As Betty and I come to the end of our year as Wagon Masters, we would like to thank all those who helped and supported us throughout the year. The Traveleers are and have been a long lasting and successful organization because of all those who have been willing to pitch in and do their part As the new officers, Wagon Master Bob Lopez, Assistant Wagon Master John Portune, Secretary Larry Bowman, and Treasurer Steve Williams take on their offices, I hope you will continue to give them the same support you gave us and all those before us. Special thanks go to our officers, Assistant Wagon Master Vicky Martinez, Secretary Larry Bowman, Treasurer John Portune. To the Trail Bosses, trailer pullers, champagne hosts, raffle buyers and presenters, cooks, master list and call girl preparers, those who helped with the ladies luncheon, those who entertained us, those who helped with cleanups, you are the backbone of the Traveleers. To all of you our heartfelt thanks.

On February 21 the power company installed the long anticipated transformer signaling the completion of the Santa Maria Elks RV Park. Recognition goes to Traveleers, Bob Lopez, Harvey Lobo, Van Diaz, Stan Voriz, Steve Williams, and Mark Brown who put in many labor hours helping Al Millico build the new park. They can all be proud of their participation in a job well done.

The popular Flying Flags Campout at Buellton in February gathered fewer than the normal number of rigs for this campout. Because of the conflict with the Tractor Pull and Valentine's Day parties only 27 rigs versus the normal 40 plus rigs were able to attend. Although it was a small group, great fun was had by those who attended.

On Friday the campout began when Charley High arrived with the pantry trailer and Tom Dutart with the BBQ trailer. The evening's pot luck was saved with the rain holding off until everyone had cooked their meat for dinner. With most campers heading to local restaurants the turn out was small.

Saturday morning started with coffee and pastries. Because of the rainy conditions golf was cancelled.

Champagne Hosts were Herb and Lucile Gerlick, celebrating 20 years with the Traveleers, Dan and Betty Kersten celebrating their 52nd anniversary and Bill and Stanley celebrating his 49th and holding birthday. A tasty lunch was followed by the meeting and raffle.

Our Trail Bosses Crew of Testas, Murrays, Blaylocks and O'Sullivans served us with a super dinner of tender, delicious Baby Back Ribs, piquito beans, a great salad, bread and German chocolate cake for desert. The Traveleers have come to learn that when this crew cooks, they are in for a great meal. Thanks to all for a superb job.

After dinner the horse race was on lead by the spirited auction of Larry Bowman. The six stables being sold to three groups, the race began. Gary Atkins moved the horses. Gail Bryars, Frances Chambers and her granddaughter Jennifer Hopper sold tickets with Gordon and Donald Chambers doing the bookkeeping. Becky Griffith's group and the Testa's group were the victors with each group winning two races. Although there was only a small group of thirty participants, everyone had a great time.

My wife Betty, myself, Tom Dutart and Joanne and Larry Bowman prepared and served biscuits with fresh pork sausage gravy and fruit cocktail for Sunday's breakfast.

Breakfast over cleanup began. Thanks to Tom Dutart, Jim Brunson, Larry Bowman and Charlie High for the breakfast clean up. Thanks to Saturday evening's cleanup crew of Marty and Ron Mathisen, Gary Astin, Carol Adams, Shirley Burke and especially to Norm Burke for washing all those pots and pans. Thanks to Bill Ovis for helping me unload the firewood and getting the fire going Friday evening.

This month's cribbage tournament winner was Carol Adams.

April's campout will be at King City on April 20, 21, and 22nd.

Spread Smiles and Hugs as You Travel Dick Kenney Wagon Master