JUNE 2018

Hello fellow campers. June was a unique month for the Copper Hills Chapter. We had two camp outs, one in Blackfoot, Idaho, and the other at the Washoe Lake State campground.
Nevada Good Sam was well represented in Idaho with a total of 8 rigs in attendance (6 Copper Hills, 2 Southern Nevada). Brad’s brother and wife also joined us from Emmett, Idaho. We believe the Copper Hills Chapter was the single largest chapter represented at the Samboree
The Copper Hills caravan left the Reno area on June 4^th and arrived in Blackfoot in the afternoon on June 5^th. Our advance party (Brad and Judi ) arrived before us and staked out a nice location at the Idaho State Fairgrounds with sites that had water and power. ($8.00 per night, what a great rate!).
At the Idaho Samboree we met many nice people, ate some good food (the Smoken Gun BBQ in Blackfoot is a must visit), and played several interesting games (Hand and Foot, Pegs and Jokers, and the blindfolded driver Tractor Rodeo). Randy participated in the Dutch Oven Luncheon.
On Thursday, the Idaho Samboree had a Flag Retirement Ceremony. The program was very moving and emotional. Many old and worn out United States Flags were retired following a solemn program of burning them. Many Good Sams members participated by dedicating an old flag to someone special while placing the flag in a wood fire.
On Friday, the Samboree attendees were treated to a magic show featuring 2 magicians. Many Copper hills members were willing or unwilling participants.
On Saturday night everyone attended the Closing Ceremony. Following the ceremony, we were entertained by a Jazz Band for 2 hours. The music was enjoyable but the chairs got real hard.
On Sunday the weather turned cold and it was a good time to leave and say our goodbyes.



   
                                                                                                                                                       
The second campout was an informal campout at Washoe Lake State Park June 19-22, 3 rigs camped and enjoyed the scenery and wildlife. Over a dozen species of birds were identified, the wild horses were entertaining, and the coyotes were vocal with the near full moon. Star gazing and smores went together every night. Paul and Mary joined us for a day trip filled with conversation, food, and games. A good time was had by all.

               

May 2018

                                                                                                                                                                              

The May camp out for the chapter was held at the Rye Patch Reservoir group campground. The weather was variable (rain, clouds, sunshine) and at times uncooperative especially at meal times. But, the easy up canopies made it all workable.
The roosting turkeys, the deer, and the variety of birds were enjoyed by all, except Marv who had to detail his truck due to a roosting turkey. Mike M. took to the river and caught a few perch.
The trail bosses (Marv, Leslie, Judi, and Brad) planned a very relaxed few days. Wednesday evening was appetizers in the rain. Thursday we were treated to a Dutch oven feast of beef stew and peach and berry cobblers. There is always an abundance of food. Friday the rangers, Jim and Matt, came by for a question and answer segment and several funny stories. Friday night was movie night under the stars. That night, the group was joined by Mike and Denice from Eureka, and Jerry and Linda from Elko.
Saturday morning breakfast consisted of homemade buttermilk pancakes, sausages, and accompanying sides. The general meeting cleaned up old business items. There were 5 birthdays celebrated. Three exact dates found the group indulging in cheesecake, white cake, and a chocolate cake with vanilla ice cream. There was also one anniversary. Saturday afternoon we took a tour of the dam and the underground workings. Silver Sage chapter, which was camped across the river, joined us.
As always several games were played: horseshoes, ladder ball, washers, Mexican train, cribbage, and rummikub. Some of us even tried our hand at pegs and jokers.
Sunday came way too quickly and we all packed up and said our goodbyes.
Thank you again to the trail bosses for all the work. It was a great campout and enjoyed by all in attendance.
           


May 8, 2018 – A Day of Giving
On this date several members of Copper Hills Sams gathered at FOOD FOR THOUGHT in Carson City, Nevada. The purpose was to present a $700.00 check to the organization. Every year, Copper Hills Sams chooses a worthwhile organization and makes a monetary donation. “Food for Thought is dedicated to working with local schools in Carson City to identify chronically hungry children and provide nutritious meals to them over the weekends.” The organization is funded solely by donations and it purchases food items from the Carson City businesses. The members of Copper Hills toured the facility and learned about the programs that Food for Thought are involved in year round that help to support the children of the Carson City area. It was a very touching day and we felt humbled to be able to help out with the presentation of the check.