SOUTHWEST     BLUEBIRDS and friends

Our SWBB rally was held in Buellton, California this past weekend. ‘Birds and SOBs started arriving Thursday, with ten units on site that evening. The weather was beautiful, mostly sunny skies during the days; slightly cool during the evening hours with camp fires to keep us warm.

 There were 31 units, 14 SOBs and 17 ‘Birds. That’s the highest number of participants so far in any SWBB rally. The number keeps climbing as each rally is held. The ‘Birds ranged in ‘Bird years from “MAI TAI FINE” to a 2006 LXI-45 owned by Elin and Les Jensen. Oh, MAI TAI FINE” is the 1974 FC31 owned by Denise and Jim Benson, a one of a kind paint scheme, that was featured last week on the WanderlodgeForum.

 We had the huge opportunity to meet Macy Neshati and his wife Kim. They are wonderful people. The Neshati’s arrived at the Flying Flags RV Park Saturday morning. Many folks talked with them for some time and then Phil, Curt and wives joined them for breakfast. We had a very good conversation about the past and current Wanderlodge direction. 

 Saturday evening, Macy held a ’Bird Q & A session at the club house. The session was attended by most if not all the ’Bird owners. Many questions/suggestions were raised and all questions and suggestions were addressed by Macy. I believe we all felt comfortable about what Macy had to say. The Jensen’s spoke highly about the recent service their coach received at Complete Coach Works at their Riverside, California facility. The Jensen’s have traveled 300,000 miles in Bluebird coaches…we are all jealous.

 Complete Coach Works was very generous. Five $100.00 Camping World gift cards were made available and drawings were held to award the gift cards during our BYBO & BYOB gatherings.  

 The SWBB group says a BIG THANK YOU to Macy and Kim for taking two days out of very busy schedule and spending that time with the SWBB group.

 Friday and Saturday BYBO & BYOB were great. Delicious food to enjoy. Good wine to enjoy thanks to Derek Haberman, who provided and served wine from his cousin’s winery,  Babcock Winery. Too much to eat but then you do have to sample everything on the spread. I doubt if anyone left the club house hungry. Fire rings were plenty both evenings and everyone enjoyed the cool evening weather around camp fires.

 Coffee Bar/Snacks were available for Saturday and Sunday mornings and enjoyed by all.

 Lucas Willemse designed, ordered, and sold SWBB flags. The flag design becomes the SWBB official crest. Curt Sprenger had Koozies available for all participants, and Coffee Mugs imprinted with the SWBB crest. Everyone received at least one Koozie. Lots of Coffee Mugs were purchased. These items will be available for sale at our Annual Quartzsite Rally in January 2008 or you can order them on the SWBB site.

 Thank you to all who joined in this rally. These rallies would not be successful without you. Phil and Curt thank you for your continued support.

 Some interesting statistics: SWBB is tracking 158 members consisting of 113 Bluebirds and 45 SOBs. The original member count started at about 30 ‘Birds. Then grew from there in 2-1/2 years to include more ‘Birds and SOBs to where it is today. 

 Phil and I look forward to seeing you all at Quartzsite 2008. If you haven’t signed up, please do so using the SWBB site. As of last week there are 50 members planning to attend the event and 20 considering the event. Should be a great turn out.