Event Write-Up

Fifty-two gals in 29 rigs circled their RV wagons at the Whispering Pines RV Park in Cle Elum August 21-23 for the Cascadia Cowgirl Weekend. Arriving under warm, sunny skies, the cowgirls were welcomed by Hi There! Gals Marda Jordan, Kathy Clixby, Lana Weed and Joan Tucker and settled into their spots.

Happy Hour took place at the OK Corral Saloon, decorated with hay bales, bandanas and other assorted western items. There was even a “jail” built by weekend captains Shelly and Lisa, Linda and Lynda. Designated sheriffs and deputies threw people in jail for multitude of no good reasons, and the only ways folks could get out of jail was if someone bailed them out with a donation of canned goods bound for Hope Source, the Cle Elum Food Bank. In total, four boxes of food were donated on behalf of Cascadia – way to go, Cowgirls!

Several newcomers were welcomed during the evening announcements, including Joni and Nell visiting from the Arizona chapter, Marda Jordan from Shelton, Lauri Scholefield and Tricia Sikes from Vancouver, B.C., and Judy and Susan from Wenatchee.  President-elect Mary Schoenfeldt announced she would be at Sue Ellen Johnson’s beck and call all weekend – she is serving out the terms of the auction item that Sue Ellen purchased at the Mossyrock earlier this season. Mary brought Sue Ellen’s potluck contributions for the entire weekend, and had to answer to a bell that Sue Ellen mastered the use of in no time at all. Another announcement was from Kathy Clixby, who will be participating in the Breast Cancer 3-Day Walk in Seattle, Sept. 11-13. If you’d like to sponsor Kathy, you can do so online on her personal fundraising page.

On Saturday morning, 30 rafters gathered at 8:45 a.m to caravan to the put-in location on the Yakima River.  Once the shuttle drivers returned from moving the vehicles to the take-out location, we got underway in four rafts. It took about 30 seconds for three of the rafts to get started with water fights, aided by a variety of water cannons that people had brought along. One raft held back and remained dry throughout the day. Wimps.

Those who didn't go on the raft trip toured locally, or just relaxed around the campground. Thanks to those who offered to walk and check in on the dogs while the rafters were out for the day.

Following a barbeque dinner provided by the chapter and a break for dog walking, Lynda Byrd led the group in a line-dancing lesson to western music provided by Malka and Shannon.

After coffee Sunday morning we held four rig christenings, for Judy and Susan (Little Llama 2),

Mary and Mary were stuck in "jail" before someone took pity
on them and bailed them out with a donation of canned goods.

The rafting party pulled out on a gravel bar for a picnic lunch
along the way.

Barb and Laura ruled the grill during Saturday night's
barbeque.

Anne Mansavage named her new rig "Tiny" during the
Sunday morning rig christening. She is holding the goddess
RVeena, which Mary loaned to Anne momentarily to impart
good energy and hopes for safe travels.

Lana and Joan (Ole Girl), Anne Mansavage (Tiny)and Kay and Fran (Nimble). Many folks wandered up the road to Roslyn for Sunday Market before hitting the trail for home.

Until we meet again in Yakama September 18-20, Happy Trails to all!

Diane Milnor