By Sheila Corson
Chronicle staff

     FINLEY CANYON - Of course, I go up to the Ride to Rendezvous on the day it's raining like it never has before.
     The Washington Outfitters and Guides Association has held the ride for the last 11 years as its big fund-raising gig. About 100 folks are taking the back roads from Chiliwist to Winthrop, ending on this particularly rainy day, May 6, in Finley Canyon, just a few miles out of Twisp.
     The crew of about 90 people set up camp, consisting of canvas tents with very warm stoves (thanks, crew!) and plenty of hay for the noble steeds.
     Aside from the wash tent and the coffee tent, five cook tents are lined up, ready to feed the crowd of hungry riders.
     Tonight was chicken, most of it cooked in Dutch ovens.
     One-armed cook Andy wouldn't cook his cobbler or chicken any other way. He's been on the trail for all 11 years of the Ride to Rendezvous.
     While the riders trickled in with the rain, some broke out guitars or just gabbed around roaring campfires. Many huddled in tents, hiding under rain gear if they did venture outside.
     The rain didn't dampen too many spirits, even those who came off the trail with soaked jeans and sopping wet hair plastered to their foreheads. It was a tiring yet exhilarating ride.
     The wagons came in at 3:20 p.m. after about eight hours over rough terrain. The horse riders beat them, having taken a shortcut or two.
     I didn't stay too long, after missing lunch hunting down the wagon trail (unsuccessfully) and getting sleepier and sleepier as I watched the steady rain.
     But in the short time I was there, I was struck by the welcoming spirit of the crew. Yes, they're soggy. Yes, they've got work to do. But, doggonit, if you're out in the rain, they're going to invite you into their tent for some coffee and a sit-down near the stove to dry off.
     They work like clockwork, setting up their things, but won't forget a wonderful smile and service to those coming off the trail - even the coffee ladies, who have to be up at 4 a.m.
     And, stranger still, most of the crew members were repeats, meaning they chose to do this again and again and some of them again, loving the sounds, sights and smells of the ride.
     I'm not exactly a cowgirl, but I hope I can ride along next year, with the brave spirit of my fellow riders and the welcome of the crew at the end of the day.
     Hopefully, it wonít be raining.