Final instructions gave us a clue we were bedding down at Crystal Mountain Lodge. We arrived at our destination around 3:00 pm. Our trusted leaders had rooms assigned and we all moved in quickly. (We had the whole lodge.) Games were set up and the fun began. Games for everyone...guess which shell the pea is under, bean bag toss into wheels, dip a duck, pop a balloon with a partner, and car games — drive the plank blindfolded, and drive over boards without spilling a tray of potatoes. Again, poker chips were rewards.

After a beautiful dinner of champagne chicken and salmon artfully prepared, we returned to the lodge for an auction with poker chips as legal tender. Mike Thoe and Mike Cunningham kept up a lively patter as they auctioned off many wrapped gifts. (Mike T. may have a second career as auctioneer.) Lots of laughter as well as scheming on the part of bidders brought smiles to everyone’s face. Pierette Winchester was the lucky person who guessed the correct destination. She very generously donated the $125 jackpot to the mystery tour committee. Sunday morning brought a beautiful day with quite a few Gerties standing in the parking lot watching a herd of elk high on the hills. After a another very filling and expertly prepared breakfast at the Alpine Inn, members loaded up their cars and headed for home. What a fun weekend.

Betty Caley