May 1975 Notes

Dr. Karl Werner leaves his position as founding winemaster for Callaway Vineyard and Winery
and will oversee the development of the Fellowship's vineyard and winery.
He will officially become a Fellowship member on June 1, 1975. Photo: The Elysian Society

May 8:

Robert wore a suit and tie to tonight’s meeting (!) [ed. - Must have been the first occasion]

He said “higher forces may be decreasing the employment of ‘playing the fool’.”

May 12:

Robert’s "birthday." [ed. - His birth date is subject to debate!] The day was clouded by a “swimming incident” on the Yuba River. Cheryl Thompson, a Fellowship member, was swept away while swimming in the river, but was rescued downstream. This would give rise to a "no swimming" exercise.

[ed. - On May 29, 1980 this would become a "task" after Robert learned of Raymond Kennedy's drowning in Bali (or Tahiti?).]

May 18 – 27:

The vineyard nursery is planted with Chenin Blanc grapevine cuttings.

May 23:

The "Cabernet Slope" was planted with grapevine rootings

Callaway Winemaster Karl Werner arrived at the Farm today to oversee vineyard operations

May 26, Memorial Day:

We set the aim to complete the vineyard nursery project today (a “super-effort”). It actually wrapped up around 2:30 a.m. Tuesday.

May 27:

After finishing the nursery, a mid-night meal was served at the Lodge. In typical fashion, to reward our efforts, letters clarifying donation requirements were handed out as we dined.

Riding to the Bay Area Meeting later in the day [now May 28], I was on I-80 west of Davis. I awoke as the motorcycle had drifted off the pavement, and into the gravel shoulder. Fortunately, I firmly steered straight, rather than make any abrupt change, and gradually slowed to a stop.