Under the skillful and experienced directions, ten cars lead by Jim and co-pilot Ellie left the Ramada Inn on time and made our way to PEI through some of the most scenic and thoughtful roads that anyone could have lead us. It was obvious to this driver that much time and effort had gone into the planning and execution of this tour plan. While we did experience some new opportunities for new routes, these were all new and more adventurous because of it. Boy do we have a wonderful province! Thanks, Jim, for showing us just how beautiful our province is–second to none!
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After a few stops we arrived at Fred's Restaurant in Cap Pelé with anxious anticipation and we were all well rewarded with a wonderful meal! While I cannot speak for all the others I can tell you that my meal was fantastic–the fish was fresh and delicious and well worthy of a follow up trip. Any ideas for another visit and tour on this side of the province would be, I'm sure, welcomed by anyone participating.
Once we finished this great lunch our tour directors stewarded us across the Straights via Murray Corner where our next stop was "Anne's Island" at the Confederation Village for a quick stop. What a great welcoming spot–Islanders really do know how to impress and welcome visitors and Jim and Ellie certainly did a great job in getting us there.
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When safely landed we all went our separate ways to our various lodgings. For those of us with British cars we met up at the much anticipated "Bentley Get Together"–even the rain did not thwart our spirit and efforts. There we met up with our Saint John contingent Barry and Sue, Terry and Kim, and David and Susan as well as a host of other people. Yes, that bloody rain continued but did not prevent us from meeting our past friends, acquaintances and of course our wonderful hosts the Bentleys and many members of the PEI car club who were the genesis of this remarkable and most wonderful event starting this whole thing ten years ago! Without their foresight and hard work this now well established event would have been but a mere dream. All those attending FABACians, were very appreciative of the event and recognize the hard work that went into this. While the rain finally did us in, it did not dampen our spirit nor our appreciation for this much anticipated event. Thank you Bob, Sandy and participating PEI members. We really do appreciate all your work. It did make the difference!
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With spirits riding high the undoubted rain, irrespective of the weather report, continued to fall into Saturday morning and could very easily have had a major impact on the PEI International Motoring Festival but through dogged determination on both the part of the organizers and participants we made our way through it though not without its casualties. By later that morning once the weather decided it could NOT deter the commitment to stand our ground finally relented and gave us a break for the afternoon. Many of us headed over to the Merchantman Pub where we had a great lunch. There is no doubt having this event down town Charlottetown has some significant advantages, especially in the numbers of spectators and availability to walk to some great restaurants.
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Sunday, the weather forecast was more positive and many of us arrived at site with tops down, spirits and anticipation high. Finally the weather accommodated us and with that too did the recognitions of judges–the participating public. FABAC took no fewer than seven awards:
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Karen Johnson ............... Best in Class TR3A
Jim Woodford ................. Best in Class Morgan
David Russell ................. Best in Class German
Robert Laroche ............... Best in Class Other European
...................................... Best Restoration 1960-85
...................................... Artisans award
Gary Arsenault ............... Grand draw award
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Note, that while hat tricks are most notably attributed to hockey goals by one player, Bob and Rita, accomplished a hat trick with three awards for their most remarkable Citroën. That's a first for us. Congratulations Bob and Rita and to all the other FABAC winners, well done!
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All in all, even with the unsavoury weather, we prevailed and won the day. Not just in awards, but in the fact that we re-established old acquaintances, made new friends, and made a good time of it all irrespective of this foul weather–that's what happens when you're amongst friends.
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The organizers of the PEI International Motoring Festival (IMF) are very much interested in maintaining and growing this event. They too realize there are some issues that need to be addressed and are interested in hearing from us as to what worked and what did not. Over the next while I'd like your individual comments so I can put together an overall report that I'd like to discuss with the IMF event folks . Please send these to me directly at funcars@nb.sympatico.ca I'll collate the comments and bring them forward.
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- Gary
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