What's Been "H"appening 09/15/01-09/16/01
by Dick Scalpone, AGWA-Illinois Chapter H
On Saturday, 15 SEPT 01, we went to a dinner run at a buffet style restaurant, called SHOOTERS.  We members of Chapter H held a surprise  birthday party for Jimbo Garner.  It was his 40th by the way.  (OLD TIMER).  We also celebrated his two daughters birthday, AMANDA AND CARRIANNE.  Mark Brenton also had a birthday celebration.  (I wonder what his age is).  Lead by yours truly, we all sang happy birthday to all of them.  Many members of the chapter were in attendance.  A great time was had by all.
On Sunday, 16 SEP 01, we had our usual gathering at the local and friendly McDonald's to do our weekly breakfast run.  Lead by Les Chapman, our attendees headed south towards Starve Rock state park area, which is located near LaSalle, Peru, Ottawa, Illinois.  Les took us through many back roads (ala Jimbo Garner) to get there.  He only got lost and confused once in our travels.
We traveled through Starved Rock state park and headed towards Mathessen state park.  All de-mounted our ponies and walked around the park area.  Les, Gregg, Larry Greco and myself actually walked around in the deep caverns of Mathessen State Park.  Our adventurous ways took us up and down many stairs and hills.  After about 70 minutes or so of exploring, Les was really sucking wind and was pooped.  Larry, Gregg and myself where ready to do more exploring.  (fat chance).  The rest of our attending troops decided to stay back and socialize with each other until the four of us returned from our adventurous ways.
Incidentally, Larry Greco sold his '99 gold wing se, and purchased a like new loaded black 2001 gold wing.  He is the first one in our chapter to own a 1800 G.W.  Congratulations to you LARRRR.  Maybe he is leading the way for the rest of us to purchase same.  (wishful thinking).  There are no pictures to show because our official designated writer and photographer, Mike Hanus did not show up.  Since Mike retired, Sue must be keeping him very busy with the 'honey do' list.
Needless to say, after our adventurous ways were completed, we headed back towards Starved Rock state park for more nourishment.  Does any one care to guess what we all had?  Need you really ask......    Ice Cream or course.  What else....    Upon completion, homeward bound we headed.  Naturally, a great time was had by all.  The weather man cooperated with us fully.  It was sunny and cool in the morning and by the afternoon the jackets where removed as it became much warmer.
Until next time, lets be very careful out there on our two wheelers.

Dick Scalpone
AGWA-IL Chapter H