Fabulous local sights and activities give this chapter’s members plenty to do.
By Peggy Jordan, Associate Editor
It’s common for FMCA chapter members to get out and explore the area where they’re holding a rally. The Oregon Trail Drivers members do that. But their state has so much to see: a beautiful ocean coastline; inspiring mountains; rushing rivers; quiet deserts; and a fertile valley full of farms.
It all makes chapter secretary-treasurer Linda Bolkovatz sound like a tour guide when she describes the chapter’s rallies. The first one for 2018 is set in the town of Hood River, where a partial list of things to do includes tasting locally made wine and craft beer; riding on the Mount Hood Railroad; seeing the Western Antique Aeroplane & Automobile Museum; and visiting good restaurants. It costs nothing to watch as windsurfing enthusiasts converge along the Hood River and show off their speed and talent. On top of it all, “It’s absolutely gorgeous scenery,” she added.
The chapter will stay at the Hood River County Fairgrounds for this rally, set for May 10 through 13, 2018. All rallies are typically four days long and take place each month from May through October.
The Oregon Trail Drivers was formed in 1975. Over the years its members helped to support the founding of other Oregon chapters in FMCA. Today, with 16 member families, it has room to grow. “My whole purpose is to expand this club again,” Linda said. Newcomers can be assured they will be welcomed, and Linda urges potential newbies to check out a rally and meet everyone for themselves. “Don’t take our word for it that we’re fun,” she said.
Other places to meet the chapter in 2018 include the June 2018 Northwest Area Rally, which chapter members plan to attend. July 17 through 20 will see them in Lincoln City, checking out the beaches and a large outlet mall, among other things. “It seems to be a chapter tradition to go there,” Linda said. “The guys come shopping, too. The outlet mall has a lovely tool store!”
At Westfir, Oregon, in August, hiking and biking and waterfalls will beckon. In Astoria, in September, members will be drawn to the dramatic Astoria-Megler Bridge that links Oregon and Washington. The October rally will be held in McMinnville, where the Evergreen Aviation & Space Museum houses the Spruce Goose, an enormous wooden plane built by billionaire Howard Hughes.
New members pay $40 to join the chapter; this includes the cost of special badges that fasten with magnets, not pins. Regular dues are $10 per year. For more information, contact Linda Bolkovatz at (503) 538-7312 or lbolkovatz@yahoo.com.
For general information about FMCA chapters, contact the Chapter Services Department at (513) 474-3622 or (800) 543-3622; chapters@fmca.com.
If you would like your chapter to be featured in Chapter Spotlight, contact FMC associate editor Peggy Jordan, (800) 543-3622, ext. 212; pjordan@fmca.com.