The first Yodel newsletter came out in the winter of 1988, the brainchild of Wagonmaster Meldon Wasko who decided that a publication would not only preserve the happenings of the previous campout for posterity but also fan the flames and promote the upcoming one as well. Previously we had met over a beer and perhaps Aunt Marge's tacos and determined the date for the next trip and informed the other campers via phone or in person, and invariably someone would not get the word and miss out on the weekend.
Wasko would send me a note with general guidelines or an article he had written and I eagerly would type & retype on my old Amiga computer until it was something he'd approve of. As you can see, my printer was pretty cheesy, but the word processing program was cool- it allowed me to create columns! Hey, it was 1988! Anyway, I've translated the articles and re-typed them below so they are legible.
The Mountain logo was painstakingly constructed with a rudimentary graphics program pixel by pixel. It was pretty advanced for the time. I put a snowcap on it as it was December...
THE YODEL
Volume 1, No. 1 December 1988
Price: $1.95 Canada: $2.35
Wasko conceived the Canadian price differential... Like we had a readership up there...
MSCC ORGANIZATION
The MSCC was started years ago when a group of desert campers began visiting the Mount Signal area. During late 1988 it was formalized by a group of men who named themselves officers. The current staff of these valiant frontrunners are:
Wagonmaster: Mel Wasko
Assistant Wagonmaster: Ken Bouchard II
Jr. Asst. Wagonmaster: K.C. Bouchard III
Scout: Phil Myers
Trooper: Paul Bauer, aka Paul, Paul, Paul
Women's Auxiliary President: Cheryl Bouchard
The above officers will serve an initial term of 10-12 years, depending on their ability to continue to party. Members and guest members are not allowed to participate in decision-making of any kind, for this is too taxing, and we want them to relax and have fun. This is not a democratic camping club. Just come, relax, have fun and we'll tell you when to yodel.
OFFICIAL REINSTATEMENT
In an emotional, tear-rending ceremony, Asst. Wagonmaster Ken Bouchard II was re-instated following a suspension of 3 months. Happy to return to this #2 position in the MSCC, Ken was suspended for not attending a party sponsored by the Wagonmaster. Ceremonies took place at the campsite with many campers in attendance. Unfortunately for all, Ken had to compose and sing the elusive second verse of the MSCC traditional song. When it was over, we were all happy to receive Ken into the MSCC. Congratulations Ken!
Two things: first, the song mentioned was of course the "Mt. Signal Blues" and though I don't remember all the AW's new lyrics, they revolved around the rhyming of "kin"...
Secondly, you didn't dare miss a Wagonmaster party...
THE MSCC YODEL
At the early December meeting of the MSCC, a yodel was designated to be used by the club at each meeting and camping gathering. All members and officers are required to learn the yodel, which goes like this:
"Yo-Dee-O-Lee-O!"
This new communication will be used as follows:
1) To awaken the Mountain prior to morning and evening prayers.
2) To enliven members at meetings.
3) To other members as an identifying call while out hiking in the desert.
4) During campouts when someone blows chunks.
5) As the name of our newsletter.
It behooves every member to learn and practice the MSCC Yodel as it will be used frequently in campouts, parties, and meetings.
Classic Waskovian prose! I miss you Uncle Mel...
PROMOTION ANNOUNCEMENTS
During the MSCC's most recent camping experience, the following appointments were made under appropriate ceremony under the most beautiful, most tantalizing Mount Signal.
To Trooper 3rd Class from Fire Attendant: Paul Bauer, aka Paul, Paul, Paul.
To permanent Scout from Fire Starter emerged Phil Myers, a well-deserved promotion. Nice going Phil!
The first ever President of the Women's Auxiliary was also named at our last camping gig. She is none other than the lovely Cheryl Bouchard, the wife of the Jr. Asst. Wagonmaster (JAWM), Ken Bouchard III. She will be called Mrs. President, Prez, or President of the WAMSCC. Later, in early December she was respectfully designated as temporary secretary/treasurer. Way to go, Cheryl!
CAMPFIRE NEWS
On the beautiful weekend of 11/11-11/13, a pilgrimage of sorts was once again made to lovely Rancho Del Wasko (at the foot of Mount Signal on the Mexican border).
Human ingenuity ran rampant as may new innovations were tried and tested and new campground facilities were constructed (without, I might add, the use of any tax dollars).
A new fire ring was dedicated along with a semi-level bocci court (it levels out nicely after a few Mt. Signal Vodka Sunrises...).
Many unheard-of luxuries were experienced due to the pioneering spirit if the valiant campers.
A generator provided light for the camp and powered the blender which concocted powerful margaritas thanks to Sandy & Glen.
Another here-to unknown luxury was provided by our Mexican neighbors in the form of a refreshing shower facility on the Mountain itself.
Astronomy was in full-swing also as the telescope and binoculars combed the heavens in search of planets, star clusters, and even faraway galaxies. Many shooting stars were also glimpsed as they burned up in the atmosphere.
Also glimpsed were actual rabbits and even quail on a hunting expedition led by expert "Tweety" sharpshooter Bosco. With him went the Scout Phil Myers on the left flank and on the right the Jr. Asst. Wagonmaster to keep a semblance of discipline.
Other items of note...
Drew Bouchard was seriously injured in a freak bicycle accident. Fortunately ice cream was nearby and was administered to the victim...
Also the most stunning display of psychology I have ever witnessed was responsible for clearing approximately several tons of rock from around the campfire. This feat was accomplished by the Asst. Wagonmaster for the nominal sum of $3...
Bosco Wasko got a 4.5 on a spectacular dive into the canal...
And last but certainly not least, our tastes in expensive alcohol zoomed to a new high this last trip as was evidenced by Pat and Rick driving 20 miles to Mexicali and then getting their windows washed hundreds of times while waiting to get back into the States, all for one six-pack of beer.
And don't forget the introduction of the finest vodka a supermarket can distill, Lucky Vodka. I personally watched as the Asst. Wagonmaster poured his cheap Smirnoff out onto the parched earth in disgust (come on Dad, have some taste in alcohol...).
Until next trip...
Yo-Dee-Yo-Lee-O!
Great trip! If you don't know the Psychology or Lucky Vodka stories ask the AWM & the CSG at the next campout... Classic! Hope you've enjoyed this trip down memory lane. I'll post the next issue soon.
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