Catharine Pendrel is the Canadian Cyclist of the Decade

Click on the photo to go to the CBC article.
Click here to go to the original Canadian Cyclist article with lots of great photos and write-up.

Johanna and Bruce must be over-the-moon with the wonderful successes of their daughter!
Congratulations to all!
- David

http://www.canadiancyclist.com/dailynews.php?id=35467

A list of cars

Five of these cars are owned by club members.  Can  you identify them all?


https://www.popularmechanics.com/cars/g30201323/51-coolest-cars-of-the-past-50-years-1576104937/
  Bob E.

FABAC Donation

I had the privelage of delivering a donation from members of the Fredericton Area British Automobile Club, to Hospice Fredericton, in appreciation of the warm and compassionate care two of our members recently received at Hospice. Receiving the donation is Jamie Mathews, of Hospice House.
- Johanna


How about a Christmas Eve breakfast?

Kelvin will be at the Coffey Mill Tuesday December 24 for breakfast around 9:00a.m. or so. Why not join him before you head out to do your Christmas shopping? 🤪

In Memorium

As we approach the end of another year, I would like to remember our many wonderful friends we have lost since our beginnings in 2001. Here is the list with the year of their passing:

Sherry Alders 2019
Alex Hoffman (TR6) 2019
Bob MacNally (Triumph Spitfire) 2019
Terry Pond (MGB) 2019
John Bowles (MGB) 2018
Helen Walsh 2018
Dennis Williams (Chrysler Maserati) 2012
John Edwards (MGB) 2011

FABAC Christmas Donation to Hospice House

Our generous club members donated $545 to Hospice House. I will deliver the donation today, along with a Christmas card from FABAC members, and a note saying, 
"Fredericton Area British Automobile Club (FABAC) Donations to the Fredericton Hospice, in memory of those club members who have passed on this year. Not all of them were residents of Hospice House, but we would like to thank your staff for the wonderful care which was given to those who lived their last days at your residence - Terry Pond and Alex Hoffman.  Submitted at Christmas 2019.”

From the FABAC Archives!

(That means that this is OLD stuff, experienced by YOUNG people—not to be confused by NEW stuff experienced by OLD people!)  ;-)

Another Grrrrreat Tour! (August 26, 2001)
Well once again we had yet another wonderful tour. This time to York's Restaurant in Perth Andover. Our usual tour leader extraordinaire John Dewitt led the gaggle of Triumphs, MGB's and even a BMW Z3. Truly a well organized group of folks with one purpose in mind ...get us and our appetites to York's via the most picturesque route available and get us all there safely by 2 pm. That was the formidable objective handed to our tour leader.
The group consisted of:
John and Nancy Harmon - 1975 TR6
David and Carolyn Nielsen - 1976 TR6
Terry and Sharon - 1973 MGB
Steven Wheatley - BMW Z3
John Dewitt - 1976 Spitfire
Gary Arsenault/Barb Graham - 1972 MGB
There were many who wanted to attend but couldn't and nobody any more so then Gary and Debbie Wood whose youngest son sprained his ankle just moments before they were to join us. It would have been an opportune time to meet Debbie and wish her a happy Birthday so we'll do that via this email ...Happy Birthday Debbie!
Back to the trip. It was helmed by several folks. David/Carolyn Nielsen lead the way with the TR6 until we go to Millville at which time Terry/Sharon toured us through the back roads until we got to the TCH above Hartland. This was an absolute wonderful drive. Nice winding roads , great scenery and wonderful weather AND best of all driving in a top down LBC (little British Car).
John, then took the helm and drove us to York's getting us there right on time with everyone and their appetites safe and sound......and by this time it appeared a number had some gargantuan hungers....namely myself and maybe a few others. We were not to be disappointed.
The toughest decision we were faced at this point was making our selection.....they do not have a written menu. Your server lists it all off and you make a running decision at it. The main menu selection consisted of a choice between smoked pork chops, lobster, T Bone Steak, Southern fried chicken, scallops and others that I'm sure I missed. It started off with a wonderful salad, then a choice of juices or lobster bisque, the corn fritters, then main meal, then a small portion of one of the other meals, another corn fritter and so on and so on ...get the picture!
Needless to say the FABAC members all lived up to their reputation and ate and ate and ate. So much so that our procession out of the restaurant had to be preceded by a slow moving head vehicle. Well not quite but we were a lot slower moving out then we were moving in. Suspect it had something to do with the amount we ate.
We all shoe horned ourselves back into our cars with of course the proper amount of etiquette in doing so.
John then lead us back down river through another absolutely wonderful drive through Knoxford ...the scenery could only be described as being spectacular! Formidable!
Then we crossed the Longest Covered Bridge in Florence for a picture session. I noticed no one got out of their cars probably for fear of our now well settled meals forming into a belly bulge, not particularly enhancing to one's own image on picture, if you get the idea. Oh yea it probably had something to do with the shoe horning part as well. Just a lot of sighing going on.
Anyway from there we drove down to Nackawic, again nice country. From Nackawic we diverted to the TCH. By then it was about 630 pm and most folks were anxious to get home. I can't imagine why? So we all headed in that direction and each departed the tour as our exists came up.
Again, it was simply a wonderful time, wonderful folks, great weather, superlative scenery, great meal (actually too great of a meal) and another FABAC tour success story.
It was good thing!
Special thanks to:
Paul and Ellen Allen for suggesting this tour. Unfortunately they couldn't attend.
Carolyn Nielsen for organizing the York's reservations.
John Dewitt - our infallible, tour leader extraordinaire.
Tks Everyone,
Gary

Brit Car and other Automobile Magazines Available

Lise is going through Alex's things and found boxes of Brit Car and other car magazines. Many of these date back into the 60s to near present day. Lise asked me to circulate the news that these are available to anyone who wants them.

  If interested call her directly or email me and I'll provide her phone number.

Thanks,
   Gary

When automobiles were works of art.

Click on photo to view the web site. 

Passed along by Herb.

I have thought.

I think it is wonderful that FABAC members are going to make a charitable donation again this year. Carolyn and I have always supported it. I wonder if we should consider broadening our idea considering how many of our members have passed away. I propose that we encourage everyone to make a donation, but that the total be split between Hospice House and the DECH, and be in memory of all our FABAC friends who have passed away.
Just a thought.
- David N.

Report on November Meeting

  • Thanks to Larry for organizing the November 20th meeting at MOCO.
  • Gary conducted the meeting in a record 10 minutes.
  • Not sure what to do without Bob, Susan took the notes from the meeting.
  • Thanks to Bob and Dianne for organizing the successful Octoberfest run.
  • The December Holiday party is Wednesday, December 11th, 5:30 at the Fredericton Motor Inn. There will not be a Yankee swap this year. Donations will be taken for Hospice House in memory of Alex. Bruce volunteered Johanna to take care of that collection for Hospice….thanks Johanna.
  • David N. reported that he had attended the memorial service for Sherry Alders. 
  • John DeWitt is organizing the run to Quebec City June 4-7. He will be staying at the Howard Johnson, some others are staying elsewhere. If you plan to go let John know and make your own reservations. There is a gathering of British cars on the Plains of Abraham.
See you in December.
Cheers, 
Susan

Just in case you haven’t heard...

...Ford has an electric Mustang you might like.
(Passed on by Dan.)
https://www.ford.com/suvs/mach-e/2021/

Plans are in place for our November meeting

Hello Folks-  
We have reservations at Moco (corner of King and Regent) upstairs, on November 20 at 5:30.  They could not give us the entire area but we will be in the larger area and they will try to not seat people in the next section until 6:00, to give us an opportunity to conduct business.  Sandra and I have eaten at Moco several times and are always very satisfied with the food and service.  So if you find the FABAC meeting boring, come for the food and company. 
Cheers, 
Larry

Sadness to report the passing of Sherry Alders

Most FABACians remember Sherry in her healthy days, participating regularly in FABAC dinners and tours. Our families met when the Alders daughters and our daughter were very involved in horseback riding at Silverwood Arabians. More recently, I enjoyed seeing and chatting with Sherry several times on a regular basis when providing music entertainment at York Care Centre. I will miss her.

Sherry's obituary can be found here.

- David N.

Sherry is in the second row in blue. (Click on photo for a larger version.)

A correction

Well at least one LBC made the run to the gasthof yesterday. It was a glorious run up through the back roads from Saint John lots of fall colour still. MGA was spectacular all the way. All that annoying excess Heat that was shed into the cabin all summer became a blessing with a bit of a chill to the air.

TTFN
Ralph


Oktoberfest Run Report

      Despite the imminent horror of the federal election breathing down our necks, a large gang of *FANBACians gathered at the Ramada Inn to celebrate fall.   The weather was gorgeous for once and those with convertible tops converted them down.  Those without, coveted those with.
      The drive was the sort of outing we all hope for, the skies where clear and warm, the roads where (mostly) smooth and and views where scenic.  When we finally arrived at the restaurant we found every parking spot full and cars spilling out onto the road.  It turned out that a large bicycle club was using it as a gathering spot and the restaurant still held our reservations.  A good thing too since we had hit it at the height of Octoberfest and it was booked solid.
      Karen and Ralph joined us soon after, with the Moncton crew arriving in dribbles over the next while.  Moncton's group included a lovely Porsche 356 speedster which we all took turns drooling on. 

 * No British Automobiles

Bob E.

Report on FABAC’s October Meeting

 With the driving season winding down, the business was quick and painless.
  • Gary thanked the organizers (Dianne & Bob) for the Carter House run and lunch.  As always, the weather was spectacular making the drive great fun.
  • Barb was thanked for her run to the cafe at the Reversing Falls.  This is one run that deserves a repeat.
  • John D. talked about his two proposed runs: one to Quebec City next spring and the other to the Fundy Trail.
  • Bob (me) gave a quick reminder of this weekend's Octoberfest run to Adolph's in Knightville.  He...well I reminded folks of their need to make their own reservations.  For once, the weather is predicted to be warm and sunny.
  • David told some jokes that were surprisingly well received.
  • The next meeting will be at Moco's on King St on the 20th of Nov.
 Afterwards many of us met up in the parking lot where by coincidence, we had all parked beside each other.  We took the opportunity to go on treasure hunts through each other's trunks.  I came away with a much needed 'Sawz-All' (in the middle of a massive home demo/reno).  I hope Joe doesn't need it anytime soon.
 Bob E.

Monthly FABAC Meeting this Wednesday

October 16 5:30
Fedora Room (upstairs at the entrance) at Sam Sneads.
Kingswood Golf Course on Hanwell Road


An exceptionally fine TR6 available in London, Ontario

I was contacted by the Webmaster for the Toronto Triumph Club who asked if we could post an ad.
The car is listed on the TTC’s Web site at: http://www.torontotriumph.com/html/classifieds-full.shtml
For additional information please contact Keith Stewart at keithstewart@bell.net or at (519) 660-1916.

(Click on photo for larger version)



The Annual Octoberfest Run is once again on!

  Sunday Oct 20th

   This year I'm asking that everyone make their own reservations.  This will be much easier for planning on the part of the restaurant staff.  When you make your reservation, please let them know that you're with the Car Club so that they can seat us together. 

     (506) 433-4735

   Book early as there are other functions later in the day.

Gasthoff Old Bavarian Restaurant
1130 Knightville Road
Menu here.
Payment Cash or Cheque

      Gather at Ramada Inn parking lot (north side) on Sunday, Oct 20th at 10:30 noon, rain or ...it's gonna rain of course so there's no contingency plan for sunshine.
The route:

  • Depart the parking lot at 10:45 sharp along the scenic 105.  
  • a short detour along the boring Trans Canada to avoid the partially demolished bridge. 
  • regain the 105 after Jemseg and turn left onto the 695 heading towards Cambridge Narrows. 
  • after Crossing the bridge at Cambridge Narrows we turn left onto the lovely and relaxing 710. 
  • the 710 makes a right turn somewhere after someplace named 'Cody's'. 
  • join up with the straight and boring (but thankfully short) highway 10, 
  • just before Sussex, turn left onto Roachville Rd.  I don't remember if there's much of a sign there but if we/you miss it, you/we can pick it up soon after at the interchange. 
  • follow Roachville Rd a while until you see the right hand turn onto Knightville Rd....which is on the right. 
  • at some point the restaurant will appear on the right.
     Maps or GPSs are well advised.  I no longer get lost and lead folks astray, but we may become separated. We hope to get there around 1:00.    
   The folks from Moncton will be joining us again.
    Bob E.

FABAC Monthly Meeting October 16th

Johanna has arranged for our place of meeting at the Fedora Room (upstairs at the entrance) at Sam Sneads for 5:30.

Falls View Tour Report

      A small contingent of cars and one motorcycle left Home Depot on time for our tour to the Reversing Falls in Saint John. We took Route 101 through Fredericton Junction and several other small communities. The roads were generally good but we did encounter a few detours that delayed our travels. This provided us an opportunity to see even more wonderful early autumn scenery which was in abundance.

     We arrived at our destination, the 14 1/2 Café,  right on time and were treated to a wonderful lunch with a spectacular view of the falls.

     I'd like to thank my better half Barb for putting this tour together for us. It worked out very well and I believe we all had a great time.

 Gary

For Sale


Two cars from the MacNallys:

1980 Triumph Spitfire 2-dr coupe, brown, original paint, etc. - does not run; I think there may be parts with the car to repair it

2002 BMW Z3, with M pkg, silver, 88,000 miles - excellent condition

Jason doesn't live in New Brunswick anymore but he will be in Woodstock on October 5-6 if someone wants to go there to see the cars.

jason.a.corey@gmail.com

Click on a photo for larger view.

  



 





Falls View Tour - Saturday Sept 28

We have made reservations at the 14 1/2 Restaurant at the Reversing Falls for this Saturday at 1pm

  We will gather at the Home Depot parking lot for a 10:30 sharp departure. We will be travelling there via Fredericton Junction, Tracy, Welsford for an early Autumn scenic tour.

  Once there we'll be next to the sky walk observation deck should anyone want to have an unobstructed view of the Reversing Falls.

  There is also a cruise ship in at the port should folks want to visit there.

   Need to know numbers to finalize the reservations so please respond accordingly.

   Gary and Barb

It has been a difficult year for FABAC, families and friends

Those of you who have been with the club for a while probably met Ann and Bob MacNally (Woodstock) at some of our events. Bob passed away recently and will be remembered for his car enthusiasm and pleasant nature. Here's a photo of Bob and Ann in discussion with the late Alex Hoffman.


And a photo from FABAC's 10th Anniversary back in 2011. (Bob is in center back row.)
(Click on photo for a larger view.)

His obituary can be found by clicking here.

Carter House Run Photos

Thanks to Margot and David R. for the great photo coverage of the event.

https://www.flickr.com/photos/53035217@N00/albums/72157711030208646
 Click on Gary to see many more fine photos.

Request for assistance

Looking for some able-bodied souls to help move the bar out of the garage to make room for the Land Rover. Planning either Wednesday or Friday. Contact me at 36kp45@gmail.com
- Kelvin

Carter House Run Report 2019

      We extend our sympathies to Dan whose Alfa suffered a catastrophic brake 'event' somewhere around Gagetown and had to finish the trip on the back of a truck.  We hope it'll be an easy fix and you know we're always eager to help.
     The weather was spectacular (as predicted) and it was a top down drive to the Carter house.  A few folks mentioned the problems brought on by new low profile tires and lousy roads, but there were no pieces missing on any cars so we let it slide.
     The turkey supper was warm, delicious and served in stomach stretching quantities.
     Afterwards, we all drove a similar route home via the Westfield ferry where most took the highway back while a few—ok, one person—meandered back on the trusty 102.
   Bob E.


Dan says, "A sad day (sniff sniff). We went home to peanut butter sandwiches."

Report on September 18 Meeting

 Under refreshingly sunny-n-warm evening skies, we enjoyed the new restaurant 'Byblos' right underneath Herb's place on Queen St.  The fare was well received and we saw a record (or almost) turnout.
  • A quick thanks was given to Rita and Bob for their cottage visit.
  • Gary regretfully passed on the news of the recent loss of Bob NacNally and Stephen Wheatley's sister Ann.
  • Bob mentioned this weekend's upcoming Carter House run and pointed out that the weather will again be perfect.
  • John D detailed his proposed run to Quebec City next Spring.  He's tentatively looking at May 28th to June 1st.
  • There will be a run to the Reversing Falls in Saint John (where else) next Saturday, the 28th.
  • Next months meeting will be at Sam Sneads upstairs.
  • No one suggested a run for ice cream.
 Bob E.


Carter House Run 2019 - Sunday 22nd

   We've always enjoyed great weather on this run and Sunday is predicted to again be gorgeous and warm.   We will meet at the Ramada Inn and depart at 10:30 AM sharp.  Our hosts have asked that we be there for 12:30 or thereabouts.

The route will be as follows:
  • Leave Ramada on 105; cross Burton Bridge onto 102 until Evandale; cross SJ River on Evandale ferry
  • Take 124 until reaching Belleisle Ferry; cross Belleisle Bay on ferry and stop at Bates Landing Roadside Market on opposite side
  • Take 850 to "major" intersection in Kingston (Carter House is a short walk from intersection up 845).
-------Would those planning on attending please leave a note here or at tomorrow's dinner.  I'd like to give them an idea of numbers.
------The dinner is 20 bucks and is cash only.

- Bob E.


Sighted: a flock of Triumphs

Spotted these along a street in Champlain NY. Looked like a Quebec club out for a tour. There were 6 or 7, and then I passed more on the highway.
- Stephen






John DeW must be smiling

John and Ian testing out a new machine fixing his cam journal. The bore has been completed and the new sleeve is in.  Now he's hoping that all goes together after much frustration.


British car show Quebec city

John DeW suggestion for a great run next spring:
http://rvbq.org/en/

FABAC September 18th Meeting

Anne C. has booked Byblos at 215 Queen St Wednesday, Sept 18, 5:30 for our next meeting.
- Gary

Visit to Mike Greer's car collection

Sunday Sept 8th @ 7:30 AM

I have spoken to Mike Greer about the club visiting his car collection.
He will be at his building this Sunday (Sept 8th) from 7:30 to 9 AM.
The collection is housed in a new building at the far end of Timothy Ave via Greenview Dr off Hanwell Rd.
Off Hanwell Rd take Greenview Dr (the lights @ Yard Gear).
Take the first right onto Timothy Ave off Greenview.
Proceed to the far end of Timothy, thru the barrier gate to the collection building located on the right side of Timothy.
Parking and access to the building is on the back side of the building away from Timothy.
I suggest we have B’fast at Porter’s once we finish at Mike’s
Dwight

Carter House Run

22nd Sept (Sunday)
A travel plan will appear here in the next few days.  
Question, how long does it take to get there?
Bob  E.

A few FABACians attended this show on Saturday.  Quite a large turn out of cars and trucks of every description.  Everything from a restored early sixties Mack B61 highway tractor to the latest Corvettes and the Polaris Slingshot 3 wheel motorcycle. Tim and I were there with our MGBs, Bob had his Miata, Joe was there with his Westphalia Camper and John C brought his Porsche Boxter. The Lions Club served 300+ excellent breakfasts between 9:00 and 11:00AM and the show field was busy all day.

Phil

This is a panoramic photo so you really should click on it and zoom in on the details.

Bob & Rita's Meet & Eat

A few photos from our visit with our most excellent hosts, Bob & Rita at their cottage on Nichol’s Beach. Perfect weather, not too hot nor too cold, and a good drive down and back. A small turnout but lots of good food, beverages, conversation and a few laughs.
Thank you Bob & Rita!
- Phil





Report on Meeting at Rita and Bob’s Cottage.

       Once again Bob and Rita hosted our FABAC group to yet another wonderful get together and meeting at their absolutely splendid cottage on Grand Lake. Their usual warm and welcoming event is always a high light of our summer tours and this years event was no less.  

      Our individual pot luck contributions combined with Rita's chili, sesame chicken with her famous sangria all made for a delicious meal. 

       Bob's "spirited" lead drive from McGowans corner to their cottage over scenic and twisting roads was perfect! Lets do that again....anytime. 

       Carol and John (Porche Boxer S) joined us and were a much welcomed couple to the group. We hope they continue to join us in our ongoing activities.

        On a meeting front ( where's Bob to take these minutes?) we discussed the following:

  • Much discussion started with the great loss of long time member Alex H. Many wonderful memories of Alex were shared. Our deep heart felt sympathies go out to Lise, son John and family. 
  • Discussions on the Gaspe Tour. Wonderful stories and many recollections of the trip were discussed. Thanks to John D. for organizing and leading the event. Great time had by all those who took part. See our site for more details.
  • Discussions on the Stanley Fair Days. A very good turn out of FABAC cars attended. Reports indicate all had a good time with the many country related activities. See our site for more details.
  • On a go forward basis we discussed future events:
  • Barb G agreed to look into rebooking the July cancelled Saint John Falls View tour for sometime in Sept.
  • There were several tour recommendations discussed including the Sussex Balloon Fest, Ministers Island Picnic Tour, John B's Kingston Run, Gagetown Fair but no one volunteered to take the lead on any of these, so for now, none will be done.
  • Sept Meeting: Anne C will look into finding a location for our next meeting. First choice was the new restaurant replacing McInnis Landing with the alternate being the new Byblos Mediterranean Restaurant.

  Many thanks once again to Rita and Bob for hosting us at their cottage. The camp fire was a warm and pleasant touch. 
   
   Thanks,

     Gary

Lots of Gaspé trip photos from our fine leader John DeW.

Click on the red MGB for lots more photos.

Info and directions for Friday FABAC Meeting/Eating

The crew usually meets at the Ramada by the Princess Margaret bridge, at say 2:30, they then go as far as McGowan’s Corner to take the 690 route. 
I will be waiting for them there in the Miata.
We then travel through the Princess Park, Rotary Camp, etc. to Nicolle Beach Road, then to number 111 Nichols Beach.
All the road construction is now over. It’s a pleasant drive.
Bob and Rita

Please let Bob and Rita know if you are able to attend the Friday meeting/eating at the lake.

Friday: August 23rd

Email: bjlaroche14@gmail.com

Details will be posted here for time and place for the convoy into the cottage.

Phil O shares a taste of our Gaspé trip.

A few photos from the Gaspé run.  I’m sure that John has many more. (He has, and they'll be shared soon. - David)  The first three photos are of our lunch stop in Mont Saint-Pierre.  The fourth is Pam’s dinner at a seafood restaurant in Percé. The fifth photo was at the Cantine La Fourchette near Shigawake Quebec.  There was a large Agricultural Fair & Music Festival happening just down the road.  Notice that there seems to be a certain theme to our road trips?  J
The final photo was taken Sunday evening along the Campbellton waterfront.
We had a wonderful trip but it’s nice to be home!

Phil




Gaspé Trip Report

We're back from what had to be one of FABAC's best traveling events ever. Friday morning saw five cars leave Fredericton for a 4 day trip around the Gaspe Peninsula with day end stops in Matane, Percé and Campbellton. This was a travel plan put together and directed by John D.

 The first day we lunched at O'Donaghues Pub in the Miramichi where had a great lunch. We also met up with Chris and Beth D in their 74 MGB. From there we bundled back into our cars gassed up and headed north to our next stop in Campbellton stopping for a bio and rest break at a Tim Hortons. Once rested we proceeded into Quebec heading for Matane. It was here where we began to see the first glimpses of the LARGER Appalachian mountain range covered in dark green thick forests which would only became more spectacular and beautiful in the coming days. The driving weather too was about as good as it gets for traveling with moderate temps and NO humidity. We ended the travel day in Matane under overcast and showery skies. Oh yes it was here too that Ernst had to deal with an ever increasing power steering fluid leak in the Marcos.


 On the second day after a bountiful breakfast we gathered around the Marcos as Ernst and his many helpers initiated repairs. It was here too that Phil (driver of the Phil and Pam supercharged MGB) had us put one small sticker on our cars at a location of our choice. This was to be a contest to see who at the end of the trip had a bug strike closest to the target sticker. The winner would receive a prize.
 Starting our day off with refilled fuel tanks, a few more repair adjustments to the Marcos and we were off to our second day adventure. And what an adventure it was.
 John D and latter Phil O lead our 6 car convey on what I think was one of the most scenic car drives that I've ever experienced. The contrasting sights of the beautiful St Lawrence River with the encroaching beautiful Appalachian mountains with a winding road in between the two made for a drive and sights I will not soon forget. Every turn, every mountain ascent or decent, every small and large village of which there were many brought an ever increasing beautiful scenic experience. Some of the descents had up to a 17 degree grade! The challenge of the day was to balance the number of stops for photos and the need to get to our final location. After a 9 hour day of truly wonderful sights and superlative sports car driving roads with perfect weather we made our way into Perce with, I suspect, a record number of photo's for a one day trip.
 Once there we took a short rest break and then toured the small but very heavily tourist visited town of Percé which of course had a wonderful view of the famous Perce Rock. A number of us went for supper at one of the dozens of wonderful and colorful restaurants many of which were very busy. We finished the day with a very good meal and all were now anxious to get back to our hotel for a well deserved sleep. We knew too the next day was to be another busy day. Unfortunately too it was here that we heard of Alex's passing. Many good words for Alex and memories were recounted. We will all miss him.

 On day three, we decided to spend a few additional hours in Perce to view and get more pix of the famous rock and area. When we met up again as a group to depart everyone had a great experience to share with one another. David and Caroline N (driving the Morgan)were staying an additional day in Percé so we bid them farewell to continue our trek while heading west to Campbellton. It too was to be another long but very rewarding day. Speaking for myself I was in beautiful scenic overload. The Gaspé tour is one that everyone should have on their bucket list. It truly is beautiful in every way.
 We all arrived in Campbellton  safe, sound and no car issues always a worry when driving these aging classics. After a bit of a regroup most decided to go for supper together going to a recommended Oriental restaurant close to the hotel. On exiting the hotel we noticed Chris and Beth's MGB's windshield had 4 very major bird poop strikes that pretty much covered the entire windshield. The birds must have synchronized their bombs to ALL drop on the same target. They were all successful in their mission. We discussed whether or not the bug splatter judges would allow this to qualify for the contest at hand. We would have to wait till the following morning to find out.
 We walked the several blocks to the restaurant to limber up some of the stiff and sore muscles from yet another long days drive. Once there we had another great meal. On returning back to the hotel, we were all invited to Chris and Beth's room for a few refreshments to finish yet another perfect day.

Day four, our return home day, seen the Marcos being a bit temperamental again in not wanting to start. Phil came to the rescue with jumper cables and with the aid of mechanical experts Ernst, Chris and Phil all went about getting it started. It too was the time for Phil, the context director along with contest judge John to select the winner of the "bug splatter" contest. Unfortunately for Chris and Beth, their "bird splattered" windshield did not qualify pursuant to the contest rules. This left the near bulls eye hit that the Marcos had received to be the winner of the coveted "bug strike" contest winning a beautiful insulated beverage bag supplied by Phil. Congrats to Ernst on the win and thanks to Phil for organizing the contest. All great fun.

  The spirited drive from Campbellton to St Leonard lead by the supercharged MGB aided in keeping the Marcos well charged and we arrived there in record time for a short bio and coffee break. From there Phil and Pam departed directly home while the 3 remaining cars headed to Woodstock for a late dinner via another picturesque route lead by tour director extraordinaire John. Just short of Woodstock my MGB (Gary and Barb)decided to act up and we had to limp into Woodstock with a misbehaving transmission. Inspection revealed the the xmission oil reservoir was completely empty! Luckily between my spare oil, spare oil from Chris and with Ernst's devised paper fabricated oil filler funnel he was able to replenish the xmission oil needs allowing for a successful return to home. 

  So at the end of 4 very successful travel days, in my opinion, we experienced some of the most fantastic scenic sites, thrilling mountain drives with spectacular scenes, countless wonderful fun times with great people, great meals all making for a memorable car trip one will never forget.

 I would like to thank John D for all his work and time in planning and directing this wonderful event, for Phil and Pam for being back up directors, to Ernst for his expert help in fixing our aging vehicles when needed, to Chris and Beth for joining us and look forward to their company in the future and to David and Carolyn for making the group complete and being wise for staying the extra day in Percé.

 I'm sure there will be related photos following this report from others. Stay tuned for those.

 All the best,

  Gary

Important Update

The new date for the FABAC meeting/eating will be this Friday August 23 as most of us will be at the funeral for Alex this Wednesday. We hope this is OK with most of the members. The road up to the cottage is now open as well!
Regards
Bob et Rita

A sad announcement

FABAC members will be sad to hear that our wonderful friend Alex Hoffman has passed away.  He was an active participant over so many years and always wore a smile.
Visitation at Flewelling Funeral Home in Nackawic, Wednesday beginning at 2:00.
Funeral service will be on Wednesday afternoon at 4:00 at the funeral home.

Obituary can be found here.

FABAC tours Gaspé

I’m sure one of the participants will write a glowing report on this wonderful venture headed by John DeWitt. Until then, here are just a few photos to sample: