We backed the MGA out July 10th, and headed for Charlo N.B. Helen and I were meeting a couple that were leaving from Lake Brome. Our meeting place was to be the Esso station just before Victoriaville, but as we were driving towards this destination, l and behold, there was Terry and Lynn in their 1971 MGB, just ahead of us. The four of us were very excited about the coming two weeks of driving and sight seeing in P.E.I and Les Iles.

Our first day of driving, destination, a little town between Rimouski and Mont Joli called Pointe-au-Pere. We stayed at a beautiful B&B which was built in 1860, called Auberge Maree Douce, a Victorian style home. As most of you know by now, with my heart condition, driving the whole distance to Charlo is a little bit much. So we made it in two days. The next day Charlo. Stayed at Helen's parents, and then Friday morning departed for P.E.I. The two MG's were on the road by 8:30 am and the sun was out, so tops were down. About two hours from the P.E.I. Bridge, a couple of MG's one being an A and the other a B waved to us, and yelled to follow them which we did. Rather than take the big highway that brings you to the bridge and all you see is the entrance. They brought us by back roads and along the sea shore. About 5 miles away from the bridge we could see it, not all of it, as it is 8 miles long. Twisty roads, sun and scenery to die for. If I remember it was through an area called Murray's Park.

We arrived at the bridge entrance, and you only pay on your way out of P.E.I. so we drove right through. It is hard to believe the length of this thing. 8 miles long. Again we were following the locals, rather than take the normal road to Cavendish Beach which was our destination for the three nights; they took us through all the back roads of that area.

We arrived in Cavendish and checked in at the Green Gables Inn and then headed for Bob Bentley's residence. He is the organizer of the British Weekend. His home sits on a 52 acre lot. That evening on this large piece of land was 98 beautiful British cars of all makes. Bob had the local club members helping him in this large undertaking.

After parking our cars, we headed for a line up, and there we had salads, drinks, wine, hamburgers, and Strawberry Short Cake for desert. What a way to start a weekend.

The next day was the gathering of the British. A beautiful site near a church overlooking a very large bay. You could not ask for a more spectacular set up. 175 cars registered and some clubs had their tents set up, and member's cars surrounding the club tent. Also jags, together, MG's, Austin's, Daimlers, Triumph's, Healey's, and so on. The local Lion's Club had a large outdoor kitchen set up, for hot dogs, hamburgers, sandwiches, cold drinks, etc. This is all part of the organization, as the whole Island knew about the meet. A couple of thousand visitors came to see the cars. I am sure the Lion's were happy with the profits.

I was very fortunate to win first place in my division, which made me very happy and a nice way to start a holiday. That Saturday night, was the Banquet. Lobster, big ones, 11/2 pounds, just delicious. Then the trophies were given out. A special award went to a young lady of 69 years, who drove all the way from Boston Mass. In a MG TD top down. She is the original owner and the car has never been restored. Quiet a sight to see.

I forgot to mention, about the most spectacular car that was entered, and won best of show. A 1926 Bentley 3 litre. Just Beautiful and they were coming with us to the Mag Islands.

Sunday was a touring day. Got to see some of the beaches, laid out in the sun and just took it easy.

Monday morning sharp, we all left the different B&B's and met at 10am at the Green Gables Inn, as we had to be at Souris for 1pm, one hour before departure of the boat. Finally all 12 cars were on board. And at 2pm sharp, the boat departed for the Islands. On board were a large dinning room and a cafeteria. We all ate at the cafeteria, which was very good and of course cheaper than the dining room.

5 hours later, 7pm, we arrived at Cap-Aux-Meules, and to our surprise many of the town people had heard about our coming over, and were on hand to receive us. 100 s of people on both sides of the cars coming out, giving us a hand, it was a real nice way to be welcomed.

All twelve cars and owners, stayed at the Bellevue Motel, which overlooks the harbour. The view from every room was just great.

Every day we would visit a different Island Cap-Aux-Meules, Fatima, Havres-Aux-Maisons, and L'Etang-Du-Nord. On some days, there would be groups of 4 cars, or 6 cars, and the last day all 12 cars, would go and visit the different Islands. We would also eat at different restaurants. In the evening back at the Motel, we would talk about what we saw, and the next day, visit what the other group recommended, and the same for them, visit what we liked. Same for the eating. We all agreed, there were no bad restaurants. Two did stand out, The Convent and Le Sablier; both needed a two day advance reservation. Having the cars helped get a faster reservation, as they wanted the cars parked in front of their eating establishments. People would see this as they drove by.

One couple in our group had a motor home, pulling his Jaguar. He is staying for at least 10 days. Surprising, there is a lot to see in the Mag Islands. For example, Parc de Gros Cap, Le Musee de la Mer, Les Artisans du Sable, the Salt Mines. All these people would spend the time with us, explaining the trade or the story. The beaches are outstanding, no ending to the length of them. As you go from one Island to another, you are driving on a sand bar for miles, with the Ocean on both sides of you. The coloured houses, the rolling hills, just spectacular scenery.

After 4 nights we had to leave, and 8 am was our departure time. So again, one hour before, we were all there, and headed for Souris, P.E.I. Again a nice trip. Sunny and soft seas. I forgot to mention re the weather, most days were in the high teens, but the last day was in the middle 20_s. We had two hours of rain, so the tops were down every day. One of the days, the Bentley was our guide. How many antique car owners would have the privilege to be following a 1926 Bentley 3 Litre. We could not believe this was happening. He kept up a good speed; it will do 90 miles per hour, so 55 to 60 was nothing. One time I was right behind him, I could hear the gear change, as no synchromesh, speed and rpm is what is important to change, so a crunch here and there would be heard by us, but for us, it was music to our ears, for him, I guess was money.

Back to our trip, we arrived in Souris at 1pm and headed back to Charlo, just Helen and I, Terry and Lynn back to Montreal, but through Maine and Vermont. The others headed back to Halifax.

We stayed in Charlo for 3 days, and there I had a chance to fly my kite, (also in P.E.I.I got to fly it.). We took a boat ride to an Island called Heron Island. This is something new for the tourist. It is the Indians that are running it. Once on the Island we are given a pamphlet with all the names of the birds, we had to tick off which bird we saw. I quickly looked at the 300 species they had, and one of them was a Flamingo. A Flamingo in Bay of Chaleurs, I am sure they are talking about the Plastic ones we see on the front lawns.

2078 miles later, 14 days, we were back on Montevideo. A wonderful trip, one litre of oil, and the MGA purred all the way.

Again, I say to you, the holiday starts, when we back up from the garage and ends when we drive into the garage. Give it a try; I am sure you will love it.

Till the next trip. Safety Fast!

©VEA