XNGH Tom Bent, R.I.P.

Way back in 1984, I started going to events (clamp-outs, etc.) with the Platrix Chapter No. 2 of E Clampus Vitus for Los Angeles and Orange Counties.

There, I met a number of Clampers, including Tom Bent, one of the Greybeards (and, later, Humbug) of the chapter.

Above, the Godzilla plaque dedication. Tom Bent is at front
in the tan slacks holding a paper. Photo by Jean Carbajal.

The Grim Reaper has struck the chapter again as Tom Bent has passed away. This comes on the heels of the passing of XNGH Abe Hoffman in January. 

Bent was one the chapter could always count on for getting things done for clamp-outs and other events such as the Doo Dah Parade in Pasadena. He will be sadly missed. 

My condolences to his family and friends. 

Abe Hoffman, R.I.P.

Above, XNGH Abe Hoffman.

E Clampus Vitus has lost a great member.

XNGH* Abe Hoffman of Platrix Chapter No. 2 has passed away or, as the Order states, "Gone To The Golden Hills". This was announced by Glenn Thornhill. 

Abe was 87.

He wrote: 

It is with great sadness that I must report that Platrix XNGH Abe Hoffman has gone to the Golden Hills. Slippery Gulch shall miss his hail…

He was Humbug of Platrix back when we erected the Godzilla, King of the Monsters! plaque at Frank Del Olmo Elementary School (originally known as Belmont Elementary School) in Los Angeles. He was a retired high school teacher. He authored several books on western U.S. history.

I first met Abe back in 1984 just after joining ECV. We (Abe, Glenn Thornhill and I) always camped together at Platrix clamp-outs along with clamp-outs held by other chapters. He had a great sense of humor and always kept us laughing. 

My late mom found Abe entertaining when we all sat together at the Glenn Thornhill's wedding reception. 

At one of the last Platrix clamp-outs I attended before moving to New Mexico (2017, to be exact), Abe was struggling a little with his tent. I decided to invite him to stay in my RV with Glenn and I. He was very grateful for this gesture. 

Above, Abe and Glenn in my motorhome in 2017 at Tehachapi Loop. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

XNGH Gary Julian posted: 

Oh no. Abe and I camped together for so many years. I loved talking with him about the books he wrote on early California and the water wars. I have lost count of all the dinners we had together.

Bless you Abe. See you soon my Brother.

I will always have fond memories of Abe. He will be missed. My condolences to Abe's family and friends.  

*Ex Noble Grand Humbug

UPDATE (06/25/26):

I was informed that Abe passed away from a sudden onset of leukemia. Accordingly, I will be donating to the John Wayne Cancer Foundation in his memory.

Forty Years of ECV

Above, my official "sheepskin" of ECV membership. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

I forgot to mention that last month (gettin' old) marked 40 years since I was initiated into the Ancient and Honorable Order of E Clampus Vitus.

Glenn Thornhill and I went through the initiation rites at the New Helvetia Chapter No. 5 Crab Feed doins in the Sacramento area in January 1984. 

We were in Sacramento for a friend's wedding and it happened that the chapter had their annual crab feeds that weekend.

Joining ECV was one of the best things I've ever done. I still enjoy going to Clampouts and other activities. Fortunately for me, a Clamper chapter, Lost Dutchman Chapter No.  5917 + 4, covers Arizona and New Mexico. So I've joined them. Prior to moving to New Mexico, I was mainly active in Platrix Chapter No. 2. 

Here's to another 40 years!

1949 Snow In Los Angeles

Above, ladies with a snowman in North Hollywood in 1949. 

It is funny that Southern California is bracing for blizzard conditions, according to news reports. Snow in the mountains above Los Angeles and along the Grapevine on Interstate 5 is not unusual.

Back in 1988, we had a clampout at Crystal Lake in the snow with Platrix Chapter No. 2. I had a tent trailer at the time and we were comfortable inside with the propane heater I had. Snow was on the ground when we arrived and it snowed off and on during the clampout. Some guys couldn't handle it and left. We stayed and got a special commemorative patch for our efforts.

As far as snow in the L.A. basin and the San Fernando Valley is concerned, it happened in 1949. This was a little before my time, mind you.

From the Los Angeles Times archives:

On Jan. 10, 1949, in the middle of the worst housing shortage in Los Angeles history, more than half an inch of snow covered the Civic Center. The San Fernando Valley was pelted with the unfamiliar white stuff for three days, accumulating almost a foot. The Rose Bowl was transformed into “a dishpan full of milk,” by one account. An Alhambra hardware store put up a sign that said, “Snow Plows for Rent — Hurry!” A snowman appeared in Eagle Rock, wearing a sombrero, and the city of Reno, Nev., sent L.A. a snow shovel.

We had some snow mixed with hail in the South Bay around 1978. And, in 1988, we had some snow in Warner Center in the San Fernando Valley. I remember being in both.

Snow is extremely rare in L.A., so when it does happen, the locals go crazy in trying to deal with it.

To see some photos of the L.A. snow, go here.

Douglas Boyd, R.I.P.

Above from left, Doug Boyd, an unidentified Clamper and yours truly
  in 2016 at a clampout on the Keene Ranch near the Tehachapi Loop.

XSNGH (of E Clampus Vitus) Glenn Thornhill posted the following only moments ago:

I must sadly report that Brother Douglas Boyd of Platrix Chapter No. 2 and XNGH of Floating Whang Chapter, and my great friend of over fifty years, has gone to the Golden Hills. Our adventures will continue again, my friend. Rest In Peace.

I have also known Doug for many years (it also could be around 50) from the Young Republicans in the 1970s, the California Republican Assembly and on through to E Clampus Vitus. 

This is a stunner. I spoke with Glenn Thornhill and the cause of death is not known as yet.

My condolences to the Boyd family.

UPDATE (6/15/22):

Doug's stepdaughter Kara posted the following on June 12:

It has taken me days to find a way to post this.  

It is with great sadness that I inform you that my step dad, Doug Boyd passed away unexpectedly due to natural causes while on a business trip in Austin, Texas.  His wife Linda and their 11 children and 18 grandchildren are mourning his passing.  

In lieu of flowers, the family is asking for donations to go to the Church of the Open Door Youth Group, whose youth group has meant so much to his family for many years.

RV Life: Pros and Cons of Group Camping

Above, a 2017 Platrix Chapter of ECV clampout on the Keene Ranch. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Twice a year (sometimes more), I camp with the Ancient and Honorable Order of E Clampus Vitus. These camping trips are called "clampouts". These are usually attended by a couple of hundred people.

Due to the excessive high gasoline prices, I had to skip the most recent clampout. 

I have been doing this for almost 40 years with different ECV chapters. I have always had a good time.

Some people like group camping and some don't. RV Life has an article on the pros and cons of group camping.

They begin it with:

Group camping can be a fun way to spend time with friends, family, and colleagues. Some people have found that it’s a great way for them to have fun and bond, while others think it is crowded, overwhelming, and not worth the money. Both experiences can be true, so it’s important to explore the pros and cons of group camping. 

Many people have gone camping with their families or friends in the past, but as you add more people into the mix, there’s more potential for fun and disaster. Preparation is always important, but there are some commons pros and cons that are worth remembering.

If you’re interested in group camping, we’re here to educate you about what it is and why people do it. There are lots of positive aspects of the experiences, but there are negative ones as well. Many of the aspects we’ll discuss below will vary depending on the specific campground/campsite you’re using. These are generalizations, but they are good guidelines that will help you determine if group camping is a good option for you.

To read more, go here. 

Four Years Ago This Month

Above, yours truly at Keene Ranch in October 2017.

This morning, I was reminded by Facebook that I attended the clampout at Keene Ranch near the Tehachapi Loop in California with Platrix No. 2 in October 2017.

At that clampout, I received my 30-year membership in the Ancient and Honorable Order of E Clampus Vitus patch (I actually joined in January 1984). Three years from now, I will be in the Order 40 years. My, how time flies.

It occurred to me that this was the last clampout I attended as a California resident. I moved to New Mexico the following February. 

Godzilla Plaque At Historical Marker Database

Above, the Godzilla plaque. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Back in 2006, the Godzilla Society of North America and the Platrix Chapter No. 2 of E Clampus Vitus dedicated a plaque commemorating the 50th anniversary of Godzilla, King of The Monsters!, starring Raymond Burr.

The plaque marks the spot where the small studio, Visual Drama, that was used for Burr's insert scenes for the movie. The location is now the Frank Del Olmo Elementary School (originally the Belmont Elementary School).

The Historical Marker Database has added the plaque last year and here's the location according to the plaque's page:

Location. 34° 4.413′ N, 118° 17.568′ W. Marker is in Los Angeles, California, in Los Angeles County. Marker is on North New Hampshire Avenue north of 1st Street. At Frank Del Olmo Elementary School, mounted to one of the columns at the top of the steps. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 100 N New Hampshire Avenue, Los Angeles CA 90004, United States of America. Touch for directions.

To see the full page, go here. 

I'm An ECV Nitropacker!

A package from XSNGH Glenn Thornhill arrived in today's mail.

Inside, was a copy of the booklet about the 1928 St. Francis Dam Disaster that took place in the northern area of Los Angeles County, a 2019 "WOLF" button, a copy of the Fall 2007 Platrix Picayune and, surprisingly, a patch for something I hadn't heard of before (or if I did, I forgot all about it).

It is a "Nitropacker" patch:

What's a "Nitropacker", you may ask?

According to the Platrix Picayune that was enclosed:

I apparently "earned" the "Nitropacker" patch last July when I had my heart attack in Wells, Nevada and survived it with a stent implantation after a 40-minute air ambulance ride to Twin Falls, Idaho. True to the patch and all, I do "pack" a bottle of nitroglycerin with me at all times (uh, just in case).

I also don't remember seeing the patch displayed at the Platrix store. But, anyway, it is a nice addition to the collection that I am still around to enjoy.

A big THANK YOU! to XSNGH Glenn Thornhill for the goodies!

Platrix No. 2, Gene Autry and Anaheim Stadium

Above, newly-initiated member of Platrix Chapter No. 2 Gene Autry
attends the plaque dedication at Anaheim Stadium. Photo by Paul Evans.

Back in August 1985, Platrix Chapter No. 2, E Clampus Vitus had the honor of inducting into the order Gene Autry, the singing cowboy and then-owner of the California Angels.

Above, Gene Autry and Platrix Chapter No. 2 at the plaque dedication. Photo by Paul Evans.

The initiation rites were held in private in Autry's office. Following that, Platrix Chapter No. 2 dedicated a plaque at the stadium with our new member in attendance.

Above, the clamper parade on the field of Anaheim Stadium. Photo by Paul Evans.

The chapter had its own section of seats to watch the ballgame. But before the game, we had a clamper parade on the stadium field.

Above, the clamper parade. Photo by Paul Evans.

A fun day was had by all!

Satisfactory!

Loop Ranch Boss Running for Kern County Supervisor

Above, a creek flows at the Loop Ranch. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

An interesting email from Platrix No, 2, E Clampus Vitus arrived in my mailbox a little while ago.

It announced that the "boss" of the Loop Ranch in Kern County is running for County Supervisor. I don't know if he's a Republican or Democrat (this is a non-partisan office, by the way), but he's been kind enough to allow Platrix to camp at his ranch in Keene.

It said:

Platrix Urges Brethren to Contribute to Campaign

Our Loop Ranch boss is running for County Supervisor in next month's November elections. Let's thank him for letting Platrix have an open invitation to use The Loop for our treks! There is less than one month to go and he would delighted by any contribution you can make. 

Dal Bunn is running for a seat on the Kern County Board of Supervisors in next month's November elections and is is running a grassroots kind of campaign as "An everyday Joe, not a pro". Every dollar counts! 

Platrix cannot contribute, but individuals can and we are urging brethren of Platrix to send a check to Dal's campaign. Please donate what you can up to the personal or corporate limit of $500... any amount will be warmly welcomed.

To contribute, make a check out to: 

Dal Bunn for Supervisor 2018 (ID# 1404046) 

And mail it to: 

Dal Bunn for Supervisor 2018

ID# 1404046

P.O. Box 8

Keene, CA 93531

Above, The Beast at the Loop Ranch. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Happy Birthday, XSNGH Glenn Thornhill!

Above, yours truly and Glenn Thornhill at the Hart monument in 1984.

Happy Birthday to XSNGH, XNGH Glenn "Cowpie" Thornhill!

Above, Armand and Glenn with Steve Born at Tapo Canyon in 1988.

One may wonder how he became to be known (at least around here) as "Cowpie".

Here's the story: 

Back in the 1980s (I think it was either 1985 or 1986), we had a clamp-out at Vail Ranch with Platrix No. 2, ECV. One morning, I started up a campfire. Nearby, were piles of cowpies (cow dung, for those of you who are city slickers). It was hard to avoid them as they were all over. This is only natural as we were camped in a cow pasture on a ranch.

Above, at Vail Ranch.

I was sitting by the fire and Glenn came up and said something like, "Jeez, you had to make a campfire right next to a cowpie!" And he proceeded to kick it away. Although it looked dry on the surface. It wasn't. When he kicked it, it got all over his shoe. That was funny! It was even funnier seeing him jumping around trying to get it off his shoe (those were the days when we were still young enough to even jump around).

So that's how he became to be known as Glenn "Cowpie" Thornhill.

Above, Glenn addresses the Memorial Day celebration at Pioneer Cemetery in Sylmar in 2016. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

I once drew a cartoon of this little episode. It is somewhere around here. I was hoping to find it to scan it and post it here. But no such luck.

Anyway, this is his day. So...

Happy Birthday, Glenn!

Old ECV Shenanigans

Above, an anvil being sent airborne during a clamp-out in
1988. The practice has been banned. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Today, I scanned a few pictures from past Clamper activities from 1988.

Here's couple more:

Above, Platrix Chapter No. 2 in the 1988 Pasadena Doo Dah Parade. Glenn Thornhill and I are at right.

Above, yours truly, Glenn Thornhill and Steve Born at Tapo Canyon in 1988.

ECV In Wikipedia

Above, the Godzilla, King of the Monsters plaque dedication. Photo by Jean Carbajal.

The Ancient and Honorable Order of E Clampus Vitus has its own Wikipedia page.

It covers the beginnings of ECV at the time of the California Gold Rush (First Incarnation) to its revival (Reestablishment) and Clampers of today (The Current ECV).

The Wikipedia page begins with:

The Ancient and Honorable Order of E Clampus Vitus (ECV) is a fraternal organization dedicated to the study and preservation of the heritage of the American West, especially the history of the Mother Lode and gold mining regions of the area. The fraternity is not sure if it is a "historical drinking society" or a "drinking historical society." There are chapters in California, Nevada, Arizona, Colorado, Utah, Washington, Idaho, Oregon and Outposts in other western states. Members call themselves "Clampers." The organization's name is in Dog Latin, and has no known meaning; even the spelling is disputed, sometimes appearing as "Clampus," "Clampsus," or "Clampsis." The motto of the Order, Credo Quia Absurdum, is generally interpreted as meaning "I believe it because it is absurd;" the proper Latin quotation Credo quia absurdum est, is from the Christian apologist Tertullian (c.160 – c.220 AD), who rejected rationalism and accepted a Gospel which addressed itself to the "non-rational levels of perception."

Above, the Amboy and Roy's Cafe plaque by the Billy Holcomb Chapter. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The page does mention in The Current ECV the practice of placing plaques of places and things. It also includes the 2006 plaque commemorating the 50th anniversary of Godzilla, King of the Monsters by Platrix Chapter No. 2 in Los Angeles (pictured at top).

To view it, go here.

Post-California Clamping

Some may think that my move to New Mexico may curtail my involvement in the Ancient and Honorable Order of E Clampus Vitus.

Fortunately, being retired, that is not the case.

While clamp-outs with Platrix Chapter No. 2 may be curtailed, it is not due to the distance, but making sure Sierra (my cat) is cared for. Animals (four-legged) aren't allowed at clamp-outs. I could attend clamp-outs with the Billy Holcomb Chapter out in the wilds of San Bernardino and Riverside Counties as those would be closer.

Even closer yet, is the Lost Dutchman Chapter No. 5917. They cover Arizona and New Mexico. Their next clamp-out is April 6 - 8, 2018 in Cave Creek, Arizona. I will try to attend that one since it is only four hours from Gallup, New Mexico.

They annexed New Mexico in 1999, announcing thus:

NEWS FLASH Date May 24,1999 

DUTCHMAN ANNEXES NEW MEXICO 

In a news conference today, Humbug 'roundevil' Johnson announced that the take-over of New Mexico Territory by Lost Dutchman Chapter 5917 ECV was approved by the Board of Proctors of the Ancient and Honorable Order of E Clampus Vitus at the annual meeting in Sonora, Alta California on May 22, Clamper Year 6004. The combined area will be named New Arizona and will have an Eastern Boundary of 103 degrees, 03 minutes West Longitude. 

Johnson said the reason for this shameless land-grab was that numerous Missionaries, Clampers, Explorers and Proctors had investigated this area and all reported NO credible evidence of intelligent or any other form of Clamper activity in this vast wilderness. It was therefore necessary to take this step to preserve Inviolet the Precepts and Purposes of the Order. 

Johnson also stated " We will continue to Colonize, Clamperize and Proselytize this land until such time as there are enough Clampers to form an Outpost with the future aim of resurrecting the now defunct Quivara Chapter #4 . Only then will Lost Dutchman feel secure about the future of this Territory". 

   WE ARE NOW Chapter 5917 + 4... What Say the Bretheren

Los Angeles Times Article On E Clampus Vitus

Above, Dave Nicholson and yours truly at Pioneer Cemetery in Sylmar last year.

The Los Angeles Times posted an article yesterday on the Ancient and Honorable Order of E Clampus Vitus.

In reading the article, it strikes me as odd that the Times didn't mention the fact that there's an active ECV chapter in Los Angeles County (the Times' home area), Platrix Chapter No. 2, and that they have plaques in L.A. County that includes one for Godzilla, King of the Monsters!

Above, the Godzilla plaque at Frank del Olmo Elementary
 School in Los Angeles. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

I guess we can't have everything.

Still, it is nice that they gave ECV a write-up.

It begins with:

Everyone had forgotten about the Butt Lake Dinky by the time workers in 1996 dredged up the rusty H.K. Porter steam locomotive that had been submerged in a reservoir for eight decades. 

That lack of remembrance didn’t sit right with the Order of E Clampus Vitus, a men’s fraternal organization with chapters scattered around Gold Country. They commemorated the teeny train with a bronze plaque. 

From his perch at the Plumas Club, a dive bar that serves as his chapter’s de facto headquarters, Ron “Right-On” Oxley swirled a vodka and cranberry juice and tried to sum up his often misunderstood group. 

“A lot of people get confused and think we’re a bunch of drunkards,” said the resident of Quincy, a small mining town. “We’re actually a nonprofit historical organization.”
America is full of memorials for epic battles and soaring monuments and somber cradles of famous historical figures. The men of E Clampus Vitus — a.k.a. the Clampers — don’t bother with those. 

“We believe in the absurd,” said Gene Koen, a Clamper from Oroville.

To read the full article, go here. 

Enjoying It Again

Since the 1994 Major League Baseball strike, I have paid scant attention to the game.

I practically lived at Dodger Stadium (and, on occasion Anaheim Stadium) since the late 1970s by attending at least one game during every Dodger homestand. I have followed the Dodgers since I was a kid.

Above, enjoying Game 2 of the World Series.

I have been on the fields of Dodger Stadium and Anaheim Stadium. I participated in a flag ceremony at Dodger Stadium while in the Cub Scouts between games during a (circa 1963) double-header and a ceremonial parade at Anaheim Stadium with Platrix Chapter of E Clampus Vitus (we inducted then-Angels owner Gene Autry into ECV that day).

The baseball strike effectively killed my enthusiasm. The first Dodger game I attended since 1994 was two years ago. It was a shock to see how much things changed at Dodger Stadium and the prices for tickets. What used to cost $6.00 for a reserved seat (blue level), now cost $42.00. How in the world can a family afford to attend a baseball game with any regularity anymore? It boggles the mind.

Well, since the Los Angeles Dodgers made it to the World Series this year, the old enthusiasm is starting to come back. I have watched each game of the World Series and am enjoying them tremendously.

Even though the Dodgers lost to the Astros last night (13 to 12 in ten innings) in a wild game, I had a great time. The old anxiety (in a fun way) has returned.

Flag Pole Buddy Information

Above, at the Peter Lebeck clampout at Camp Okihi. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

At the recent two clampouts I attended, I received some admiring looks at my flagpole set-up on The Beast and some queries.

Above, at the Platrix clampout on the Keene Ranch. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

For those (and others) who are interested, the flagpole set-up is the Flag Pole Buddy. I purchased it online from Camping World. The Flag Pole Buddy comes with a flagpole that extends 22' and mounting hardware and a U.S. flag.

It mounts on an RVs roof ladder. I first used it during my August Great American Eclipse trip to Idaho.

Above, at the Lava Hot Springs City Center KOA in Lava Hot Springs, Idaho. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

I recently attended the California RV Show at the Fairplex in Pomona and there was a booth for the Flag Pole Buddy in the big accessories tent.

With those inquiring Clampers and others in mind, I picked up some literature and have scanned it. It is posted below.

Tree Trimming

Above, the hangman's noose in THAT tree. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

In my prior post on last weekend's Platrix clampout on the Keene Ranch, I mentioned that we were entertained, after we set up camp, by watching later arrivals in their high-profile RVs trying to navigate under a tree that was across the road from us.

The tree hadn't been trimmed recently (if ever) and there were some low-hanging branches. Each time a high-profile RV (motorhome or trailer) went under it, we could see branches being torn off with a lot of noise to go along with it.

Glenn Thornhill seemed to have the most fun with the drivers, telling them such things as "You just tore off your air conditioner!" and "Hey, you'll have to pick up every branch!" Yes, our group is easily entertained!

When we came in, The Beast had no problem going under the tree, except we heard a noise from something that started from the front part of the roof on down to the rear. After setting up camp, we found out what the noise was: a noose!

By the time the last Clamper (and camper) came in, the tree looked well-trimmed!

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.