GoF WEST GAZETTE

March 2016 WWW.GOFWEST.ORG Vol. 23, Issue 1 GoF West 2016 Has a Lot to Offer

Boy, have I got a lot to tell you! By Larry Long My mother used to tell me, when I canyons so deep and sudden as to was a young lad: “If you think that, induce vertigo; air so crisp that it fills you’ve got another think coming!!” , as the senses; water that ripples in in “If you think you are going to drop mountain lakes so clear that boaters that water balloon on your sister, can see to the bottom. you’ve got another think coming !!” The primary river flowing And that’s just what I want to pass on through Central is the to you. You are going to have 3 or 4 . The Deschutes runs “ ‘nother thinks coming”. south to north, eventually flowing into Mike Campbell and I, along with the Columbia River. As the river con- Mike’s son Scott, just got back from a tinues north, it flows past the Eagle time to do a little exploring on your 3 day visit to the Eagle Crest Lodge at Crest Resort (where we will be stay- own, and we will take you to some of Redmond, Oregon, where we will be ing) and the city of Redmond. The the places on the rally. holding our 44th GoF West event. lodge property borders this river. What a surprise we had! If you think Majestic, snow-capped peaks has long been a fly- that the central part of Oregon is noth- adorn the high-desert skyline, making fishing centre and one of ing but a desert area, well, you’ve got the best trout and steel- another think coming! head fisheries is in the The Central Oregon region co- Deshutes River. You vers approximately 7,833 square might want to bring miles and sits at the convergence of along your fly rod and the Basin and Range, Cascades, Blue try your luck in your free Mountains, and Columbia River Plat- time. eau geologic regions. Because it is North of Redmond, the part of a historically volcanic region, Deschutes River has cut volcanic rock formations are a com- a 300 feet (91 m) deep for some of the best weather in Ore- mon sight, including lava beds and gon—think sun- volcanic buttes. drenched days and If you will look at the map on cool nights—along with page 6, you will note that Redmond, endless options for the town that is our host town, is in plenty of play time. the center of a lot of interesting places These mountains have to visit and things to do. Naturally, snowfields so white with a fun-filled week of GoF events, they sharpen the edg- there will not be a lot of time to visit all es of the mountains; of the places shown, but you will have canyon. West of Madras, Round Butte Take a look at the map again; with Highway 20 where it runs through Dam impounds the Deschutes River, even though we have a fun-filled town. The project increased sidewalk creating Lake Billy Chinook. This is week of events planned for you, you widths to make strolling the streets of not far from where we are staying, might want to explore some of these downtown Sisters a much more pleas- and you might want to take an after- other areas on your own, perhaps ant experience for pedestrians. noon trip to see this lake. either before or after the event. The City of Sisters provided The two largest tributaries of the Take Sisters, for example. You matching grant funds so that down- Deschutes are the Metolius River and may have visited this town on one of town businesses could invest in im- the Crooked River. You will be along our previous GoF events in this area. proving the facades of their buildings, side of both of these rivers as you do Take a small town with a slow pace of adding to the new look. the rally that we have planned. Both life and overlay an ever-expanding Sisters is only about 18 miles rivers merge into the Deschutes Riv- creative culture and a long-standing from our lodge, and you might want to er, becoming part of Lake Billy Chi- outdoor recreation tradition, and you explore this town on one of the free nook. have Sisters. In the shadow of the evenings. snowcapped Three Sisters Moun- Because this area is in the rain Then there is Terrebonne. This tains, the town is a blend of art galler- shadow of the Cascade mountains, bucolic hamlet just north of Redmond ies, music (Sisters Folk Festival) and the climate is dry and sunny. The cli- is home to one of the 7 Wonders of crafts (Sisters Outdoor Quilt Show). mate varies some among Central Or- Oregon, . Many egon communities, but will see ap- Dining op- proximately 300 days of sunshine a tions include year, which is the areas real draw. superb bakeries, Summer temperatures range between a local brewpub 45 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit and restaurants Central Oregon has 26 brewer- that appeal to ies that contribute to the growing craft everyone from beer scene in Oregon. You might the French gour- want to visit Bend, and take in part of met to the steak- their Ale during your visit; Bend and-potatoes is only about 20 miles from our resort. lover. There is also shopping (tax free) at The town designer boutiques, antique malls and has changed quite a bit since you of the world's top climbers come to shopping malls in both Redmond and were last there, however. The down- scale the towering spires, which also Bend. town core of Sisters along Cascade offer easy hikes to do with kids. You'll Avenue has a fresh spot climbers as well as golden ea- new look, thanks to gles, prairie falcons and river otters. a major highway Terrebonne is also a popular spot for renovation project. some of the best fly-fishing on the The Oregon De- Crooked River. We will be taking you partment of to this area on the rally, but you might Transport and the want to try the Terrebonne Depot res- City of Sisters part- taurant, housed in a renovated 100- nered up to reno- year-old train station, on one of your vate the entire free evenings. Or you could stop for streetscape along regional wine tasting at Maragas Win-

ery and Faith, Hope and Charity growing brewpub scene, ample lodg- and public art exhibition. You'll notice Vineyards, which we will pass on the ing, vibrant parks and a bustling Redmond’s history is as unique as rally. downtown district. Redmond offers the residents. Finally, another option for you in visitors a true slice of Americana. I hope by now that you have the your free time is to visit Prineville, the Smith Rock State Park is a top desti- idea that there is a lot to do and see most historical town in Central Ore- nation to the north, while Redmond is in this small area of Central Oregon, gon. Prineville serves as the starting also the region's commercial air hub- and that it is not only with point for fishing trips along the Crook- served by several Airlines. nothing but trees and brush. There ed River or the Prineville and Ochoco In 2010 Redmond's 100th Birth- is a lot more to see any way you go reservoirs. Take in local history with a day was at the forefront of every- from Redmond , but you will have to visit to the stately Crook County one's mind, as the community cele- do that on your own with a few extra Courthouse, Central Oregon's oldest brated this momentous occasion. days. public structure. Add in the Crooked The heart of the festivities took place OK, now let’s talk about the River Roundup and Horse Races, in Redmond's newly constructed Lodge. I’ll bet that you thought that and you get a sense of what makes Centennial Park, and lasting tributes the lodge that Mike selected as the Prineville authentic and Western. to this event are everywhere. Take a venue for this event was just another Fueled by economic growth from Fa- couple of cebook and Apple data centers, hours to ex- Prineville is experiencing a renais- plore Red- sance with more places to dine, a mond, and brewery, an artisan cheese factory check out the and choice lodging. clock tower OK, now that I have you hooked commemorat- on the Central Oregon area, let’s talk ing Red- about the local town where we will be mond's past, staying, Redmond. If you thought present and that Redmond was just a little Podunk future. It's a town in the high desert, as Mike and I stunning ad- thought it was, well now, guess what? dition to the park and is even the hotel. If you think that you are going You’ve got another think coming!! resting place of the centennial time- to stay in a rather normal, not-so- capsule, a treasure trove of life from Redmond is a community reju- elegant place for the week, well now, 2010, just waiting to be opened in venated with upscale restaurants, a you’ve got—yep—”another think the next 100 years. Take one of the comin’”. delightful We knew that the lodge would be walking a nice place by looking at the adver- tours, cel- tisements and reviews, but we were ebrating pleasantly surprised with the total Red- elegance and grandeur of the entire mond's resort. This place is great! The historic rooms where we stayed are marvel- buildings, ous; lots of room to spread out, a the Art very nice sitting room, a patio right Deco along side the golf course, and a nice movement kitchen stocked with dishes and sil-

verware, with a refrigerator. What The Resort boasts spectacular a volleyball court. And Smith Rock more could you ask? views of the Cascade mountain range State Park, Tumalo Falls, and the The Lodge at Eagle Crest com- and serves as the perfect hub to enjoy Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway are just pleted a $3M renovation the fall of all of the activities that this area has to some of the natural treasures that you 2011, and features completely refur- offer. As with most GoF West events, can enjoy by driving a short distance. bished guest rooms and lobby. King there will be plenty of MG activities to Aside from our planned dinners Guest Rooms are available for a sub- keep you occupied, but there will also for GoF West, dining at Eagle Crest stantially reduced cost, or you can be some free time to allow you to en- Resort can include breakfast at Aerie elect to stay in a large 1, 2 or 3 bed- joy the area. Cafe, lunch at Greenside Cafe or Sil- room condo unit a short distance from Eagle Crest is one of Central verleaf Cafe, and dinner and drinks at the lodge, also at substantially re- Oregon's top family resorts, which Brassie's Bar and Niblick and may be a moot Greene's. Mike and I and Scott ate point if there are dinner at Niblick and Greene's and only two of you the food was superb. There are many coming in a small more dining options to please every MG. But, if you palette just outside of the Resort in should choose to Redmond. bring your family, OK, now let me tell you about the please know that event. While we were there, Mike and children and I changed from the original plans and young adults love now will have all of our events in one area, specifically at the Lodge or right across the street at the con- duced prices. ference center. Now, if you think The hotel lobby features a fire- that is a dumb idea, you’ve got place, sitting area, Aerie Cafe and another think coming!! Adventure Concierge to help you plan The conference center has your vacation. Spacious guestrooms been recently renovated, and fea- and suites are located upstairs. The tures 10,039 square feet of flexible, newly renovated Conference Center, where we will hold most of our activi- ties, is just steps away. The Lodge the pools, putting has 100 fully renovated guestrooms, course, bike , king & queen beds with luxurious lin- Splash Park, play- ens, desk & sitting area or living room, grounds, the Coyote bathroom with separate shower stall, Club programs, and and a private balcony or terrace. everything that the resort has to offer. Pets love and The Resort features Central Oregon and pets are welcome 14 miles of marked in their the pet-friendly vacation rent- walking and biking als and pet-friendly hotel guest rooms; pillar-less space. The Golden Eagle trails, three 18 hole golf courses, the simply inquire when making your res- Ballroom accommodates meetings Spa at Eagle Crest, three sport cen- ervations. and events up to 360 guests, and can ters, four pools, six tennis courts and be partitioned into four separate meet- ing rooms. That is where we will hold the way, we will stop our two big banquets. Just down the at an alpaca ranch; it foyer is Juniper Hall, their grand ban- turns out that the cli- quet, meeting and exhibit space that mate there is ideal for accommodates 425 guests and may raising alpacas, and be divided into two separate spaces. there are several Here we will have the tech sessions, ranches in the Sisters meetings, and the orientation. With area. (While at the the Board Room, High Desert Room, ranch, see if you can and Summit Room in the Lodge just find an alpaca that across the street, where we will have has a face just like the arts and crafts and hospitality Jerry Felper’s!) either attending or chairing past GoF rooms, you will not have to walk very We will have two checkpoints West events. Larry Long can be con- far to be in the midst of all of the activ- where you can rest for a while, if de- tacted at [email protected] ities. sired. and Mike Campbell can be contacted at [email protected]. Planning for the rest of the event This area of Oregon has been is going along nicely. We will have the home of many car events in the Register for this event by send- the normal activities of the arts and past, including many MG events. All ing in the form on page 7 and, after crafts display, the carless funkhana, owners of vintage MG’s or persons you do, watch for a flyer advertis- the funkhana, and of course, the rally. interested in the MG Marque are invit- ing the meals and regalia that you The rally is really intended to give ed to register and attend. Trophies can order. folks an overview of the area with a will be awarded in the Car Display, If you think that I have more to drive of only a few miles, but to also Rallye, Funkhanna and Long Distance tell you, well….you are right, but provide a little fun in the way of ques- driving in two categories: pre-1956 you will have to wait for the orien- tions to answer along the way. While MG’s, and post 1955 MG’s, and tro- tation to hear it. We do hope that we were there, Mike, Scott and I phies will be awarded for the other you will seriously consider attend- found some good, scenic roads, with events, as well. ing this event; you will not regret little traffic and out of congested areas it. Co-chairing the event will be Lar- except for the finish which will take ry Long and Mike Campbell, who to- Hoping to see you there!! you into Redmond where you can gether have over 60 years experience Larry Long enjoy lunch or a little shopping. Along

CHAIRMAN’S CHATTER By David Edgar

GoF West at Eagle Crest Resort in Oregon is ap- hear we only have five of the post 1955 MGs regis- proaching and the setting is beautiful. Lots of fun tered for 2016 at this point. We listened to the MG roads to explore and lots of MG friends to enjoy masses and we now hope you listen to us. We are them with. As of this writing the early registration here for you. Bring it up at your next club meeting price is over but there is still a place for you. Don’t or event. delay in registering, Send in your form and pay- The team putting on GoF West 2016 has put in ment with the info found elsewhere in this issue. lots of time and preparations, so come enjoy their With the vote last year to include all vintage MGs efforts and let’s have a fun time enjoying our MGs through to the MGBs, and now written into our by- and MG friends. laws, we were told this was the future of GoF West Hope to see you there, if we were to survive. Get the word out because I David Edgar

You Won’t Want to Miss GoF West 2017

Please read this information By Jim Bull about GoF West 2017. To intro- Central Coast in Santa Ma- duce you to all the fun you will have ria. Now you get it, right? In attending this great event, and to Spanish, Santa Maria means indicate your interest in attending, Saint Mary, the mother of Jesus, and to show you have read our arti- the name of the flag ship of Co- cle, we have asked several ques- lumbus and the city that will host tions. GoF West 2017! Is it any surprise that the logo for the City of Santa Answer the questions at the end Maria is the same sailing ship? of our article to enter a drawing for a special gift basket. Just read this Question: Why have a GoF article, find the answers to the ques- West event in Santa Maria? tions, then send an e-mail to [email protected] with the state- Santa Maria is centrally locat- ment, “Yes, I’m interested in attend- ed, just 120 miles north of Los ing GoF West 2017” and you will be Angeles, and still just an easy entered in the GOF 2017 special drive from the greater San Diego drawing. area. We are just a 2-1/2 to 3 hours away from the large popula- Your name may be selected at tion cities of Bakersfield and Fres- GoF West 2017 to win a selection of local gift items such no in the Central Valley, only a half day away from the as local wines, famous bar-b-que seasonings, Danish pas- San Jose and greater San Francisco Bay areas, AND, try, and other items we are sure you will enjoy from our being close to Pismo Beach and the coast we have local area! cool ocean moderating weather in the Summer which is a great plus for open car driving in June! Question: Why is there a 16th century sailing ship on the logo for GoF West 2017? In addition, our local area features the famous award winning Central California wine country, now as The sailing ship featured on our logo is a representa- famous as Napa Valley, with beautiful scenic country tion of the Santa Maria, the flag ship of Christopher Colum- roads along the Foxen Canyon Wine Trail, winding bus. Remember what you learned in school: Columbus from Santa Maria to Solvang and featuring over 20 sailed the ocean blue in 1492? wineries. O.K. You’re still confused. Well, don’t be, because Just 30 minutes away lies the quaint scenic Dan- GoF West 2017 will be held on the beautiful California indoor trees, with some upper story rooms opening to the beautiful pavilion like atrium setting. Facilities for registration, banquets, our hospitality suite where cold drinks and snacks will be served dur- ing the event, rooms for regalia sales, tech ses- sions, and arts and crafts displays are all on site and within easy reach of all rooms without the walking as- sociated with some of the larger hotel sites. The Radisson, and Santa Maria, were carefully selected from 14 possible locations for 2017 due to

ish town of Solvang, settled by Danish farmers in the early 1900’s. Solvang is famous for imported goods, Danish Smorgasbords and award winning Danish bak- eries. Located in beautiful Santa Barbara County, we are the only location in all of California to feature THREE of the original 22 Spanish missions within a one hour drive, and beauti- ful Santa Barbara hosts the “Queen of the Missions”, the historic Presid- the great hotel pricing, amenities, cooler sum- io and Botanical Gardens, and the mer weather, driving distance for hundreds of Western White House museum fea- MG owners and availability of local sightsee- turing many artifacts of the Reagan ing opportunities. With 125 available rooms, presidency, all just an hour away. imagine a sell out of the entire hotel, making A driving tour of the historic mis- this an all MG “party” to be talked about for sions, a day trip to Solvang, or a years to come! We suggest you book your tour to Santa Barbara are all great room early! possibilities for day trips during GoF QUESTION: Besides beautiful scenic West 2017. country roads, visiting Solvang, the Chu- Santa Barbara is also the home mash Casino, the Santa Ynez Valley, Pis- of Moss Motors, very familiar to all mo Beach with its seaside attractions and MG owners who require parts and restoration items for our classic cars. We have a standing invitation for a tour of their facility and a 10% discount on parts and can plan a sight seeing tour to Santa Barbara for those interested. Just a few miles down the road from Solvang lies the beautiful Santa Ynez Valley, home of Mission Santa Ynez and the Chumash Casino Resort where you can try your luck or have dinner in a gourmet restaurant if you desire. The host hotel is the Santa Maria Radisson, with room rates of only $125.00 (plus tax) per night for well appointed and newly refurbished rooms. The hotel fea- tures an inner atrium with glass elevator and fully grown outlet mall, Santa Barbara with its mission and The derrick produced 12,000 barrels of oil a day, for Spanish fortress, The Presidio, other historic Span- a total of over two million barrels of oil and “Old Maude” ish missions, wineries, Moss Motors opportunities was only abandoned in 1988! Why the derrick is and having great fun with a registration party, car named “Old Maude” is unknown, but legend says it was show, rally, funkhana, hospitality suite, tech ses- named after a mule, used to haul equipment in the oil sions, an auction banquet, an awards banquet, and fields at that time, or after a local prostitute! getting to meet and greet lots of great MG people, Only 11 miles south of Orcutt is the “Old West” town isn’t there anything else to do? of Los Alamos, truly a town which time forgot. You can (Said with tongue in cheek, of course) visit the 1888 Union Hotel, an original stage coach stop, still operating as a nine room hotel and restaurant. Los Sure! How about the Santa Maria Museum Alamos has a variety of restaurants, antique shops and of Flight, just a half mile from the hotel, where you can wine tasting businesses as well. see interesting displays and several historic planes, plus the 1930’s era hanger created and built by the Walt Further down the road, near Solvang, is Los Olivos, Disney Company for the movie, “The Rocketeer”, filmed home to Mattie’s Tavern, another stage coach stop, and in Santa Maria. Santa Maria was one of only two fighter more wine tasting and art gallery shops, and not far training bases for the famous Lockheed P-38, from Michael Jackson’s Neverland Ranch. “Lightning”, duel engine fighter from WWII. From a 16th century sailing ship, to an Indian Casi- Sunset magazine has named Santa Maria “The no, to a Danish village, to wineries, ocean beaches, West’s Best Bar-B-Town”, as the area is famous for the scenic country roads, Spanish missions, an old oil town, Santa Maria Style Bar-B-Que as featured in several old west stage stops, the King of Pop’s ranch, and a award winning restaurants. GoF West attendees will comfortable modern hotel, great MG fun and more, be receive directions to the areas best restaurants, to be sure to make GoF West 2017 your destination for June sure! 2017! How about visiting quaint Old Town Orcutt, just over And now, answer these questions to enter a special a mile from the hotel, featuring several wine tasting prize drawing at GoF West 2017. shops and restaurants. Send us your name, e-mail address, and title your correspondence, “Yes, I’m interested in attending GoF West 2017” to enter our drawing, then answer the fol- lowing questions. Drawing to be held at the event— Must be present to win! Good luck. 1. Who sailed on the Santa Maria? 2. Name just one reason why you would come to GoF West 2017. 3. What is the name of the native tribe residing in the area? 4. Who founded the town of Solvang? 5. What does the word “presidio” mean in Span- ish? 6. What is the name of the hotel where GoF West The town was named after William Orcutt, a Union 2017 will be held? Oil geologist who discovered oil in the area prior to the 1900’s. Orcutt was a “company town” built by Union 7. Who was William Orcutt? Oil for its employees in 1904 for those who operated 8. What did he do to have a town named after thousands of oil derricks in the area from 1901 onward. him? You can see a modern replica of “Old Maude” the 9. What internationally known company sells MG derrick which was the most spectacular gusher in all of parts in the GoF West 2017 area? American oil history, producing more oil than any der- rick in Oklahoma or ! The replica now serves as 10. Who or what is “Old Maud”. a cell phone tower! The Radisson Hotel in Santa Maria has a of the amenities that you would desire.

Solvang, not far from Santa Maria, is a beautiful place to visit, and you will be able to see the miniature ponies just a short distance from Solvang. This is an example of the great MG driving roads around Santa Maria and in Santa Barbara County

A replica of ”Old Maude” in Orcutt

This is what Orcutt and Santa Maria used to look like