Up Coming Events:

Moonraker/Mojave Drive September  25th 2010
   We will head out around 8:30 am, stop for lunch along the way and return about 3 pm.
  You can bring your mount or your wagon.  Non members of ETI will be required to pay the single event membership of $10.  Releases of liability will be available at the sign in desk.
  See you there.  This is a great ride.  You are welcome on Friday and spend the night in your rig.

Death Valley 100 mile drive.  November 3-12, 2010
          Starting at Wades monument (30 miles north of Baker) to Furnace Creek.
           6 campsites in 10 days.  Application available on the newsletter page.

ETI CORRAL 14 WESTERN WAGONS

NOTES AND NEWS

I’m sure that by now you have heard there will no longer be an ETI Magazine in print. You can access it on line but to those of us that have dial up it is a challenge and only less than half our membership even has a computer! I’m sure our corral will survive this change even though I think the magazine helped us to all keep in touch.

So with this in mind and the fact that I so enjoy doing a write up about our events I am proposing to do a write up whenever we have an event and mail it out when I have something else to mail to the membership. This way it will not cost the membership extra in postage but they will be able to hear about past events and what is going on with everyone even though not in as timely a manner as when we had the magazine. If you do not want me to pursue this type of communication let me know since I am working for you as a member of Corral 14.

H.K. HOLLAND MEMORIAL RIDGECREST DRIVE /RIDE – the weekend of April 9^th and 10 was our first drive/ride of the New Year and what a success it was. The Ridgecrest members pulled together and hosted a truly memorable wagon train. Rigs started arriving on Friday afternoon and by evening all of us early birds were treated to a wonderful dinner of home made chili and tempting deserts. Carl and Donna Everett, who hosted the ride were ready with pop up tents and tables and were so gracious in getting everyone settled for the night. Horses, wagons and rigs were everywhere. We were thrilled to welcome a second generation teamster – Gil Pauley to this wagon train, driving his team of horse and mule. The Barstow Corral was also well represented with 5 riders joining us.  The next morning dawned with the welcoming Ridgecrest weather – wind. But the wagons, carts and a number of horseback riders, not to be daunted by a little breeze, pulled out on time to experience the wonders of Ridgecrest driving.  The wagons were Carl Everett, Norm Noftsier, Ron Remy, Gil Pauley, Chet St. Clair, Melanie Brooker, Mara Wada and Lee Worsham. Our stop for lunch proved to be a challenge since the wind was trying to take anything set down and send it to Mojave. After lunch we circled around the BLM wild horse and burro facility. It just makes one want to open the gate and let them out but we kept ourselves in check – this time. Returning to the ranch and after a little rest we started seeing the pot luck dishes coming out and oh boy did we have a great dinner. Carl and Donna provided the beef and chicken and everyone ate until the word founder was mentioned by quite a few of us. Then time for the band and enjoying the great music they provided. H.K. Holland was very well known in Ridgecrest and among the long time wagon members. More information can be found about his history in the booklet “Wagons Ho” about our corral that was printed by the 49ers. Those who new him felt he would have approved of this grand time in his name.  Sunday dawned with the same weather- wind and this time added clouds. Gil Pauley and Carl showed how tough they were when they went out driving on Sunday morning. This was a wagon train to remember and it was wonderful to see all of our familiar friends and faces after a long winter.

LONE PINE TO BISHOP WAGON TRAIN – MAY 17-22^ND.  This was another year of fun and challenges. Every year we get a few more wrinkles ironed out on this drive and this year was no exception. Norm and I went up Friday and made contact with the local water company which made it possible for us to have water at the Arena behind the museum. No more long hoses to man to water our stock. The Lone Pine Film Museum once again welcomed us as did the town of Lone Pine. After 2 days to buy whatever we forgot the 8 wagons and assorted outriders pulled out of the museum camp on Monday morning. Wagons included Carl Everett, Norm, Mara Wada, Gil Pauley, Doc Colvin, Maggie and Al Chinn. We were not even out of the campsite when we got word someone had been thrown. Stopping the train and CHP from holding traffic we waited for word of what should be done.  Carolyn Horton had a difference of opinion with her mare and they had parted company but other than a few bruises Carolyn said she was o.k. and she cowboyed up and we continued our train.  We were all surprised at the wonderful campsite Carl had spotted for us to use the first night out. This meant NO MORE DRY LAKE camping and were we all thrilled! It’s a lovely camp with a great view. The support crew of Ken Gallinger and Phil Weeks had camp all ready for us and continued to do an outstanding job thru the remainder of the Drive. Tuesday afternoon we were happy to see River Camp come into sight and looked forward to a relaxing lay over day at the Owens River. Some of us floated down the river or slept or just did nothing. The stock all seemed to appreciate the rest and the wind was even absent for a change. Thursday morning we were just finishing breakfast when a big Angus bull decided we were in his territory and we should leave NOW. The horses and mules were heads and ears up and snorting when they sighted him and then to hear his low rumble really set them off. Two horses belonging to Joe Pauley and his son Gil broke their tethers and took off. Riders went out hot on their heels but could not get close to the two runaways. Then the trucks went out to see what they could do. The roundup proved to be senseless when the two went up on almost shear cinder slide and over the mountain. Joe and Gil stayed as the rest of us headed out with the hope the runaways would come back to camp and the left behind mule but that did not work. After contacting everyone that they could think of, an old friend of Joe’s that lives up in the area was able to corral the two rascals a week later. Sure glad it all turned out o.k. The remainder of the drive was uneventful and once again we were welcomed into the Mann Ranch pack station which provided pens and parking. If you missed this ride this year be sure to put it on your must do list for next year.

UPCOMING EVENTS – Flyers included. Please pay attention if you have a membership renewal included in your packet. We need to keep them up. Gloria Lemos Leight recovered her runaway mule after a few weeks. The mule took up with a herd of mustangs but after numerous trips the mule decided home was better. After one such trip out to recover the mule Gloria hiked back to her truck to find the mule standing next to it. Smart Mule! Sick call – Carolyn Horton is recovering from surgery on a broken hand. Norm is preparing for yet another surgery on his shoulder. Ron Remy and Irene Sylvester are ready to run a marathon after great recoveries from their knee surgeries. Hope you are all having a great summer – hope to see you in the fall. Until then Happy Trails Mary Jo Steele – Secretary Corral 14 Western Wagons.

Vice President Larry Wilburn
   glmotomule@antelecom.net  

Secretary Mary Jo Steele-Noftsier
   mojo14@qnet.com    661-270-1161

Treasurer Sue Alcott  760-662-6102
   suealcott6@verizon.net 

We invite you to join us:  Family annual membership $50
Single annual membership $35
Annual Insurance $10 per person with a maximum of $30.
Call for an application