On Friday, Johnny, Ken and I were planning to rent bikes (Harley’s) and ride on the Napa, Sonoma wine country ride but under the threat of rain and all of us kowtowing to our brides we went on the Jelly Belly Tour. We bypassed the Anheuser-Bush tour and took a trip to the Wingnut shop in Fairfield. After visiting with Don Allen at Wingnut we returned to Sacramento for a Mexican lunch.
After lunch we returned to the hotel and did our registration thing and the attended a Safety seminar from 5 to 6 PM. Lots of laughter and very informative. I think we all learnrd something about leaving a member stranded. After the Safety Seminar there was a pre-Opening Ceremony and then we all went to Fresh Choice for a healthy dinner.
Saturday morning, after breakfast was the opening Ceremony and then we, as a group, headed to Old Town Sacramento. The first stop was the Railroad Museum where we spent allot of time just admiring the old trains. If you ever go and are interested in old trains then plan on spending most of a day in the museum.
After the museum we walked around the town and eventually came upon the leather shop where nothing is over $20.00 (what a deal). Just as a side note we also have a chain store in Jacksonville, Oregon. After everyone purchased all the leather goods they may possibly need we went to a Mexican lunch.
At 3:30PM we attended the Q&A seminar and if you missed it "Shame on you". Bruce Keenon, National Director, did a great job of answering questions about where’s the bucks go? I wish I had filmed it so I could present it at the next Chapter meeting. After attending this Q&A I have to say we better thank our lucky stars we have somebody like Bruce and his wife Linda dedicated to the survival of GWTA.
While I’m on the subject of our National Director and our National RED Ronnie and Kathy Vaughn, they traveled to California for a rally only attended by, last count I heard, 80+ members. With all the members of California, Oregon, Washington, Nevada, Arizona, Etc., I personally feel that was a very poor turnout. These people work hard for our organization and deserve a better representation of members. I can’t imagine that anybody would have worked harder than Ralphine and Steve at getting the word out or planning for everyone to have a great time.
Saturday evening was a great dinner followed by the Pajama Party. It was great fun, time for everyone to let his or her hair down and just have fun.
I forgot to mention there was an auction, and an awards ceremony for all the games.
I believe everyone who attended enjoyed his or her selves and, I personally, look forward to many more great times. Sometimes you just have to forget your inhibitions, let your hair down and have fun.
Tomorrow, Johnny and I are heading to Mesquite, Arizona for a Rally and will report back soon. Judy is in the Bay Area visiting with all our friends but will return soon and post pictures of Winter Weekend West.
Wish everyone well, and hope you too can have as much fun and enjoyment from life as we receive everyday.
Don Coons, Oregon State RED