The site north of Amana had been grazed by cattle during the winter and spring and in the process of delivering hay to the animals, the farmers had practically destroyed the entrance. Brother Don Larson, who belongs to the Lodge in Norway, brought his tractor and worked with the ground without much success.

Finally, in desperation, we ordered a load of gravel to be delivered on Friday, the day before the event. While trying to deliver the load, the truck driver got stuck and had to be towed. After freeing his truck from the muck and mire, he was forced to dump his load adjacent to the road where Brother Don and his tractor then proceeded to pack it in.

After too much rain, much too often, the weatherman finally cooperated on Saturday. Concern was still very high on Saturday morning but the warmer weather and some welcome winds proved beneficial and the path finally became passable to vehicles.

Harry Dolder had numerous conversations and email contacts with Most Worshipful Brother Ray Chamberlin, Past Grand Master of Masons in Iowa, who was the 2009 Rally Chairman for a group of Masonic Campers (National Camping Travelers). The NCT group was holding their national convention at the Amana Campground on the same weekend. Thanks to the efforts of Brother Ray, we were blessed with nearly 100 campers at our event.

Canopy Lodge was opened in form on the third degree with the following officers in their stations and places.

Worshipful Master	Bill Ganschow
Senior Warden	Dana Roggentien
Junior Warden	Perry Beckler
Secretary	Maynard Smith (Mt Calvary Lodge No. 95)
Chaplain	Greg Kruse (Iowa City No. 4)
Senior Deacon	Mike Ryan
Junior Deacon	Justin Wade
Senior Steward	Dale Lenz
Junior Steward	Darrell Ealy
Tyler	Tom Bowersox

When the first section was efficiently completed, and after a few remarks from Most Worshipful Past Grand Master Ray Chamberlin, the lodge was called to refreshment and all retired to dinner. When the meal was finished, lodge resumed labor with the same officers seated.

A report on the health of Brother Larry Cochran was delivered by Brothers Harry Dolder and Bob Rogers, and a moment of silence was observed for his recovery as he convalescences at home from a blood clot in his leg. Brother Trent Rogers was also in attendance, broken heel and crutches at his side.

Brother Senior Deacon was ordered to present and introduce Most Worshipful Brother Jack L. Butler, Grand Master of Masons in Iowa, who introduced his officers and seated them for the second section as follows:

King Solomon Jack L. Butler Senior Grand Warden     Jerry Levay Junior Grand Warden     Robert Danner Grand Secretary Tim Anderson Grand Chaplain Bill Crawford Senior Grand Deacon Loren Pierce Junior Grand Deacon Kevin Hill Senior Steward Harry Dolder Junior Steward Darrell Ealy Grand Tyler Don Leedom

1st Ruffian Mike Aves Sr. 2nd Ruffian Andrew Schaffer 3rd Ruffian Bob Breckenridge 1st Craftsman Jeremy Davis 2nd Craftsman Rick Bowersox 3rd Craftsman Don Leedom Sea Captain Don Leedom Wayfaring Man     Tom Bowersox

Most Worshipful Grand Master Butler introduced Iowa Past Grand Masters Ray Chamberlin and Bud Erickson and Most Worshipful Brother Roger Simmons, Grand Master of Masons in Alabama.

Grand Master Butler then presented the new Master Mason with symbolic gifts. He had left the real things in his car and promised to deliver them later.

Lodge was closed with Deputy G.M. Robert Breckenridge in the east.

There were, at best count, 165 Masons in attendance who represented 114 lodges. States represented were: Alabama, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Iowa, Kansas, Louisiana, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, Wisconsin. A lodge in Canada and Truth & Friendship Lodge No. 828 in Purth, Germany were also represented.

The Brothers of Canopy Lodge did a wonderful job on the preparation of the site and during the degree. They are to be commended for their tireless efforts and dedication. There were many glowing comments heard from the gallery.