Historian's Log, Final Entry:  Stardate  21.12.2011

Humboldt has been blessed (or if you ask a redwood or a fern, could 
it be considered cursed?) with an over abundance of unseasonably 
sunny, clear days this past 4 months. What perfect days for getting 
out on our incredibly awesome coastal roadways and experiencing an 
almost perfect 2-wheeled autumn and stereotypical "California Winter!"

In August the Chapter hosted the Clearwater, South Africa Chapter, 
holding a small icebreaker at the dealership. Flags were exchanged as 
well as a few email addresses and new friends were made.

Also in late August, Cheri and Stephanie hosted a dinner ride to 
Carlotta and Shamus T Bones' which was a scrumptious evening spent 
with friends consuming much meat, prepared perfectly as only Shamus' can do.

I spent September and part of October in Ireland. I packed along my 
rain riding gear, including my gators, and dang if all that didn't 
come in handy.  I rode out in gale force winds(post Hurricane Katia 
which hit Ireland and the UK with deadly force), with Gaelic HOG 
Activities Officer Derek and about 10 of the hardier Dublin area HOGS 
on September 11. What they say about weddings in Ireland holds true 
for biking:  "If we waited for a day with no rain, sure, no one would 
ever (get married) get out and ride!!"
We had lunch about an hour and a half from the dealership in the 
village of Trim, County Meath at the Castle Hotel. Yes, there is a 
castle in Trim; it is Ireland's largest Anglo-Norman castle on the 
River Boyne. The entire town was festooned with US flags in 
commemoration of "9-11."

Sounds like many took the ride to Patrick's Creek Lodge out Hwy 199 
in October, described by Senior Road Captain Rick C. as the "perfect 
chapter ride." There were many, many bikes, as far as he could see 
when looking in his rearview mirror. Once again, the weather was also perfect.

LOH Director Kriss took a tumble off her Sportster in the late 
summer, less than a mile from her home, injuring her shoulder. Road 
Queen Kelly P also met up with a few deer while riding with hubby Bob 
in the rockies. Both ladies are doing much better after a few months 
of recovery. Several LOH activities were curtailed, but LOH members 
have been working on the 2011 Chapter Scrap Book, which I understand 
is fantastic. Take a look when you have an opportunity.

Lee and his lady Diane did an outstanding job in organizing and 
running one of our chapter's favorite rides in October: The Graveyard 
Poker Run. The 2 of them even snuck out and decorated the cemeteries 
as well as the dinner hall at Samoa Cookhouse. Everyone had an 
especially scary time. Well done.

Rockey and RHD celebrated his birthday and Veterans' Day at the 
annual dealership open house on November 12. It was yet another sunny 
Humboldt day and a lot of members stopped in before heading out on 
rides to some place else; doing what they were meant to be doing on a 
Harley-Davidson.

November saw several chapter members and about a hundred local bikers 
participate in the annual United Bikers Of Northern California 
Veterans' Ride from Arcata to the Veterans Grove at Sunset Cemetery 
in Eureka. For me it was nice to visit with a few "former members" of 
the chapter, out in front of the Arcata Vets Hall, as well as over in 
Eureka. Our Donna graced all present with a spectacular rendering of 
our National Anthem. Thanks to Vince/UBNC, who with help from Jerry 
Jamieson, organized a three volley rifle salute by the Mad River 
Community Veterans' Honor Guard, and  a Coast Guard helicopter fly 
over. The lunch down at the Vets' Hall after the ride was  reportedly 
"delicious."

Two big ride events for December were the 2 Toy Runs held by United 
Bikers (Arcata to Eureka) and Kiwanis of Garberville (Garberville to 
Phillipsville) Both took place in early December under sparkling 
clear winter skies. Word has it from Dirty Dave that the UBNC run 
garnered  300 to 350 machines. GregO, Paul T., Judy, Bill and I 
represented HOG at the Garberville Run, and it could not have been a 
more pretty day for a ride in So Humb. Gary's crew at the Riverwood 
Inn put on a hamburger and hotdog barbecue in celebration of the 20th 
annual Toys For Tots Run.

Both Eureka and Crescent City put on Christmas parties, which were 
well attended by our membership, and lots of fun. It is notable that 
the chapter's high mileage award went to Bob and Helen D. who 
traveled something like almost 20,000 miles in 2012 on their Ultra. 
Thanks to the Christmas Party planners, including Donna, Rachelle, 
Pam, and Phyllis P. in Eureka, and Helen, Karen and Debi  in CC.  The 
2012 officers were presented in Eureka, and they are looking forward 
to continuing some fun and exciting operations in the new year.
Left over Chapter Party monies are to be donated to a local charity, 
which will be voted upon by the membership in January.

This past Sunday night  representing HOG Members, I along with 
UBNC/BACA members witnessed  the return home of 6 of our local 
National Guard members from Afghanistan. The Eureka-Arcata Airport 
was packed with family, veterans organizations, and community 
members, many waving flags, out to greet these young men on a chilly 
night. It was a lot of fun, though confusing and chaotic with late 
and postponed flight times. There's always a Silver Lining, though, 
and it was busy upstairs in between flights. *wink!*

Thank You to Chapter Members for entrusting me to recount through 
words, scrap albums and photographs, some of the notable events that 
have taken place over many of the past years in your HOG Chapter. 
Thank You to the 2011 Primary Officers Pierre, Bryan, Pam and Mike, 
as well as discretionary officers for your efforts to amuse, engage, 
entertain and inform the California North Coast HOG Chapter.

Wishing everyone a Merry Christmas and a safe, Happy New Year,
See you on the road.
Respectfully,
Phylis G
(end transmission...)