"But it's the last real run of the season, it's the Oktoberfest run, you..."
As her hand tightened it's grip on the shovel I dropped the subject. After 27 years of marriage I knew the danger signs. I'd rather go by myself than risk being scalped by a razor sharp shovel.
The next day (Sunday) dawned clear and warm. I knew she'd be sorry she missed it but I could gloat about it later. For now, I had some serious cleaning to do. The wires would take a good hour to clean even with my collection of brushes.
The day grew increasingly warm and had hit 20ºC by the time I headed off to meet the gang. I'd left quite early as I wanted some time to take video before we left. As it turned out the extra time was eaten up by EVERY DODDERING OLD FART OUT FOR A SUNDAY DRIVE!....Argh! I spent more time sitting impatiently behind big Chryslers putting along 15 K's below the speed limit. With no place to pass, I fumed.
A motley crew was ready to roll when I (finally) arrived at our meeting place just outside Fredericton.
After a quick tea break I shoved the video camera at an unsuspecting soul with instructions to "shoot something nice", and we were off. The route took us over the Mactaquac dam and along the 105 highway. The fall colours were spectacular and the sun glinted off the waters of the head pond as we meandered along. The leisurely pace and warm breeze put me in relaxed mood and I found myself humming Matt Monroe as we motored along (" On days like these,... when skies are blue and fields are green,...I think of you, and wonder what might have been..."). The old crooner seemed to fit the day and the miles passed pleasantly.
The warm weather brought out lots of folks for a drive including Vic Dunphy who was enjoying his new Miata MX5. We ran into him at a gas station where we'd stopped for tea/pee. He was quickly assimilated into the crew and joined us on our way to the John Gyles restaurant.
Once there, we found that we had the place entirely to ourselves and made quick work of ordering. The food was (again) superb with ample portions and good conversation.
After our early supper we languished outside enjoying the balmy weather. The wind had died down and it was pretty much perfect. We eventually headed home and decided to take the 102 route past Kings Landing. The air was just starting to get a bit fresh as the sun went down. The sunset rewarded us with spectacular colours and an awe inspiring display. I kept wishing that I wasn't alone so that someone could record the view on the video camera.
The Oktoberfest 2007 was another rousing success and thoroughly enjoyed by all. We couldn't have picked a nicer day or a better spot to dine.
- Bob
Thanks to the Sweets, we have photos of the club's run to Gyles Bavarian Restaurant. Click on a photo to see them. What a spectacular day!
...and photos from the Bleakney's as well.
