Meet at 9:30 am at Albertson's West Union parking lot, 18425 West Union Road, Portland 97229. Directions to meeting site: Hwy 26 (Sunset Hwy) west of Portland to Exit 64 185th Ave. Turn right (north) onto 185th Ave for just over 1 mile. Cross West Union Road at traffic light, then turn right into Albertson's parking lot. No goodies planned due to early lunch schedule.

We will leave at 10:00 am for a drive of about 20 miles on “back roads” north of the Sunset Highway on our way to take care of the important part of the tour: lunch at the Helvetia Tavern. (Helvetia is the national personification of Switzerland.) After lunch we will drive about 3 miles to the Rice North West Museum of Rocks and Minerals. The museum displays a world class collection and is housed in what was built in 1952 as the family home for the Rice family. The house is on the National Register of Historic Places. The facility is accessible including an elevator. Pets are not allowed in the restaurant or the museum buildings, and must be on leash on the grounds.

Cost is $10 or 1 volunteer card for members, and $25 for guests. Make checks payable to Columbia River Region – VCCA.

Bring registration forms to July 11 or August 1 meeting, or mail to Mark Bjerke, 507 NE Geraldine Dr, Hillsboro, OR 97124. Deadline for registration is August 7.

Lunch options include non-alcoholic beverages. Indicate your choices for lunch on the registration form. Please indicate number of people under age 60 for museum admission.

Leaders: Mark & Sally Bjerke