Chinook Bend Resort News

“The Water Park Construction Continues..”

CHINOOK BEND NEWS

December 2007

GREETINGS:

Hello all, I hope this time of year brings your friends and family together for the holidays. All of us will be spending time with our families and friends, hunkered down for the winter and preparing for the bright spring days ahead.

 We have geared down for the winter after surviving the 2007 camping and fishing season. The 2007 season was the finish to our first full year in business. We have learned a lot about the resort business and every day brings a new challenge. The staff of Chinook Bend Resort is up for the challenges and continues to work as a team to bring you a spectacular 2008 camping experience.

2007 SALMON SEASON “yawn”

As you are probably aware, the salmon fishing season was less than desirable. I spoke with an Oregon State Wildlife Biologist who indicated that the salmon were still around, but they were still in the Pacific Ocean and would come up the river when they were ready, not on our timeline. I heard a lot of different stories from fisherman and guides who all have their own ideas why the fishing was so slow this season, so it’s anyone’s   guess.  Well, there is always the spring run in early 2008.

THE 10 YEAR FLOOD, “for a second year in a row”

Chinook Bend Resort has had a rough two years, in November of 2006; the resort was flooded and was closed for several weeks for repairs. And in November of this year, the heavy rain and wind caused extensive damage to the park. Cabins were turned over, trailers were knocked from their supports, several windows were blown out and several tree’s fell, one falling on a members trailer causing major damage. The roof of the club house was damaged, causing some minor water damage inside. This of course was all caused by winds in excess of 125 MPH. The docks had recently been retrofitted with new supports which held up to the torrential wind, rain and river flooding. And as all of you know, I was told as a new owner, this flooding only happens every 10 years, “ya-right”

The resort was without water, electrical and telephone service for several days. All roads in and out were blocked by downed power lines and trees. Ralph, Karen, Bob and Martine’ held down the fort, but not without enduring hours of fear. In one E-mail from Ralph which he was able to send by using the generator for power: he said “I just saw a 2X4 wooden stud go by in the wind as if it were a leaf in the breeze”

The resort is still somewhat flooded but the new drainage system we installed this season seems to working well. It will be a few more days before were up and running at full steam again.

HERE COMES “2008”

We are looking forward to the 2008 season, with the exception of a few projects; we were able to finish up what we had set goals on. There are the unexpected issues that arise, but Ralph and Karen tackle them head on.

The resort was able to regain our agricultural status which gives us some tax exemptions though Lincoln County. To continue to take advantage of this tax exemption, we will need to add some fencing to a 30 acre parcel to the east of the property for future live- stock grazing. We are also interested in cutting the grass for winter hay, if any members have access to this equipment or the know-how, please let contact us. 

One of our Chinook Bend members was able to secure us another golf cart. With a few repairs, we have it up and running. This will give us five carts to service the park. At the end of the 2007 season, we had a new clutch put in our Ford Tractor, so it will be ready for next year. All of our equipment appears to be in good shape for the 2008 season.

Ralph, Bob and Martine’ continue to work on the campground, repairing water leaks, re-setting camp posts and keeping the pot holes filled. (And cleaning up storm damage) We have been researching the best way to remodel the bathroom and showers and are working with a contractor on how to best use the space we currently have available. We are looking at possibly investing in another restroom facility which would be placed to the east side of the park. This would allow for more accessibility to restroom and showers during the busy season.

FAMILY ENTERTAINMENT

The “Other Worlds of Wonder” family will be returning in the spring of 2008. They are a family organization which held their first annual camp-out at Chinook Bend and have made reservations to return. During their stay, they set up a Bazaar selling unusual and unique crafts. They dress in costume and provide a very entertaining parade through the park complete with a “in costume” play. The theme for this year’s festival is “Through the ages with the Norse”  

Ralph and Karen have contacted “The Hired Hands” musical group and they will be entertaining Chinook Bend Members on August 10^th, if you missed their show last year, make it a point to see their show this season. They are a musical family who play Blue Grass, Folk, Old Country and Gospel. They are an excellent entertaining family and it is worth spending an evening with them.

And as always, Ralph and staff will be “hot in the kitchen” rustling up his specialty member meals for all to enjoy. Sunday pancake breakfast is still a tradition at Chinook Bend. Throughout the season, we will continue to have concerts in the park, ice cream socials, spaghetti feeds and marshmallow roasts by the fire pit. 

THE “OVER THE HILL GANG” ONLY (over 21 years old)

Chinook Bend has been approached by one of the local wineries to host a “wine tasting night” We are researching the possibility of this with Lincoln County and Oregon Liquor Commission and so far it seems a possibility. I will keep you informed of times and dates for this event.

NEW PROJECT

We are currently updating the front of the “Big Red Barn” to reflect an “old western style” look. The remodel was a must due to the large amount of water that blows into the front of the building as a result of coastal storms. So as we had to build some type of shelter, we decided to do it with a western flair, complete with a hitching post to tie your horse. Lincoln County issued the construction permit and work is underway as we speak. The final remodel will include a larger general store complete with solid wooden pine flooring to reflect a “country store feeling”

FOR CHINOOK BEND MEMBERS ONLY

The 2008 season promises to be the best yet, we have scheduled several different entertainment talents and a Bar’B-Que for “Chinook Bend Members only” is in the planning stage. It is our intention to invite all the Chinook Bend Members for a barn dance and week-end full of fun sometime in the near future. I will have more information on this event within the next month. So be ready to come and join the fun with all your family and friends.

As a special invitation to Chinook Bend members, during the month of March, we will be offering family members an opportunity to join Chinook Bend Resort for $150. plus dues. This will only apply to family and only available during March. Contact Ralph if you have any specific questions.

FINANCIALS

As many of you know, this is always the tough part of any organization. But because of the rising cost of doing business, we have to talk about raising dues. As you recall, when we took over Chinook Bend, I had made all of you a promise not to raise dues for the first year. Keeping that promise was hard, because of all the unseen repair expenses.

(But because I have a large credit card line, and “I like to impress my wife with spending it”) we were able to make most of the repairs without increasing dues.

But now, we have come to the fork in the road, keep things the way they are, continually doing patch work, or raise our yearly dues so we can replace or repair the resort facility to the best of our ability. I believe all of us want the best park possible, upgraded electrical, a good solid sewer system, upgraded restroom facilities and roads without pot holes to mention just a couple of things, “I know I do”.

Speaking with Jeff Waarvic, who is Chinook Bend’s attorney and I would add a great guy, we researched the old contracts that most of you signed. As it is very important to me and our staff to treat this issue as fair as possible, we will only ask for the raise stated in the contracts. The raise will be different for each of you, it will depend on what you’re paying now and then the raise will be reflected by a C.P.I. percentage increase. The new dues amount will come on your 2008 statement. If you would like to know exactly how much that will mean for you before your statement, give me a call and I will hand research it for you. But on the whole, it will be minimal increase.   You can be assured, this money is not going into anyone’s pocket, and the dues collected will be spent on the park.

It is with great sadness that I bring news of the passing of Mike Rhodes. Mike had been a member at Chinook Bend for several years. He volunteered his services to the staff at the resort, and during the 2007 season, helped Ralph and Karen out on several occasions. I personally will miss him for his orneriness and speaking his mind. I always left a conversation with him thinking how I could improve the resort to his standard. He only ever wanted the best for Chinook Bend. Our prayers are with his wife Marianne, who assured us she will be back next season. 

WE ARE IN THE PRESENCE OF A CELEBRITY

If you have not heard, after a national survey sponsored by Coast to Coast Resorts Inc. We were notified that “our Ralph” had been nominated by visiting Coast to Coast Members as “Camp Host of the 2007” season. This might not seem like a big deal on the surface, but after speaking to the management staff of Coast to Coast Resorts in California, Ralph was nominated and selected by campers over numerous other camp hosts on the west coast. Upon receiving the award, Ralph quickly replied, I could not be the best without Karen, we are a team.  

By survey, visiting campers nominated Chinook Bend as one of the friendliest campgrounds on the west coast. The survey named Ralph Harris as one of the most outgoing friendly campground hosts who have shown genuine concern for visitors and their families. I believe that this is a reflection of the Chinook Bend members who greet all our visitor with the kindness and respect we would want if we were visiting an affiliate resort.

As a special tribute to Ralph’s genuine personality, he will be honored in New Orleans (all expenses paid by Coast to Coast) on January 21^st, 2008. At that time, he will receive an award at a banquet and then be treated to a three day vacation with his better half, Karen. (She should get the award for putting up with him)

Anyway, we are very proud of Ralph and Karen, and as all of you know, they have worked very hard to make Chinook Bend Resort a destination point for you and your family. Next time you see Ralph, let him know that you are in the presence of a local celebrity.

IN CLOSING

Well, its winter in Lincoln City, cold nights and windy rainy days, but as all of us know, that element is why Chinook Bend blooms into beauty in spring, summer and fall. This is the small price we pay for what we have to enjoy most of the year.

All is well at the resort; Martine’s calves (now fat cows) are doing well. (Even Stormin Norman, the escape ring leader). And still; no negotiation for a Bar-b-que as Martine’ and my wife have held their ground on this issue. 

The elk are bedded down on the property for the winter (mostly the golf course, “sorry Jim”) ever since hunting season started, they feel safe here. There are a lot of elk cows and appears that the heard is going to get bigger this spring. We expect lots of baby calves.

The 2008 season promises to be a great adventure. Crab feeds, life music, barn dances and special friends is what makes Chinook Bend Resort a family place. We are looking forward to visiting with you and your family this year, bring all your tall tales of woe and we will try and match them around the camp fire.

“Wishing all of you the best Holiday Season and New Year ever”

John, Nat, Billy, Ralph, Karen, Martine’ and the Chinook Bend Staff