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:








Stanley Fair 2019


Photos by Stephen W. 










All Roads Lead to the Stanley Fair

Hello Folks
It would be great to have a good turnout for the Fair this year.  People are meeting at Brookside Mall at 10:00 on Saturday, leaving shortly thereafter.  We are expected for 11:00.  Larry, and maybe Sandi if she can hobble to the TR, will join the group in Stanley. 
Until then. 
Cheers,
Larry  

Jemseg Car Show


Here is the link to the registration form for those who might be going.  
https://form.jotform.com/91814204626252

So far, Bob Laroche and I are going.

Phil

Jemseg Lions Club is proud to present their Annual Bob Murdoch Memorial Car Show & Shine. This show is for all Antiques, Classics, Rods, Tuners & Trucks. Car Show entry fee is $10, and includes a full breakfast. Goodie bags for the first 75 cars pre-registered by August 15. Local Farmers Market will also be happening inside the Lions Club. The show will be held in the field behind the Jemseg Lions Club (watch signs for directions) from 9:00 am - 1:00 pm. Entertainment provided by local talent, 50/50 draw, Tons of prizes to be given away! All proceeds of the show & shine will go to the Oromocto Public Hospital Foundation to purchase new equipment. Pre-register by emailing. jemsegcarshow@gmail.com or phone 506-476-4109.

Last Night's July (!) FABAC Meeting

Rain?....Ha!  
     Braving a few clouds and a prediction of  "60% chance of rain somewhere", we gathered on the grass by the old Roundhouse (everyone knows where that is right?) for a picnic and meeting.
     Gary opened with a quick report on Alex Hoffman.  He relayed a message from Lise who would like a ride to our next meeting (see below).
  • The upcoming Gaspé tour still has room for a few cars. 
  • The Stanley Fair (16th Aug) is coming soon.  It's always a club favourite. 
  • The real August meeting (this one was a delayed July meetup) will be a pot luck at Rita and Bob's cottage on the 21st of August.  Due to road construction on the 690, we might meet at Kelvin's place.  Watch this site for news. 
  • Joe Hines related his recent experience competing at a local slalom event. 
  • Various runs were proposed, among them a run to St Martins.
      The club extends it's collective sympathies to Sandra who has broken her foot. Larry is now a chauffeur as Sandra can't drive.
     The gang broke for ice cream at Tingly's following eats and the meeting.

  Bob E.

July Meeting in August

Sorry for being late in getting this meeting together but events took over our schedule.

     Where the trip to Reversing Falls did not work out due weather and low numbers, let's try something closer to home. Let's go for a picnic supper on the Green in Devon for next Wednesday,  August 7 at 5:30. We'll get there early to secure a table. The weather forecast is calling for more seasonal temps and the river setting is beautiful this time of year. After our meeting we'll head up river for a short run to "Skinny's near Mactaquac for an ice cream.

 So don't forget to bring your picnic basket and chairs.

 Hope to see you there.

    Gary and Barb

Visiting Alex

Today Sandi and I visited Alex.  He is not in very good shape.  He is quite weak and experiencing significant pain.  Nevertheless, he was pleased to see us, and is quite lucid.  He seemed to tire easily so we only stayed for a short period.  He still seems to welcome visitors and takes a keen interest in FABAC happenings. 
- Larry & Sandi