?!!!

More to read here.

A Chuckle from Bob E.

Two guys are driving across North Africa in an E Type (OTS). They see an oasis with several tents beside the road. The driver says, ''I'm really thirsty - you speak Arabic, see if we can get some water over there.''

So the passenger goes to the first tent, and says, ''Do you have any water you could spare?'' The tent occupant says, ''No, we have cake here.'' He goes to the next tent, asks for water, and the reply is, ''No sorry, we have no water. Only custard.'' At the third tent, he is told, ''We don't have anything but jam.''

He goes back to the car, and the driver says, ''Didn't you get any water?'' To which he replies, ''They don't have any water. It's a trifle bazaar.''

(American readers can request an explanation.)

Lorraine's Annual Music Party

Jim and Lorraine have invited FABACians to be part of their annual event "Lorraine's Annual Music Party" at their place on the evening of Dec 30 starting at 6pm.

Finger food will be provided. This is a BYOB.

Christmas Greetings the LBC Way

Thanks to Phil O for sending these along:

Good Times at the FABAC Christmas Party

I don't even want to ask what is going on here!!!

Photos from Vic D. here.
Photos from Pat Sw. here.
Photos from Ellie here.

My! My! My! If pictures are worth a thousand words, we do not need a written report on this event!  ;-)

Ho Ho Ho…. Calling all FABACians to the Christmas Party

The party promises to be a good one.  We have 30 plus folks who have told us they are attending.  The food will be great as usual.  There will also be our first annual “Reindeer Games”.  The traditional Yankee Swap will follow the potluck.  Bring your Santa hat and join us for the fun!!!   

- Vic and Heather


This is what the spread looked like last year:

BMAPEI has lost a beautiful friend this week.

Richard "Dick" McGlinchey passed away very recently.


This from Sandy and Bob Bentley:
     We will miss Dick's friendship and support. Despite his increasing discomfort, he managed to make the run to the wine festival with us last August and despite having the fastest car, he willingly agreed to ride caboose in the convoy!
     Dick was a model of grace and even under the duress of disease, he always found time to visit and brighten the day for all.

The family has scheduled a public memorial service on Monday, December 28th at 4:00pm at the St. James Church is West Covehead, PEI.

Obituary here

Photos Wanted for a British Invasion Wall at Local Restaurant

     Curry had an interesting discussion with Paul Porter, owner of Porter's Diner on the Hanwell Road. He is interested in receiving photographs of classic cars suitable for enlarging and displaying on a wall in his restaurant just to the right of the main entrance as you enter.
     So, if you have a nice high quality photo of your car (with or without you in it) the plan is to attach it to an e-mail along with a message that it is for Porter's Diner. Send it to info@bateslaminating.com. They will print a copy and send it along to Paul Porter.
     Sounds like a great idea, and a nice spot for us to congregate some time in the new year.

Here's what Curry has sent. Not too shabby!

Tired of your old car? Try this one!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-jHFT1X1JDI&feature=player_embedded
(Thanks to Curry)

FABAC Christmas Party

Who? All FABAC members
What? A great pot-luck party with lots of wonderful people, food and fun
Where? Heather and Vic's home at 295 Deerwood Drive
When? December 11 at 6:00p.m.
Why? You need to ask?!

Details: Phone Heather to indicate what you are bringing for pot luck - 459-7702
Also RSVP as a courtesy to our fine hosts.
Yankee Swap: Bring a wrapped gift (value no more than $10) if you wish to participate in this fun part of the evening.
Check here for more details as we close in on the 11th.

Nice On-line Magazine -- Interesting Healey Article

http://www.sportscardigest.com/austin-healey-endurance-speed-record-attempt-photo-gallery/

Christmas in the Village 2009

     On  November 28th, David and Margo R. led a flotilla of FABACians along a rain-soaked route to Gagetown for the annual "Christmas In the Village" event. No LBCs though! 

     Following the backroads route along the river, it wasn't long before the group joined the many hundreds of visitors to the village. All the stores were doing a brisk business as was the Boot Pub, a favourite with some club members.

     Later, the group of 12 moved on to Evandale Resort restaurant for an early evening meal. Conviviality and excellent food combined for a thoroughly good time, a precursor to the Christmas season. 

John B.

Thanks to Ellie for the photo record of this event.
Click here for more photos.

More on Miata Hard Tops, or, Truth really is stranger than fiction.....

Replying to the question of "Why people would drive their Miata on a beautiful day with the top raised?", Greg Burkhart suggested that perhaps they "Didn't know the hard top (or convertible top) was removable."
Believe it or not, it's not an urban legend. It actually happened! Gary Fischman got the story from Jim Rothschild at West German Mazda in Fort Washington, PA and printed it in the Del-Val newsletter. The story goes like this:

Jim got a call from a man who owned a Miata and was considering trading it in. He wanted to know about how much it would be worth. after given the approximate value, the man asked how much it would have been worth if it were a convertible. Jim explained to the man that ALL Miatas were convertibles. The man then confidently told Jim that, no, that wasn't true. He bought his Miata used three years ago and it's definitely a hardtop. Jim finally convinced the man and was met with a long silence. Finally the man exclaimed "You mean to tell me that I've been driving this car for three years and didn't know it was a convertible?

Christmas in the Village and Dinner at Evandale Resort

Date:  Saturday, November 28th

Departure:  Leave the Ramada at 12:00 and drive directly to the Village of Gagetown.  Those that wish can grab a bite to eat while in Gagetown on their own.

We will rendezvous at the Irving in Gagetown at approximately 4:00 then head to Evandale with dinner reservations for 5pm.
NOTE: Reservations are definitely required so confirmation of attendance should be made either with a comment on the website or by contacting Margot & David Russell directly at 450-3966 or jboat@nbnet.nb.ca before Thursday Nov. 26th.

Looking to Borrow a Hardtop for a Miata

Does anyone know someone who has a 1998 to 2004 Miata that has a hardtop they would lend for a weekend? I know someone who needs one to use on a second-hand Miata he bought down in the States that doesn't have any top. November has been good weather, but one can't count on it staying that way forever.
BTW, this guy is very particular about things so misuse or damage would definitely not be an issue.
Let me know.

Beautiful Art Images of Beautiful Autos

www.yeeeeee.com
(Thanks to Phil O.)

If you ever owned a VW, watch this!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AcB5-jSqdH0
Thanks to Vic for sending it along.

Report on FABAC Meeting Nov. 18/09 by Bob E.

     You all know what I'm going to mention first so if you don't want your face rubbed in it, please skip to the second paragraph. Ha!...a world's first!  Jaguars actually outnumbered all other LBCs at the November dinner.  All of two of us brought our cars, with one having the top down.  Only two you say!?  Everyone else has put their cars away for the winter so this wasn't much of a feat.  Until the salt trucks are out, we'll be driving 'em!
     A whopping 40 folks crowded into the Swiss Chalet on Prospect Wednesday evening.  We had people from half the province...Saint John to Woodstock.  Several small scuffles broke out over tables and Gary had to take charge by shouting everyone down.  Dave and Carolyn bragged about their recent trip to Greece.  They had great flights, great weather, and LOTS of great food.
     The hot topic was the impending Christmas party.  Heather-n-Vic Dunphy have offered us their house to trash on the 11th of December. It will be pot luck with a Yankee swap.  Please contact Heather at 459-7702 with your intended dish so that we don't wind up with 24 pots of stew.

I have tried!

I have tried to keep this FABAC website(blog) just about our club, cars, eating, and related topics. With Robbie H's last e-mail to me, I have broken down and have added the following fab url for any Beatle fans out there. Just about every song they ever sang is there with music and lyrics so you can sing along. Plenty of other stuff too. So, forgive me, and please do not tempt me with any other great sites--I already know of a few dozen hundred thousand million, and really don't want any more.
http://www.beatlestube.net/

Robbie also sent along a car (even British!) site for you on-line Christmas shoppers:
Holden Vintage and Classic Ltd.

This might tickle your funny bone. :-)

LONDON LAWYER V GLASGOW COP
A London lawyer runs a stop sign and gets pulled over by a Glasgow copper.
He thinks that he is smarter than the cop because he is a lawyer from LONDON and is certain that he has a better education then any Jock cop. He decides to prove this to himself and have some fun at the Glasgow cops expense!!
Glasgow cop says, 'Licence and registration, please.'
London Lawyer says, 'What for?'
Glasgow cop says, 'Ye didnae come to a complete stop at the stop sign.'
London Lawyer says, 'I slowed down, and no one was coming.'
Glasgow cop says, 'Ye still didnae come to a complete stop. Licence and registration, please.'

A fascinating old documentary from MG

Thanks to Joe H. for finding this one.

FABAC Meeting

Our next meeting will be held Wednesday, November 18th at 6:00 p.m. at the Swiss Chalet on Prospect Street. This will be an important meeting for finalizing details for our Christmas party since no decisions have been made at this point.

Need brake cylinder work?

These guys seem to know what they are doing.
(submitted by Earl S.)

Busy Bs

   After months of searching, Robert Hoag finally located a rare left hand threaded fibble-flabble for his MGB.  The seller, a clever gent, insisted that the rest of not one but two cars, accompany the sale. This was of course, a cheap shot at getting his yard cleared of the decades old car clutter.  Not one to say no to a friend in need, I went along to help on Saturday.  The first car was in a garage and was little trouble to move.  The two trailers full of parts was another story as was the separate engine and gearbox (complete with overdrive!).  These where all manhandled into (then out of) the trailer.  Sunday was a beautiful day and under blue skies with balmy temperatures we pushed, pulled, ratcheted (and kicked) the other car from its hole in the ground.  Astute viewers will note the strap around the middle of the car.  This was to keep the doors closed as they were structurally integral to the car.  We had discovered that while jacking the car up, only the front part moved.  We also found a rear wheel with seized brakes.  Eventually both cars where deposited in the Hoag's garage where they will be stripped.  After all this, we still had time to take our respective LBCs for a drive in the unusually warm November sunshine.
  Bob Earl


Photos are here

Very interesting

Who's going to be the first in the club to get one?
Powder coating just got easier and cheaper!
http://www.amazon.com/Craftsman-17288-Powder-Coating-System/dp/B001TEW8SS
- Bob E.

"Who's sorry now?!"

 Bet'cha thought that it was time to put yer LBC away didn't'cha?  It was gettin' cold and the leaves had all turned an ugly brown.
   Then today happened.
WOW!  Sixteen warm degrees!  I was able to get out with the top down and didn't even need my gloves and hat.  Sure it was a little blowy and gray and overcast but who cared?!
  Bet'cha yer all sorry now eh?
- Bob E.

Lots of Photos from the Cumberland Bay Run

Looks like a great gathering of new and old FABAC members. Wow!

Pictures from Stephen can be found here.
Pictures from Pat Strang can be found here.
Pictures from Pat Sweet can be found here.

 

Interesting Site

Oh great!, NOW I'll never get off the net!
http://www.autobody101.com/
The forums are spectacular.
- Bob E.

FABAC Meeting Report

 A noisy group assembled at Mama's Pub and Eatery on Wednesday evening.  Good thing too! It was pretty loud in there.  Gary shouted everyone down and thanked the Sweets for the St. Andrews run a few weeks ago.  It was (of course) a success.  A call for Christmas party ideas was put out.  This will be discussed in more detail in November.

The Octoberfest run is scheduled for this upcoming Sunday with good weather in the forecast.  This will likely be the last outing for the LBCs and we're all hoping for a good turnout.  Bob Earl whined that he has not received any entries for the Bug Splat contest.  There's even a prize!  Everyone was reminded about Christmas in the Village coming in November.  This event is always fun and well attended, even if we have to drive the BEDCs.  Watch for breaking news right here.  


Bob Laroche offered the use of his new car trailer for transporting cars (or large parts thereof).  Rental is negotiable but will generally consist of beer.  The next meeting will be held at the Swiss Chalet on Prospect St. on the 18th of November.   (A beer is proffered for the first person to decipher 'BEDC'.)


Bob E.

FABAC Meeting

Mama's Pub on Brookside Drive on Wednesday, October 21. 6:00 p.m.
Sorry I won't be with you as Carolyn and I will just be arriving in Fredericton from Athens. It was nice while it lasted. :-)

Oompah! Oompah!

Oktoberfest Dinner
Pioneer Lodge Cumberland Bay
Sunday 25th October

When: Depart Ramada Inn at 2:00 and dinner at 4:00 PM, Sunday October 25th, 2009 (rain or shine)

Where: http://www.Pioneer-Lodge.com

Name that car!

Ain't British, but pretty darn rare.
Submitted by Earle S.

St. Andrews Run

Under slightly foggy, cool and cloudy conditions, at the appointed hour of 10 am (well actually maybe a few minutes late), 8 FABAC cars and 15 members set our course for St. Andrews. The route through the rolling hills of Hanwell to the Harvey rendezvous point offered up spectacular fall colours to please the eye. At Harvey, we were joined by two more cars, Alex from Nackawic and Bob and Ann from Woodstock. Shortly after resuming our journey the skies cleared and we continued on under brilliant sunshine for the remainder of the drive. Upon arrival in St. Andrews, we were greeted by a parade of fire engines with their sirens wailing as we drove down Water Street. It was a fitting welcome for our small troupe (er... actually it was the start of Fire Prevention Week and we just got caught up in the traffic).

Interesting Site

This from Earle S:
http://www.eastkilbridenews.co.uk/lifestyle/motoring-car-news/2009/09/30/best-in-badge-engineering-68653-24825440/

St. Andrews Run

Looks like a good turnout and a beautiful day.



Thanks to David and Margot for the photo and this email:
Here is an auspicious crowd at Georgiana's in St. Andrews this afternoon. It was a great, if cool, October day. We didn't see as many antiquities in St. Andrews as you have seen in Greece but they did have real teacups.

Wow! #2

This isn't McAdam, but just a little shot from Greece. Tell me what it is and win a prize.


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Wow!

I didn't know that this aerial shot was even taken when we were assembled at the McAdam Railway Station. Please fill us in on the details, Curry.


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October 3rd Run to St. Andrews

Departure time: 10:00 rain or shine.
Departure place: Tim Horton's Hanwell Road

Important update:
We have chosen Georgianna’s Tea Room (English style tea room) for our dining experience. The address is 140 Water Street. Apparently they accept the regular types of payment; cash, debit and credit card. The fare is tea room style with added dishes like salads, soup and sandwiches, quiches, pot-pies, etc. It sounds great! And by the way, the owner of the establishment is searching for a British taxi if you or anyone you know of is aware of one for sale.

Route: Depart Tim's and drive via route 640, then Route 3 to Harvey. 15 minute break and regroup. Follow Route 3 to Lawrence Stn, then Route 127 to St. Andrews. Proceed to Tourist Bureau for 15 minute break. Then it's off to the restaurant (to be named later) for lunch at 12:30. After lunch, proceed to Kiwanis Park to take photographs, etc. Members are free to explore/shop or whatever after photo session.

Since we require numbers for the restaurant reservation, please indicate your intention to attend by leaving a comment in the facility provided at the bottom of this article.

Pat and Bob S

Tools Explained

This was passed on from Earl S:

HAMMER: Originally employed as a weapon of war, the hammer now days is used as a kind of divining rod to locate expensive boat parts not far from the object we are trying to "adjust". Available in a variety of sizes, which is typically chosen based on the amount of time you have already wasted attempting to "solve a problem". Available with a head made of steel, plastic, brass or hard rubber. As a side note, only the steel head has a practical use, no logical use for the other materials has ever been discovered. Some models equipped with the fly away head option. AKA "Ford Wrench", "BFH", "Wound Inflicting Hammer"

RAZOR KNIFE: Used to open and slice through the contents of cardboard cartons delivered to your front door; works particularly well on boxes containing boat covers and bimini tops.

ELECTRIC HAND DRILL: Used for spinning steel pop rivets in their hole until you die of old age. Some larger models are capable of turning the users wrist in amazing directions never before imagined just as the bit starts to break through the material you’re drilling.

Oktoberfest Run Oct. 25th

When: Depart Ramada Inn at 2:00 and dinner at 4:00 PM, Sunday October 25th, 2009 (rain or shine)

Where: http://www.Pioneer-Lodge.com Cumberland Bay
What: FABAC Oktoberfest run and German dinner
Menu: 3 course dinner for $25 per person plus tax.

A choice of the following:
Starter:
A: Soup (with breads)
OR
B: Salad

Entrees:
A. Huhunerbrust – Chicken Breast (In a creamy sauce of mushrooms with spatzle or rice. )
OR
B. Schnitzel - Breaded Pork – vegetables fried or mash potatoes.

Dessert:
A: Praline parfait with a puree of raspberries
OR
B: Cheese Cake

Tea or coffee included.

RSVP by October 21st:
Do you want to attend? Yes ( ) or No ( )
Which main course do you want? A ( ) or B( )
Which dessert do you want? A ( ) or B( )

Please respond to Jim B topside@nb.sympatico.ca

Phil sends this bit of humour

Five Germans in an Audi Quattro arrive at the Italian border.
The Italian Customs agent stops them and tells them: "It'sa illegala to putta 5 people in a Quattro."
"Vot do you mean it'z illegal?" asks the German driver.
"Quattro meansa four" replies the Italian official.
"Qvattro is just ze name of ze automobile", the Germans retort unbelievingly.
"Look at ze papers: zis car is designt to kerry 5 persons."
"You can'ta pulla thata one on me!", replies the Italian customs agent.
"Quattro meansa four. You hava fivea people ina your car and you are thereforea breaking the law."
The German driver replies angrily, "You idiot! Call your zupervisor over, I vant to speak to somevone viz more intelligence!"
"Sorry", responds the Italian official, "he can'ta come. He'sa busy with 2 guys in a Fiat Uno.

Travellin' Phil O with great experiences at Targa Newfoundland

Hi Dave:
Just back from sixteen days on The Rock, nine of them touring most of Newfoundland by bike and seven of them traveling with Targa Newfoundland as part of the Stage Operations Crew. I worked the Flying Finish, running the Rally Timing Clock. Got to see the Targa Cars often coming past at full chat!  The Grand Touring cars often approched the finish very slowly, sometimes stopping so as not to break out.  Fantastic experience!

Lots of minis racing, both old and new, a Sunbeam Tiger and a 1953 Healy 100 (photo attached).  Some links if you are interested.

http://www.targanewfoundland.com/
(The Healey)
(A Nissan GTR driven by Steve Millen)
Wikipedia entry on Steve Millen

Daily Gleaner article on Bridget the Midget

In case you missed it, check here for a limited time.

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(If all goes well, I may be able to keep our FABAC website going while Carolyn and I are in Greece over the next three weeks. That will depend on how accessible the Internet is there. I will be checking my email from time to time as well, so don't hesitate to send me items to be posted. I'm not sure whether or not I will be able to post photographs that you send me, but we'll see.)

The fabulous British Invasion at Stowe, VT

Intrepid Fabacians, Curry and Sherry Alders (A-H 3000), Terry and Karen Johnston (Triumph TR3A), Bob and Donna Grant (A-H 3000) and John and Shirley Ann Bowles (MGB) drove to Stowe, Vermont last week through fog, cold and then sunshine to attend the 10th annual "British Invasion" event.

And what a stunning show it was with over 650 participants, including 20 concours d'elegance entries and scores of representative makes and models. MG, Triumph, Jaguar, Lotus, TVR, Rolls Royce, Bentley, Aston Martin, Austin-Healey, Lea Francis, Rover, Land Rover, Morgan, Humber, they were all there in one form or another.

Best of Show in the concours was a 1932 J2 MG was so perfect that the judges could hardly fault it. A popular People's Choice entry was an ex-British Army "Desert Rats" Land Rover complete with mounted machine guns, and an E-type Jaguar painted in red, white and blue.

Dinner at the famous Michael's On The Hill restaurant just outside Stowe was another highlight of the trip. The group of eight was joined by Robbie Hogg who had made the trip (not in his MGB!) in a day instead of two.

Warm, sunny weather throughout the show as well as the drive back to Fredericton meant top down motoring all the way. All agreed this was a show not be missed and FABAC should encourage a serious number of members to attend next year's 20th anniversary event.

Best,

John

In case you aren't getting enough car shows...

Earl S. sends these sites along for your enjoyment:

Brits in the Ozarks 2009

Another car show.

Al T. must have been to the Bronte Creek British Car Show

Maybe you can tell us a bit more, Al.

We're starting to hear from the Stowe travellers

Rob H. sent along these photos for an early tease.

A question for knowledgeable MGB owners

From David Blagrave:

Redoing front end of the MG. One side kingpin and stub axle bushings still really good but other side needs the old bushings pressed out and the new bushings, which I have, pressed in. They then need reaming to fit. Moss has a special tool but pricey. Anyone done this, or had it done and where? Thanks.
P.S. In Saint John area but willing to travel!

Notes on the FABAC Meeting September 16th

On Wednesday, September 16th, about 30 FABAC members met at East Side Mario's in the Corbett Centre for our regular monthly meeting. As usual, there was much good cheer and animated conversation as people caught up with the latest on each other's lives.

David N once again initiated a "What's in the bag?" contest with the winner being bestowed with a liquid refreshment compliments of John Bo.

Prez Gary welcomed all present and called the meeting to order. First on the agenda, Gary (on behalf of he and Barb) thanked all those who turned out for the Nackawic picnic and dessert run on Sunday past. It was a great success as is attested to by the wonderful photographs elsewhere on the site.

Roy and Bridget Update

A number of our FABAC members joined Roy at the Comfort Inn after our regular Wednesday night club meeting to hear fascinating stories of floods in Australia, mortar fire in Pakistan and earthquakes in South America. Roy spent Thursday talking with Heather from the Gleaner and Alison and Shawn from the CBC. Our Jim B. and yours truly were on hand to escort and provide interesting options especially in the video taping by Ed of the CBC. Maybe you caught it on the TV broadcast Thursday evening. Gary, who was instrumental in setting up that part of the media coverage, may be able to obtain a digital copy of the final product for those of us who haven't seen it.

Roy and his MG Midget spent the waning hours of the day at the Thursday night Show and Shine at the Home Depot parking lot--a beautiful day for all our activities.

I encourage all FABACians to go to Roy's website and make a donation to UNICEF. All proceeds go to UNICEF as the travel costs are all looked after from other sources.

This set of photos is a behind the scene record of Roy and Bridget facing the media.

FABAC Meeting Wednesday September 16th at East Side Mario's (6:00 p.m.)

I received this email from Trish Adams in Ottawa. I think we should discuss this at our Wednesday meeting:

Hello, David, and all British Car Enthusiasts in la belle New Brunswick:

I'm a member of the MG club here in Ottawa, and would like to pass on information about a guy we met with earlier this week. His name is Roy Locock, and he is driving his MG Midget (who's name is ..... yes, you've guessed it - Bridget!) around the world to raise money and awareness for UNICEF. He doesn't have any sponsors or support crew, but he does have a whacky sense of humour and a a wealth of interesting tales to tell. I'm not sure exactly where he is now, but yesterday he was in Montreal and planning to head for Quebec today. His expected route takes him up around the Gaspe Penninsular, then through New Brunswick to Nova Scotia, arriving in Halifax some time on September 20. This is the end of the road for their world tour, and Bridget will be shipped back to Liverpool shortly thereafter for the short drive back to Oxford, where it all started over a year ago.

Today in racing history: Sept. 14, 1904: Birth of the Craziest Road Race Ever

I'm sure John can tell us a bit more about this Isle of Man Tourist Trophy.

Update on Roy and Bridget-the-Midget's World Tour

If you read my earlier post, you know that Roy Locock is nearing the completion of a round-the-world trip in his MG Midget. I have encouraged him to amend his itinerary to include Fredericton, which, by the looks of things now, he feels he will be able to do. Although he won't be able to be here for our Wednesday meeting, he is aiming for some time on Thursday. Since he is raising money for UNICEF through this adventure, I was thinking that we could do all or some of the following:

• Meet Roy and find out what kind of person would purposely choose to travel further than 200 miles from home in an MG Midget.
• Hear a tale or two from Roy--I'm sure he has a few.
• Give him a good Maritime welcome. (and a few spare parts if he needs them) ;-)
• Organize some media attention for his cause.
• Do a little internal club fund raising for UNICEF.
• Eat!
• Other suggestions? Please leave comments with your thoughts.

Gary, anything CBC might be able to do to either cover Roy's adventure or his cause, or a combo including a bit about FABAC?

Does anyone have a good connection with the Gleaner or Telegraph Journal that might want to do something on this story? Johanna?

The Picnic Photos Keep Rollin' In

I was going to write a thousand words, and then I realized that a picture is worth just that.

So, in a few words, may I say a tremendous thanks to Barb and Gary for organizing what could well be the event of the year. The weather cooperated despite shaky forecasts; the route was excellent and took us onto some seldom-travelled roads; the picnic was outstanding; the desserts were beyond any FABACian's wildest dreams; and an outstanding number of members were able to take in all of this.

Thanks to Jill for the excellent companionship. Carolyn takes over again now. Someone has to look after the seniors in our club. Which reminds me, did anyone find a dark brown glasses case with glasses inside? I skillfully managed to lose them.

Now, here are photos galore for your viewing pleasure. Please use the comments section to add to anything I have said.

Photos by yours truly are here.

Photos by Stephen W. are here.

Photos by Margot are here.

Photos by Ellie are here.

Send me your photos and they can go here.

Picnic/Dessert Tour Sunday Sept. 13th

Barb and I have planned a Picnic/Dessert Tour for this Sunday Sept 13, so we can get out and do the things we all enjoy--touring, socializing and most of all eating.

The overall idea is to tour the country roads of Hanwell, Harvey and York Mills getting the first glimpses of turning leaves while winding our way to Nackawic. We'll stop there for for our picnic lunch somewhere near the "World's Largest Axe" and close to the beautiful Saint John River. I'm pretty sure there's a small park there with picnic tables. If not a blanket on the grass will do just fine. Might be a good idea to bring your lawn chairs.

Once we've had a leisurely lunch we will drive back to our place for a pot luck dessert.

The details:

• Depart Smythe St. Super Store at 10am. If needed we'll stop at Subway on Prospect for those who have not packed a picnic lunch. I checked and Subway is open at that time.
• We'll drive out Hanwell Rd and onto Harvey for our first pit stop. From there we'll pick up the back route from York Mills and tour Magaguadavic via Route 635. We'll pick the old TCH at Prince William and drive to Nackawic.
• After lunch we'll depart and drive back to our place via the old river route 105, cross the Mactaquac dam and head to Mazerolle Settlement for dessert.

Please let us know if you plan to attend. Just put your name(s) in a comment.

Tks,

Gary

Yikes!

I just noticed on Mike's original photo that the axe is very close to chopping that Mini. Here's a little Photoshopping to show just how strong they made those little Minis. :-)

Doe--a deer--a female deer!!! A report on the "Evandale and Beyond" run

Well, actually two deer tried to ruin a perfect day by deciding to run, one behind the other, across the road in the dark between me and a car ahead of me on the west end of the Ring Road just a little before 9:00 p.m. Dark! The first deer timed it perfectly--the second obviously wanted to be the hood ornament on Carolyn's TR6. The screech of all four Vredestein tires caused her to glance my way in bewilderment. I can claim, without any stretch, that it is not possible to come any closer to hitting a deer than we did tonight. I'll check tomorrow to see if there are any hairs near the front right fender.

Other than that, the day was perfect. Posting our intentions by e-mail to travel and eat brought out nine club cars. The most remarkable participant was Alex who lives in Nackawic, who was enjoying a leisurely Sunday morning in his pajamas when he thought he would check his e-mail. He went from pajamas at noon, to Fredericton by 1:00 p.m., which leads me to suggest: Alex, those posted speed limits are kilometres/hour, not miles/hour!!

Thanks to Jim B. for his admirable leadership. We drove some mighty nice roads with spectacular vistas that only NB could claim. The Evandale Resort was too full to accommodate us, so we travelled on to the "Up to Par" restaurant in Midland.

Oh yes, and we ate well indeed.

Photos by yours truly here.

Photos like this one by Margot here.

Some times things just happen.

Carolyn and I were sitting and chatting with Ellie and Jim at their beautiful home when one of them remarked that a couple of familiar cars just drove by. Jim said that the Saint Johners were going to come up some day. Sure enough, Sue & Barry and Kim & Terry arrived to make our visit a mini FABAC get-together. What a pleasant surprise! We talked cars and food and generally enjoyed the weather and the day.

And Ellie snapped some photos.

Wondering what to do this Sunday?

Jim B. and I have a plan. Let's go for a drive down the beautiful St. John River and take in the buffet at the Inn at Evandale. Great price: around $14-15 covers everything.

We'll leave from the new Tim Hortons up on the Hanwell at 1:00 p.m.

We'll meander to Gagetown; maybe have a cup of tea.

Then continue along the river road working up an appetite. Eat fairly early and return to Fredericton.

Why not join us? Can't waste these beautiful days. :-)

Automotive scam

Joe passes on this interesting tidbit:

Just thought I would pass this along about Zmax, that Carol Shelby promotes strongly. Apparently the three Zmax (engine, transmission and fuel) are all just mineral oil with colour added.

Link to the court case

Beat the Heat Coastal Run

"Veni; Vidi; ..." - We came; we saw; we ate! :-)

Taking advantage of the glorious weather, Pat and Joe H, Stephen W, Carolyn and David N travelled to St. Andrews to take in the famous cuisine at the Rossmount Inn. We arrived in time early in the afternoon to have a leisurely stroll down Water Street; tea, blueberry scones, toasted English muffins with strawberry preserves around 3:30; another leisurely stroll and then off to the Inn. Carolyn had determined earlier that there was a mountain trail with a view at the top. Arriving at the Inn around 5:00 gave us plenty of time to tramp up the mountain, take some photos, catch our breath and be back down for our reservation at 6:00.

Pat and David chatted with the chef who was out in the garden picking some fresh herbs and things. He recommended the halibut and the lobster so... we had halibut and lobster! Since he also recommended the crème brûlée, Pat had that, Joe had a peach/blueberry dessert, C and D had an almond meringue/ice cream/chocolate dessert and we relished it all in traditional FABAC fashion.

A brisk drive home under the light of a full moon and a dazzling Jupiter, and we all admitted that we had done the right thing with our day.

Warning: viewing these photos may induce feelings of hunger, regret or envy.

What?! No pictures of British cars?!!!

Rossmount Inn Restaurant

Update: It looks like we have a couple of cars joining us. We'll meet at 1:00 p.m. at the parking lot at the south end of the Mactaquac Dam. It's going to be hot in Freddie and cool in St. Andrews. Yippee!

Carolyn and I have long wanted to have a meal at the highly recommended restaurant at Rossmount Inn in St. Andrews. We have made reservations for ourselves for Thursday evening 6:00 p.m. We were told that there are still spaces available and presently a large table if anyone would like to join us for a bit of a feast. I understand that the restaurant is a kind of a ***** (five star) $$ a bit pricey place with fabulous menu of in-season local food.

We plan to leave Keswick Ridge area around 2:30 or 3:00 so that we can take in a little trail on their property and loaf a bit as well.

If you are interested in joining us for the drive, or for both the drive and meal, make your reservations with them at 529-3351 and let them know you will be with the Nielsens. E-mail me to let me know, and we'll settle on a meeting time and place.

Cheers,

David

fiddler2@gmail.com

A Report on the Cornhill Run August 30/2009

Cloudy skies and unseasonal temperatures didn't put off some 30 FABACians from enjoying a wonderful tour yesterday (30 August) to the Sussex area of New Brunswick. With top downs, engines a-revving and a willingness to really enjoy their cars, the members left the Ramada in Fredericton to head out along Highway105.

Along the way, Bob and Dianne E (Jag XKE) and Rob and Nettie H (with visiting friends from Newfoundland) joined the convoy. After a stop at McCready's, the tour now led by Jim and Ellie Bleakney, continued along the four-lane to the Havelock turn-off and eventually to the Cornhill Nursery in Cornhill.

After a 45-minute stop here to see the huge variety of plants, shrubs and trees for sale, the group, now joined by members from Saint John, continued to tour along rolling, winding back roads to the Gasthof Old Bavarian Restaurant in Knightville. Here everyone was treated to a gastronomic feast of traditional Bavarian food - and wine and beer!! A truly delightful ending to a tour with a difference. The drive back (at least for the Fredericton folks) along Highway 10 included a spectacular sunset. What a day and not a single mechanical breakdown!!

- John B.

Tons of photos from Stephen here.

A completely different angle from Pat Sw. here.

Yet another poke in the eye for Lucas

Submitted by Bob E.

http://www.mez.co.uk/lucas.html

Tour Confirmed for Sunday 30th August

A tour led by John Bowles and Jim Bleakney to Cornhill Nurseries and the Gasthof Old Bavarian Restaurant in the beautiful Kennebecasis River area of New Brunswick will start from the Ramada Hotel, Fredericton at 1.30 pm on Sunday, 30th August, rain or shine.

With rest stops along the way, it will involve some of the most attractive countryside and paved side roads the province has to offer. The Gasthof is renowned for its good food at fair prices. We expect to arrive there by 5.00 p.m. when FABACians from the Saint John area may wish to rendezvous.

The tour arrangement was confirmed at our last monthly supper meeting when some 20 people (10 cars) agreed to participate.

An important addendum: Please note the Gasthof Restaurant DOES NOT accept credit or debit cards, only cash or cheques. Be prepared accordingly.

- John B.

Remember the Owl's Head Museum?

Several FABACians remember the rainy weekend we went to the Owl's Head Museum. We had a great weekend but admit to getting wet.

Dennis reminds me that the yearly auction has taken place and some interesting cars sold at sometimes reasonable price. Check it out here.

It's been 50 years!

The Austin Mini milestone. Read about it here.

Thanks to Earl S. for this link.

Stephen's Cross Canada Trip

Click here to see more interesting cars.

From Stephen W:

As I travelled across the country this summer I took a number of pictures of British and other exotic cars. I thought club members might like to see them. The group of cars that show up in three photos are the Saskatchewan British Auto Club touring through the Rockies around Banff.

Stephen

And I thought I had a blower fan problem!!!

This from Earl S:

Garden Visit

Click here for a few nice photos from Pat Sw. of Heather and Vic's pretty splendid garden.

Other Clubs having fun

I received an email from Joe H:

Just passing along a link to some photos that were taken at a BATANS event at the farm of a friend of mine in Nova Scotia. The highlight was the "how many in a mini" contest--the women won 14 to 10. The three in the trunk was cheating a little in my opinion.
Joe

Check it out here.

FABAC in the Garden Tuesday, Aug.25

This just in from Heather C-D:

FABACians interested in gardens and gardening are invited to see our gardens on August 25. We will meet the group at Porter's Diner (formerly Fred's Pancake House) on the Hanwell Road (Route 640) at 6:45pm. For those who want to come directly to the house, continue 3.9km out the Hanwell from Porters. Turn right onto Deerwood Drive. Come 2.9km in Deerwood. Our house # 295 is on the left. It is a dark brown log home. There is plenty of room to park.

I've included several pics taken this week. See you Tuesday.

Heather

Just when I thought I had seen just about everything...

...Earl S. brings this site to my attention: thereifixedit.com

More human ingenuity than you'll ever see in a lifetime! Put aside a bit of time to explore the range of 'fixes' this site has to offer.

Notes and Photos from August Meeting

Thanks to Bob S. for his work in so promptly preparing this report:

Twenty seven FABACians found their way to Ringo's Restaurant last evening for our August meeting. And, a lively meeting it was! Lots of business to take care of mixed in with much chatter and laughter.

(For the rest of Bob's fine report including upcoming events, please go to our FABAC Focus website.

- David)

Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance

http://editorial.autos.msn.com/photogallery.aspx?cp-documentid=1085316

Sent in by Earl S.

FABAC Meeting Wednesday, August 19th

It's that time again–eating and meeting. This time we are at Ringo's at the top of Smythe Street across the street from the mall, 6:00 p.m.

Lots to talk about. See you there.

Wear your badges. I have a few that were requested that I will bring along with me. If you need one, let me know.

Another FABAC Quiz

(Click on the image if you want a larger version.)

"It's pretty easy to figure out what the car is, but why does she look like this? I'll buy a beer for whomever comes up with the first correct answer. And no, Joe, you're not allowed to answer."

Bob