Trip Report
Camp Meares - Strawberry Mountains, Oregon
August 4–11, 1979
Report
Rally - See May 18, 1979
Location:
Strawberry Mountains, Oregon
Strawberry Campground
(NAD27) 44° 19' 13" North, 118° 40' 23" West
UTM Zone 11, 366500 easting, 4908500 northing
Elevation: 5700 ft. (1740 m)
The 50th annual summer camp of the Obsidians was held at Strawberry Campground in the Strawberry Mountain Wilderness Area, August 4 to 11, 1979.
The Camp Committee composed of John and Lenore McManigal, Frank and Wilma Moore, Rose Marie and Dick Moffitt and Donna Ferchland arrived early Friday morning to set up camp. Our agents, Bob and Pat Dark were there Thursday night to help claim the only flat place that was long enough to allow the longest table in summer camp history: 52 ft, 3 inches. John McManigal pre-fabricated most of this table in his workshop at home but when we found out how many people were coming he quickly increased it to the record length. Many members came early Friday to help us set up. We needed everyone.
Saturday morning the committee and helpers had nearly everything ready and sent a squad of wood gatherers for a trailer-load of wood for the campfire. We had enough for the entire week and gave the remainder to John Marshall, the campground ranger.
This campground was a committee member’s dream. Many water faucets were located throughout camp and this year we didn’t have to be waterboy beasts-of-burden.
Trips made from camp were to Strawberry Lake, Slide Lake, Strawberry Mountain, High Lake, Onion Creek Trail, Blue Mountain Hot Springs and various ghost towns. Swimming was enjoyed by many every day, even if the nearest lake was a mile and-a-half away. I swam in every lake and found that they got colder as one went up the mountain.
Flower seekers found myriad varieties around Slide Lake and discovered the little flower that looked like clusters of elephants’ heads, were really elephants’ heads.
Food was plentiful and delicious. Our camp cook Selma Vangsnes turned out super meals, the traditional lemon meringue pies appeared Tuesday night. Many times people said: “I’ve eaten too much to move,” but they wore it off the next day and were standing in the chow line with cup and spoon in hand.
By expert planning we managed to have a capacity crowd at the dinner table on Monday night when most people were there. The Rangers could hardly believe it when 87 sat down for supper.
The weather was beautiful all week long. Nice in camp and very hot down in Prairie City. We planned it right this year too. It didn’t rain until the Tuesday after camp.
Summer camp was another old fashioned type success. Great people on a good vacation where most of us don’t get to very often. Beautiful scenery. The committee, is also pleased to turn over $1329.51 to the Treasurer for income over expenses.
Obsidian Summer Camp participants: Doris Allen; Mary Bascom; Gerd Berntzen; Scott Bonner; Carol & Lonnie Bourgerie; John Cecil; Donn & Jean Chase; Emeline Dale, Bob & Pat Dark; Bob Devine; Shirley Driver; Donna Ferchland; Jay Forrester; Albert, Theresa, Christine & Mark Gamache; Jane & Mike Hackett; Dolores Haddad; Gary Hasselman; Dorothy Hayes; Liz Igl; Art & Lillian & Brian Johnson; Steve, Mike & Lisa John, Warren, Marianne, Carolyn & Chris Kadas; Bonnie Ledford; Betty Legris; Dorothy Leland; Helen Lynch; Evelyn, Herbert & Lei McCornack; Wendy McElroy; Amy, Derek, John, Karen, Kevin, Lenore, Mike, Rick & Steven McManigal; Richard, Angela, Gina, Thad & T. J. Matteri; Glenn Meares; Margaret Markley; Leona Mattson; Dorothy Medill; Dick & Rosemarie Moffitt; Frank & Wilma Moore; Bob & Bee Meserole; Bob & Keena Northrop; Marriner & Carolyn Orum; Eunice Mickel; John Powell; Dave Predeek; Pat & Janice Pattison; Marta Saltzman; Charlene J. Simpson; Lindsey Trombley; Dorothy Turner; and Lois Schreiner.
Summer Camp Reunion Potluck
September 22, 1979
The reunion was held at the Lodge on September 22. Several members brought colored slides showing the beautiful scenery and Camp chairman Dick Moffitt presented slides of the kitchen and dining arrangements which provide a pattern for future camp committees. Selma Vangsnes, camp cook, was a special guest.
