do around all of the rallies, as well as fun, games, crafts and, of course, great food. For more information, don’t hesitate to reach out to our chapter president, Nancy Steward, at 360-521-7683 or e-mail: dcstew3@gmail.com. You can also contact our wagonmaster, Karen Grady, at 503-260-5764 or kgrady606@gmail.com. We’re excited to welcome you to our community. Come Joinus! Bill Boyce #87445

Bridge and Mexican Train are member-generated events year-round. We enjoy bean bag baseball on our porch, and a barrel of laughs awaits the golf-cart races. In the winter months we enjoy a Brown Bag Auction, Thanksgiving, Christmas and Easter dinners. What fun to see the artistic efforts of our gingerbread house decorating event. We all enjoy Karaoke, too. The public is invited to join us for our annual fl ea market in early March. Our winters may have some cold spells but, we can usually plan to enjoy mild weather during the “ber” months. At Lone Star Corral, we believe that “’if you want a crowd of Escapees, simply offer food.” And here, food is enjoyed year-round! With all the activities offered, relaxing and enjoying time off is always a choice “activity.” Unlike many parks across America’s south, our park does not shut down for the summer, so we host many of our events then. Yes, it does get hot, but that doesn’t slow us down. Although a lot of members head north, many stay year-round. Come, join us any time of the year. Visitors are always welcome and encouraged to join in the fun. We’ll look forward to seeing you soon. Diana Stone #74876

19

September/October 2024 ESCAPEES Magazine