Ah yes, Al Fresco. Al Fresco is an English term for dining outdoors, it is a style of dining that is casual and often party-like in its atmosphere, are the words that I found on the net to describe the word. Now, not being one to lay claim to the word, Al Fresco did originate in Italy, Italian al fresco means, in the fresh air. I have a feeling that if I didn't mention this, I would be reminded later from our great Italian members, The Renzi's, Lets see... "In the fresh air".."Dining outdoors"..."Often Party-like in it's atmosphere". Sign me up! And 10 others from the BCCCB for a great picnic.

Now some say I am nuts but normally I drive to Sydney to hook up with everyone and some days, backtrack past my house with the group on our next adventure, half hours drive both ways but I enjoy it. Today was one of those days. I left Big Bras D'or with Clearing skies over Kellys Mountain and threatening skies over Sydney. Confident this was going to be a sunny day, I dropped the top on Paula's B and headed to Sydney, the closer I got to Sydney, the more the weather deteriorated. Arriving at our usual rally point I saw Barc and Carol. Carol's car had an issue and not wanting to miss this event, she hitched a ride withh Barc, We sat here together, roofs down, in the heavy damp mist waiting for the others to arrive. We didn't have to wait long before Joe and Jean arrived, then Bobby and Anita with their little dog, and why not, picnics are a family affair. Don called and said he would be a tad late and that he will hook up with us on the highway, so away we went, off to the Bras D'or View Restaurant to hook up with any of the NorthSide members who wished to attend.

Wouldn't you know, turning off the 125 onto the TCH, we had to battle boat traffic, ugg. Merging was a tad tricky but we found a hole and just up the road we pulled in at the Bras D'or View. No one there. We waited 10 minutes and headed out to hook up with Don at the Esso where he was fuelling up. With all the traffic from the boat in the area, these little cars attracted a lot of attention at the gas station. Bikers, once again were taken by the bugeye. Sun is now out, tops are dropped, bikers finished taking pictures, away we go to Lake O Law.

Still battling the Ferry traffic we headed up Kelly Mountain. Thank heavens for passing lanes as we made our way past some of the largest Motor homes I have seen. You can just imagine how slow they were going if we could all past them on the mountain.

Finally, Lake o Law and what a nice drive through Middle River it was to get here, the roads were excellent. The Picnic park was all but deserted and the one sheltered picnic table was all ours. The Horseshoe stakes were set up and the Picnic gear was set out, time for me to try and catch my supper. With my very first $27.00 fishing license in my hand, I have visions of a large speckled trout searing on the BBQ for my supper.

15 Casts and 2 worms later and still nothing. Suddenly! As I was reeling in, the bobber sunk, the line went taunt and my rod was flexing under the strain........ Holy Smokes........ Hooked on the bottom. The line eventually broke and all, I thought was lost. The bobber was floating away, at the mercy of the wind so I ran into the water and retrieved it. A new hook and a fresh worm and yet another 15 casts and I settled for hotdogs for my picnic lunch.

As I was fishing, Bill and Moragh drove in. They were a little late getting on the road but they knew where we were at and it was nice to see them. Our last encounter was at Lobstermania 2011 so this was a great opportunity for them to get to know us and for us to get to know them. I swear, these cars have the best owners as Bill and Moragh fit right in, as if members for a long time.

Gitty-up, horseshoe time. There was no plan, I just threw teams together. Above we had Bac and Joe against Don and I..... Age against beauty match... Joe was throwing shoes like Imelda Marcos in a rage, and most tosses hit their mark.... and then bounced off... hehehe, giving up the win to Don and I. I get a little excited sometimes and Moragh caught the moment of our win.

Next up.... Carol and Bobby against Bill and Moragh. Carol, an avid swimmer put her shoulders into every toss, hurling the shoe over forty feet..... most of the time. I think Bill was watching in amazement.

 Moragh, an athletic girl herself, she has her hockey stick in her car (not the B),  did well, very well but not good enough to take the win from a pro like Bobby. Bobby tosses had some great air time and distance often hitting it's mark and staying there, taking the win from team MacDonald.

Bobby doesn't get as excited as me about the win, I wonder is it because of the trophy, a horse's ass, or arse depending on your background. This very expensive trophy was purchased at a very posh shop in Sydney. Well, OK, 1.99 at Value Village but it's about the fun, and there was plenty of that today. Don't let the bottles fool you I think they were left behind from the last who used this picnic table.

During the horseshoe melee we had a bit of a heavy mist squall and the wind picked up a bit, cooling things down. Don and I devised a windbreak out of two picnic tables standing on end and it did the job of keeping Jean and Anita warm. Here at the BCCCB we can handle anything (as long as it's a simple thing) that Mother Nature throws at us. Heck a few more tables and we would have a picnic hut.

The championship match is going to have to wait until after supper. I fired up the BBQ and the feast commenced. The ever favourite hotdogs were on the menu. Some took sandwiches and others enjoyed the cheap portable Q and it worked well. We teased Bill calling him the chef as he looked after some of the dogs. I tried my luck with a few hamburgers, cooking them to perfection, smothered with my $4.00 bottle of $1.00 BBQ sauce. Note to self.... don't buy BBQ sauce at Ultramar.  One went down perfectly, the others went down to the ground, as the spatula hooked the leg of the BBQ sending it to the ground.... oh well, Gods way of saying 3 hotdogs and 1 hamburger was enough.

Championship match time. My partner Don had to go home so my stand-in was none other then the Italian Stallion himself, Joe Renzi, Feeling a little weak from lack of food... hey come-on, I am a growing boy, I managed to toss a ringer. My ringer was quickly answered by a ringer from none other than, Carol. We had to get pictures of these ringers, as the pressure was on. Team Italian.. Alonzo and Renzi took home the ass... I mean the trophy. A good time was had by all

Ok, time to move on. The Horseshoe Tournament was played and won, the food is gone and fishing sucks, where to go? Why not the Dancing Goat in Margaree. This little cafe is amazing. The shop I believe closes at 5 and it was around 4 when we got there so most of their freshly baked goods were sold. I was told to try the cranberry and almond scones, gone, sold out. I settled for a very delicious lemon square, as did Bill. What a great stop and I highly recommend it. Customers were coming and going as we sat there chatting and eating. With this flow of customers, it's gotta be good.

What a relaxing atmosphere here at the Dancing Goat, there were two customers sitting back relaxing reading a book. Bobby and Anita took their goods to the car because the dog couldn't come in but I am sure they enjoyed their snack as well. What a perfect way to end a perfect day.

After the Goat, we headed home. I snapped these shots climbing Kelly's. I am sure everyone is driving and smiling after this day, it was amazing. With the endless selection of activities this club has, there is always something to tickle your fancy, and with the great members who make up the BCCCB you are always guaranteed laughter. It's been a busy summer so far and there is plenty of days ahead filled with great BCCCB activities, count yourself in. You know how it goes.... If you weren't there you missed it. I hope you laughed and had a good time like we did, Come along next time.

Photo contributions.... Barc Cunningham and Moragh MacDonald