On July 28th at exactly 7:30 AM three Model T's and six non-
T's departed the Denny's Milpitas parking lot. Destination Fairfield,
the first nights stop on the Why? Woodland Tour. The
group consisted of Greenbergs, Bauschs, Ivan and Sara all in
T"s. Jorgensens in a Lincoln, Meneelys and Beamans in Model
A's, McKenzies in a Packard, Strassers in a VW Microbus and Camicias
in a Miata. In Niles we picked up the Archers, Edwards and company
in T's, in Livermore we added the Roeders and Bratts also in
(or with) Model T's. Before departing Denny's parking lot some
business had to be attended to. Tour packets with maps, written
directions and the tour itinerary were distributed.
Due to vague rumors regarding the rascal like behavior that
has accompanied past SCVMTFC tours, Tour leaders felt it necessary
to insure law and order for all tour participants. A Sheriff
and Judge would be required. Peder Jorgensen volunteered he had
spent a weekend at a Barney Fife Fan fest years ago so that qualified
him for Sheriff. Bob Edwards accepted the judge duty when he
was informed that certain compromising pictures from his childhood
would be published in the Backfire if he declined. From Denny's
our tour took us through Milpitas and Fremont, then Niles Canyon,
onto Vallecitos Rd (Highway 84) and into Livermore for our first
stop. Leaving Livermore we headed north on Vasco Rd thru Brentwood
and Oakley, across the Antioch Bridge and into Rio Vista. In
between Rio Vista and Fairfield on Highway 12 is the Western
Railway Museum, our first stop. We had lunch in the picnic area
and afterwards we explored the Museum and enjoyed the train rides.
We left the Museum, headed to Fairfield and the Anheiser-Busch
Brewery for a tour. The tour was short and sweet with free beer
afterwards.
Upon leaving the Brewery to go to the Motel, Ron's &
Barbara's Packard would not start. The Jorgensens, the Bratts,
Ivan and Sara stayed with the McKenzies to see about getting
the Packard to run, while the rest of the group headed to the
motel. The fuel pump was determined to be the problem, a spare
pump that Ron had, was installed but it would not work either.
After hearing the bad news it slowly dawned on me I had a six
volt pump on the Speedster as a back up to the air pump I use
to pressurize the fuel tank. Marylou and I headed back to the
Brewery to see if we could help. Ron checked out my fuel pump
and thought it would work. A fast run to Kragens for some fuel
hose and clamps and we got to work. I removed the pump from my
car while Peder and Ron got the Packard ready. Pump installed
on the Packard, new fuel hose on the Speedster, wrong wiring
corrected, stuck float unstuck we motored out of the Brewery
parking lot and arrived at the Motel just as the sun set. An
impromptu hospitality room had been set up in the Meneely's room.
Tales of a successful operation were told, to die for apricot
somethings and wine consumed, a good end to a long day.
Sunday morning we headed to the Jelly Belly Museum for a
tour and sugar high. We then headed to Sepay Groves outlet for
some olive oil and vinegar tasting and purchasing (www.sepayoliveoil.com).
Owners Peggy and Joel Quartemont were gracious and knowledgeable.
A short video gave a very good idea of what goes into their products.
We had a picnic lunch of Subway sandwiches, chips and cookies
on the patio outside of Sepay Groves and then headed to Woodland.
Gary Bausch
The drive from Fairfield to Woodland took us through acres
and acres of fields. We saw sunflowers, tomatoes, corn and a
host of other crops not recognizable to most of us city folk.
SOMEONE, and I don't know who, must have honked their horn at
a herd of cattle near a fence on Pedrick Road in Dixon. I've
only seen them stampede like that in the movies!
Once we reached Woodland, the Best Western Shadow Inn was
ready for us. The manager, Sandy Littlefield, and her staff really
do a terrific job. We reserved the conference room as a hospitality
room, and everyone seemed to enjoy having a place we could all
gather and talk, snack and play games.
One of Sara Schweisow's friends, Lindsay, who lives in Woodland,
was pressed into service for dining suggestions. Paco's was an
excellent choice for both food and unusual ambiance. It's located
in an old bank complete with marble floors and high ceilings.
Parties smaller than ours can actually dine in one of the vaults
(with the door open, of course). A strolling musician serenaded
us while we dined.
Monday morning, our AM tour was to the Hays Truck Museum
and Heidrick Ag History museum. Since it was a weekday, we pretty
much had the place to ourselves as we explored the trucks and
machinery on display, sometimes ignoring the "Do Not Touch"
signs. Right Bob Edwards?
For lunch we headed to the tiny Fat Cat Café, where
owner Edna Bohon and her staff had half of our orders ready by
the time we arrived, and cheerfully and quickly prepared the
rest. The Fat Cat Café is a cozy, homey little nook of
a restaurant with terrific food and a welcoming staff. We loved
it!
Our afternoon tour was to the Moon Shine Trading Company
(www.moonshinetrading.com) where owner Ishai Zeldner shared his
knowledge and love of honey. The education was almost as good
as the tasting! We also tasted nut butters and a concoction called
"cowboy caviar". Some of the group made purchases-
always a good way to thank our hosts. The fact that the Moon
Shine products are delicious doesn't hurt either!
The remainder of the day was free time- spent relaxing or
swimming. The group went to Steve's Pizza for dinner. Thanks
again, Lindsay! Wonderful food- ENORMOUS portions. More than
just a pizza place.
Almost everyone gathered in the hospitality room when we
returned, where a rousing game of UNO was the focus.
Tuesday was our final full day in Woodland. We trekked a
little ways out of town to Pacific Star Gardens (www.freewebs.com/pacificstargardens/)
where we had an amazing time. Owner Robert Ramming and two of
his four children, Adam and April, simply but eloquently shared
the trials and tribulations of developing and operating a small
organic farm. We toured the fields, sampling freshly picked produce
and learning lots. The Rammings told us it was their third grade
tour, but it was first class to us!
Chubby's Diner was Tuesday's lunch spot. The 50's-style eatery
was not expecting us, and they did a pretty good job of getting
us fed before we left for our afternoon tour destination, which
was Mark Reiff's gas station house. Words alone cannot describe
this home. Mark was an extremely generous host, encouraging us
to wander freely through his entire house, garage and backyard.
The front of the corner house is a combination of gas station,
general store, diner, movie theater and car wreck. The garage
is lined with vintage gas pumps in various stages of restoration-
many completed. The backyard is a mixture of old-time advertising,
whimsy and comfort, and the inside of the house is chock-full
of treasures, finds and creative uses for ordinary items. There
was much debate among club members as to whether or not any of
us could live this way. I think most agreed that we couldn't,
but we're glad there are people like Mark Reiff out there.
The rest of the afternoon was again spent swimming or relaxing.
Our final dinner was a planned affair at Ludy's Main Street BBQ
(http://www.ludys.com/index.html).
The staff at Ludy's was exceptional; having a private room all
ready for us and keeping us supplied with iced tea and soft drinks.
Good food too!
One by one, various club members went "on trial"
for the various offenses committed during the tour. Presiding
over the court was the Honorable (?) Robert Edwards. Prosecuting
the alleged offenders was Sheriff Peder Jorgensen. Bailiff Mary
Beaman collected the fines from those found guilty. Very few
people escaped justice, and the entire courtroom seemed to have
a roaring good time.
Wednesday morning, we said farewell to Woodland. There was
plenty more to see, but that would have to wait. At least people
aren't saying "Why Woodland?" any more
We weren't the only ones to have car trouble during this
tour. Trouble was also had by the Meneelys (clutch fork), Edwards
(radiator), & Greenbergs (outside brake band). Hopefully
they feel as we do- that the fun we had greatly overshadowed
any problems.
Which is the way it should be.
See you at Kelley Park September 9th!
Barbara McKenzie
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