Wednesday (December 26th)   -   Wednesday was a low key day, but was made up for at night.  We all attended the Arizona Opry dinner show, in nearby Apache Junction, which was organized by Buddy & Shirley.  This is a family run business featuring a delicious dinner followed by fantastic show with all types of music.  The highlight performer was George Staerkle III, who played no less than 50 horns, plus the piano, electric keyboard, and harmonica thrown in for extra measure.  Quite a performance.  TOP

Thursday (December 27th)   -   Thursday, many of the group traveled to Gilbert Riparian Preserve for an easy hiking adventure around their seven ponds.  Following the hike, those of us who enjoy a healthy meal now and then drove to Sweet Tomatoes in Mesa, where we were joined by a few "non-hiking" couples.  TOP

Friday (December 28th)   -   Some of the group went to tour the Bashes Western Art & Basket Museum, and the Queen Creek Olive Mill, while other stayed back to prepare for the next day's move to Quartzsite.  At 4 o'clock, we all met at David & Barbara's house where certificates of appreciation were presented to David & Barbara and Paul & Angie for organizing the 2007 Christmas Gathering.  Paul & Angie were also given a gift certificate to Peter Piper to offset the monies they laid out for the gathering.  TOP

Saturday (December 29th)   -   Most of the group traveled Eastward, some 166 miles, to famous Quartzsite, AZ.  Here we were greeted by Walt & Judy Kaiser and Ed & Laura Shuster, who had secured a parking area at mile marker 99 on US-95, south of Quartzsite.  It is a nice area, although some of us had difficulty locating the 50 amp outlets.  That night, we had hobo stew and then celebrated David's 73rd birthday, albeit not in the "library" as we did in 2002.  TOP

Sunday (December 30th)   -   The campfire was set early for those brave enough to venture out of their rigs before the sun had ample time to warm to area.  We then had "omelets in a bag" for breakfast.  Some of the group ventured out to visit some RV sites for sale, other explored the metropolis of Quartzsite.  Even though it is relatively early in the season, there are numerous vendors already setup.  Still others remained around the campsite.  Dinner was on our own, and later we had smores around the campfire.  TOP

Monday (December 31st)   -   During New Year's Eve day, most of the group explored the local area.  At 5:00 PM, we all gathered around the campfire to share finger foods with hot mulled cider.  Walt & Judy and Ed & Laura were presented Certificates of Appreciation for their efforts in organizing the Chapter 400 New Year's gathering in the desert.  After we had finished eating, most stayed around the campfire to socialize.  It was decided that we would all celebrate New Years on New York City time, which would be 10:00 PM our time.  Of course, the celebration would be by sounding our air horns from the warmth of our rigs.  TOP

Tuesday (January 1st)   -   Happy New Year from the desert in Quartzsite, AZ.  People started moving a little bit later this morning - possibly due to staying up all the way to 10:00 PM last night to blow their air horns at midnight in NY.  At least those who had air in their air tanks were able to blow their horns.  The event for the day was a delicious pork loin dinner with a multitude of side dishes prepared by the ladies.  Due to the brisk breeze, people moved their chairs from around the campfire closer to the coaches in an effort to block the wind.  But the chill did not dampen the New Years spirit.  In the morning, many will depart for various destinations, while a few will remain here in the desert for a few more days.  TOP