May 2 to May 6, 2012, 2012 - Northwest Fairgrounds - The Lynden Campout, Lynden, WA

We left a day early to break up the long drive. Jim & Eileen left yesterday and said they were stopped at the Tulalip Casino located just off I5, north of Marysville. We left home at 5:30AM and had a nice 131 mile drive. It was early enough that there was not much traffic. We found them in the 'RV Parking' area behind the casino.

We found out that a visitor can stay up to 7 days for no charge. This was great. There is very good security here. They are patrolling quite regulary. We felt very safe. While here, we gambled a little, visited the new Cabela's just opened next door.

Tulalip Casino

Cabela's

While in this area, we visited the Seattle Premium Outlets stores next to the casino. And we had lunch at Bob's Burgers & Brew. They had great burgers...and microbrews too. I had their Bonanza Burger. Wow!

After spending 1 night at the casino, we headed north on I5 toward Lynden. Since it was just a 69 mile trip, we stopped at the Camping World store in Burlington. we picked up some books, and a few misc items then continued on to the Northwest Washington Fairgrounds in Lynden for the Good Sam Club annual Lynden Campout.

We spent 3 nights at the campout. We manned a table with Jim & Eileen, and sold raffle tickets for a couple of baskets of stuff and some of Donna's homemade aprons, purses, booties, and more. We raise money so our chapter can donate to a variety of good causes like the Ronald McDonald House and Dogs For the Deaf. We also raced RC cars, had a potluck, enjoyed great entertainment, and met lots of new RV friends. We also found another Bob's Burgers & Brews in Lynden...and partook.

A RC VW Bus

Donna at our raffle table.

Me...helping to raise money for a good cause.

My brother Jim and his wife Eileen... and us.

On Sunday, May 5th, Cinco de mayo, Jim and I had to take one of our fellow chapter members, Ken, to the Hospital in Bellingham about 25 miles away. He was having a lot of pain in his knee and back and needed some relief. They took care of him and he will be ok now. BUT...while we were there, we became Great Grandparents! Our Grandson Erik and his girlfriend Sara, had to make a trip to the ER back in Wenatchee, and Sara needed to have an emergency C section due to high toxic levels in her blood. In the middle of our worrying and prayers, Oliver Lee Ferguson was born. He came 6 weeks early but weighed in at 4.7 lbs and was 19 in. long. And...everyone is doing good now. Erik and Sara are proud parents. Donna and I are proud Great Grandparents. Candy (our daughter) is one proud grandma too.

We left Lynden early Sunday morning to visit the family and see Ollie! What a great weekend!