Forty years of fun! To celebrate, chapter members cruised for 18 days and 1,375 miles.
By Lisa Heisey, F431595
February 2024
During an 18-day rolling rally, GMC Cascaders members visited the Stonehenge Memorial near Maryhill, Washington.
GMC Cascaders celebrated the chapter’s 40th anniversary last fall with a spectacular rolling rally through Washington, British Columbia, and Oregon. The rally also commemorated the 50th anniversary of the iconic GMC motorhome — just 12,921 of these front-wheel-drive Type A coaches were released between 1973 and 1978. The GMC Cascaders, an FMCA chapter, currently has 161 members and 74 coaches, with most based in the Pacific Northwest and southwestern Canada.
It truly was a celebratory tour, with more than 70 club members participating at some point in the 18-day, 1,375-mile cruise that began in Ferndale, Washington, on September 8, 2023. The trip included two border crossings; several mountain passes; and multiple stops for fuel, groceries, wine, scenic detours, museums, and other sites of interest before rolling into the final night in the town of La Conner, Washington, set along the Salish Sea.
Dennis Martin, Northwest Area vice president, presents a 40-year anniversary certificate to wagon master Debbie Harper.
Except for a surprise “happy hour” shower from the park sprinkler system in Maryhill, Washington, it rained very little during the eye-catching GMC parade. Good weather allowed for many outdoor happy hours, which always included personal introductions and remarks, snacks, a recap of the day, and then planning the next part of the journey. It was a wonderful way for club members, both old and new, to really get to know each other and have lots of fun along the way. Club alumni and special guests joined in at various spots, including FMCA Northwest Area national vice president Dennis Martin and his lovely wife, Martie.
The style and design of the GMC motorhome has stood the test of time, though it helps if its owners are mechanically inclined. “These coaches were made for driving,” said Kelvin Dietz, GMC Cascaders president. “An aerodynamic shape; innovative suspension; and big, wrap-around windshields make for a great cruiser. The destination is important, but I’ve always found the journey a very enticing part of the trip in a GMC,” he said.
The rally featured more than 20 coaches and a variety of models — 10 of which were 26-foot Royales, and six of the rarer 23-foot Birchaven models. Members are always willing to share their mechanical know-how to keep everyone safely rolling.
Campground stays during the GMC Cascaders rolling rally included Riverhaven RV Park in British Columbia.
Members were gifted with celebratory swag, including custom key chains, keepsake journals, chocolate bars, information cards, and anniversary window clings for all of the coaches. While many pitched in to make this event happen, club members were especially appreciative of wagon master Debbie Harper and her husband, John, for taking the lead.
Congratulations, Cascaders! Keep these marvelous machines and good times rolling.
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