Grand Manan Tour Details - Please make reservations now!
I'm putting the final details of the Grand Manan trip together but need all participants to make their accommodations as soon as possible to guarantee a room. I've called several spots and recommend the Surfside Motel following based on costs and rooms availability. Their toll free
number is 1-877-662-8156. I spoke with Holly.
Cost start at $75.00, the rooms are on a first call basis so the first 6 to call get seaside rooms. There is other availability on the road side of the motel. So please call and confirm your reservations quickly and mention you are with FABAC as they may give us a discount pending numbers. Last time I stayed there, many years ago, it was clean, basic and had lots and lots of fresh seaside air. In fact we will all get an original Grand Manan air conditioner......a screened door at no extra cost! See included note for additional motel detail.
For those that want to attend but wish to stay elsewhere you can try the Marathon Inn or the Shore Crest.
Here's some things we can consider doing while there:
- touring the Swallow Tail lighthouse
- visit the local museum
- take small ferry to White Head, a small island off GM
- tour Grand Manan, it's small but many interesting and colorful sights and places.
- supper at Galloways or Whale Cove Inn.
Please submit other ideas.While I've been there several times on business, I'm sure there are other things to do that would be interesting to the group.
We'll leave Tim Hortons Exhibition Park sharply at 830am Saturday Aug 9 to ensure we get a space on the 11:30 ferry crossing from Blacks Harbor. They recommend being there an hour before departure. The cost is $32.00 per vehicle and $10.70 per person for the return trip. We can get a small group discount if we have more then 11 adults.
There are 2 ferries. The M.S. Grand Manan V and M.V. Grand Manan. Both offer comfortable lounges, outdoor viewing decks, and a cafeteria where you can enjoy a light snack or a full meal. Or alternatively you may want to bring a lunch and picnic on the bow ......that's the pointy
end of the ship for all your landward types.
On the return trip from Grand Manan on Sunday morning, we'll again take the 11:30 crossing meaning we have to arrive in the terminal at 10:30. The terminal is a very short drive from the Surfside Motel.
Please let me know if you plan to attend as soon as possible to see if I can make ferry reservations for all of us.
NOTE: THIS TRIP WILL ONLY PROCEED IF WE HAVE SUFFICIENT NUMBERS - 6 CARS MINIMUM
Tks
Gary
A report on the July Meeting from Bob S.
Eighteen FABAC members travelled to Harvey to hold our July meeting at Lougheed’s Pub and Eatery. Pres Gary welcomed those assembled and in his report again gave thanks to Sherry and Curry for hosting that wonderful pot-luck event at their beautiful Kelly Creek retreat. Curry then gave a report on the very successful PEI weekend especially for several of our members who garnered trophies for their prized LBCs. There were around 135 entries this year and club attendees felt that the new location was quite favourable. Since the event is under new management and they are interested in getting feedback on how to make future shows better, it was decided that the club would send along a club list of recommendations from FABAC attendees. Please provide your constructive criticisms to Curry.
Many compliments, hurrahs and “job-well-done” were expressed on Bob E’s recent literary contributions to the web site including the latest describing the weekend pot-luck at the Alders. In your absence, you were given the distinction of being named FABAC writer-in-residence. Great writing Bob!
Barb G. proposed that a directory of members be created and placed in a “members-only” area on the FABAC website. All present were in favour of such an endeavour. Barb will be coordinating this task.
Upcoming tours:
Curry and Alex are organizing our club’s participation at the Rexton British car show on the weekend of August 9-10. Details to follow, but interested members are encouraged to contact either Curry or Alex.
Gary and Barb will be developing plans for the upcoming tour to Grand Manan sometime in August. Watch for details on this!
Gary welcomed Don Macaulay to the club. Don drives a spiffy green Mini Cooper. Welcome Don.
Next meeting will be held at the Delta on their patio on August 20th at the regular time. Bob S. to make the arrangements!
Happy motoring!!
Bob S.
Many compliments, hurrahs and “job-well-done” were expressed on Bob E’s recent literary contributions to the web site including the latest describing the weekend pot-luck at the Alders. In your absence, you were given the distinction of being named FABAC writer-in-residence. Great writing Bob!
Barb G. proposed that a directory of members be created and placed in a “members-only” area on the FABAC website. All present were in favour of such an endeavour. Barb will be coordinating this task.
Upcoming tours:
Curry and Alex are organizing our club’s participation at the Rexton British car show on the weekend of August 9-10. Details to follow, but interested members are encouraged to contact either Curry or Alex.
Gary and Barb will be developing plans for the upcoming tour to Grand Manan sometime in August. Watch for details on this!
Gary welcomed Don Macaulay to the club. Don drives a spiffy green Mini Cooper. Welcome Don.
Next meeting will be held at the Delta on their patio on August 20th at the regular time. Bob S. to make the arrangements!
Happy motoring!!
Bob S.
Pot Luck at the Alders' Home - Saturday July 19th
A wonderful report from Bob E:
(Photos have been updated to include those from Pat S, Margot R and Pat Strang)
It was a refreshing change to finally have some overcast skies with constant drizzle on Saturday for our Pot Luck get-together at the Alders. During the early afternoon as I was helping Curry put the boat in the water, it even rained for a while. The ugly weather brought a full two dozen FABACians out with the best from their respective kitchens. We spent an enjoyable afternoon under dark heavy clouds, sitting by the water chatting. Unfortunately it soon turned nice with the sun breaking out and the clouds dissipating. We responded to this unwelcome change in the weather by breaking out the water skis. I provided a few minutes entertainment by a letting myself be dragged across the water on my face. Not to be outdone, Gary and Curry took turns showing off their water ski skills by remaining upright as they zoomed around the lake, cutting arcs in the wake behind the boat.
We finally retired up to the balcony overlooking Kelly Creek for dinner. As is usual for our group, the food was spectacular. The conversation ran into the evening under darkening skies and we finally broke up as the clouds came back and a few raindrops were felt.
It was a relaxing afternoon with much fun and comradeship being shared. The food was, of course, an added bonus.
This would be the end of the article if not for my experience while driving home. I had one of those 'once-a-year-or-two' stirring drives. The kind of thing that makes owning an LBC so worthwhile. I headed onto the highway towards Freddy. Despite the heavy cloud cover and frequent rain drops, I'd put the top down. As I approached the city, the clouds began breaking up revealing a deep dark blue sky with streaks of red from the setting sun. A quick passage through the downtown to experience the smells, sights and sounds of a friendly and vibrant city's nightlife and I was on the Princess Margaret Bridge. The darkening sky was now streaked with clouds that took on the deep rich colours of the late twilight. Driving along the old Trans Canada following the river is always pleasant; tonight it was glorious. My only regret was that I was driving with the sunset at my back. I found myself constantly looking over my shoulder or overhead to enjoy the view. While rounding the the roads frequent curves, the day treated me to a startling parting gift...a rising full moon in brilliant orange!
Between watching the magnificent moon, and glancing back at the darkening sunset, I was hard pressed to pay attention to my driving. The XK motor made a lovely purr and the curvy sculpted bonnet reflected the moon and stars. The temperature was still balmy and I wanted to drive on all night.
It was truly an inspiring ending to what had been a terrific day.
Click on the photo below for photos from Pat S. and Margot R. and Pat Strang.
(Photos have been updated to include those from Pat S, Margot R and Pat Strang)
It was a refreshing change to finally have some overcast skies with constant drizzle on Saturday for our Pot Luck get-together at the Alders. During the early afternoon as I was helping Curry put the boat in the water, it even rained for a while. The ugly weather brought a full two dozen FABACians out with the best from their respective kitchens. We spent an enjoyable afternoon under dark heavy clouds, sitting by the water chatting. Unfortunately it soon turned nice with the sun breaking out and the clouds dissipating. We responded to this unwelcome change in the weather by breaking out the water skis. I provided a few minutes entertainment by a letting myself be dragged across the water on my face. Not to be outdone, Gary and Curry took turns showing off their water ski skills by remaining upright as they zoomed around the lake, cutting arcs in the wake behind the boat.
We finally retired up to the balcony overlooking Kelly Creek for dinner. As is usual for our group, the food was spectacular. The conversation ran into the evening under darkening skies and we finally broke up as the clouds came back and a few raindrops were felt.
It was a relaxing afternoon with much fun and comradeship being shared. The food was, of course, an added bonus.
This would be the end of the article if not for my experience while driving home. I had one of those 'once-a-year-or-two' stirring drives. The kind of thing that makes owning an LBC so worthwhile. I headed onto the highway towards Freddy. Despite the heavy cloud cover and frequent rain drops, I'd put the top down. As I approached the city, the clouds began breaking up revealing a deep dark blue sky with streaks of red from the setting sun. A quick passage through the downtown to experience the smells, sights and sounds of a friendly and vibrant city's nightlife and I was on the Princess Margaret Bridge. The darkening sky was now streaked with clouds that took on the deep rich colours of the late twilight. Driving along the old Trans Canada following the river is always pleasant; tonight it was glorious. My only regret was that I was driving with the sunset at my back. I found myself constantly looking over my shoulder or overhead to enjoy the view. While rounding the the roads frequent curves, the day treated me to a startling parting gift...a rising full moon in brilliant orange!
Between watching the magnificent moon, and glancing back at the darkening sunset, I was hard pressed to pay attention to my driving. The XK motor made a lovely purr and the curvy sculpted bonnet reflected the moon and stars. The temperature was still balmy and I wanted to drive on all night.
It was truly an inspiring ending to what had been a terrific day.
Click on the photo below for photos from Pat S. and Margot R. and Pat Strang.
First Photos are in from the PEI Event
(Click on Bob's Masterpiece above to see a larger version. Wow!)A smaller but no less enthusiastic group headed off on Friday morning following the traditional route along the back roads. For once, we had exchanged cell phone numbers, and basked secure in the knowledge that no matter how lost or broken one got, help would be close at hand. The Russells chose to head to our first stop via the Trans Canada, worried that the low suspension on the BMW would 'interface' with the bumpy back roads.
(Click here to read the rest of Bob's report.)
(As usual, click on the photo for lots more from Bob E)Phil O's Awesome Bike Trip
Phil O has never been one to sit around. To make up for being forced to for some time, he has had quite an adventure. Here's his e-mail to me:
Hi Dave:
I was recently reading the FABAC blog (or is it FABABAC now?) from out here on the Left Coast and see that I got a mention that I was back in commission after a freak bike accident last year. Not to be picky, but technically it wasn't a bike accident as I was not even touching the bike when I fell last August, tearing up the muscles, etc in my knee. That being said, I've recovered and just back in Chilliwack, BC from a nearly 8000 km tour through parts of northern British Columbia, Yukon and Alaska with my son on my other motorcycle. Great trip........awesome scenery, lots of gravel roads and wildlife, rain with some hail, did some camping, plenty of insects the size of helicopters and wonderful people.
The three Mt. Baker, WA photos were taken today (Friday) in the parking lot near Mt. Baker and show two really nice forms of transportation. The Mk. II Healey was in fantastic condition as was the Kawasaki Concours. The road was closed at this point as the snow was not yet cleared from the roadway.
Traffic was almost non-existent on the road today. The FABAC folks would love the 45 mile drive from Sumas, WA to the point where the photos were taken. There are two small towns that have nice restaurants for meeting/eating, LOTS of turns and quite a few one hundred eighty degree ones, with a steady climb for the last fifteen miles. There are no guardrails and in some sections the road has no shoulder with a drop-off of several hundred feet. A bit unnerving in several places on the bike.
I'm heading back to NB next Tuesday and hope to be at a meeting soon.
Regards
Phil
See more photos by clicking on this one:
Hi Dave:
I was recently reading the FABAC blog (or is it FABABAC now?) from out here on the Left Coast and see that I got a mention that I was back in commission after a freak bike accident last year. Not to be picky, but technically it wasn't a bike accident as I was not even touching the bike when I fell last August, tearing up the muscles, etc in my knee. That being said, I've recovered and just back in Chilliwack, BC from a nearly 8000 km tour through parts of northern British Columbia, Yukon and Alaska with my son on my other motorcycle. Great trip........awesome scenery, lots of gravel roads and wildlife, rain with some hail, did some camping, plenty of insects the size of helicopters and wonderful people.
The three Mt. Baker, WA photos were taken today (Friday) in the parking lot near Mt. Baker and show two really nice forms of transportation. The Mk. II Healey was in fantastic condition as was the Kawasaki Concours. The road was closed at this point as the snow was not yet cleared from the roadway.
Traffic was almost non-existent on the road today. The FABAC folks would love the 45 mile drive from Sumas, WA to the point where the photos were taken. There are two small towns that have nice restaurants for meeting/eating, LOTS of turns and quite a few one hundred eighty degree ones, with a steady climb for the last fifteen miles. There are no guardrails and in some sections the road has no shoulder with a drop-off of several hundred feet. A bit unnerving in several places on the bike.
I'm heading back to NB next Tuesday and hope to be at a meeting soon.
Regards
Phil
See more photos by clicking on this one:
Are Your Tires Safe?!!!
We should all be thankful to club member Tony S for this e-mail he sent to me:
"This just arrived earlier today (July 9/08) and tells a story of which I had not been aware. It seems to me that the matter of vehicle tire aging could be of special concern to FABAC members given the relatively brief use per year that the vehicles get coupled with the apparently safe storage over the ice-and-snow winter period. We take the cars out once good weather arrives and have fun with them thinking that all is OK, and maybe all isn't OK. Then too, tires in stock one place or another and indeed never used may have deteriorated over time, yet are sold as "brand new", when in fact they may be ticking time bombs close to the point of going off. In any event, take a look at the video - unless you know all about it and have already seen it, that is!
I Googled "Car tire failures due to age" and got many relevant hits. It seems this is a concern that's been hidden under the table for quite some time."
Click here: ABC News
"This just arrived earlier today (July 9/08) and tells a story of which I had not been aware. It seems to me that the matter of vehicle tire aging could be of special concern to FABAC members given the relatively brief use per year that the vehicles get coupled with the apparently safe storage over the ice-and-snow winter period. We take the cars out once good weather arrives and have fun with them thinking that all is OK, and maybe all isn't OK. Then too, tires in stock one place or another and indeed never used may have deteriorated over time, yet are sold as "brand new", when in fact they may be ticking time bombs close to the point of going off. In any event, take a look at the video - unless you know all about it and have already seen it, that is!
I Googled "Car tire failures due to age" and got many relevant hits. It seems this is a concern that's been hidden under the table for quite some time."
Click here: ABC News
St. Martins Run July 6/08
We've all heard it expressed at one time or an other that it "just doesn't get any better!" Well it just did. Over a dozen FABACians rallied from Woodstock, Saint John and Fredericton areas to travel the beautiful winding roads of southern NB to St. Martins. The driving was great, the hiking was great, our afternoon tea at Mrs. Brown's Tea Room was great. And the weather--it was great! Wow!
Thanks to Carolyn N for planning this wonderful excursion.
Click on the photo for more by Pat S and David N
Click on the photo for more by Pat S and David NRun to PEI from SAINT JOHN with USA guests
(Webmaster's note: I moved this interesting invitation from Ralph H. over from the forum so more would see it.)
Hi All,
An invitation to all interested to join Norm and his motley crew of English car fans from New England as they make their way to PEI for July 12th weekend show. A group of 5 to 10 cars will overnight at the spectacular Homeport B&B in Saint John and following a Spectacular breakfast will commence a spectacular drive through Southern New Brunswick to Shediac and on down the coast to the Bridge and PEI
Note sure of the route as of yet. Hopefully some of the local cars can join us for the run starting at Homeport Friday morning at 9 or 9:30.
We may try to plan a supper event and loop around the uptown for Thursday evening upon arrival.
All weather dependent of course and up to the whims of the group.
Ralph
672 7255
Hi All,
An invitation to all interested to join Norm and his motley crew of English car fans from New England as they make their way to PEI for July 12th weekend show. A group of 5 to 10 cars will overnight at the spectacular Homeport B&B in Saint John and following a Spectacular breakfast will commence a spectacular drive through Southern New Brunswick to Shediac and on down the coast to the Bridge and PEI
Note sure of the route as of yet. Hopefully some of the local cars can join us for the run starting at Homeport Friday morning at 9 or 9:30.
We may try to plan a supper event and loop around the uptown for Thursday evening upon arrival.
All weather dependent of course and up to the whims of the group.
Ralph
672 7255
Updated: How about a drive to St. Martins and a hike? - This Sunday
We have a dozen members so far for this run. Let us know if you want to join us.
If I have your e-mail correct in my database, you should have received a detailed letter from Carolyn N. If you didn't get it, you should let me know. Here's the gist of the message:
David and I are thinking of actually venturing out in our (that would be "my") LBC(little British car) on Sunday, July 6. Weather looks favourable at the moment!
I have done a little preliminary research on St. Martins and Fundy Trail and propose that we leave Fredericton, Tim Horton's, Exhibition Grounds at 9:00 a.m. We can have lunch in St. Martins (Cave View Family Restaurant) and then spend the afternoon exploring the Fundy Trail by car or by foot, depending on your preference (mine is foot in this case), or combination thereof. Options for walkers vary from easy, on the level to difficult. Daily permit for adults is $3 plus tax. There is a shuttle bus that operates hourly on the weekends so walkers can catch a ride back to their LBC from any point along the trail. No charge to permit holders. For more information and details visit: http://fundytrailparkway.com/welcome.htm
Checked on eating spots in St. Martins and found a new place that looked interesting: Mrs Brown's Tea Room: http://www.mrsbrownstearoom.com/Mrs._Brown_s_Tearoom.html
We will be dining there around 5:00 pm.
If I have your e-mail correct in my database, you should have received a detailed letter from Carolyn N. If you didn't get it, you should let me know. Here's the gist of the message:
David and I are thinking of actually venturing out in our (that would be "my") LBC(little British car) on Sunday, July 6. Weather looks favourable at the moment!
I have done a little preliminary research on St. Martins and Fundy Trail and propose that we leave Fredericton, Tim Horton's, Exhibition Grounds at 9:00 a.m. We can have lunch in St. Martins (Cave View Family Restaurant) and then spend the afternoon exploring the Fundy Trail by car or by foot, depending on your preference (mine is foot in this case), or combination thereof. Options for walkers vary from easy, on the level to difficult. Daily permit for adults is $3 plus tax. There is a shuttle bus that operates hourly on the weekends so walkers can catch a ride back to their LBC from any point along the trail. No charge to permit holders. For more information and details visit: http://fundytrailparkway.com/welcome.htm
Checked on eating spots in St. Martins and found a new place that looked interesting: Mrs Brown's Tea Room: http://www.mrsbrownstearoom.com/Mrs._Brown_s_Tearoom.html
We will be dining there around 5:00 pm.
PEI Travel Plan for July 11th
" Tally-Ho! Over The Bridge We Go "
Club members who would like to travel as a group gather at the Ramada Fredericton, 480 Riverside Dr. on Friday, July 11th.
We must leave at 9:AM.
Bob and Diane Earl will lead the charge via Route 105 South, then take Route 10 to McCready's Restaurant (Young's Cove) for our 1st rest stop.
Next we take Route 112 (Old F'ton Rd.) that comes out at the Irving Big Stop, Salisbury. (probably arriving around 10:45) for our 2nd rest stop, hopefully rendezvous with other members.
We then take Route 2 (new 4 lane) past Moncton- take exit 467B onto Route 15 (towards Shediac)
Next we take Exit 46 onto Jct. 133 to Cap-Pele and Fred's Restuarant for "lunch".
Then get back on Route 15 for a few miles and turn left onto Route 955 to Murray Corner ( scenic route ) Next turn left onto Route 16 to Confederation Bridge. After we cross the bridge we will stop at Borden Carleton and meet up with others heading for the car show.
We stay on Route 1 for a few miles, then turn left onto Route 13 and drive up through the lovely country side to New Glasgow, take a right turn on Route 258, drive a few miles, then left turn onto Route 6 toward North Rustico - (our destination)
Jim B.
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