Platrix Fall Clampout At Keene Ranch

Above, a patch of the ECV Coat of Arms. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Glenn Thornhill and I joined about 150 other Clampers at the Keene Ranch this past weekend for the Fall clampout of Platrix Chapter No. 2, E Clampus Vitus.

The Keene Ranch is about 3 miles west of the the famous Tehachapi Loop. As the Loop is of vital importants of the shipment of goods via railroad, it is a busy area with trains going through the area constantly. One would wonder how we ever got any sleep there. But after awhile, one gets used to the noise and it is hardly given any notice.

Above, our campsite. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

We arrived at noon on Friday. After setting up camp, we were joined by XNGH Gary Julian, Doug Boyd, "Captain Kirk", Abe Hoffman and a few others. We sat back and enjoyed a show of RVs trying to navigate under a tree that hadn't been trimmed in ages. Each time the RVs passed through, tree branches were torn off the tree.

Above, yours truly at the Platrix store trying on a derby. Photo by Glenn Thornhill.

Later, the Humbug's margarita bar and chili dinner service began. The chili was good, but rather spicy hot.

Above, Glenn Thornhill and Gary Julian. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

That evening, Clampers gathered around different camps and their campfires for socializing. The highlight of the night was when new Clamper Fred (he came in two weeks ago at the Peter Lebeck Chapter's clampout at Camp Okihi) who is also a train engineer passed near the camp with this train and gave us special salutes with his engine's horn. He showed up the next day and everyone thanked him for the salute.

Above, Doug Boyd and Abe Hoffman during the Saturday night dinner. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, train engineer Fred chats with Glenn Thornhill
at the Saturday night dinner. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

In the morning, we cooked ourselves a large breakfast. We finished breakfast just in time for the Saturday morning brandy Alexanders (essentially an alcoholic milkshake).

Above, Glenn Thornhill cooking Saturday's breakfast. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, the PBC interrogation on Saturday. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Later, the PBC interrogation began, which is generally entertaining.

We then made lunch, including some guacamole that I made.

Above, yours truly with the 30-year patch. Photo by Glenn Thornhill.

Following lunch, the initiation began in which the PBCs go though the ritual in becoming Clampers.

I was given my 30-year patch a while before dinner.

Speaking of patches, we had two Clamper stores to shop at: the Platrix Chapter Store and the Peter Lebeck Chapter Store.

Above, the Platrix store. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, the Peter Lebeck store. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

A little while after the initiation was completed, the catered dinner was served (pork ribs and chicken).

After dinner, Clampers then migrated to different camps and their campfires.

Above, the line for Sunday morning's breakfast. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Sunday morning generally consists of a catered breakfast and then taking down the camps and heading for home, which is what took place today.

All in all, it was an enjoyable weekend.