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
1 comment:
Sounds like a marvellous cycling adventure for me.
Johanna
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