SJH
Past Washington Chapter Leaders
PHOTOS
The very first WA State Heartland Owners Club Rally provided a very enjoyable weekend for all in attendance. Held in Anacortes, the outlying area provided everything from trips to the San Juan Islands to bike riding along shoreline trials, breath-taking views from the Deception Pass bridge, or simply enjoying the great facilities at Pioneer Trails RV Park.
Weather was perfect. We often make a big deal out of a sunny weekend in the fourth-corner of WA as it is a rarity but this weekend was awesome with temperatures in the 80’s.
Several rigs including “shovelguy” arrived earlier in the week but by early afternoon on Friday row B was full of Heartland rigs and everyone was ready for the 4:00 PM “Meet n Greet” at Steve and AnaLyn’s site. Light snacks were provided and HOC members brought some of their own specialties including things like smoked salmon from members Bruce and Carol. One unique aspect of this event was not only was it a first-time event for many attendees, none of those present had ever met prior to the rally. This made the “Meet n Greet” especially effective as everyone had new stories and camping experiences to share while getting acquainted. The afternoon quickly became evening and it wasn’t until 7:30 PM or so that everyone began to return to their sites for dinner, camp fires, or just quiet time with a book.
Unlike Friday mornings foggy beginning, Saturday started off with a beautiful northwest sunrise setting the stage for a sunny and warm day. Campers had a “do your own thing” day. Some went to nearby towns like LaConner to shop and see a hot-rod show, some like “olyfire” I believe, took a ferry ride to Guemus Island, and still others visited the nearby Swinomish Casino. At 6:00 PM everyone gathered at the cabana for what proved to be the potluck of potlucks! The food was plentiful and excellent with a palatable variety from smoked chicken casserole, crab puffs, and pulled pork to several great salads including a broccoli salad that was awesome. Dessert was simply coffee and cookies. Joining our group at the potluck was a couple from Alabama (Jerry and Lily “gizzy”) who just happened to be in the area visiting friends in Anacortes.
Traveling the greatest distance for the WA Rally was Mr. Bill Knight (wdk450) who came all the way from Sacramento, CA. Mr. Knight also got to take his Bighorn on the Port Townsend ferry on his way to Anacortes.
Although some campers stayed longer the official rally ended on Sunday. Morning coffee and donuts at the Herrick’s site provided the opportunity to exchange addresses, emails etc and the familiar “see you on Facebook” goodbye.
It was a great “first rally” and our introduction to the group RV events. It seems like a contagious pastime and we are looking forward to many more such opportunities in our camping repertoire. AnaLyn and I would like to thank all the campers for their patience and cooperation which helped make this such and enjoyable time. We would also like to thank “ziggy” from the Oregon Chapter for her help getting us started.
Best Wishes to All
Steve and AnaLyn Herrick
The very first WA State Heartland Owners Club Rally provided a very enjoyable weekend for all in attendance. Held in Anacortes, the outlying area provided everything from trips to the San Juan Islands to bike riding along shoreline trials, breath-taking views from the Deception Pass bridge, or simply enjoying the great facilities at Pioneer Trails RV Park.
Weather was perfect. We often make a big deal out of a sunny weekend in the fourth-corner of WA as it is a rarity but this weekend was awesome with temperatures in the 80’s.
Several rigs including “shovelguy” arrived earlier in the week but by early afternoon on Friday row B was full of Heartland rigs and everyone was ready for the 4:00 PM “Meet n Greet” at Steve and AnaLyn’s site. Light snacks were provided and HOC members brought some of their own specialties including things like smoked salmon from members Bruce and Carol. One unique aspect of this event was not only was it a first-time event for many attendees, none of those present had ever met prior to the rally. This made the “Meet n Greet” especially effective as everyone had new stories and camping experiences to share while getting acquainted. The afternoon quickly became evening and it wasn’t until 7:30 PM or so that everyone began to return to their sites for dinner, camp fires, or just quiet time with a book.
Unlike Friday mornings foggy beginning, Saturday started off with a beautiful northwest sunrise setting the stage for a sunny and warm day. Campers had a “do your own thing” day. Some went to nearby towns like LaConner to shop and see a hot-rod show, some like “olyfire” I believe, took a ferry ride to Guemus Island, and still others visited the nearby Swinomish Casino. At 6:00 PM everyone gathered at the cabana for what proved to be the potluck of potlucks! The food was plentiful and excellent with a palatable variety from smoked chicken casserole, crab puffs, and pulled pork to several great salads including a broccoli salad that was awesome. Dessert was simply coffee and cookies. Joining our group at the potluck was a couple from Alabama (Jerry and Lily “gizzy”) who just happened to be in the area visiting friends in Anacortes.
Traveling the greatest distance for the WA Rally was Mr. Bill Knight (wdk450) who came all the way from Sacramento, CA. Mr. Knight also got to take his Bighorn on the Port Townsend ferry on his way to Anacortes.
Although some campers stayed longer the official rally ended on Sunday. Morning coffee and donuts at the Herrick’s site provided the opportunity to exchange addresses, emails etc and the familiar “see you on Facebook” goodbye.
It was a great “first rally” and our introduction to the group RV events. It seems like a contagious pastime and we are looking forward to many more such opportunities in our camping repertoire. AnaLyn and I would like to thank all the campers for their patience and cooperation which helped make this such and enjoyable time. We would also like to thank “ziggy” from the Oregon Chapter for her help getting us started.
Best Wishes to All
Steve and AnaLyn Herrick
You and Carol would be naturals though
