Big Thanks to everyone who came to the SLO Gathering at Lopez Lake this weekend. We had a good gathering of people with teardrops, tiny trailers, and at least one tent camper. I most enjoyed giving and getting warm greetings while visiting people in their campsites. The Beaver Campground at Lopez Lake worked out well. Saturday, after an early morning fog cleared, warmed up to be a sunny day in the 70's with a gentle breeze. About perfect.
The Saturday evening potluck was bountiful and delicious. Should we choose desert or main dishes first? Both at once? After filling our plates a big circle of campers sat around the picnic tables happily chatting and chowing. Seconds, thirds? We ate very well and filled our bellies. By the time the sun began setting the picnic tables were nearly bare. Our gathering of teardroppers didn't seem to be in the mood to leave any leftovers for raccoons, if they dared to show up. As the evening cooled Dan and some others lit a campfire.
We roasted marshmallows as daylight faded away. I heard the morning waffles were real tasty, too.
OK, who will be the first to post pictures of the "Surprise?" It was a doozy, to be sure. 
Hope you have many happy years together, Dave and Kathleen!
Big Thanks, from me, to Chris and Dan who covered my back and helped to make the gathering a successful and enjoyable one for everyone. Chris has a thoughtful eye for improving our gatherings (Chris took up a collection to pay for an extra campsite to use for the potluck area). John Bonnet, Thank You Very Much for your friendship and for giving me a ride Saturday. I thoroughly enjoyed my day at the gathering, thanks to you. Ron Dickey, thanks for your thoughtful consideration and kind words. Ron, we'll look forward to seeing some of your pictures posted.
It was a great gathering, even just coming for a day. It was nice seeing friends from MdeO, again, and to meet new friendly people. Gotta say, teardrop gatherings, even when you come without a teardrop, are a barrel of fun. Because of all the good friendly people who come.
Several people inquired where we'll gather next year. Some ideas are rolling around in my noggin. Maybe at an organic farm near Paso Robles, the San Simeon campground on Hwy. One, or Paradise Campground north of Santa Barbara (aptly named, but kind of small).
Hope I can make enough building progress to camp in a teardrop at the next SLO Gathering. And give some tours.
Thanks everyone, Steve
