August Campout in Keiler, Wisconsin

The wagonmasters, Chuck and Sue Borcher, arrived at the Rustic Barn Campground in Keiler, WI. on Wednesday meeting Gerry Glassman and Bev Davidson who were already there. Very nice day for driving to this beautiful campground in the hills of southwest Wisconsin. The other wagonmasters, Bob and Laurie Dukes, arrived shortly after the Borchers after coming in from the North as Chuck was trying to give them directions from the south, OUCH! If you come out this way in the future, be careful of the directions from your GPS unit; it seems they have reconfigured the roads around the campground ­follow the signs rather than your GPS! The Bentons and the Oswalds pulled in shortly before dinner. Several people went out to the Country Heights Restaurant for dinner.

Thursday was another beautiful day in the country as we awakened to the wonderful fresh air of the cow farm next door! Gerry showed the wagonmasters how to operate the club's coffee maker which took some training as the wagonmasters do not drink coffee. Several made it up to the Holstein Room for coffee and pastries provided by the Dukes. Most of the day was spent welcoming the Latters, Hufthines, and Kauffinans. Chuck took his kayak up the Mississippi for a little paddling. For dinner half went to Kall Inn for excellent pork chops, fish, and fried chicken (the drinks were not bad either). The others headed for the Country Heights Restaurant. After dinner several played cards outside until it got too dark to see the cards.

Friday dawned another beautiful day. After coffee and pastries, several headed to the National Mississippi River Museum and Aquarium. Very interesting with lots of live animals found along the Mississippi River and stories of the 10 states that the river touches as it flows to the Gulf of Mexico. When we returned, we found the Weihmans had arrived and perspective members Jim and Melanie Talley drove out from Woodstock to join us for dinner. The evening pot-luck supper was enjoyed by all. After dinner, many adjourned to their coaches to watch the opening ceremonies for the Summer Olympics. Bob dragged Chuck, Jim Benton and Jim Talley over to the horseshoe pits thinking the railroaders would show Chuck and Jim Benton how to pitch the shoes. After three games, Chuck and Bob prevailed proving that luck and harassing can beat skill every time! If anyone goes bowling with Jim Talley, watch out! Ifhe can bowl half as well as he rolls the horseshoes up to the pin, he will be very tough to beat.

Saturday dawned with a little rain and the standard coffee and pastries. Several headed to a local winery and Chuck and Jim Benton took the kayak up a nearby river. Dinner was delicious; catfish prepared by locals at the campground. After dinner we had a great celebration of Jerry Bican's birthday with cake (brownies). Sorry Jerry was not there to enjoy it! Afterward, there was horseshoes, cards, and the Olympics.

Sunday was another beautiful day starting with coffee and pastries. Unfortunately, we planned on using the campground's Bun Coffee Maker and sent ours off with Gerry. Halfway through the first pot, it started coming over the filter container. It did it again on the third pot. Turned out this one used special coffee packets which we were not aware of. Then everyone headed off to various destinations except the Dukes, Oswalds, and Borchers who were staying for the Fox Valley campout.

We got lots of comments about whether to send out paper mail or email after the meeting. Therefore, in an attempt to address the issue, it was suggested that the secretary put together a list of people that want paper mail - monthly campout reports and meeting minutes. IF YOU WANT PAPER MAIL, please contact Gail Barthel and let her know. If you have an email address in our roster, you will not get paper mail unless you contact Gail.

NEXT MONTH CAMP OUT - Door County Wisconsin - There will be no Fish Boil and pot luck. Be sure to contact the campground office at the number on the sheet if you are interested in attending.