2001 Death Valley Event Shareholders Earn Record Dividends

Review of an October 26-28, 2001 Event

by D.L. Mingori - Event Counseler, Photos by T. Brockmiller

FCA-SW is pleased to announce that Death Valley Event shareholders of record on October 26, 2001 received both financial and psychic dividends as a result of their participation in the drive to Furnace Creek.  An unexpected financial surplus allowed the event organizers to issue tax-free credits to all room accounts.  This unprecedented move was extremely popular with those in attendance.  Shareholders participating in the long weekend also derived psychic dividends.  Experiences contributing to this feeling of well being included an exhilarating and trouble free 120 mile drive from Baker to Furnace Creek, a couple of afternoons lounging by the warm spring fed pool, an early morning horseback excursion, reserved and guarded parking in front of the Inn, and other benefits too numerous to mention.  This is Grand Touring at its best. 

ASSETS DISCLOSED

As the event organizer was settling the club account early Sunday morning, his conversation with the desk clerk was interrupted by a young lady who came in to ask if anyone had found a yellow bikini lost by the pool the previous evening.  She was not part of our group, but her question might be suggestive of the relaxed atmosphere to be found at the Inn.

A wide assortment of vehicles was brought on the drive ranging from early 1960?s vintage V-12?s to the most modern Modena 360?s.  On Friday evening a crowd of freshly showered city dudes boarded a horse drawn hay wagon to be carried down tamarisk-lined lanes to our outdoor barbecue in the date grove.  Once again Charley Broten and Fiddlin? Pete amazed and delighted the audience with their lovely cowboy melodies and considerable skills on guitar, mandolin and fiddle. A repeat performance of their original song "Ferrari" was a highlight of the evening.

RETIREMENT OPPORTUNITIES

The many leisure hours and satisfying meals provided opportunities for old friendships to be renewed, and new ones to be formed.  On Saturday evening our group gathered high on the 4th floor balcony of the Inn for Hors d?oeuvres and cocktails prior to dinner in the elegant main dining room.  On this occasion a most spectacular and colorful sunset was provided for all to enjoy.  Then, as darkness began to seep into the valley floor, a nearly full moon rose in the sky to illuminate the silent desert landscape.

As another FCA Death Valley weekend receded into the distance and multicolored prancing horses carried their owners homeward, many of us reflected on our good fortune at having had the opportunity to enjoy a wonderful weekend with fine friends in a peaceful and beautiful place like Death Valley National Park.

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