The April event took place on April 15th, 16th and 17th at the Basalt Campground, San Luis Reservoir State Park near Los Banos, California. Anxious to get underway, Ray Walls, Bob Joyner, Don and Doris Brewbaker showed up on the Thursday the 14th along with Bob Joyner's guest, "JC" and Mike Cirner.

Click HERE to see some pictures of the camping.

Not remembering who showed up when, I will just say others arrived Friday and Saturday. Ray, Don, Doris and Bob went on a ride Friday afternoon making the loop to Hollister by way of I-5 and Mercy Hot Springs. The weather was cool but beautiful, with plenty of wild flowers. A stop for lunch at Casa De Fruita, on the way back made for a great ride. Of course, Doris and Bob had to hit the candy shop before heading back to camp.

Several meals were provide by Bob Lee, JC, and Mike They included but were not limited to; a choice of chicken or pork Marcella(sp?), sautéed mushrooms, great salads, grilled zucchini, wine, beer, need I say more. This isn't including the pancake breakfast that was served. Saturday night was going to be a spaghetti feed, but thanks to Ray and Don and Doris Brewbaker, the spaghetti was replaced by juicy thick steaks and all the trimmings.

Bob Lee, JC and Mike did most of the cooking, although I think I saw Ray flip a steak or two. KP duty was performed by Don and BJ. Big campfires were on tap each night. Actually, everyone chipped in on the work, to make this one of the best campouts in a long time. The only task not concluded, was a request from Bob Lee to that of Don Brewbaker, as of this writing, Don had not made good on Bob's request. Maybe next time.

Saturday involved a ride to the Corbin Seat Factory in Hollister. A tour of the factory was set up by Fritz Wells. The tour was very interesting, even to a few of the non riders in the group. After the tour, everyone had lunch at the Corbin café and thanks to Fritz, the monthly meeting was also held there. Way to go Fritz! Several items were discussed at the meeting and are noted in the April minutes.

Between the campout, tour and meeting, 24 members showed up. Thanks to all for their participation. Refer to the minutes for the name of all participants.

Bob Joyner

Basalt Campout

The Basalt camp out was a great success. I'm sure that BJ will list all participants. I am writing this to let you all know that you missed one of the best camp outs that Doris & I have ever attended.

Click HERE to see some pictures of the camping.

And the food!! We have paid over $30 a plate at restaurants for food that never came close to what we were served at this camp out. And the entertainment that BJ put on was priceless.....nuff said about that.

Everybody left Sunday but us and we had the campground to ourselves...almost. When I reached down to put more wood in the fire I touched a rattle snake that was under the log.

It's a good thing I carry Nitro with me....damn near needed it.

It was maybe 16" long and was starting it's second rattle. It wouldn't go away. It just wanted to stay warm next to the fire pit. We set on the picnic table and it curled up under the grill attach to the pit.

The next morning it was gone but we had a good idea where it was.

It had curled up in the cover for our trailer after the fire pit cooled. Doris got a tent pool and was able to toss it into the trees. She has been watching too much Jeff Corwin on TV cause she wanted to pick it up at one point.

Doris and I would like to thank Bob Joyner