We found out after sending out the letter that the Riviera has no more park models available for that weekend. Sorry about that.
One thing we forgot to include in this years letter , if you need additional information call Lori Cook at the Yuma BLM office 928-317-3243, or the Yuma River Tours office at 928-783-4400. Smokey & Judy
Amigos del Rios
Judy and I wanted to get this letter out early this year to remind all of you about the “20th Anniversary” Reverse River Run. We want everyone to be as excited as we are so mark October 4th & 5th on your calendar and tell all of your friends and family also.
Wait till you see the T-shirts…..they are AWESOME!
The last we heard there were still park models available for rent that weekend. So if you don’t want to camp, be sure to give the KOA Riviera a call at 760-922-5350. Be sure to tell them you are with our group.
Since the price of fuel is so outrageous this is bad timing for the following information. But, unfortunately for all of us when KOA took over they raised the price of camping. In the past we were able to get a break from the company, but KOA’s have different rules and cannot (or will not) bend them for us. So the camp fees need to go to $6.00 a person. Sorry for that bad news and we hope it does not prevent anyone from attending.
The good news is, we are keeping the cost of the evening meal the same at $4.00 per person.
For those of you displaced from the Martinez Lake campground, if you are looking to purchase property Pattie Tinsley has all the updates at www.martinezlakesales.com or for Walter’s Camp properties go to www.walterscampriverproperties.com and Stella will be glad to help you.
Even with all the construction going on, be sure to go visit with Donna and her group at Martinez Lake Restaurant and Bar. They still love to visit with their “old” customers. And for those that have not done so, be sure to take the time to go see all the changes at Fisher’s Bar & Grill. Charlie & Shirley Bush have done lots of upgrades to the bar and store. And as always, both Martinez Lake store/boatshop and Fisher’s store/boatshop are here with all the supplies you forgot to bring along.
Anyone looking to upgrade their boat this summer, or are first time boat buyers, be sure to check out www.hippmarine.com first. The Hipp family will be happy to take care of all your boating needs.
As well as fun, we always want to promote safe boating on our river. We understand there were quite a few DUI’s over the memorial day holiday weekend. So be sure when you are out on the river this summer to have your designated driver with you.
Have a great summer and we will see all of you at 7 a.m. October 4th.
Smokey & Judy
The following is the 2007 Letter to the Editor.
On October 6th, 2007 the 19th annual Reverse River Run took place. There were 28 boats, one personal water craft for a total of 82 adults and 6 children. Leaving Fisher’s Landing they headed up river 70 miles to Blythe, Ca in search of trash and debris. These volunteers gladly accepted the challenge of helping keep our Colorado River clean after a summer of fun. They obviously had a good eye for their task because at days end they had collected 3 1/2 (6 yard) dumpsters full of garbage.
After enjoying a great bar b q dinner, there was excitement throughout camp as the evening festivities began. Ron & Julie Knowlton once again entertained everyone with their “trash awards presentations”. As we all know just getting there is part of the challenge, so they made sure all of the boat captains received an award. We also held a surprise 71st birthday party for Helen Spurling. Helen has been a long time supporter of this event.
These awards presentations could not be possible without the help from many of our local business’s as well as individuals that contribute every year. All of the volunteers want to thank the following: Martinez Lake Marina, Welding Perfection, Viejas Casino, Fisher’s Landing Boat Shop, Wild West Motorsports, Martinez Lake Cantina, Bureau of Reclamation, Yuma Marine and Supply, Desert Yacht, Foothills Ace Hardware, Bingham Carquest, Bureau of Land Management, Hipp Marine of San Diego, Yuma River Tours, Imperial National Wildlife Refuge, Fisher’s Landing Inc., Smokey & Judy Knowlton, Mel Campbell, Randy & Linda Knowlton, Tom & Lori Lusk, and the KOA Riviera in Blythe.
Getting the word out is also important. Thanks to channel 11 and channel 13 for their announcments and two very special columns in the Yuma Sun by Darin Fenger. This is what makes it all work!
2008 is the 20th anniversary of this important tradition. The date is October 4th and 5th, so mark your calendars and we hope to see lots of new faces and of course we always welcome back our old friends.
Smokey & Judy Knowlton
Martinez Lake
