Natter &\; Noggin

August 12\, 7 pm

The Englander Sports Pub &\; Restaurant

101 Parrott Street\, San Leandro

http\://www.englanderpub.com/

(510) 357-3571

The Englander is an enjoyable place where we have our own cozy room. The food is good so bring your appetites.

Directions to The Englander\:

From Northbound I-880\, take the Washington Ave. exit within San Leandro and turn right on Washington St. Travel 2.2 miles until you see Parrott St. Turn right on Parrott Street. You will see The Englander on your right.

From Southbound I-880\, take Davis St. exit and turn left on Davis. Travel 1.3 miles\, then turn right on E. 14^th St. Travel 0.3 miles\, and then turn right on Parrott Street.

Wayne Veatch invites the MGOC and the SSTS to join him for a visit to the Schellville Antique Aerodrome\, also known as the Sonoma Valley Airport ("\;The Home of the Taildraggers"\;)\, followed by caravan run to historic Foster'\;s Bighorn restaurant and bar in old town Rio Vista. We'\;ll be there for the airport'\;s monthly Open House\, with many antique airplanes on display and the opportunity for "\;hangar talk"\; with their owners. Foster'\;s Bighorn features an astounding collection of North American and African wildlife trophies\, collected by hunter and taxidermist Bill Foster in the 1930s and ‘40s.

We will meet at the Sonoma Cheese Factory\, on the north side of the town square\, at 9\:00 am. If you wish\, you may also meet us at the airport\, about one mile south of the intersection of highways 121 and 116\, at 9\:45 am. We will view airplanes\, while airport locals and visitors view our cars\, until about 11\:30 am\; then we'\;ll caravan to Rio Vista.

It'\;s about an hour and 45 minute drive to Foster'\;s Bighorn (143 Main Street\, Rio Vista) via Highway 12\, Cordelia\, and back roads. Lunch will commence about 1\:30 pm. We have a choice of Chicken Caesar Salad (veggie option available)\, Chicken Breast Sandwich (with Swiss cheese and bacon - yum!)\, Half Order of Ribs or Bison Burger\, each with a soft drink\, for a fixed price of $17.50 (including tax and tip - cash only). They have a full bar with good draft beers.

Stay in Rio Vista as long as you wish\, then choose your own route home. Some of us will return to the East Bay and San Francisco by the most expedient route\: 160 to 4 to 242 to 24. Others will return via Kirker Pass from 4 to Walnut Creek\, which will be more interesting\, avoid some freeway travel\, and take about 20 minutes longer.

So that he can advise Foster'\;s\, please let Wayne know if you are coming for lunch and your menu choice\, by August 9.

Where and When\: Meet at the Sonoma Cheese Factory\, located at 2 E Spain St.\, Sonoma\, at 9\:00 am.

You are invited to join fellow MGOC members at our Annual Picnic at Joaquin Miller Park in the Oakland Hills on August 28.

We’ll enjoy the beautiful trees and scenery in the park. A short walk will take you to Lookout Point or the deck of the nearby community center where you can see the entirety of the Bay Area. You can marvel at views of everything from Hayward and San Mateo in the south to the Golden Gate and north to Marin in all of their glory. Be sure to bring cameras and binoculars. Other short walks will take you to the fountains and waterfalls built as community projects in the 1930s - and those alone are worth seeing!

We’ll be in the beautiful Craib Meadow Picnic Area\, so expect a day of sun or shade – whichever you prefer.

The Club will provide charcoal for grilling and barbequing. Bring your own favorite food and beverage.

Come as early as 10\:30 am and stay around a while. We’ll plan on lighting the coals around noon.

There is plenty of parking just across the road\, so there is simply no excuse for not joining your fellow club members and enjoying the day!

Directions\: Take Highway 580 or 24 to 13. Exit 13 at Lincoln/Joaquin Miller Road. Go east on Joaquin Miller Road. Drive uphill a little less than a mile\, then turn left onto Sanborn Drive. Enter the Joaquin Miller Park and make your way to Craib Meadow.