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| (Photo by Margot) |
Report from Gary:
To say we had a fantastic tour to St George would not be overstating it in the least. In fact this run that Jim and Ellie directed with the help of Rod K in St. George rated up there as one of the best for the season. We had beautiful weather, great roads, fantastic autumn scenery and a cast of characters that would make any get together a fun time and that's exactly what we had – a fun time. We also had a road challenge to contend with. Jim B had arranged a "moose calling" tutorial somewhere on the road between Fredericton Junction and St George. Jim was demonstrating with moose calls how male and female moose are able to attract one another during mating season. It was all very entertaining, really, but lucky for us none of the local moose saw fit to join in the chorus although some FABACians did demo their moose calling prowess. Even one member tried calling a "Jaguar", I believe the "XKE" species. Unfortunately none appeared – only a few of the common breeds were attracted to the calls.
I'm not quite sure how all this moose calling and moaning affected the cars, but it was shortly after this exercise as we were getting back underway, to continue the last leg of our journey, when David N noticed coolant blowing back against his windshield and leaking from underneath his Morgan. It was obvious it was quite a serious issue that needed immediate attention. While moose calling may not be one of our strengths, the ability to diagnose a serious car condition, come up with a fix for it and then muster the resources from duct tape, to hose clamps to just plain old Canadian ingenuity helped temporarily repair the defective radiator hose that was the source of the problem. Many thanks to all those that contributed especially to Ralph H and Jim B who always seem to carry the correct parts needed to affect a repair. With problem now resolved (for most part) we were able to make it the rest of the way to St George without incident passing through some of the most beautiful scenery, especially around Lake Utopia, that one could ask for. Jim and Ellie really do know the "back roads and reaches" of New Brunswick and those of us who take the opportunity to join them are always happy that we do.
Once in St George we met up with Rod K who took us for another tour. This one through the town of St George, including through the beautiful and scenic downtown area, over the gorge bridge to see the popular "St George gorge" and finally arriving at our restaurant destination "The Birches". The seafood there, at least this person's opinion, had to be some of New Brunswick's best. I had their "Fish and Chips" and it was without any doubt the best I've had for a very long time. Also judging from all the positive comments, most if not all others thought the same of their meals. Good choice, Rod. Hopefully you and your wife can make it up to our area so we can return the favor.
On the return trip home, the temporary repairs to David's Morgan for most part held. He had to stop a few times to top up the coolant and re tighten the hose clamps. David passed us in Harvey, on the last occasion where we waited for him so I'm at this point anticipating he did make it home safe and sound. I'll let David chime in here to tell the rest of the story.
(David's input: Curry was the one who first spotted the coolant problem as we returned to our cars after the moose calling. Bob LaR narrowed it down to a particular hose. My final analysis of what happened is that the radiator fan blades had been striking the hose for probably some time. After hitting a particularly severe bump, the blades took a deeper cut. And yes, what a group of resourceful members! Thanks to all.)
So, all in all, we had a great day and one that I shall remember for quite some time. Again many thanks to Jim and Ellie for organizing this tour and the added bonus of the entertainment and also to Rod K for organizing things at the St George end.
A great day had by all.
Gary
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| Click on Ralph's MGA for oodles of photos from Ellie |
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