The 1993 Llenroc Newsletter
June 26 – July 4 1993
Dear Linsay, Dorothy, Tana, Francie, Margot, Michelle, Steve, John, Justin, Wally, Rich, and Austin;
This is just a little note to thank you all for the good humor, tolerance, and spice you added to our first Inaugural campout at Llenroc – the Caldwell estate, in beautiful suburban Sequim, Washington. Having that large a group of relatives there at one time could tend to put the pressure on the host to perform, but you people were so nice, that never once did we feel like saying, “Wow, this was a mistake!” or “When do you think they will go home?” As a matter of fact, Bob and at least two other people were reluctant to leave. And if we had the time, we’d be up there now.
To recap events for posterity:
1) The flounder fishing was fun — next time we need to take our earplugs and catch more ugly things. Everybody who fishes must sign a statement that they will try to eat at least a portion of their catch without getting sick.
2) Crabbing was fun — each person should be required to try to hold a crab without getting badly pinched in the finger or the boot. (Band-aids and patch kits will be provided)
3) Victoria was beautiful — we need more nice days and more people on the boat. Bring your photo ID’s!
4) Hurricane Ridge was spectacular — we’re ordering more snow and visibility. Pictures will be forthcoming.
5) The bathroom needs a lot — a door, a shelf, a sink, fewer scary things on the shower floor, and the list goes on. You’ll get everything except the door. How about a better curtain with Velcro fasteners?
6) Wildflowers.— Next year we’ll have our own with unlimited picking allowed.
7) Squeaky stairs In the middle of the night — See #1 (earplugs)
8) Playing cards. — All cards not fitting the standard size measurements, or exhibiting sticky tendencies will be summarily pitched into the wood stove.
9) Extracurricular activities. — Card playing, bike (endurance) riding sunset watching, trash duty, kite flying, cow chasing, weed eating, picture taking, target shooting, etc.
10) Tent sites — at least two good tent sites will be prepared in advance – flat, smooth, and accessible without traversing through the pricker bushes. No electricity or water!
11) Stile (old English – a set of steps for going over a fence or wall) — the management will provide a stile to facilitate getting over the barbed wire without leaving fragments of clothing or body pieces behind.
12) Clam digging (a dirty, smelly, nasty sport)— anyone who wants to get dirty is welcome to do so. The host will personally eat 12 clams at least 4 hours in advance of any public serving to assure the safety of all future consumers. All Llenroc children must be taught to relish clams from an early age. (Austin finished off the clam chowder so he’s passed the test.)
13) Talent night— Anyone possessing any talent will probably elect not to come to Llenroc.
14) Rain — we can almost guarantee some around the 4th of July.
15) Cliff swallows— we will try to have them evicted, but you know how hard it is to get rid of bad tenants once they have moved in. Maybe several different birdhouses attached to the end of the barn would at least bring a variety. (Thanks, Francie)
16) Livestock — The management will try to provide livestock that doesn’t paw the ground, roll its eyes, or snort when you wave a red flag at it. This is a sure thing for 1995.
17) Safety — Small people or old people who might wander in the night will be provided with a cage or a leg iron to keep from falling off the loft.
New events to be opened:
1994 – two ponds with fish, ducks (QUACK), water, mud, and snakes.
1995 – House construction – excellent opportunity for people skilled in sheet rock, insulation, shovel work and encouragement.
Reservations are not normally required at Llenroc. We’d love to be there with you, but if we can’t, you’re welcome to go on your own. Remember, we can sleep 14 in style!
We hope you all remember these and other good times. We sincerely hope you’ll come back often to repeat them and make more memories.
Bob and Elaine