Not a geezer---yet!

I pen this ‘issue’ risking my long-term membership in the Witasca Travelers (WIT) , an organization made of Winnebago and Itasca motorhome owners. We are currently attending the Oregon State Witasca Rally, where approximately 80 rigs from Oregon, Washington and California are gathered at the Polk County Fairgrounds (i.e. gravel parking lot with electricity and water hookups).

Janice is presenting information about traveling through Oregon in 2009, as Oregonians celebrate their 150th anniversary of statehood. This is not just a noble undertaking, but done in the hopes of promoting interest in (and perhaps selling a few of) her new book, Oregon 1859. The book is doing very well in Oregon bookstores, and appears to be a mover in Oregon’s Costco stores as well.

The folks attending this event are graciously described as senior citizens, with most in the 70+ range. It is a ‘blue-hair’ event. With the exception of one other couple, Janice and I feel like kids here. We passed on tonight’s entertainment---a barbershop quartet—since they were arriving ½ hour later than scheduled. Didn’t want to spend the waiting time hearing the old yarns.

One of the mysteries---how did many of these folks get here with their 40 ft rigs? Is there a driving service for geezers that I haven’t read about in RV magazines??? One frail gent, hunched over and steadying himself waveringly on two canes, announced to a friend, “I’m 93, but I may have to give up driving the rig this year.” I thought, “Just let me get on the road before you leave the lot!”

These seniors own beautiful motorhomes and no doubt have golden memories of cross-country trips, and these events allow reconnection with old friends and old memories of the road.

Tonight’s dinner: baked potatoes with chili sauce filling. Oh boy! I am fearing a post-midnight flatulence attack that will have the blankets hovering over the bed. Hopefully they put a few drops of “Beano” in the chili mix, or Janice may be a non-show in the morning’s feature event.
The dinner contrasts with our 'night out' last night at the Joel Palmer House, a converted 1860 residence now a restaurant in nearby Dayton. Simply the best restaurant meal we have enjoyed. Janice's scallops were scrumptious (I got a meager bite). My duck was super. The soups, mine a Japanese -wild mushroom medley and Janice's, a lobster bisque, were rich and satisfying.

If she does show for the 9:00 a.m. event, I warned her: These folks don’t appear to be early risers, unless their yappy dogs are threatening to pee in their 40 ft rigs.

Photos are coming.