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The weather didn't look very promising Saturday morning. At our meeting place in Gresham, Phil Peters told us that it was currently raining in Government Camp, but that it looked to be clear up at Timberline Lodge. As we drove east, we seemed to chase the clouds away in front of us. By the time we arrived in Government Camp, the sun was peeking out. Last year, we had all driven up to Government Camp on our own. This year, Phil Peters decided to take our club members on parts of the old Barlow Trail route from Gresham, avoiding the traffic of Hwy. 26 as much as possible. We took off onto Powell Valley Road, then headed east on Orient Drive, passing through peaceful older communities. Then we hit Hwy. 26 again and went through the town of Sandy. After that, we took off through the woods onto Barlow Trail Road. Phil took us to his second house (way too nice to call a cabin) in the Marmot area for a pit stop. There we got to meet Jane Peters' little Yorkshire Terrier. |
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Then it was on up the mountain. Phil had a nice viewpoint in mind where we could take pictures. Even though we couldn't see the mountain, we still got some nice photos. Shortly after we pulled over, we started seeing all kinds of MGs whizzing by, many with their tops down! The bundled up drivers and passengers inside yelped and waved at us. They reminded me of Snoopy, the Red Baron, with their colorful hats and scarves fluttering in the wind. As we were getting ready to leave, along came the Mill family in their bright blue Lark. Leroy started unloading three large garbage sacks from the trunk, which turned out to be the remainder of a roomful of yarn left behind by their mom/ grandma/ great grandma. These they gave to Sue Kerslake, a known knitting fanatic. |
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When we arrived in Government Camp, the air was chilly, but calm and dry. Those of us who brought heavy coats were comfortable enough. We think the turnout was pretty good, considering the forecast. Undoubtedly, there would have been more participants had things looked more promising. But I bet those hardy MG drivers will come out in just about any weather! Phil reminded us to eat lunch early, so we could be ready for the tour up West Leg Road (Old Timberline Road) at one o'clock. For awhile, it appeared that the photographer hadn't shown up. But at the last minute, during the drivers' meeting, someone saw him dash up. Phil told us that, due to a construction project, we wouldn't be able to have our photos taken at the same picturesque spot as last year, but he would find us another place. |
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Phil mentioned that there are a 'few' potholes on the West Leg Road. The bottom part of the road was an exercise in pothole dodging, but otherwise was clear. Just like last year, it was a beautiful drive, with fall colors and scenic vistas. The new ski lift that had been under construction last year was almost finished. The metal housing at the bottom looked like a space station. Phil thinks it will be a great ski run. Last year, due to the lift construction, the West Leg Road had been closed to the public. This year, it is now open, but it is only about 1-1/2 lanes wide, so you have to be on your toes. As we arrived at the large parking lot below Timberline Lodge, we found our photographer unloading his equipment at our substitute picture spot. It was cramped, and he had to sit on the asphalt. At one point, he was sitting between two cars going opposite directions, but Phil managed to keep the traffic at bay. Sure enough, the sky was clear, and the mountain again gave us a great backdrop for our cars. |
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In the ski lodge parking lot at Timberline, the MGs all lined up in a nice row for everyone to look at. We were a little less organized. But some of us were fortunate enough to hear Bob Knittle tell the story of his Hawk. His wife Shirley had had it, 'before she had Bob', she said. Bob thought it was 'butt ugly'. After Shirley bought something easier to drive, the Hawk sat in storage for thirteen years. After looking it over and finding out that Studebaker parts weren't all that hard to find, Bob decided to restore it. By this time, he still thought is was ugly, but no longer 'butt ugly'. In 1994, just a few days after he finished the restoration, he heard there was going to be an SDC International Meet in Portland. On a lark, he brought the Hawk. He had never been a club member, and was flabbergasted to discover that he had won first prize. Good job for someone who claims he didn't know anything about Studebakers! We told him his Hawk looks great going down the road, but he still wasn't sure he believed it. |
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Later, back at the Mt. Hood Museum in Government Camp, the lovely tan 1930 Model A Ford with the rumble seat won the People's Choice award, and the blue and white 1959 Willys wagon won Best Mountain Car. The trophies were each a period map of Mt. Hood done by a local ski shop back in the 50's. And believe it or not, Bob Williams won the random door prize, which was a replica of one of the Timberline ski run signs. It was a fun event for a good cause, and we hope the Mt. Hood Museum did well from it. |
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Northwest Chapter