♫♫ Hi Ho Hi Ho-- it's off to Windsor we go ♫♫. Just look at this band of nomads above who made the trek three quarters of the way across our beautiful province to attend the "First Annual British Motoring Festival" in Windsor. Windsor Car Show Warriors.... Sounds like a hockey team. What a fitting name for us in a town that is the birth place of hockey. British Motoring Festival Society hosted the event and what a show they put on but we'll get to that, there was a lot of miles and good time to talk about first. The plan was for the Sydney crew and North Sydney crew to merge together at the beginning of highway 223 and head towards Orangedale where we were to meet up with Sandy and Peter, where the highway intersects with the T.C.H. The plan is starting to come together, lets go! The rain started immediately after we pulled away and the further we drove the worse it got. One or two lost a wiper and pulled over creating a large gap between cars, some cars turned off on the Orangedale road and some took the ferry... no big deal. When I arrived at the intersection, Barc, as well as Peter and Sandy were there, soon we were joined by the others who took the turnoff. The rain was coming down in buckets, as the say and with traffic zipping by, we thought moving on would be best an we'll meet up with the rest down the road. The lead pack stopped by the Irving for fuel and a mug-up to wait for the others. Here, while I was fuelling up, in the heavy wind and rain, Paula got out of the car to run inside and fell hard hurting her hip. Again, more about that later. We were here no time when the others showed up. The next stop, the Irving in New Glasgow where we gathered and discussed a route to Windsor. Some decided on the Rawdon Hills and others, the route through the Barns.
I am not sure if it's my driving habits, or the driving habits of others but for some reason I always seem to be far ahead of the rest of the group. Again I find myself (and Paula) on the side of the road waiting. Here we stopped at a beautiful old church, the Barns United Church, to wait awhile but after a few moments we moved on. Julian sent me a photo he took as they all pass the same church, the church caught his eye as well. Driving slowly down the road, waiting for the others to catch up and sure enough, they did, and it was just before I missed a turn off. I passed the turn off when I heard Bill's voice crackle over the radio "you missed the turn". Heavens knows where I would have went if they hadn't shown up at that moment. Coincidence... perhaps. Anyway, within minutes of each other, we arrived at the Super 8 Motel in Windsor where a few adjustments were made to a couple of cars. Wipers and an oil leak....not bad for these old cars.
We started the evening in the room of Don, Jordon and Brent, where a glass of the good stuff was needed to stop our bodies from vibrating after the long ride. Next stop... The Spitfire Arms. What a great bar! A must to visit. The food and atmosphere was amazing and we were so lucky that they could accommodate all of us at the same time, man were they busy.
Ahh.. the day to tour around this beautiful region has arrived. Between Bill and Peter, a full day of sight seeing, cheese eating and wine tasting was at hand. Don, Ricky and Sharon as well as Paula and myself suffered from a bit of separation anxiety this morning, not catching up with the rest until after they had the winery tour. Gaspereau Vineyards our group visited and below, Bill tastes the nectar of the fruit of the vine. We missed it... Not a problem... did someone say a Fromagerie was the nest stop, and did I hear the word cheese. lets go! Foxhill Cheesehouse was the direction we headed after we caught up with the Band of Merry men and women of the BCCCB
What a beautiful and clean little Cheesery. I think everyone bought something and you could see the cheese being processed through a window looking into a very sanitary processing area. Here I purchased curds, squeaky curds. For those who don't know, the squeakier the curds the fresher they are. I hadn't had any since a visit to Quebec a few years ago, I squeaked for the next few miles.
One of the joys of our road trips is passing through the little towns and villages along the way that some of us hadn't seen before. The many family owned business that line the streets shows the history and uniqueness of each town we pass. The Wal-Mart's of the world are usually on the outskirts of town preserving the tranquility of the down town core. As we drove along towards North Mountain you could see houses high up along the steep sides of the mountain overlooking the valley and never for a moment did I think we would be visiting one but sure enough Peter and Sandy made a left turn on top of the mountain and we drove down a long gravel driveway. Folks, paradise is the only word I can use here to describe what we seen. The second Picture below is that of Don's LE parked in front of the facade of a beautiful mansion.
Below, Peter's Jag looks at home nestled between two gorgeous gardens in front of Joe and Sue Ueffing's beautiful estate. The gardens were everywhere I could not imagine the time that is spent caring for these but when you see the end results and the eye's wide in amazement on visitors, you know every moment was worth it. The second picture is of the back of their home, all the windows and balcony over look the valley and Bay of Fundy below.
Yes the valley below, heck I watched an airplane go by and I was looking down at it. You could see different weather patterns coming your way and I couldn't imagine what it must be like when there is a thunder and lightening storm in the distance, the light show must be spectacular. This is the scene Sue and Joe wake up to every morning. Again with the gardens, our crew was totally taken by their splendour. Julian's photos must be amazing, I can't wait to see them.
Our botanist member, Susan, must have been impressed. I would have loved to changed seats with Bill when we left the Euffings just to listen to Susan talk about the things she seen. I have a feeling there was a lot of excitement in her voice as she described he different plants and how large they had grown. As Susan and Ricky sank in the view in one area of the beautiful landscaped back yard, others walked down the garden path to a little sitting area in the woods on the hillside overlooking the valley. The tranquility here is amazing. I have been reading many books lately on energy, our own energy and the energy of surroundings be it positive or negative, the energy here is very positive. You can feel the refreshing boost of energy as you walk around smelling the flowers and sinking in the sights. Paradise, Shangri-La, whatever word you use to describes your happy place, all describes this place here. Each and everyone of us will be talking about this place for a time to come I am sure.
Paradise, Shangri-La, Your call.
Below you have Peter and Joe, and the rest of us enjoying a glass of wine, beer or even tea. From this great vantage point, the back patio, you had an even better view of the valley below and also this is the area that the birds were entertaining us as well. With the vines covering the Pergola, the hot afternoon sun didn't bother us one bit, you could sit here all day an be entertained without leaving your chair.
Even the birds feel at home here. I have never seen such a high numbers of Humming birds in one area, they literally are fighting for a drink at the feeder making for an amusing side attraction. After a while we were visited by Woody the woodpecker, that's right, a Woodpecker swooped down from the trees to join the party. Resting on a tree branch that hung down over the patio, the Woodpecker entertained us for a while. We have all heard them in the woods but many have never seen one, well here it is in all it's glory, the first Woodpecker I have ever seen.
Next stop ... Halls Harbour along the world famous Bay of Fundy where the tide drops fast and drops a lot. This is another great stop and it was here that we had our lunch at the Lobster pound. Just look at how far the tide drops. The second photo was taken after we ate, I couldn't believe how far the water drops. I've seen many pictures of this but when you see it in person.. your in shock. The water that you see in the bottom of the photo is from a run-off of fresh water from a lake further up the mountain.
These two photos were take when we first arrived at Halls Harbour and just before we left. I am not sure of the time frame here ... and hour or so. The harbour was full one moment and all the boats are high and dry the next. Simply amazing. Leaving a day early for Windsor was Bill's Idea and I have to say thanks for that. Today's tour was choreographed by Bill and Susan and as well as Peter and Sandy. From the winery and Formagerie tours to the sight seeing tours, none of this would have been possible without the combined efforts of these folks and I am speaking for the rest of the Windsor Warriors (BCCCB) when I say thanks for an enjoyable/unforgettable day.
The restaurant at Halls Harbour was a bit unique, you line up in the gift shop to order your meal and then your handed a number. You go into the dinning room and place your number on the table and in a few short minutes your food arrives. A great concept I thought, you browse the gift shop as you wait to order and perhaps you just might purchase a trinket or two. We looked like a bus tour had arrived as we took up two long tables but we're just a crew who loves touring in a great British car.
After leaving Hall's Harbour we took a drive to the Look off. Man, this region is beautiful, around every corner there is a surprise waiting to be discovered. Peter's Jag and Bill's B sure look good with the southern portion of Nova Scotia in the back ground. Look closely .... from this height you just may see the Atlantic Ocean.
In the first chapter of this story, I told you about Paula taking a fall at the Irving station in Aulds Cove. Well this is where she wound up because of it. The ole trooper hobbled through the weekend but strained her hip even more getting out of a cab at The Spitfire Arms. After some persuasion from Carol, Ricky drove Paula and I to the hospital in the now dubbed "Austin Ambulance". Driving down the road and up the hospital driveway, Ricky was screaming out the window the sounds of an ambulance from the fifties. Paula, writhing in pain couldn't help but laugh. After arriving at the hospital, the Nurse had Paula sit in a wheelchair, a wheelchair with the name Invacare MG... MG huh... How fitting, more laughter. I know I am a dead man when she reads this but while in the hospital laughing I started taking pictures of her on the gurney. She couldn't reach me to stop me and when the tall dark, handsome doctor arrived, she started batting her eyes like a school girl. We couldn't look at each other or I am sure we would have burst into laughter. The poor girl was truly in pain at this point but still she managed to laugh from time to time. All was well, no broken bones just a bad bruise and strain.
Now after Don and I registered for the show, Frank showed us around the grounds "thanks Frank" and said basically that when it comes to parking, it's more of a first come first served. Don and I scoped out the place and we decided on a spot. Knowing first come first served an early arrival was necessary to secure parking for 13 or 14 cars. I managed to recruit 6 cars to arrive 7ish to cordon off the spot we needed... under a tree for shade. Sure enough we did it. The early bird got the worm, in this story anyway. With the perfect spot, the banner was set up and the cleaning and prepping started.
Brian MacDonald arrived in his beautiful Jag carrying with him a gazebo. We used this once before in P.E.I. and it latterly saved out lives in the rain. Today there was a vey light sprinkle and the hot sun was out all day. Brian's gazebo was used as shade as well as the trees. Thanks Brian. While we are on the subject of Brian, Carol noticed water in her running lights, Brian was quick to give her a hand fixing that up as well... what a guy.
A team effort indeed is needed to clean all that's needed to be cleaned to make these cars look perfect. Brent and Jordon were heavy into it when I snapped this photo. As for Nina and Haylett, well their perfect specimen of an Austin Healey only needed to be displayed. No dirt anywhere and what a great shot with both Nina and Haylett standing beside their pride and joy.
There you go, we all took advantage of Brian's gazebo, we're here very early and we all just sat around until the festivities started.
With the sounds of a drum beating and the shots from both muskets and cannons, the show was officially opened. 84th Regiment of Foot - Royal Highland Emigrants (Look it up) These fine gentleman and ladies put on one hell of a performance. Julian's timing was a little better then mine as he captures the flash from the very first shot. I, on the other hand, capture nothing but smoke.
What a great country setting for the car show. Now after attending many shows over the years, I still see different cars. Imagine if all the old British cars could come together at one time, what a show that would be. The count today is 140 cars but there were more in the parking lot not registered. I am wondering what it would take to get them into the show. Our club brought in 14 cars and many of our members didn't come. Next year we will push a little harder to increase these numbers, maybe other clubs should put a little push on as well to increase the numbers, Lets see what next year brings.
Regardless where you looked, you seen a great looking British Cars. It looked as though all the spaces allotted were used. Those who arrived a little later were put in an area where shade was sparse to say the least. As I walked by, I seen folks with their chairs set up snug against the walls of the surrounding buildings seeking out what little shade was available. Again we were lucky to get the spot that we did. My goal for next year will be twenty cars and we will hopefully be able to get the same spot.
There were many cars that stood out for either their rareness or display. I am going to call the vehicle in the first photo an Austin Mini delivery truck but I really don't know for sure, therefore unusual and the mini with the chickened flag on the roof being used as a chess board, good idea. As it turns out I believe this mini won an award. Nice job.
There was many things to see and do, for instance we had full access to the large Indoor pool. The Cricket match put on the the Nova Scotia Cricket Association would have been nice to see but I was to busy to attend, Thanks for the picture Julian. Also the display from Maritime Organization of Rover Enthusiasts was interesting to say the least. These vehicles look like nothing will stop them. Also the tennis court was at our disposal. There was no reason to be bored here, the perfect venue.
Ah yes the Mr Bean show. I heard the announcements of the up-coming show but I was out chatting and taking pictures. It wasn't until I heard the laughter that I thought I should be checking this out. These two had the crowd roaring from their antics, a real pleasure to watch. As I looked over the crowd, my quick mental count told me more then half of the participants were there watching the show. I am sure it was the sounds of laughter that brought them here as well. Great Job ole Bean and to your girlfriend as well. Just received info on the names of Bean and Bean's girlfriend..... Mark and Margaret Bond. Folks, you should be playing in the theatres of downtown Toronto.
Time for the banquet. Again early is the key word here. We had 18 people who wanted to sit together and with some great food offered we had to arrive early to secure some seats together. As it turns out we were the first to arrive, and in true Cape Breton form, the first at the bar. Arriving early didn't make the wait for food long, whenever we are together the conversation helps pass the time quickly. It seemed within minutes after we arrived the place filled up.
Yes the place filled up fast and no wonder why... just look at the lobsters. these babies are huge. I decided on the beef and I surely wasn't disappointed. I am not sure who catered the event but they pulled off, an excellent meal for a lot of people and in such a orderly fashion. True professionals for sure. A job well done, from the crew at the BCCCB
Time to get the ball rolling. Frank Boothroyd President of the British Motoring Festival Society was MC and he did a great job. Great job! That statement is so under deserving. Frank and his crew did an outstanding job! That's better. The very first British Motoring Festival went off without a hitch. The right people were in the right spot here. Troy, from the Spitfire Arms said they had 9 months to put this together and they did just that. The venue was a perfect setting. Parking directors did a great job, and the meal and entertainment will be hard to beat. I was called upon to give the first award... Thanks Peter for putting them up to this. My blood ran to my feet when my name was called but (hopefully) I pulled it off... the long distance award. The awards were gorgeous. I may have to kick it up a notch if I want one of these... and I do.
After the banquet the band fired up and did their thing. The Studebakers were there names and playing great music was their game. and they did a great job. Us Capers surely kicked up our heels. Most of our crew can really cut a rug. Ricky, Sharon, Paula and I stayed until the music stopped. With sweat running down our backs, we walked off the floor. Ricky kept saying wipe-out play wipe-out. Sure enough they band gave in. We didn't dance, with hands banging on the table we did the drum solo. Funny stuff. The band was excellent to say the least. What a great way to end a great day and weekend. Starting off the next morning for home, Carol didn't need to show some leg to get help fastening the tight top cover on her Healey. Anyone who's around would love to help do anything to this great looking car. I am just finding out that Carol was the only one who left Windsor and drove home with the roof down.. What a trooper.
Still one more picture to show, and again thanks to Julian. When we left the Auld's Cove Irving we only ventured about 1000 yards and we were into bumper to bumper, stop dead traffic, the Causeway was open to allow a barge to pass. Knowing that one may never get the opportunity to sit in the middle of the T.C.H. on a busy Sunday afternoon, Paula and I did just that. We could have sat in the car and waited but instead we pulled out the old chair and placed it next to Brian and Arlene's car for a 15 minute chat. You've seen it all folks, the next best thing to a perfect weekend. I can only tell you what the pictures allow but there is so much more. If you weren't there you missed it. It's just that simple. I wouldn't miss another great BCCCB outing.. you'll regret it. Come along next time and prepare now for next year.
Thanks to the British Motoring Festival Society for a great show and hospitality.
My apologies for any misinformation