Hi
Doug, We had a gathering of Apaches at the Fashawe Conservation Area just
outside of London, Ontario this past weekend (9/23). What a beautiful spot for
fall camping! It was in part an unofficial Round-up. Attendees included Bonnie
and Mike and their three children from St. Claire Beach, Ontario - Theresa and
Dave and their two children from Oakville, Ontario - Mo and Connie Bengry from
Rochester Hills, MI. and Tiffany and myself with our two children from Auburn
Hills, MI. Sorry that Les and Mark and their family's could not make it, you
were both missed. Friday night as Mo and myself pulled in it rained heavy and
hard. Everyone pitched in and we were leveled and set up in under five minutes.
NASCAR pit crews have nothing on a crew of Apache people setting up a camper!!!
As soon as we were set up wouldn't you know that the rain would stop and the
skies would clear. It was great seeing everyone again and the weekend was definitely
too short. My kids cried as we pulled away begging for one more day. I do sympathize
with them. Our best times camping have been in Canada and these are truly
good friends. I have attached a collage of the weekend activities. Next year
Michigan in the spring, EH!? Tim.
First Canadian End-of-the Trail Apache Roundup was held in July in Norwich, Ontario.
Organizer Report:
This is a salute to the nine Apache families that attended the Apache Roundup
on July 7th and 8th at Norwich Ontario. What we lacked in quantity we certainly
had in quality for the people that attended were second to none. Your non-stop
dedication to the Apache, as the world's greatest camper ever, cannot be surpassed. We trailer talked, swapped ideas, polished
aluminum, cleaned gear boxes, gave away free parts and noted similarities and
differences for most of the weekend. People were so great sharing and helping one another. Putting up and
taking down campers as people arrived and left was just the start of it all. I
looked in my 1977 Ramada once and found an original set of curtains lying on the
seat, still in good shape, badly needed, according to my wife to replace those
hideous deer stalker curtains we had presently. The oldest Apache Camper was a '65 Silver Eagle that belonged to Paul D. of Muskego Wis.,
the oldest original was my '67 Raven, the newest belonged to Fred and Jean of
Fort Lauderdale Fl., the two most spic and span Royals belonged to Moe and Tim
S. of Auburn Hills Mich., and the most unusual was Jim Hopkins' 79 Apache motor
home (the guitar picker from Brantford). The most common colour was green with 6
campers of that colour. A common bond that formed, right from the start began
with a swim in our pool the very first night and it continued on throughout the
weekend around the portable fire-pit which everyone circled each night. The
youngest and most favourite Apache-man was Ole' Elmer when he gave all the camp
kids rides in his super white Goldwing sidecar motorcycle. Following Sunday
morning brunch at the local Legion #190 the men headed out for a view of the
most unique vintage motorcycle collection, while the women broke camp. By the
way guys, Bob the curator really appreciated the $55.00 you all most generously
collected for him and left under a picture of an eagle in my camper. Via the
Norwich Museum bailed me out totally on the expenses for the event. Each Apache
family left with a bumper sticker, an Apache dash plaque and numerous new
friendships from Canada and U.S.A. Donna says sorry, she was not there to see
you off. Keep in touch. Les Ferris
Attendee Reports:
...We just came home from a
very wonderful 1st Canadian Roundup in Norwich, Ontario, a superb event
organized by Mr. Les Ferris. We have made many new friends from Brantford,
Ont., Florida, Kitchener-Waterloo, Ont., Michigan (including Ole and Mrs.
Elmer), Norwich, Ont., Oakville, Ont. and Wisconsin. An excellent time was
had by all camping families in attendance and we cannot wait until the planned
U.S. National Roundup in Michigan next summer. Bonnie and I are proud to
be counted among our friends within the Apache family.
Mike
and Bonnie Pacuta
(Above) is a collage of the Ontario Round-Up I put together. This was
the best time I have ever had camping. My father in law, Mo and I helped get
Mike and Bonnie's electronic ignition heater fired up (Darn wasps nests). Then Mo
headed off to Les's heater and fired that one up also. I also helped Dave and
Theresa get their gear boxes cleaned out and greased. ( You never felt real pressure till you have had Ole' Elmer watching as you do a gear box repair)!!!
Elmer is the best! Connie, Tiff, Theresa and Bonnie customized Bonnie's curtains
right on the spot. Jim entertained us with his guitar around the camp fire
Saturday night and it was a great show. Paul and Jeanne joined in on the
harmonica's. The Legion breakfast Sunday morning was wonderful. Thanks to Connie
for being our designated camp mess hall. I would like to thank Les for putting
this all together. It was a lot of work and I know we all enjoyed ourselves and
very much appreciate the hard work and dedication he put into this. I believe we
all made some lasting friendships and would like to camp with everyone again. We
plan on camping again this summer in Canada and hope others can make it too.
Let's do Ontario again this year, perhaps Les could sit down this time!
Tim and Tiffany Schaefer.
