Michigan Good Sam - Chapter 52 Campout - 2011
Updated: 08/13/11
Monday Tuesday WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY Vietnam Wall Memorial Replica SATURDAY
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We arrived on Monday to find our neighbor had driven his 1931 Model A sedan to the campout. He performs his own restoration except for paint.
Sunday, Mary Lou got a ride in it.
This is the Model A he drives regularly. Bud also owns a 1931 Model A flatbed truck that he trailers to shows. We saw a photograph of the truck - real nice. He took his truck to a car show on Saturday and returned to camp with the President's Choice trophy from the show. Congratulations, Bud.
Our campout did not officially begin until 2:00pm on Thursday. But, given an opportunity to gather with friends in a relaxing environment, many of our members start arriving on Monday or earlier. When everyone was in camp, we had a total of 27 RVs and 65 people in attendance.
As you look through this page regarding our 2011 campout, you will notice one similarity with all of our prior campouts. We eat well. Where RVers gather, socializing over a meal is part of the campout experience
Nothing was on the schedule for Tuesday. It was a day to relax and/or get some chores completed.
An informal
gathering was scheduled for Wednesday night where members already in camp could
enjoy conversation and the music.
Oops
. . . Bob claims he was sitting on a carpeted step that was wet.
The
next morning we were served sausage gravy and biscuits. Lucy prepared the main
course, others contributed some fruit and other side dishes.
Our meals are all "BYO" . . . "Bring Your Own" dishes, silverware and beverage.
The children and teens enjoyed the crafts.
Are you hiding something behind your back?
The beanbag baseball game is always a fun time. People get into the game and 'bad mouth' the opposing team. "Hey, batter, batter!"
A
deep conversation was held at the ladder golf game. Not much action, but
conversation.
The
hotdogs were grilled by committee - two chefs and a lid holder.
. . . Provide
food and they will come.
They all came - with their dish to share.
Informal gatherings are a little different each night. We are never sure which musicians will show up to play for us.
Mick
Ralph
Pat
Mary
Terry
Bob
We are all sitting around enjoying the music . . .
. . . and, Shirley decides we should march to "The Saints Come Marching In".
Later, the young people added to the entertainment.
Then, the dancing begins including the "Hooky Poky".
We were having such a good time, the pony from the Petting Zoo stopped in and joined the party.
Pancake
breakfast . . . what a great way to start your day. Leave your RV, walk next
door and enjoy a pancake and sausage breakfast - cooked by someone else. Joan
and Bonnie were hostesses. Others brought some stuff and helped cook.
After breakfast, we went into town to visit the Wall. Therefore, we do not have any photographs of the horseshoe tournament. When we returned, Don expressed how disappointed that we were not there to photograph his victory. Sorry, Don.
On
the
weekend of our campout, the Vietnam Wall Memorial Replica was visiting Cadillac.
The Cadillac Wall Project was formed to bring "The American Veterans Traveling
Tribute" to Cadillac. The traveling Wall is an 80% replica of the wall in
Washington DC. Many of our members visited the wall during the four days it was
displayed. It was an emotional experience.
You could purchase a small American Flag to place at the bottom of a panel.
Many people were looking for the names of loved ones. Some used a pencil to make an impression of the name as a remembrance.
The several ceremonial activities scheduled during
the four days were held in
the Rotary Pavilion.
The Saturday evening program took place in front of the
Wall.
The truck that carries the Wall to the display locations was parked along side the Cadillac City Park.
The
walkway leading into the park was lined with panels providing information on all
the major conflicts our Nation has engaged in and a tribute to those who died on
9/11.
This fountain was in the center of the park.
A Vietnam Timeline lined a walkway.
Among the many other displays was The POW/MIA Table
(Click
on the image to read the significance of each item.)
Our visit to the Wall was a unplanned 'special' addition to our week in Cadillac.
We returned to camp for the Croquette tournament. It is a very competitive series of games. We did not want to miss the battles.
During one game, Don felt sorry for Myron being stuck
at a wicket at the
other end of the field as the other players
played on. So, he took his chair
to keep him company.
The spectators were rather quiet on the side lines.
The final four . . . Bob, Kathy, Sherry and Chuck.
The final shot . . .
The winner . . .
The prize . . .
Jerry, Bud and Mary donated the fish for the Fish Fry.
Chef Otto . . . OTTO
Everyone else brought a dish to share. Did we mention that we eat well at our campouts? It is true.
Paul's birthday party followed . . .
To
avoid a blaze, we had him blow out imaginary candles.
Bob had an assistant again at our informal gathering in the evening.
When the dog went after a piece of popcorn, his floppy ears flew out like wings.
Euchre was added to the schedule at the last minute at the
request of one of our members.
A lot of people participated. So, it will be
on the schedule next year.
Fred was so busy playing Bingo that he did not make any photographs of the game. We play for White Elephant prizes. Maybe it was the excitement of possibly wining one of those prizes that distracted him.
Our
potluck is always an event when we underestimate how much table space we will
need for all the food.
Our informal gathering was split up tonight.
We had most of our usual entertainers . . .
. . . and our usual Lucy's popcorn.
Meanwhile, across the road, one of our members brought a Karaoke machine. Some of our members sang the words on the screen with CD accompaniment.
Along with the end of the Karaoke singing came the 'official' end of our 2011 Campout.
Sunday morning, the "Good-Byes" were said and the hugs and handshakes given to those leaving for home or other destinations. The rest of us left Monday morning. We will see each other again at the Fall Samboree in Otisville.
Our campouts do not just happen.
It takes the assistance
and cooperation of
a lot of our members to make it look easy.
Our thanks to all who helped in any way.