By the sea, by the sea, by the beautiful sea………. That could have been the anthem for the eleven rigs that enjoyed the Dillon Beach outing in August. The Gold Country Travelers gathered under beautiful skies, ocean breezes and cool, sunny weather. This outing had more than its share of surprises. First, were Dave, our president, and Marsha Lee’s, who had to cancel their attendance and role as Wagonmaster for this trip. Dave had an elective stress EKG performed and in 48 hours, on Friday the 17th, underwent a successful 5 way heart bypass. He is now home, with a stronger than ever heart, and is recovering nicely with the support of family and friends. Dave, ever mindful of his Gold Country devotion, recruited new member Dick LaVergne and Chuck Rogers as co-wagonmasters to fill in. Dick and new Sunnybrook owner and guest, Garry Moore, arrived early Thursday to claim the last large spot in the Lawson’s Landing meadows. Filling in the wagon wheel set-up over the outing were Ed & Joan Fernandez and their friends; Ken & Cricket Couser; Carmen & Aaron Harris and their daughter and two grandchildren, Kale and Kayla; Howard and Judy Hitt; Scott & Cristy Nyland; Chuck & Arlys and Arlys’ sister, Darlene, from Oklahoma; John & Janice Saylor; and Bryce & Bessie Smith. Friday evening we gathered at the Dillon Beach café for good food and great service, followed by a “Bryce built” campfire and good conversation. Perhaps this weekend could also be described as the “tinkerers’ trip.” It seemed that a number of minor operating glitches, no doubt caused by sea sprites, affected the trailers. Garry’s slide wouldn’t work due to a sheared bolt, Chuck experienced electrical problems that were fixed with locating that almost invisible junction box circuit breaker button, Bryce had a couple of issues, including water heater problems and then there was Dick’s battery problems which were self-inflicted when he mixed a few wires hooking up new batteries. Shocking…. The weekend included another fantastic spaghetti feed with a gourmet happy hour, hosted by Chuck, Arlys & Darlene, several successfully launched kites supported by the constant breezes, hikes along the bay and to the dock, shopping trips to nearby gift stores and another great campfire Saturday evening, including s’mores for the kids. Finally, Scott & Christy announced that the “Big Dog” symbol and club were respectfully retired in a flash of flame at the campfire. Scott was quoted, with teary eyes and quivering lip that, “It was time….and besides no one else would take it.” Dick LaVergne, “sub” Wagon Master

Click on the photo below or the button in the upper left to see the pictures from this outing.

All circled up at the beach