Spring Campout

BCHC Mid Valley Unit

We had a ball - and a general meeting, and a lot of good food - camping out at the Rumsey's Mother Lode Ranch on April 27, 28 and 29, 2012.
All photos courtesy of Kathy Zumbrun and Kaylee Rumsey.
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Hello, all! Well, for the third year in a row we were blessed with great weather and a beautiful weekend. We had about 100 people in attendance, and more young ones running around than in previous years! Thanks for bringing those kids and grandkids to the event! We need to keep them involved, engaged, and participating on a regular basis.

If you didn't make the camp out, here is a rundown of the weekend's events:

Friday afternoon a few people made it out to the trails. They had nice, quiet rides since they had most of the ranch to themselves! Friday evening we got together and introduced ourselves, reviewed the weekend's schedule of events, and had a good discussion about the Sequoia-Kings Canyon National Park issue.

Saturday brought too many activities for one person to handle! Alan Gilkinson, with help from Johnny Leal and Debra Mason, cooked up a delicious breakfast of pancakes, bacon, and fresh fruit. What a great start to our day! Dennise Davis then gave a presentation about "Rattlesnake Encounters". We were well-informed with this information but, luckily, didn't have to put our new knowledge to the test, as I didn't hear of any "rattlesnake encounters" over the weekend! The Dollarhides gave a "Safety Around Horses and Mules" presentation to the youth, and then many folks hit the trail. The kids that were still in camp had their choice of face-painting, horseshoes and roping. Of course, once it warmed up just a little, they all found the creek, which seems to be the favorite of kids ages 2 and up year after year! Throughout the morning, people continued to arrive; some for the day, others to stay overnight. Dan Prine and Rudy Dezzani set up a high- line, brought some pack animals, and worked with people who were interested in learning more about packing. Rudy also had a pile of ropes and worked with kids and adults, teaching them the art of braiding. Our President, Michael King and Vice President, Kathy Zumbrunn were on hand all day to sell calendars, update memberships, and provide various help and support where needed.

About midafternoon we had several driving demonstrations thanks to Bev Fryer, Don Rumsey, and Rich Kirchner (commentator). Many of us even enjoyed a ride in the wagon with "Two Up"-did I say that correctly? Soon it was time for the Dutch ovens to warm up. While preparing for dinner, we managed to get a group photo for the first time ever! This was a great idea, and I'm sure you will all enjoy that picture. Doug Dollarhide led us in "Giving Thanks", and then the race to the food began! I was a little concerned we would run out of food as the line of people encircled the entire camp! But, alas, no worries! There was plenty to go around, and if you went away hungry? Well, that was your mistake!

After dinner, everyone was kind enough to let me practice my "Leave No Trace" lesson about camp trash and micro trash that I will be presenting in Montana. Thanks to Karen Barindelli for her wonderful portrayal of a dutiful rider picking up trash using the litter picker- uppers while mounted. This is no easy task! Thanks for your feedback. Bob Magee spoke about the SEKI issue and encouraged members to call Senators Feinstein and Boxer to pass on our support of the commercial packers. Then, it was auction time! We had so many wonderful donations this year. Thank you to everyone who donated an item: Debra Mason, Kathy Zumbrunn, Mitchell Community Church Quilters, Rudy Dezzani, Tiffany Blackwell, Dianne Stearns, Craig and Stephanie Stott (Crescent Work and Outdoor), Cindy Denton (Coopers' Corner), Karen Barindelli, and Debbie Inskeep. These items brought in over $1200!! Special thanks to Dan Prine who got the auction started, Stephanie Stott for clerking, and then also to Gil Fryer who seems to have some special talents with auctioneering!

During dinner on Saturday night, someone suggested a "Cowboy Church" type of service on Sunday morning. Hal Denton stepped up to the plate and led us in a reading from the Bible on Sunday morning at 9 a.m. We had about 20 members show up; we all sat back, took a deep breath, and gave thanks for all of the blessings in our lives. Thank you, Hal, this is definitely an activity I would like to see on our yearly schedule. Afterward some people hit the trail, others hit the road. Dave Moser showed up with his pack string. Thanks, Dave, for bringing all of those critters up for our benefit; everyone commented that the pack string was "beautiful". It reminds us of our goals and responsibilities as Backcountry Horsemen of California. Don Rumsey brought his wagon out again Sunday morning and some people went for another wagon ride. Most people were packed up and ready to go by noon. Thank you to all of the "stayers." Yes, those of you who stay behind and help with the final packup and cleanup! We had to take down pop-ups, return the tables and chairs to the kitchen, and clean up all of the garbage. Thanks again for your help. Thank you to everyone who helped make this another successful camp out! Various people helped with the check-in process throughout the weekend. Thanks to Vicki Morales, Valerie Perry, and Kathy Zumbrunn for sitting at the check-in station all alone! And finally, thanks to Don and Laurel Rumsey for sharing your section of "heaven" with the rest of us! I can't express my gratitude enough!

Welcome to our new Mid Valley members. Jackie Campidonica and Spring Bourn were two new members who joined this weekend. Lana Sloan won the drawing for the free membership and plans to upgrade to Family to include her daughter Reine.

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