North of the Border with the Elk Enders

As perfect as it could be was the weather that was in store for the twenty rigs of Elk Enders and some added guests who came for a day to the campout at the Chula Vista RV Resort, just north of the Mexican border. A perfect setting; an extremely nice campground, an ocean just yards away, sunshine and a gentle breeze..

Arrivals began as usual on Thursday and by early dinner time about 10 rigs were there. The get togethers and parties began with everyone jamming into and outside of the Downing rig for snacks, beverages and great conversation.

The anticipated trek to the small restaurant next to the campground and marina became a destination for dinner. Dinner for those who looked forward to it again, after a three year hiatus, was all you can eat fish and chips for $7.99, and it was finger likkin good. For those who gag at the thought of fish, there were of course many other items on the menu. Some impromptu group gathering outside other rigs filled out the evening.

Friday was "on your own day," with lots of dog-owner walks on the shoreline, card games and hearty pot-luck hors d’oeuvres in the clubhouse at 2:00 PM. The afternoon and early evening played out at the Hoffman rig with the usual beverages, snacks for those who still had room for them and our well known schmoozing.

Saturday morning hosted coffee at 8:00 AM and the killer pot-luck breakfast, with enough great food to feed all of Camp Pendleton, at 9:30 AM. As usual, most wanted to have just a little taste of each dish and this resulted in a mountain of food on each plate. No one left hungry unless they were too hung-over to eat.

The afternoon was designated as the time for our very popular "bean bag baseball" competition. Sides were then chosen-up. Umpire Gary Fleer and scorekeeper Bob Clatterbuck went to work and of course were promptly boo’ed. They would have had sand kicked on them, but we were playing inside the rec room.

Dinner was a special treat by wagon masters Bev and Gary Fleer. Bev cooked her famous Beef Stroganoff over noodles and with it was salad and either cheesecake, chocolate cake or in my case….both. Serving and all around assistance was by Bob and Judy Clatterbuck who were drafted because of an illness of the scheduled assistants.

Jim Young poured champagne for everyone at the dinner and made a toast to Carl and Charlene Kellog, our two new members who were married only one week ago. Congratulations to you two. After dinner, the meeting was held and the Sheriff, Chuck Downing meted out the fines.

Sunday morning was go-home time and most did. Some Elk Enders enjoyed the weather and locale so well that they elected to stay another day or two. According to General Wagon Master Alex Gonzalez, we have booked Chula Vista RV Resort again for the first weekend in May, 2009.

Your Elk Ender Reporter…Larry Hoffman