San Juan Island, Puget Sound, Washington... July 16-17, 2010

Hosts: Bonnie Giles and Schuyler Bissell

San Juan Summary
by Pete Kerber (along with Smack and Frank, and anyone else who remembers enough to send in comments and photos)

This year's reunion, in the San Juan Islands, north of Seattle, was another overwhelming success. Although a little far to get to, it was well worth the trip, thanks to our hosts, Bonnie (Giles) and Schuyler Bissell. Many arrived on Thursday, taking the ferry from Anacortes to Friday Habor. Starting with a cocktail party on Thursday night and ending with a group dinner and gathering Saturday night, the weekend was filled with fun things to do and still left lots of time to socialize.

Friday, we all got to have lunch and wine tasting at the San Juan Winery, located conveniently a couple of miles from the lodge. We sampled a number of different wines and Mark Gerlich and Denise Forgeron kept asking for larger samples. Falcon couldn't make up his mind about which wine to buy, so he kept asking to taste a couple again and again, until it didn't make any difference. At least one person remembered the lunch and told us thatwe really enjoyed the gourmet sandwich and the to-die-for lemon tart.

Another point of interest on the Island was Roche Harbor on the north end of the island. A pictureseque port filled with fancy yachts and surrounded by stately houses. However, we spotted one unassuming aluminum skiff, obviously not a pleasure craft. The owner, though, has to be one of the richest guys on the island.

A number of people went whale watching on Saturday, while others went sea kayaking, both looking for whales or other marine sea life. T-CORR elected to stay out of the water to avoid any mistaken identity. He kept mumbling something about close calls with harpoons.

Saturday night's dinner offered more local color ... and flavor ... featuring fresh caught Northwest salmon. A delectable presentation of baked chicken breast added to the heartiness of the meal. The caterer displayed creativity as well as talent, serving corn on the cob slavered with pesto! The dinner was followed by the traditional singing of the Jäger Song and Jägermeister toast, led by the Meister Jäger and author of the song, Pete Kerber.

Bonnie found some lighted Jägermeister medalion necklaces for everyone. In addition to being a nice memento, they added to the campfire atmosphere for the toast. We think they also helped some people find thier way back to their cabins. Hopefully they will show up in the pictures.

The Reunion also scored some firsts. Margaret Albers attended her first reunion and all were happy to see her again. The Kerber Clan introduced Spawn 2.0 as daughgter Julie and husband Jason brought the newest and youngest Reunion attendee, their daughter, Shea. And the Gerlichs brought two of their daughters, Jessica and Sara to their first reunion.

If there had been any concern about future reunions, it has been laid to rest. The previous two reunions were planned by Spawn: The Cincinatti Reuion by Karen Kolzing Aerts and husband Roy; the Bluffton Reunion by Kate Torborg Shuman along with Bette and Terry Lynch.

But do they have the true spirit of the original Jägers? Another question laid to rest.

Jessica Gerlich, just minurtes after her first official Jäger toast and song, made a lasting contribution to Baumholder Reunion lore. Pete mentioned that the song was on YouTube and she wanted to use her iPhone to check it out. Pete said, just enter "Jagermeister Song" and it will be the first on the list. Well, Jessica came back from the lodge (where she could connect) with a funny look on her face. It seems that the first song on the list was by a guy with a handle of Tatooed M______F______er. She said she wasn't sure if it was him. Because of the cool Northwest weather, she'd never seen Pete without a long-sleeve shirt on! So, now we have a T-CORR and a T-MUFF.

After the Reunion concluded, several Jägers extended their exploration of the Pacific Northwest. Smack led an expedition to Victoria on Vacouver Island, Canada, Mark reconned the area between Seattle and Vancouver City, Canada, while Frank and Janet laagered up in Bellingham.

Smack:
From Friday Harbor on San Juan Island, we took the ferry to Victoria, BC, where we went with Denise, Kay, Alex, and Sarah. Of course, the gardens are incredible, but another hightlight was dinner at Butchart.  If you have never been to Victoria, you need to go.

Mark:
After leaving San Juan Island on Sunday, we drove to Vancouver BC ....what a city ... spent the afternoon sightseeing, etc .... then back to the Seattle area and needed rest Sunday. Monday morning was spent in downtown Seattle, doing "touristy" things, to include a visit to Pike's Market, and a stroll past the original Starbucks !!!!!  Then got the kids to the airport for their flight Monday afternoon.   Gayle and I then went back to the Pike's Market area and had a late lunch / early diner at Ivar's .... great food.
 
Tuesday was more sightseeing, and, of course EATING.  Main meal at Cutter's ... again, great....Tuesday evening we attended the Mariners / White Sox b'ball game .... Gayle and I both enjoy the game, and I more so enjoy "exploring" different stadiums.... the architecture (sp) of the ball parks is very interesting ....

Frank:
After the Reuinion, we spent a few days in Bellingham, WA., a small town about 90 miles north of Seattle nestled on the coast with a stunning backdrop of the North Cascades and Mt. Baker. We drove east on the road to Mt. Baker and discovered a small wine growing region, only 8 wineries, and did some tasting. Excellent wine, beautiful countryside and views. Along the way we made a pit stop at what looked like a restaurant. However, pulling into the parking area, the sign announced that it was much more. You've got to see the picture really appreicate the imapct.

The next day we spent in an historic section of Bellingham called Fairhaven. It's like a museum of the America we grew up in: local shops and restaurants, friendly, helpful people on the streets. Even a local, independet bookstore!

For such a small, out of the way place, Bellingham had much to offer.

Mark and Gayle Gerlich, with no prodding by anyone that I know of, volunteered to host the next reunion. However, it was after the Jager toast and he did have a glass of wine in his hand. All Jagers are invited to gather in 2012, in St. Louis, MO. Mark points the way with a grand gesture. Although Mark and Gayle do not live anywhere near St. Louis ... they live in Houston ... they claim they know people, like a son-in-law that can organize everything. Happy as we were with the announcement, we told Mark the reunion could not be in July or August because of the heat and humidity.

Again, a big thank you to Bonnie and Schuyler for all the work they did in planning and organizing a great weekend. We all had a lot of fun in the San Juans and are looking forward to St Louis in 2012.

Group photo of the attendees of the 2010 Baumholder Reunion at the Lakedale Resort on San Juan Island in Puget Sound. Click on the photo to see an enlargement.

The Lodge at Lakedale Resort on San Juan Island in Puget Sound.

Typical cabin at the Lakedale Resort.

The coctail party at Bonnie's & Schulyer's house on San Juan Island. Beer and wine served on the back deck by two of their friends who volunteered to bartend. As usual, Terry provides leadership.

Inside at the coctail party at Bonnie's & Schulyer's house on San Juan Island.

Wine tasting in full swing.

Mor wine tasting . Judging by the expressions, who do you think tasted the most wine?

Downtown Friday Harbor ... at the most popular spot ... the ice cream shop.

The brave ones ... kayakers prepare to launch.

And finally, Pete presents a small token of appreciation to Bonnie and Schuyler for hosting the Reunion at such a beautiflu and interesting corner of our country.