Shifter’s News Letter
November 2007
Well, let’s see what’s been going on. You can also check out the Shifters Web sight and see the great pictures that Jill Walton took on one of our runs.
October 14th was the fall color run. The days weather before might have scared some of you fellow Shifter’s away from going, but you missed out because after we got out of the fog in the valley it was beautiful. It was a small turn out with myself (Neil) leading the pack with Brad & Jill Walton following and Dave B. bring up the end. I brought miss matched sets of walky talkies so I had one of each. The communication was kind of funny on who could talk to whom, but everybody could hear. We managed and it was fun. With a small group off we went. I picked the route with input from Dave and since Brad & Jill haven’t been on some of the back roads they were gamed. We left Willits around 9:30 headed for Talmage down 101. We took Eastside Rd. to Hopland along the river. Great colors to start the trip with a few hidden treasures back in the trees for projects if someone is looking for one. When we got to Old Hopland they are putting in a “Round About” at the corner of Hwy 175. I could think of better things to do with the roads but won’t go there. We continued from Hopland to Hwy 128 up Mountain House Rd. There is the original bridge we crossed at the creek I think was built in 1920. Made a right on Hwy 128 to Boonville continuing to Gowen’s Oak Tree. Dave & I got pies and some fresh apple cider. Jill took some nice pictures at this stop. We went just up the road a little more to Navarro Store, it was about 12:30, for lunch from Bill Baxter recommendation. Great place, thanks Bill. I had BBQ rib lunch plate, while Dave, Jill, & Brad I think had sandwiches. With bellies full and pit stop made we headed for Van Dam State Park. We had plans on going to Comptche and I thought I knew all the roads. On the way to Van Dam I found two other roads that will take you there.. Once we arrived at Van Dam, Jill took more excellent pictures of the cars and scenery. There were some people gathering sea weed for a compost pile in garbage cans.. There were also kayaker’s braving the water. Too cold for me though. From Van Dam we back tracked about a ¼ mile and head for Ukiah via Comptche Rd. The first part started out a little narrow and rough riding but nothing that was a show stopper. After a short distance we came to a Stop sign. Which way to go, Jill said “Right” so we did. We had all sorts of road conditions. We climbed to the top of the ridge with spectacular views winding on the top of the mountain. Then we went down into the Redwoods were we stopped at Montgomery Wood. I am told it held the distinction of the biggest redwood until recently. Jill, Brad & Dave hiked to the grove and checked it out. I stayed with the cars and looked around for the perfect spot to have “Private Time” after a long trip. This place was very popular and cars were coming and going the whole time we were there. We left and continued to Ukiah out of the redwoods up the switch backs to the top of another mountain top. We had more great views of Ukiah valley and Lake Mendocino coming down from the top. After stopping for fuel, we continued back to Willits and got back into town around 5:15. Long day, but we had such a great adventure with getting out on a nice fall day and checking out the back roads.
On Oct. 21 we did the “Blind Fold Driving” with the “Mustangs” invited at Little Lake Auto. We had Dave B., John Yde, Jim & Judy M, I with Julie and Patrick (my son) along with Robin & Dave from the “Mustangs” participate. I started off the fun with my 10 year old son as my co-pilot. He did very well and only almost drove me into the wall once. Dave was walking near by if things got to far out of control. Once again “Great Job Patrick”. We all took turns driving or co-piloting our cars or other cars. I co-piloted Dave and I was surprised on how his truck does not turn. It didn’t help that there was no power steering. John had Jim co-pilot for him. I co-piloted for Julie in the Explorer. Jim took the PT Cruiser with John co-piloting. Dave & Robin took turns using their mustang. I went another time with Julie co-piloting. I knew I was in trouble when right from the start she told me to make a left. The course started to the right. I wore my leg and arms out with the Pontiac so Jim let me try it with the PT Cruiser. It was a Big different using an automatic with power steering.
Nov. 17th was the Mustang’s Chili feed /Poker Run/Canned food drive/Toy Run
They had about 80 people participate from Earl Irons, Shifters, and Mustang car clubs. That turned out about 240 can goods along with some toys, books going to local charities.
Will Carson had a visual scavenger hunt of sorts while you drove on the poker run. That was a blast in it self. It made you check out the sights and not just drive around. A straight won the Poker run, with three of a kind coming in second. The best we had at our table were pairs. They also had a giant raffle with some very neat prizes donated by members. There was a variety from wine to coat hangers made out of gear shifters to pottery, to gift certificates for pizza. There was plenty of food with a start of appetizers, then the chili with all the fixings, to desserts of all kinds. I had another great time conversing with great company which includes Lee Bryant, Bill Baxter, Lou & Lois B., Jerry & Rhea Brown, Julie (my wife) and other people.
Lee Bryant at the meeting also informed the group that he has been busy adding to his resume of awards. Lee started out with by winning “Best Of Show” with 1 of his scooters out of a field of 100 other participants. While at the show in Santa Rosa participating he had his picture of his scooter and it was published in a magazine. Lee was also busy participating in the “Professional Car Society” gathering in Los Angeles. He got two awards which were very high honors. The first was “Best High Top Ambulance” and the second was “Best of Show”. This was a great honor since this was the national gathering from all over the states were gathered. Lee also went to a Cushman meet I think in Anderson and pulled off another victory with “Best Rat Scooter”. I did not know of that class, but they have the same categories as cars. Lee also became a local celebrity recently when the Willits News did an article on him and some others with the subject of different hobbies that people do in the valley.
The monthly meeting had some business that the membership might like to know about which includes the following and since I don’t know when I might get ambitious again. Dave wanted me to remind people that “Dues” are due by Jan. 31, 2008 and are $35 to cover insurance, mailings, and other items to run the club. We also are opening up the “Scholarships Fund” to just not a vocational needed student. We also talked about donating maybe a tree or such to the Skate Park, Lee will talk with Dave the city manager on what they have planned and how we can help.
Thanks,
Neil Orr
Shifters Vice President
