Tuesday, March 31, 2020

Cancellation of first two campouts

Well, today we received a refund from ReserveAmerica.com for the cancellation of the Bruneau campout on April 17-19. Sad to see the first campout of the year cancelled. 🙁

And I just read the message below on the Idaho Power reservation system website: 

In accordance with recent restrictions announced by the states of Idaho and Oregon, all Idaho Power recreation sites — including campgrounds, boat ramps, parks and day-use areas — are now closed. We know how much you love these facilities and apologize if it has caused you to change plans. But we are committed to doing our part to help slow the spread so we can all get back out to these wonderful places when it's safe to do so.  

So it looks like the May 1-3 campout is also cancelled. I have emailed Idaho Power to see how we will receive refunds for that campout. I'll let you know what I find out. 

All of this makes me very sad as I was really looking forward to sunshine, fresh air, camp fires and good company. Say a prayer our May 29-31 isn't cancelled and that we are looking at social distancing in the rear-view mirror! 

Let me know if you have any questions or thoughts. 

Stay safe and healthy!!!
Rita 

Monday, March 23, 2020

Interesting ... and sad ... article.

Passing on more information about the changes in the Good Sam Club. This is an article I read in the RVTravel.com newsletter which is an excellent source of RV news. 

Remember, at this time, it's entirely up to you if you would like to attend one/all of the Tumbleweeds campouts. Technically, our chapter events have been cancelled. At this point, we are a group of friends getting together for a campout. Let me know if you have questions. 

Wash your hands and use common sense! 

Thanks, Rita 

Has a nail been driven into the Good Sam Club's coffin?

The new logo. What happened to the Good Sam man?

The Good Sam Club, the largest organization of RVers, is over as an active social club for RVers. All social gatherings have been banned due to coronavirus concerns, which is understandable. But what surprised the club's state and provincial chapter leaders was the line in a letter they received yesterday. "To keep you and your family safe, as well as continuing to follow the CDC guidelines, the difficult decision has been made to pause the Good Sam State/Provincial Director program, effective immediately." Bottom line, this means the social element of the club is finished — the club's two million members are now essentially members of a Camping World loyalty and discount program. Even the little Good Sam man is missing from recent logos. 

Is Good Sam finished as an active RV club?


 

Saturday, March 21, 2020

Fwd: Cancellation of Good Sam Activities

I am forwarding this message from our Idaho Good Sam Director Cathie Mickelsen. It looks like there will be no Good Sam Samboree or Fall Roundup this year. I'm sure we'll be hearing more from Cathie once she and Mike are home from their trip but if you have any questions, please let me know. 

I'm not totally sure of the implications for the Tumbleweeds or for the Good Sam chapters, but personally, I'm not cancelling any of my reservations for our camping trips. The outdoors, sunshine, fresh air, and warm weather are great ways to stay healthy. And any of you who would like to join me will be most welcome!!!! 

Stay healthy and travel safe,
Rita 

---------- Forwarded message ---------
From: Cathie Mickelsen <chmigs21@gmail.com>
Date: Sat, Mar 21, 2020 at 5:52 PM
Subject: Cancellation of Good Sam Activities


Good Afternoon,
I am sending part of the message I recieved yesterday from Good Sam Nationial..
We are traveling, but will be in Boise in a few days so please contact me if yu have any questions or concerns.


 

  Hi Everyone!  We hope that you and your family members are staying safe & healthy during this challenging time. 

 

Earlier this week a note was sent out to customers notifying them of the actions that our team is doing to help keep our community safe.  Our team is committed to making sure that we can supply the essentials that the RV community needs to make sure their home on wheels is functioning and safe.

 

Due to recent developments, the concern over the health and well-being of our customers and community continues to grow.  To keep you and your family safe, as well as continuing to follow the CDC guidelines, the difficult decision has been made to pause the Good Sam State/Provincial Director program, effective immediately.

 

Q:  Can we continue to host Good Sam state/provincial & individual chapter meetings?

A:  At this time, all meetings should be cancelled.

 

Q:  How does this impact our state/provincial rally?

A:  All Good Sam State/Provincial rallies are to be cancelled.  A note will be placed on GoodSam.com/Events that all 2020 Good Sam State/Provincial Rallies are postponed indefinitely.

 

Q:  This is an election year for our state/province, are we continuing with the elections?

A:  The Good Sam State/Provincial Director program is paused until further notice.  More updates will be available at a later time.

 

Q:  When will the program begin again?

A:  At this time, the program is paused until further notice.  We will continue to send communication to the team as updates are available.

 

I will keep you apprised as we move forward. Stay healthy and safe,

 

Cathie


-- 
Cathie Mickelsen
Idaho Good Sam Director
208-830-4331

Sunday, March 1, 2020

TUMBLEWEEDS: Spring is a-coming! And so is camping season!!!!

The camping season is coming soon. Personally, I can't wait! 

Daylight savings time starts next weekend, Spring starts on the 20th ... and our pre-season camping meeting is on the 14th of March. To everyone who has RSVP'd, thank you. I've heard from everyone except John & Nancy. Jim & I are looking forward to a fun get-together luncheon. 

The first campout is at Bully Creek and our wagon masters are Marcia & Dennis. I'm sure we'll be hearing from Marcia soon as to the plans for this campout. The good news from Vale, Oregon is that the Starlight Cafe has reopened. The bad news is that the hours are from 6:30 AM to 2:00 PM. So I'm sure that Marcia has a plan! 😁

I am sending along the calendar of events for all who can't find the last one I sent (like me!), but here's a quick list of what's coming between March and September. 

Let me know if you have any questions. I'll see most of you on the 14th. 

Rita 😎

____________________________________________
Upcoming Events:
  • March 14th @ noon - Casa Mexico, 10332 W Fairview Ave, Boise
  1. April 12-19 / Bully Creek Reservoir, Vale OR
    Reservations: Call 541-473-2969

  2. May 1-3 / McCormick Park in Hells Canyon Area, Cambridge, ID
    Reservations: 844-472-7275 or www.camplife.com/campground/Hells+Canyon+Are a+-+McCormick+Park

  3. May 29-31 / Ft Running Bear Campground, Mountain Home, ID
    Reservations: Contact Janet Sanchez

  4. June 10-14 / Samboree, Elmore County Fairgrounds, Glenns Ferry, ID
    Reservations: www.idahogoodsam.org/calendar

  5. June 26-28 / To Be Determined by Mark & Emma

  6. July 24-26 / Huckleberry Campground, Lake Cascade, ID
    Reservations: www.parksandrecreation.idaho.gov

  7. August 14-16 / CJ Strike Reservoir, Cottonwood Park Campgroup, Mountain Home, ID
    Reservations: www.camplife.com/campground/CJ+Strike+Area+-+Cottonwood+Park

  8. September 11-13 / 3 Island Crossing joint campout with Mountain Home High Desert Travelers, Glenns Ferry, ID
    Reservations: wwww.parksandrecreation.idaho.gov/parks/three-islandcrossing

  9. September 16-20 / Fall Roundup, Owyhee County Fairgrounds, Homedale, ID
    Reservations: www.idahogoodsam.org/calendar