REMINDER

Your dues for 2018 are now payable!  Please mail your $10 payable to the Vancouver Islanders to:

Audrey HAUGE, 3286 Jacklin Road, Victoria, Bc. V9C 3H5

Sandy Quesnel

Sandy's Scribbles Seal Bay

First, a huge thank you to Wayne and all the volunteers who helped make this a great rally!  As the old saying goes..."Many hands make light work" and it was proven so.  Also, to my right hand, Audrey HAUGE, who isn't always seen but is always a part of or behind everything I make happen.  Also, thank you to Clarence & Darlene Zimmerman for the taxi service!
As always, Seal Bay Resort was the perfect setting for our last rally this year. Overnight on Monday, we had some very heavy rain, otherwise the sunshine returned in the morning and stayed with us all week. 
A total of 15 coaches, 29 people, arrived Tuesday and all enjoyed a hot and hearty Chicken Stew with dumplings and Pot Luck desserts.   New members, Joe & Margaret Hazelwood and Dennis & Bev Ross were quickly introduced to our love and abundance of good food!  Unfortunately, Rita Roy called to say she could not join us because of serious health issues.  Rita was bringing Spaghetti dinner for Wednesday dinner, so we did some quick head scratching and planning!  Card Bingo was the evenings entertainment and the winners of every game received cash prizes! Verne & Audrey Hauge volunteered to do the coffee prep every evening, so we had delicious coffee every morning started by volunteers.

Wednesday was off to a great start when Randy & Barb Cooper and helpers, prepared us French Crepes with bacon, berries and whipped cream for breakfast.  Very delicious and much appreciated! Thank you!  Joe & Marg Hazelwood stepped up immediately and saved the day with the missing Wednesday dinner.  They took a trip into Comox and made arrangements for Chinese food, managed a reduced price (!!!!) and went back in to pick it up!  For their very first visit with us, they sure proved their worth!   Thank you!  In the afternoon we had a noisy game or two of Mollke, both won and prizes from the Rocky Mountain Chocolate House claimed by Randy Cooper. Then we just enjoyed the day as someone else prepared our dinner!  The Chinese food was very good and followed by more Pot Luck desserts.  Immediately after dinner we started the Cribbage tournament.  Congratulations to Judy Axelson for First Place.  Judy skunked her opponents EVERY game!  Well done, Judy!! Second place went to Linda Schwagly and Third to Henry Schwagly.  All were awarded prizes of Walmart gift cards. Congratulations to you all!

On Thursday, Don & Bev Purdey assisted by George & Linda O'Briain and a few others, made us a wonderful breakfast of individual omelettes.  A choice of toppings, toast and fruit were provided.  Delicious again.  Thank you!   Another warm and sunny day to go for a walk, sit and visit, explore or shop.  The intention was to play more lawn games, but the company and conversations were too enticing! 
Pizza dinner was delivered to the door and again, Pot Luck desserts were enjoyed by all.  Clarence & Darlene Zimmerman got us an unbelievable deal on the pizzas, more than $100 savings over last year!  And, it was great pizza!  Thank you!
Those wishing to participate stayed for a Court Whist tournament.  Marg Hazelwood finished with the highest score, followed by Arnold Aronoff and then George O'Briain.
Again, all were given prizes of Walmart gift cards. Congratulations!
The Continental breakfast on our last day; muffins, pastries, bagels, hard boiled eggs, fruit, yoghurts and all the accoutrements got us all fuelled up and ready to move out.

By the responses and emails I have received since arriving home, this was another great rally, enjoyed by all.  Next years rally schedule is in the works - stay tuned!

Some things I would do differently...less appetizers so that more of the main meal is eaten and not so many leftovers.  Also, not 3 nights of cards.  Instead, maybe another movie night or an evening of mixed games, so there is a choice other than competitive card games.  As well, I wouldn't mop the whole Pavillion floor myself again!  I have a terrible blister!

Wayne and I wish for you all to have a good winter, whether you are south or home, may it be not too cold and not too wet.  As well, we wish you the best of health or the best you can expect.  For those of you wintering away, or south, please watch for our notice of the Pot Luck we will be hosting in the spring, late February or early March.  Everyone will be invited and we hope as many as can will join us.  If you are near or passing through Yuma, please visit us at 14469 East 29 Place, North Foothills, Yuma.  Phone first 928-247-9302 to make sure we are home.  Happy trails to you all.

Sandy Quesnel

Seal Bay Rally - September 19 to 22.

Check in after 1 pm

We will be enjoying a Cribbage tournament, Court Whist tournament, Trivia and Card Bingo. Perhaps a Craft hour for anyone interested.

Tuesday, Sept. 19 - Pot Luck

Wednesday, Sept 20 Breakfast...Cooper Surprise - Randy & Barb

                              Dinner.....Spaghetti and salad - Rita Roy et al

Thursday, Sept 21 Breakfast.... Purdey Special

                           Dinner........Pizza Dinner - Clarence & Darlene

Friday, Sept 22 Continental Breakfast. Out by 11

This rally fee will be $70

Campground fees are payable at check-in.

If you wish to attend please send your cheque before Sept 10 for:

Single - $40   Couple - $70


PAYABLE TO:

Sandy Quesnel,  3819 Cavin Road,  Duncan, BC.  V9L 6T2

Sandy re: Cowichan Rally

Whew!  Now I understand the phrase "environmentally challenged"!  16 coaches braved the long weekend traffic to come spend a few idyllic days at Cowichan Bay.  Coming home today was hard, and the difference in temperature, unreal.  Even at the hottest times of the day, the cooling ocean breezes kept us comfortable.
The actual empty area at Westcan has shrunk as Pacific Industries spreads out and uses more and more area for storage.  Still, we were able to get all of the coaches a front row site right on the ocean.  As usual, the wild life and local flora and fauna kept us all entertained.  The blackberries are almost finished, but still provided lots of picking and eating.  As well, Barb Lucas found a very nice plum tree today, lots of fruit!

Some of the folks flew at the job and put up the 2 small shelters immediately.  So nice to sit in the shade, enjoy the breeze, and visit. Westcan had kindly left a tall stack of lumber for us to tie down on, and the wall of shade was appreciated.  New members, Arnie Aronoff and Judy Axelson were introduced.  The group enjoyed burgers with Pot Luck sides and desserts on Friday night and then just settled in to the serenity. There was a small gas campfire, later.

Saturday was a lazy, slow day.  A few of us heard the bird hunters popping off shots very early and several men were at work for an hour or two.  Nothing serious, but when it goes from absolute silence to little "offside noises" you notice.  Bike rides, exploring, shopping, playing card and board games and just vegetating.  The biggest thing some of us did was string lights to the shelter.  We all brought heavy appies for dinner, which we lingered over and then a good part of us played "Pass the Ace".  New member Arnie won twice, so we have a new convert!

There was a problem with the gate being breached, and even left wide open on Saturday, so it was necessary to set up a gate keeper schedule for Sunday.  The people in our group were not responsible for the problem, but of course, we were the first to be questioned.  I think it went very smoothly as 7 or 8 of us each took a shift going out to the gate for 10 - 15 minutes on every hour. That made us feel better, but did not settle the issue, as there were still vehicles getting in.

Joe and Matt Blogg cooked up a slew of pancakes to get us started on Sunday. It was a treat to pile on the fresh picked blackberries! Another play day, no stress, no prep, no worries!  Everyone was on their own for dinner.  Some of us brought out leftovers, some cooked, some went out, some ate too much!  Everyone enjoyed ice cream sundaes for dessert, provided by Joe and Stella Blogg. The lights went on....more Pass the Ace!
Today, Monday, the shelters were down by 8 AM and we were out of the site by 11 AM. Sad, but necessary.  Until next time......

Sandy Quesnel
Sent from my iPad
Pictures courtesy of Marge

More Pictures

Picture from the Paint Party Compliments Sandy

Compliments of Lynda and Rita

Sandys Scribbles Roving Rally

Wayne and I are home again, the Roving Rally is done!

We started August the 8 & 9 th at the Luxton Fairgrounds and a delicious Pot Luck the first evening.  It was extremely hot and dry.  We had 8 coaches in attendance, some coaches choosing not to join us until Chemainus because of the Malahat construction, appointments, etc.  Unfortunately, the ambulance was called our very first night for Don NORMAN who was having a few problems.  Don spent a couple of nights at the hospital getting checked out and then was released to drive home.  The next few stays were still hot and dry and pretty dusty, so Don & Dianne decided not to continue.  We missed them!  We all stayed pretty low key in Luxton, choosing not to do too much in the heat except visit and play games.

August 10 we moved a short bit north to the Chemainus Gardens for one night and we picked up 3 more coaches.  Some interesting stops were made along the way, some visited the murals and a few went to the Chemainus Theatre to see "Legends of Rock".

August 11 & 12 we picked up another coach and we stayed 2 nights in a gravel parking lot behind the Meadowood General Store near Qualicum Beach.  Everyone had beer and pizza for dinner one night from the store and we camped for free.  Darlene ZIMMERMAN kindly opened her studio for us and we had another Paint Party!   Lots of fun while a few went shopping for seafood and exploring.  Alas, while here we had Verne & Audrey HAUGE leave us.  Audrey has hurt her back and needed some tests done and then some slow mending.

We moved on August 13th for 2 nights at Fisher Boy, Sayward Valley Resort.  We were spread out a wee bit, but had the use of a very nice grassy area for gathering and games.  We all thoroughly enjoyed a "Seafood Potluck" dinner the first evening..delicious!   Many thanks to Roy & Judy FEDIRCHUK for bringing Giant Jenga!  Lots of fun at Happy Hour!  Some good exploring in the area and very gracious Campground "new owners" who were grateful to have us.  

The main fishing season "north island" is now finished and having a group of 11 & 12 big coaches show up for a few days was bonus income for all the sites we stayed at from here on.

Alder Bay Resort was a couple of cool days.  We got off to a shaky start with the campground owners, but all worked out well in the end and they too, were grateful to have us.  Touring into Port McNeill, a wonderful visit to Telegraph Cove, some drove to Port Alice and Barb Lucas & Rita Roy caught the ferry to Alert Bay for a bike ride and ended up taking a class making  aboriginal "button blankets"!  Interesting days!

August 17, 18 and 19 th we spent at Scotia Bay Resort, north of Port Hardy.  First impressions, going in on the VERY steep gravel road........YIKES!  We all squeezed in, not all getting sea view, but all with hookups.  Again, the owners were thankful to have us!  The amenities were not 5 star, but the view and hospitality were superb.  Some travelled out to Holberg, the Cape Scott trailhead, and San Josef Bay.  Others took a run over to visit Storeys Beach and Fort Rupert. Wayne and I headed into town and managed to set up a plant tour at Hardy Buoys Seafoods.  We took the very informative tour Saturday morning and of course, all came away with smoked salmon and souvenir purchases.  

The  group was invited to the campground cookout for Saturday night Pot Luck.  "Bud" the owner took Rita Roy out fishing to help get enough Sea Bass to feed us all.  Rita managed to contribute 5 fish!  Bud and Ennis cooked us up a HUGE feed of fish to go with all the other contributions from around the campground and from our group.   Bud also cooks flapjacks for the whole campground every Sunday morning, just to keep everyone happy!  A real down to earth "character" running his own fish camp!  For some of us, it was hard to leave this idyllic place and personally, we will return!   So very quiet, laid back and relaxing!

I enjoyed this Roving Rally immensely, but will I plan another for next year.....no.  This took a lot of time and effort to plan and put into effect, for a few of us.  Let's wait a few more seasons before we do it again!

Cowichan Bay Rally

Hello everyone!
> We are just home from the Roving Rally and I have news that we have permission to use the Westcan Terminal at Cowichan Bay again.   I have asked to go in on September 1 and we are to be out on the 4th.  If you are interested, please drop me a note so I have an idea of numbers.  The cost to stay is $11 per night, which includes the use of the garbage bin.  Otherwise, this is DRY camping, NO HOOK-UPS, no water stands, no outhouses.  NOTHING!  Just a beautiful place to stop for the weekend.  Because of short notice, we will have Pot Luck the first evening, heavy appies the Saturday night  and nothing else is planned, so bring your own breakfasts, lunches and a dinner for Sunday!
> Please, drop me a line if you are coming.    smquesnel@gmail.com
>
>
> Sandy Quesnel

Seal Bay Rally

September 19 - 22              Check in 1 PM

Tuesday Dinner -  Pot Luck....AFTER everyone has signed on and we have names and numbers I will let you know which category to please bring.

Wednesday Breakfast - Cooper Surprise.  Randy & Barb Cooper

Wednesday Dinner - Spaghetti and salad, dessert.  Rita Roy et al.

Thursday Breakfast -  Volunteers needed. Please let me know.

Thursday Dinner - Pizza and desserts. CLarence and Darlene ZIMMERMAN

Friday Breakfast - Continental

Check out by 11 Am

Court Whist Tournament, Cribbage Tournament, Trivia Contest and Card Bingo. PRIZES!
The rally fee is $75 per couple, $40 for single.
The camping fees will be paid separately at check-in.
Please register BEFORE September 10.
Per couple $75 or single $40

Send your cheques for RALLY FEES payable to SANDRA QUESNEL

To: Sandra Quesnel
3819 Cavin Road
Duncan, BC. V9L 6T2

Sandy Quesnel, President
Vancouver Islanders Chapter FMCA

Sandys' Scribbles July.

I hope everyone is enjoying the sunshine.  We are at Qualicum Bay, and it is windy here...not really too relaxing.  We are tying down tents and gazebos!

I think the Buttle Lake Rally was a huge success!  11 coaches attended. Perfect! We had warm and sunny weather, which makes a huge difference to everyone's demeanor.  Barb Lucas even braved a dip in the lake!  Firewood was plentiful, thanks to the Balogh family, and those of us who packed some in. WYATT SABOURIN took on splitting wood and unknowingly, the job of Chief Fire Warden.

Many thanks to Brian & Linda BOWDEN and Randy & Barb COOPER for arranging salads and desserts to go with our entrees the first night.  It was great to just park and relax after our trip in.

Too bad, but the Driftwood Bay site now has an annoying MOUSE problem!  Many of us had nighttime visitors and full traps!  Too many campers throw leftover food into the bush.  Our dog Tinker has come back with 1/2 muffins, chicken bones, wieners and whatever she managed to swallow before we caught her.

Joe, Stella and Jayden BLOGG provided a hearty pancake and sausage breakfast and delicious hamburgers for dinner on the Monday.  Attendees really tied in and the jobs were spread around, making it more enjoyable for everyone.

We enjoyed Mollke, Baseball, Skipbo, Dominoes, Kings Cribbage and games daily!

Once again, a few of us participated in paper boat races.  Jayden BLOGG took the prize for determination!  Some of the board and card games were necessary because it was too hot to play in the sun.

Many went exploring by car, bike and on foot during the days.

Randy and Barb Cooper stepped up again and did our Tuesday breakfast of ham, eggs and hash browns.  Joint effort  made a nice pasta for Tuesday dinner and clean up easy.

Porridge and ice cream for Wednesday breakfast and everyone brought a can of soup to go with fresh baked buns for dinner.  I was amused by the reactions of a few, who were concerned about mixing so many kinds of soup.  It was declared delicious!

Unfortunately, on the last night Don & Bev PURDEY had a flat front tire to contend with, but I understand everything worked out well.  The guys were all ready for a project, and direction, anyway.

A nice quiet, relaxing week...thank you to all who helped make it happen!

Sandy Quesnel

Sandy's Scribbles

SANDYS SCRIBBLES

The Anniversary Rally is now finished and I am very pleased to say, it was a great weekend!  26 coaches arrived Friday afternoon and we all gathered in the Barn for Happy Hour at 4 PM.  Pot luck dinner was another example of what great cooks we have in our Chapter.  There was plenty of very tasty food.  After clearing our dinner dishes and wiping up, we enjoyed the movie “Last Vegas” with a cup of popcorn and some good laughs.  

We started out Saturday with Monte Cristo breakfast sandwiches, fruit and yoghurt.  The General Meeting started at 10:00 AM, and as usual we endured some heavy discussions.  I am sure Barb Lucas will post the minutes soon for all to read.  Upcoming rallies are Buttle Lake June 25 to 29th, a Roving Rally August 8th to 21st or we get tired, and we will be returning to Seal Bay, September 19 to 22nd.

Elections produced only one change, Joe Blogg is replacing Wayne Quesnel as Alternate National Director.  Audrey Hauge will continue as Treasurer and I will remain as President.

Once again we played Baseball, ladies against the boys.  Once again, the ladies cleaned their clocks!  It was a really fun, noisy game!   I am sure the score was something like 14 to ??? 8???  Lots of laughs.

Happy hour again at 4 PM, another RV joined us, and we were all looking forward to our catered dinner.  A fabulous meal was prepared for us by Vancouver Island Event Catering and I would certainly recommend their business and use them again.  Personally, I did not hear of anyone disappointed and many of us really enjoyed not having to prepare or clean up.  We had a bit of a scare  when the ambulance was called for Wayne Hendricks who wasn't feeling well, but is now back to his normal self, and feeling fine.

  

Kathie Balogh presented the Chapter with a Certificate for our 15 years of Membership with FMCA.  The Charter members still active and present were introduced and given a years free dues.  

After dinner we did a little quiz about table centrepieces and previous rally themes over the past 15 years.  Prizes were given to Linda Williams, Stella Blogg and Laurel Macauley. The youngest and oldest at each table were given twinkle lights, plants or centrepieces as door prizes.  Laurel Macauley kindly donated 4 very nice door prizes as well.   50/50 draw of $118 was won by Bill Sutherland, and Alan & Nancy Dand won the Ken Williams Memorial Award.  After dinner, we had some interesting visiting with some of the Charter members who had joined us for dinner.  The intention was to play Pass the Ace later, not sure what happened.

A Celebration of Life hosted by the local Kinsmen with a Lobster-fest was happening in the large hall beside us, so we had great music until 1 AM. Again, I asked and not one person from our group had a complaint about the noise or party.  I am also very pleased to pass on that over $10,000.00 was raised on Saturday night, for local charities.  Worth listening to good music!

I was approached by the Kinsmen this morning, and they have asked to share the venue with us again next year.  They are offering to cut the cost of $55 a plate in half for our group only, to install fans in the South doorways so as to keep the West door closed, provide us with our own Security person and pretty well whatever we can think of to ask for, if we share the venue.  If the attendance isn't too large, we will be able to use the Scout Hall and be a little further from the action.  Thought provoking!

A Continental breakfast Sunday, quick tidy up, and most of us were out by noon.  A few stayed another night, for a cost.

Now, on to prep for the Buttle Lake rally!  There are still a few spots left.  If you are interested, please email me or send a cheque for $100 payable to Sandra Quesnel before June 10th.

Email is   smquesnel@gmail.com

Address is   3819 Cavin Road, Duncan, BC  V9L 6T2

The Roving Rally is fully booked, but if you can't make Buttle Lake, please start working on joining us at Seal Bay.

15th Anniversary Celebration

The Vancouver Islanders Chapter of FMCA is celebrating its 15th Anniversary.

The current Executive would like to invite everyone who is a member, or ever was a member, of the Vancouver Islanders to join us.  FMCA membership nor ownership of an RV are required to attend.  Just come, meet old friends and help us celebrate all of the fun times we have enjoyed.

The rally will begin on Friday, May 26 at Cowichan Exhibition Park, just north of Duncan, for those wishing to bring their RV.

Our Celebration Dinner will be catered by VI Event Catering Saturday, May 27.

The cost for this rally will be $110 per couple per coach, singles $85.  If you are planning on attending only the Saturday dinner the cost will be $25.

If you do not plan on attending, please, drop me a note with a comment about something you remember about the club.  Good or bad, I am sure a we can learn from it.

Because there will be a lot of planning, we need numbers a little earlier than usual.  Please respond to  smquesnel@gmail.com  before May 1st.  Mail cheques to:

Sandra Quesnel

3819 Cavin Road

Duncan, BC. V9L 6T2

Unfortunately, because of differing methods of record keeping over the years, many email addresses have been lost.  If you know of a former Chapter member who did not receive this invitation, PLEASE pass it along.



Sandy Quesnel

Sandy's Scribbles Feb 2017

As our 2017 season approaches, I thought it might be appropriate to post a few updates.

The 15th Anniversary of the Vancouver Islanders Chapter will be celebrated at the Cowichan Exhibition Rally, May 26 - 28.  There will be a catered dinner on the 27th and everyone who is a member, or ever was a member of the Chapter will be invited to attend.  Membership in FMCA, or ownership of an RV at this time will not be required for attendance.  We just want old and new friends to come together and celebrate the fun times we have had!  For current members and Chapter Executive, any suggestions for entertainment would be appreciated. Email me at smquesnel@gmail.com

Buttle Lake group area is reserved for the dates June 26 -29.

Anyone wishing to volunteer to host this rally, or anyone wishing to volunteer to provide a meal during this rally...please let me know...email smquesnel@gmail.com

Nothing is booked for July at this time, let me know if you are volunteering to do so at smquesnel@gmail.com

Aug 8 - 20+ will be the Roving Rally, from Luxton to Port Hardy.  No host required.

Seal Bay RV Resort has been reserved for Sept. 19 - 22.  Rally hosts or co-hosts needed.  Please volunteer!

For those in or near the Yuma area, the annual Potluck will be on Feb. 26.  The club will provide a Ham and requests sent out for the remainder.  If you would like to attend, please respond before Feb 20 to smquesnel@gmail.com

Travel safe, keep on having fun!

Sandy Quesnel