British Motoring Festival Report from Bob E.

       Three groups made their separate ways to Windsor. Two cars headed off early in the week to visit Cape Breton prior to attending the festival.  Two more cars set out early Friday to spend the day droning along an endless stretch of boring highway, and one lone LBC set out downriver following the 102.  This stretch of road needs no introduction and lived up to its reputation, providing an hour and a half of pure driving joy under warm and sunny skies.
       SWMBO and I were disappointed that no one had joined us at the ferry terminal as we waited to cross to Digby.  We had thought that some of the Saint John folks would be there. It was their loss as we enjoyed an entertaining and relaxing cruise across the Bay of Fundy. The old road was taken north towards Windsor and was gorgeous.  The traffic was light and the backdrop of the north and south mountains bordering the Annapolis river and Digby basin was spectacular.  I was reminded just how gorgeous the Annapolis Valley was as we motored along.
       Once in Windsor and parked on the lawn of Kings Edgehill School we grabbed our dorm rooms, cleaned up and joined the reception.  It was a treat to reacquaint myself with many old friends from around the Maritimes as we sampled local wines and beer.  Afterwards a group of us walked into town and settled into the Spitfire pub for suds and music.
        We awoke on Saturday to heavy overcast and drizzle and again walked into town for breakfast sporting the latest in umbrella fashions.  It looked like it would stop soon so we where heartened as more and more folks arrived on the grounds.
       It didn't.
       The drizzle became a pounding and incessant deluge that lasted all day. Thankfully there was no wind, enabling one to stay reasonably comfortable under an umbrella.  I'd be lying if I said that the rain didn't dampen the enthusiasm—it did, but not by much.  There were roughly the same number of cars as last year and the assmbled folks spent the day in small knots of umbrellas discussing cars, girls and beer.  Only a few events were cancelled and we all enjoyed Mr. Bean, the Haliburton House tour, several displays, the food, and other amenities provided by the show commitee.  That evening saw everyone enjoy a laid back banquet with some awards.  The rain had now stopped and under clearing skies we were treated to fireworks.  On Sunday morning we had breakfast with the group and headed off in various directions.  Myself and SWMBO meandered back down the valley towards Digby, stopping to see friends along the way and thoroughly enjoying the same spectacular scenery in reverse.
        Despite the lousy weather on Saturday, everyone smiled the day away and had a great time. The BMF team outdid themselves by hosting the biggest small festival I've ever attended and I have to thank them for their dedication to the cause.

See Joe's comment re this photo
(Click on photo for larger view)

        On a personal note for next year; the ferry from Saint John to Digby is the ONLY way to go to the BMF.  Although a bit pricey, it's excellent value for the money and allows one to eschew many hours of boring highway travel for a couple of afternoons on some of the prettiest roads in the maritimes.  Compared to the Island meet of years past, I probably spent about the same money since SWMBO and I stayed in the campus dorms ($25 a night verses $100+ in a hotel), and saved 150 bucks in gas.  The ferry is a civilized way to travel when the journey is as important as the destination.  I would also urge folks to take advantage of the dorm rooms on campus.  You can leave your LBC parked all weekend and enjoy everything Windsor has to offer as it's only a pleasant 10 minute walk into town. Rain or not, this years BMF was a huge success and I urge everyone to pencil the date in on their calendars for next year.