August 2026

CHINOOK RV Club West Newsletter

Club Website: https://www.chinookclub.com/

Club Email: Chinookrvc@gmail.com

Club Bylaws: Current bylaws

Greetings Members

PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE

Dear Chinook Friends,

As we return home from our wonderful Truckee rally, I want to take a moment to reflect on what made this gathering so special. From the beautiful tall trees of the campground and pleasant weather to the laughter, conversations, and shared meals, Truckee provided the perfect backdrop for another memorable Chinook adventure.

One of the greatest joys of being part of Chinook RV Club West is the friendships that grow stronger with every rally. Whether you spent time exploring the area, participating in activities, sharing travel stories, or simply relaxing with fellow members, it was clear that the spirit of friendship and community continues to thrive within our club.

A sincere thank you goes to Peter, Tom and Linda who helped plan, organize, and support this rally. These events do not happen without the dedication and generosity of our members. Your hard work and expert knowledge of the history of the Truckee area allowed all of us to enjoy a smooth and fun gathering. The addition of our personal comedian Cat Jackson was an added treat with so much laughter and good fun.

I would also like to extend a warm welcome to our newer members who joined us in Truckee. We hope you felt the warmth and camaraderie that make our club such a special place. We look forward to many more adventures together. Thank you for making the Truckee rally such a success. Safe travels, and I look forward to seeing everyone at our next gathering. I so appreciate my friendship with each of you!

Happy Camping,

Jan Pavia-Colabella - President

~~WELCOME NEW MEMBERS~~

Carol - 2004 Summit

Cori & Donnie - 1989 Concourse

Ricki-Ellen & Charly (Billy too!) - 2003 Cascade

Jeanne & Frank - 2001 Destiny

Andrew & Suzanne - 2000 Concourse

Stephen & Terri - 1998 Premier

KC & Peter - 2004 Concourse

Leanne & Charles - 1999 Concourse

Hannah - 2000 Concourse

Deborah - 2000 Concourse

Robin - 2004 Premier

Map with location of current members... which dot is yours?!

The purpose of the Chinook RV Club is for friendship, education and enjoyment of owners of Chinook motorhomes of all models and ages.

Sept 9-13, 2026 Astoria/Warrenton KOA Resort, Hammond, OR Hosted by Gerri and Gary Jenkins (see below)

May 9-14, 2027 EAST MEETS WEST RALLY, Branson Lake RV Park Hosted by Terry (West) & Mark (East) (see below)

There are two more rallies in planning stages for 2027 so keep checking the club website and your email for updates.

Terry - VP of Rallies Club West

chinookrvc@gmail.com

2026 Truckee Rally Recap

Village Camp Outdoor Resort, Truckee, CA

June 1 - 4, 2026

Hosted by Jan

Truckee Rally Highlights:

An excursion around beautiful Lake Tahoe, expertly planned and hosted by Tom & Linda. Their thoughtful preparation gave members the opportunity to experience some of the most iconic locations in the Tahoe Basin while enjoying the fellowship that makes Chinook gatherings so special. A drive toward Lake Tahoe gave us spectacular views of Palisades Tahoe and the Truckee River as it winds toward the lake. We enjoyed breathtaking mountain scenery, crystal-clear waters, and numerous opportunities to stop, explore, and take photographs.

Historic Hellman-Ehrman Mansion at Sugar Pine Point State Park. The beautifully preserved estate offered a fascinating glimpse into Tahoe's past and the families who helped shape the area's history. Following the tour, members gathered for a picnic lunch surrounded by towering pines and the natural beauty of the lakeshore.

Gatekeeper's Museum, Fanny Bridge, and nearby Tahoe City attractions. Many members enjoyed exploring the dam and museum while others explored local shops, beaches, and walking paths along the shoreline.

The day ended with Happy Hour and a potluck dinner featuring an assortment of delicious leftovers and favorite dishes. As always, good food and great conversation provided the perfect ending to another memorable day with a surprise visit from our fellow camper and comedian Cat Jackson. Her custom comedy routine just for us Chinookers was so entertaining!

The following morning, members enjoyed pastries, coffee, and the always-popular Tech Talk, where Chinook owners exchanged ideas, solutions, and stories about life on the road. These informal gatherings continue to be one of the most valuable and enjoyable traditions of our club.

As members packed up and prepared for the journey home, there was a shared appreciation for the friendships strengthened, memories created, and adventures enjoyed throughout the week. The Truckee Rally offered a wonderful combination of history, natural beauty, learning, and fellowship.

Thank you to Peter, Tom & Linda, our activity hosts, and every member who contributed to making the Truckee Rally a tremendous success. We look forward to seeing everyone at our next Chinook RV Club West adventure.

Happy Trails Until We Meet Again!

A Journey through Donner Pass History....

A memorable experience was our fascinating day exploring the history, beauty, and legends of Donner Pass. A heartfelt thank you goes to Peter, whose careful planning and enthusiasm made this special excursion possible. Peter led members on an unforgettable journey through one of California's most historic regions.

The day began at the Donner Memorial State Park Museum, where members explored exhibits detailing the story of the Donner Party, westward migration, Washoe Tribe history, and the construction of the Transcontinental Railroad. Particularly moving were the exhibits recognizing the tremendous contributions of Chinese laborers whose hard work helped build the railroad through the rugged Sierra Nevada. The members took a short walk to the Pioneer Monument, which stands as a reminder of the courage, determination, and hardships faced by early settlers crossing the mountains.

The adventure continued with a scenic drive along historic Donner Pass Road. A stop overlooking Donner Lake provided spectacular views of the lake and surrounding peaks, along with plenty of opportunities for photographs and appreciation of the Sierra's natural beauty.

The highlight of the afternoon was a walk through the historic Donner Pass Summit Tunnels. Armed with flashlights and a sense of adventure, members explored portions of the tunnels that once carried trains through the mountains. Walking through these remarkable structures offered a firsthand glimpse into the engineering achievements that helped unite the nation during the construction of the Transcontinental Railroad.

Throughout the day, members enjoyed not only the rich history and stunning scenery but also the friendship and camaraderie that make Chinook RV Club West rallies so special.

UPCOMING RALLIES!!!!

Chinook RV Club West

Annual Rally - Astoria, Oregon

Sept. 9 - 13, 2026

Hosted by Gerri & Gary

Astoria/Warrenton KOA

1100-Northwest Ridge Rd

Hammond, OR 97121

800-562-8506

Ninety miles west of Portland, Oregon at the mouth of the Columbia River are the coastal cities of Astoria & Warrenton. These Pacific Ocean cities are rich in Lewis & Clark history as the first settlements west of the Rockies. Top of the must-see list is the historic Astoria Column with its stunning views. While in Astoria, ride the Riverfront Trolley, tour the Maritime Museum & Fort Clatsup. Closer to the KOA Campground is Fort Stevens State Park with swimming, beach-combing, hiking, biking, Battery Russell, & The Wreck of the Peter Iredal.

EAST MEETS WEST RALLY BRANSON, MISSOURI

Branson Lakeside RV Park

May 9-14, 2027 (Sunday-Friday)

Hosted by Terry (West) & Mark (East)

Merchandise for Sale

To order merchandise:

Email Gerri at

mamaguzzi@gmail.com

Men's Shirts

Medium-XL: $20

XXL-XXXL: $22

Women's V-Neck Shirts:

Small-XL: $20

Caps-one size: $25 ea

Patches: $3 each

Chinook Member Resources

Website: Chinook RV Chinook Club (East & West)

https://www.chinookclub.com/

Chinook RV Club West Facebook Group:

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61577843417203&mibextid=ZbWKwL

I Love My Chinook RV - Facebook Group:

https://www.facebook.com/groups/140061510117

Chinook RV Owners Facebook Forum:

https://www.facebook.com/groups/352001082699333

Chinook RV YouTube:

https://www.youtube.com/@chinookcampingclub

Chinook History Since 1938

First Generation

1971 Chinook 18 Plus

Second Generation

1988 Chinook Concourse 18+

Third Generation

1998 Chinook Concourse XL

Check out the complete history of Chinooks from the beginning in 1938 and see how they evolved over the years. It's a great story!

https://tincantourists.com/wiki/chinook/

THE CHINOOK SONG by Al Enriquez 9--17--2003

(To the tune of On Top of Old Smokey)

WE ARE HAPPY RV'ERS

WE SELDOM GET SHOOK

AND OF ALL OUR POSSESSIONS

WE LOVE OUR CHINOOK

WE TRAVEL THE HIGHWAYS

WITH NO CARES TO BEAR

WHEN WE STOP AND HOOK-UP

MOST PEOPLE STARE

THEY GATHER AROUND

TO ADMIRE OUR RIG

WE ASK THEM INSIDE

IF THEY'RE NOT TOO BIG

WE'VE TRAVELED THE COUNTRY

AND WHEREVER WE ROAM

IN OUR TWENTY-ONE FOOTER

WE NEVER MISS HOME

WE GO EAST AND WEST

NORTH AND SOUTH TOO

WE FACE HILLS AND MOUNTAINS

THEY'RE EASY TO DO

WITH ONLY TWO SEATS

IT IS QUITE A THRILL

TO NOT HAVE TO WORRY

IF GRANDKIDS ARE STILL

TRAILWAGONS GO FORWARD

KEEP CHINOOKS WITH ZEST

FOR AS LONG AS WE'RE ABLE

WE'LL BE DRIVING THE BEST!

WE ARE HAPPY RV'ERS

WE SELDOM GET SHOOK

AND OF ALL OUR POSSESSIONS

WE LOVE OUR CHINOOK

The Chinook RV Club West exists to promote social, recreational & exchange of information that provide for the enjoyment & pleasurable use of their Chinooks. Our club functions primarily in the western & central US, although it is open to members of the Eastern Club (Chinook Camping Club).

DUES: Dues are $35.00/year. The fiscal & membership year is October 1 through September 30. Please pay promptly and advise the V.P. of Membership of any changes in phone numbers, email & mailing addresses .