They came at various times and by different routes - by bridge and by ferry. Unfortunately, according to Keith Pertus, the recently reopened secret tunnel to PEI is closed again so that avenue wasn't available. Thanks to MGBill for organizing a route to the ferry and from the ferry to Cavendish even if several people didn't follow his instructions. The pool at Green Gables Bungalows is now salt water and was really appreciated after the warm drive.
After most of us had arrived on Friday evening we had a corn boil thanks to Eleanor Robertson, who had even shucked the ears by the time we arrived. On Saturday Bob and Sandy Bentley led a group of close to 30 lbcs plus a few non-lbc interlopers on a great tour to West Point lighthouse for lunch. The group included BATANS members as well as PEIslanders and some lbcs from New Brunswick. Following lunch we headed for the Bentleys cottage at Cousins Shore for a swim (even Gerry Hull got into the water) and bbq. The Bentleys provided more than they should have with contributions from those attending. There was even a washer toss tournament practise with some people (Fraser and Rosalie Cox, Curry Alders and Jim Cleveland) showing great form while others (me included) were humiliated by the experience. Jim says that next year there will be a real tournament so we have a year to practise.
On Sunday there was lots of free time. Some people headed to Cavendish beach while others paid Ben Rogers a visit. On Sunday afternoon there was an impromptu BATANS meeting which you will no doubt hear more about. The meeting was not without controversy. Sunday night was our traditional lobster boil. This year's meal was a bit different. The first year I was involved in cooking the lobsters we did about 6. The number had built to about 3 dozen last year. This year the final tally was 65. There was just no way Keith and I were prepared to try to do that many of the crustaceans. I suggested we go to one of the community suppers but Bob Bentley had a better idea - Why don't you buy cooked lobsters? So we did. The lobsters were wonderful as was the rest of the food supplied by those participating.
There was special treat after the meal. BATANS member, and 50s - 60s musician extraordinaire, Frank Rossiter put on a tremendous concert. As he spoke about the car culture of the time he painted a word picture of 50s cars with fender skirts, continental kits and steering wheel knobs. Minutes later a bright 1956 Ford Fairlane two door hardtop sporting fender skirts and a continental kit mysteriously appeared at the cottages. A coincidence - I think not.
Monday morning and it was time to depart. I'm looking forward to next year. As Wendy said the event was as much fun as the old trips to British Car Days without having to stand around at a car show.
Thanks to MGBill, Bob and Sandy Bentley, Frank Rossiter and everyone in the club who provided food for the various meals. A special thanks to Labrador Bob and his wife Joyce who do so much for us at Green Gables.
Rick Swain, Event Organizer
Images provided by Nancy Cleveland and Donna Sutton.
West Point - View from Lighthouse (Donna Sutton image)
View of wind generators at West Point (Donna Sutton image)
