A beautiful former timber camp on the Russian River. About 120 camps, ranging from tents to fine motels. Camps are like fraternity houses.
Saw George H W and his secret service contingent there after he lost to BC. Henry Kissinger served me a hot dog. (didn't get to talk to him though)
Was invited by a patriot who had been a long time member following in the footsteps of his father. Still get tears in my eyes that we lost him two years ago to massive heart attack. He would have loved Potus!
Driving in on River Road the 1st time saw Art Linkletter relieving himself on a Redwood tree and then later sat next to him at dinner on big picnic tables at outdoor dining.
Have never been anywhere with more talented artists. Loved the music. Saw Bill Weir from Grateful Dead there. Steve Miller was a member and had his whole band there. He built a stage at his camp. There had been a rule that there could be no amps. That all changed when Steve Miller arrived.
The first weekend includes the "Cremation of Care". Yes, members dressed up in hooded robes float a small burning casket across a lake. The idea is that when the summer encampment begins there is to be no outside business, forget your worries and cares, just 3 weeks of eating, drinking and enjoying life at camp. No cell phones are allowed. The worst thing that happened was seeing Chris Mathews there both years. Can't believe they let that fraud set foot in the place.
There were two large outdoor stages. At one of them I saw Clint Eastwood perform in a comedy, giggling as he screwed up his lines that he had little time to rehearse. Members write and perform an original play each year. As no women are allowed except working in dining area, men perform the women's parts. Every camp was very inviting treating you like a long lost brother and offering you your choice of alcoholic or non-alcoholic beverage.
Being a lover of music, one of my favorite experiences was walking River Road at night and heading to wherever the music was coming from to enjoy the many fine musicians performing. One of the camps is actually named "Band Camp" with chairs set up in rows for their member orchestra.
Would be very interested in the local economies in your areas?
Here in Puget Sound it is booming!
Was at Costco at Southcenter last Sunday morning at the 10 am opening. There were a hundred people standing in line waiting to get in. Never experienced that before.