Happy Campers Letters

3001 Beckwourth-Genesee Rd. / Taylorsville,CA 95983 / (530) 284-6681 / E-mail Walkingg@yahoo.com

I had a dream about Walking G last night. I was a counselor again and you were giving me a list full of tasks to do around the ranch. I woke up in a great mood, almost sad to see that I wasnt in the bunkhouse again. That place has left such an indellible impression on me, it's amazing. I feel like I learned so much, and even more about who I am, through my time there (and through all the ups and downs!). Im living in Portland, Oregon right now. I graduated from Lewis & Clark college just over a year ago and have been living here working since then. Im thinking about moving back to California come September when my lease is up, but it's exciting to not really be sure where Ill be going.

Well, I just wanted to shoot you a 'hello' and say that I hope everything is going well this summer. I just stumbled across the website, and it looks great...... brings back some good old memories. Ah the good old days. From CIT to Junior counselor and on, I think that was the best place I've ever worked. Maybe Ill be able to swing a visit up there sometime soon to reconnect.

Take care, and I hope the summer goes great for you all.

Tom Borton, Portland Oregon

Hi Dave, I attended your camp in 1970 and 1971.....Way back in the olden days! I was also able to come up during Christmas and enjoy the snow ball fights and having you ride Bullwinkle and pull the toboggan. Who needed a snow mobile! Heidi and Heather helped out both summers I was there. I have many a fond memory of the time spent there. Keep up the good work.

Sincerely,

Susan Griffith Nachtrab

Dear Dave, It has been years... OK decades. I went to camp there in the 70's and had the time of my life. I bought Cuellar's Tyree from you at the Cow Palace Sale in what I believe was 1974. Much has happened since then, but I have never lost the great memories of the time that I spent at the Walking G. Any room for a 40's something camper? XOXOXO Dara Ferguson

Dave, I went to camp for the first time in 1990 and returned the next two years, the last as a CIT. I am now married with 2 stepsons and a baby girl. My oldest stepson is asking to go to camp this year and it has brought back so many wonderful memories. I really hadn't realized how much of an impact my time there had made...maybe that is why I have grown up to be a pediatric nurse. Unfortunately I now live in Tennessee and it is not possible for us to send Drew out there for camp, as much as I would love to. I want you to know as I look for a camp within driving distance I am trying to find one to measure up to my time at Walking G. I just don't know if it will be possible. Thank you so much for the wonderful memories and life lessons I recieved while attending. I was so excited to find the web site and see all of the changes through the years since I have been there. I wouldlove to see updated pics of the house!

Hope you are well,

Lots of Love,

Elizabeth Yorks

Summer of 90, 91, & 92

Dave,

Saw you web page for the first time today. Looks like things have changed some since the days I was a "camper" there (1970-72 when horses and swimming were all we did and the counselors were your children). If it was not for your camp I would have been content to ride "rental horses" forever. I still think often of those ranch days. You really do influence people for their entire lives.I still recommend your camp to all the horse loving children I run across.

Celia

Hi, Dave!

I'm not sure if you remember me, but I'm Cindy Meyer from (originally) Stockton, CA. I think I started going to camp there in the 70's, with my last visit I believe in 1983. Just on a whim, I decided to see if you had anything on the Web (figuring you didn't since you didn't get a telephone until the late 70's!) and was joyously surprised to find your site, which is great!It looks as if you're doing wonderfully, which fills my heart. guess now would be a great time to tell you how much I appreciate having the opportunity to have spent time there at the Walking G. I learned more than I ever bargained for (!) and it was a fantastic haven for me during my parents' divorce. I'm 38 now and I have such wonderful memories to carry with me...I feel unbelieveably fortunate to have had that. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. Feel free to use me as a reference for families *any* time.

Cindy Meyer, Clovis CA

Hi Dave - I was taking a little break at work and my mind drifted to Walking G. I was so happy to see that you have a website - it just brought back all the amazing memories I have! How are you? How is Walking G?I wish I could come stop by one weekend but I live in New York now. I work as an analyst in the Training and Development Dept at Goldman Sachs.Its a whole different world from Taylorsville, Ca. I miss it so much more now that I have seen the website! I am engaged to a great guy - H. Jonathan McCloskey. He never believes me that I used to be a pretty OK rider... and that I used to pitch stalls, milk cows and rake barns (at 6am too!) Anyway, I just wanted to say hello and Thanks for putting up the website. Itwas great to see you in the pictures.

Take Care Dave, Love to you always!

Alison Segal

Dear dave, it has been so long since I have talked to you. Dont think that I have forgotten about the two wonderful summers I had at walking G. i think about the ranch fondly and often and will always remember those as the happiest summers I have ever spent. I am starting my third year at CSU chico and want to come for a visit next summer. You really have no Idea what your camp and the walking G experience gives to us kids who come. I m glad to look at your web site and see that things havent changed too much. I miss everyone and the ranch so much. Please tell trish that I say hello, i hope she remembers the past campers like we remember her. You and your camp are very special and I still feel blessed to have been a part of it. It is a wonderful place to spend time. I hope you are in good health. i can just picture you going into the guys and girls bunks and waking them all up with shadow at your side. Such wholesome memories I have and can only wish that you are doing well. Please give Marga some extra grain for me and Kat, we loved her the most. Also give Al the Doca pat if the old man is still around. Take care and have a wonderful summer with all the new and returning campers. Miss you and everything about the ranch,Love always and a loyal camper,

Katie McKinley

Hi Dave,

I was remembering some of the happier times in my life and i thought of your ranch. I was there in '68 or '69. it was so long ago i can't even remember. it was alot simpler then. Or maybe life was simpler to me.

I couldn't believe it when I foud this site.

I was thinking of Grandma who did the cooking and the wonderful food. I remember your girls Heather and Heidi. The goat you couldn't turn your back on! of course I remember the best Week I ever spent. I even remember the 20 year old horse I road, Oro.

I just wanted you to know I am so pleased you are still there and can give other girls some happiness just like what I remember.

If I ever get back up there I would love just to stop by and take a look and remember some happy times.

I am 45 years old now and a lot of water has passed under the bridge. But remembering that week has brought tears to my eyes but also a smile to my face!

I know how busy you are but I would love to hear from you.

Cathy

Dave,

I just happened to come across your web page and wanted to say hi. My goodness 44 years and still going strong! You know I am very proud of all the good that came into my life because of you and the ranch and I just wanted to say thank you. My husband and I are now living just outside of Portland, in Longview, Wa so if You still come up here let me know I would love to meet up with you. Some of my family still lives in Redding as well as some of the girls I brought up with me (wow 33 years ago) and we still talk about those days!!

love

Lynn (Twyman) Kosterow

Dear Dave;

How nice to suddenly come upon the Walking G website and get to check in from time-to-time from our kitchen table. My time there as a hand and counsellor in 1978 created some of the best memories of a so far pretty adventurous life! It's amazing to read some of the letters from other "old-timers" and realize how many years you guys have been in business. (And looking at the photos, you haven't changed a bit). I remember how much fun the kids were during the summer, especially "Laddie" and "Lassie" (the two Lisas), and Rachel and Sherry Goforth and Nicole (Beanie). It's hard to believe that they're all full-blown growed-ups themselves now. What a great time I truly had, and above all, you taught me how to work hard and have a blast doing it, because it was all for the animals. (And I appologize if I almost ate you out of house and home. You'll be glad to know that my appetite has mellowed some with age).I'm glad to hear that all is well with you and your whole family.

Love, Eleanor (Bonner) Anderson

(Santa Cruz)

Spring, Summer & Fall 1978

Hi Dave! How are you and Shadow? I am fine. I LOVED camp this summer. I had a great time. The rodeo was cool, and the dance was really fun. Those trips to Antelope Lake were the best! I hope to come next year in second session, because all of the activities were super!

Claire

Hello Walking G! I've just looked over the website for new pictures or news...and i may just squirt a tear! I'm so sad I can't go to camp this summer! I look at the counselor page and see faces and names of people i haven't seen in a year or two and would love to see again...but can't, so now i have to wait until next year! Well, just know you counselors make lasting impressions on the campers and it's not just the animals we like to see year after year! Think about during the winter, etc. Not to scare you or anything. I hope everyone's having a wonderful time at college, camp. I can only imagine what this years parade looked like. As much as i miss 4th of July festivities, i saw fireworks for the first time in 4 years! Well, i wanted to write and say hello, that i miss everyone, but i had to take summer school. Chemistry's not so bad. If i survive AP bio next year i'll have all sorts of interesting facts to share next summer,, ("and that is why cows eat and digest the way they do.."). That is, if anyone remembers me. If Rusty's still there, please give him a kiss on the nose for me. Ciao for now. I wish you all the best of summers, and may it hold true for the whole year until our paths cross again. (poetic, eh?)

~Staci Osborn,

Dear Dave,

How nice to suddenly come upon the Walking G website and get to check in from time to time. My time there as a hand and councellor in 1978 created some of the best memories of a so far pretty adventurous life! I remember how much fun the kids were during the summer, it's hard to believe that they are full blown grown ups themselves! What a great time I truly had- and above all you taught me to work hard and have a blast doing it.

Love Eleanor, Santa Cruz CA

 Dear Dave:

I wasn't able to come up to Walking G this summer, and it was incredible how much i missed it! I went to Europe with family and friends, and although I had a lot of fun there, somehow it just wasn't the same without coming to camp. I haven't forgotten about everyone at Walking G and I promise i'll be ther next year!

Coco - Berkeley CA

 Hello Walking G!

You'd be amazed at how much I think about camp (I even dream about it!) I really miss all of you ( look at me i'm getting teary now!) I miss all of your wonderful faces and company.I can't wait to go to camp this summer. Well got to go, give shadow a kiss for me!

Molly- age 12-Manhatten Beach CA

 Dear Dave,

The times I spent at the Walking G (Many summmers ago) had a huge impact, not just the fun and lifelong friends I found there, but also my attitude and values! Thank-you!! My daughter is really anxious to attend this coming summer.

Kirsten

Grass Valley, CA

Dear Dave,

Thank you for Jenny and Elizabeth's wonderful vacations. Julia and Catherine had a great time visiting too. Chris came back and talked about the mountains and land for a week. The beauty of your ranch and how much you love it really made an impression on him. We look forward to next summer. All four of our daughters will be there!

love, Carol . . . . Mill Valley, CA

Dear Mr. Newcomb

I'm so glad your camp is still alive and well. I spent a month with you and your daughters in the summer of 1969. I've never forgotten that incredible summer experience.

I'm 41 now, but remember that summer as if it was yesterday. I have a niece that may be interested in spending some camp time with you. Please send me a brochure, etc. I showed her pictures, and she's pretty excited to check it out...

Jeannie . . . .Danville, CA

Dear Dave,

I want to thank you fore letting us go to camp most likele we will come back next year. I hope so be redy for us. Your favoret campers,

Dave-age 10 and Matt- age 9 . . . .Marina, CA

Dear Mr. Newcomb,

. . . .I had a wonderful time at your ranch in the summer. I enjoyed . . . (all the things he did). . . delicious food, etc. My view point about life changed greatly. I hope I will be back at the ranch next summer.

Tomohiro Mori (Tom). . . . Japan

Howdy Dave!

I think that I have an allergic reaction to not being at Walking G! It's a medical condition! . . . .Quoting Mom, "Idon't know what they did to you at camp, Beth, but whatever it was, it was great!!!. . . . I learn a lot each year, not only about animals and how to work hard, but also I learn how to deal with different types of people, which sometimes is hard for me.

Beth -age 12...Danville

Dear Dave,

. . . You have the very best counselors, they're not just sweet and kind, they're wonderful friends. . . .

Lily -age 12 . . . . Berkeley, Ca

Dear Dave and Company,

Although it's been many years since my glory days at Walking G, the fond memories I have are always close to my heart . . . . I have always felt that Walking G aided me in everything I try-and I thank you!

Love always, Ronnie -age 30 . . . . Reno, NV

Dear Dave,

Thank you for making my 1st camp experience so wonderful! . . I have been writing . . (to other campers) . .so that has kept me in touch with friends. . . . I can't wait till next year & guess what, my sister is also coming . . .

Whitney -age 11

Dave,

First me, then Joe, Now DJ. Thank you for helping me and mine learn the value of hard work, a sense of fun, and respect for ourselves, and others.

Larry -age 49 . . . . Graton, Ca