In the wee hours of a Monday morning twelve months ago, we were rolling past Atlantic Scenery. Quietly contemplating our weekend.

We had three Rallycars and associated teams in our convoy. New Rally car builds were 3 hours behind us on the road, lending reassurance to our local scene. It had been a good weekend, with great people.

Yet despite our optimism and general bliss, we felt a small twinge of disappointment. We managed to only get 2 of our 3 cars to the finish. Car #34 suffered a catastrophic failure of the rear motor mount on EC4. This led quickly to a series of other under hood issues. Despite our efforts, the damage was too great to repair.

Whether admitted at the time or not, a pledge was made: It would be attempted again.

There was unfinished business to be conducted in Quebec.....

_________________
"Nos Ludos Intra Vehicula"

"That is on the floor..... in fifth..... 6500????..." -Buffum to Smith (140mph+, Rallye Charlevoix.....)

"A HUNDRED AND EIGHTY FIVE DOLLARS????"

"Great, now we're gonna get frikken' yelled at....."
"Let the record show that the evening degenerated at 2022hrs..... Duly noted..."

_________________
2005 Forester XT (Daily/B2Tuned), 2000 Subaru Impreza 2.5RS P4WD Class Rally Car, 2006 WRX RallyCross Car (Sponsors: Rally-Tech, Great North Performance, ISI Automotive)
Check out: Rally East, The Ledwidge Lookoff Rally

So who would join us this year on our adventure?

Some of the usual suspects:

Car #23

James "Dasauto" Whitman
Daphne "TheCatHerder" Sleigh
Ian "Wrenchminion" Pearce

Car #18

Malcom "Twinrotor" Swann
Martin "Iknowwherethetrianglegoes" Cadeaux
Dom "Fritterrepair" Dumont
Sam "Tentsshoundn'tfly" Montreff

Event Volunteers:

Cindy "Organizerextordonaire" McCarron
Max "IwillsaveCharlevoix" Meconse

Also joining us this year in the park, and with logistics support:

Jim "Meinquattro" Theriault
Sonia "Icanwearwhiteornomex" Meadows

_________________
"Nos Ludos Intra Vehicula"

"That is on the floor..... in fifth..... 6500????..." -Buffum to Smith (140mph+, Rallye Charlevoix.....)

"A HUNDRED AND EIGHTY FIVE DOLLARS????"

"Great, now we're gonna get frikken' yelled at....."
"Let the record show that the evening degenerated at 2022hrs..... Duly noted..."

subscribed.

_________________
"On snow or ice or gravel, we all know that a car will not stop or steer. And yet rally cars do both of these things. That means the whole thing is sorcery, and the people who do the driving must be witches." - Jermy Clarkson.

After joining forces mid summer to try their hand at working as a team, Sonia and Jim are looking to see what a higher level rally with more going on looks like. They are interested in joining us for this years adventure. The Shepard quickly sees a working plan for both parties: They will bring a Recce vehicle to Clairmont via Ferry, in a one day trip.

The rest of the gear, Rallycar and Service setup, will roll earlier. Taking a bit more time, and the logisitics of the Ferry not working well cost wise for a service and tow vehicle.

Mal will roll on his own schedule, because he's Mal, and let's be honest, any man willing to rally a 38 year old RX7 marches to his own drum.
He will meet Martin and gang in PQ, with Sam and Dom joining at the service park.

The remaining 3 place ourselves in the comfort of the Dodge, and find some road on Wednesday evening. Later than we thought, but nothing that's going to throw a spanner in the works, as it were.......

Sun setting, Heading west..........

_________________
"Nos Ludos Intra Vehicula"

"That is on the floor..... in fifth..... 6500????..." -Buffum to Smith (140mph+, Rallye Charlevoix.....)

"A HUNDRED AND EIGHTY FIVE DOLLARS????"

"Great, now we're gonna get frikken' yelled at....."
"Let the record show that the evening degenerated at 2022hrs..... Duly noted..."

In the few months leading up to the event, James has conducted a major specification change on the service vehicle. While working well, the 360 V8 is removed, and an example of Cummins Venerable 24V ISB Turbo Diesel is swapped in.

Rolling along the 104, climbing the Cobequid Hills, coffee in the cup, lights ablaze. Music is always a good companion for a road trip. The prodigious torque of the I6 has me hypnotized:

"Too cold to start a fire, I'm burning Diesel, burning dinosaur bones..." -Soundgarden

We break for a quick meal at a high end establishment that Moncton has to offer.The Golden Arches summon us. More coffee, and a wave to the kids in the adjacent car. Something about a Rallycar on an open trailer just has a feel to it......

_________________
"Nos Ludos Intra Vehicula"

"That is on the floor..... in fifth..... 6500????..." -Buffum to Smith (140mph+, Rallye Charlevoix.....)

"A HUNDRED AND EIGHTY FIVE DOLLARS????"

"Great, now we're gonna get frikken' yelled at....."
"Let the record show that the evening degenerated at 2022hrs..... Duly noted..."

The original plan was slightly dependent on Wednesdays progress.

Given our relaxed pace, and the open schedule on Thursday, we opt for Oromocto. In fact, why not just use the same Motel as last year? It's basic and clean, but they serve a hell of a continental breakfast, with a bottomless cup of coffee.
Gas and Diesel are available near by.

We make our road exit, and James makes an excellent impression of British Lorry driving, owing to a convoluted access road.

Feet up, beverage and some telly.....

_________________
"Nos Ludos Intra Vehicula"

"That is on the floor..... in fifth..... 6500????..." -Buffum to Smith (140mph+, Rallye Charlevoix.....)

"A HUNDRED AND EIGHTY FIVE DOLLARS????"

"Great, now we're gonna get frikken' yelled at....."
"Let the record show that the evening degenerated at 2022hrs..... Duly noted..."

Try as we might, we can't find the bottom of the bottomless cup. Breakfast had, and packed up, we set out on the next leg of our journey.

The Dodge is stuffed full of Diesel. Some quick math confirms the mileage increase. Torque and fuel economy are good things.


Rolling west we encounter numerous vehicles of our Canadian Ground Forces. We're not sure what operation they are returning from, but there are packs of LAV's, Bisons, Iltis, Deuce and a Half's..... Lots on the go.
We establish that overnight Newfoundland has declared war on the rest of Canada, and we are amassing forces for the battle. We decide not to let it ruin the trip, and we'll wait for more news: carry on.

We do lunch at a staple of the NB countryside, an Irving Big stop. The food is steady state, and satisfactory. You generally know what your going to get. A refill of the coffee cup and fuel tank, and we roll again.

The rain that will figure into our weekend repeatedly starts as a drizzle. Drawing closer to Quebec City it's a bit of a dull day, but are spirits are good. Our Recce crew is approaching their ferry meet, and we've been in touch with Max and Cindy, who are already established in La Malbaie.

We're hoping to avoid most of the traffic that slowed us last year. It is Quebec however, and road work is a provincial past time. James does listen to his codriver, (unlike the service crew) and we end up on the Pierre Laport Bridge, avoiding the Old Quebec Bridge and all it's close quarter enjoyment. I'm certain if it was me driving, we'd take the old bridge, just to relive old times.

Clear of the rte40 road work, we start to head NE, on the North side of the river.

From the truck, The Shepard is making arrangements for dinner with the rest of our team and associates....... The wonders of modern technology.......

_________________
"Nos Ludos Intra Vehicula"

"That is on the floor..... in fifth..... 6500????..." -Buffum to Smith (140mph+, Rallye Charlevoix.....)

"A HUNDRED AND EIGHTY FIVE DOLLARS????"

"Great, now we're gonna get frikken' yelled at....."
"Let the record show that the evening degenerated at 2022hrs..... Duly noted..."

It's beginning to look like all the schedules will collide at the same time.

Our destination is an excellent Airbnb Cottage, at Lac du Rat Musque. No matter how you cut it, one must concede that Muskrat Lake does sound like perfect rally territory. Lake Ontario and the 401 just does not have the same feel......

We are only minutes from the Service Park in Clermont. Services, food and Rally HQ are all within a stones throw. It makes a Tim's run in between services very accessible.

Whether by good planning, blind luck, or both, we all arrive at our wonderous accommodation within minutes of each other. There is room for service vehicles, ability to turn a truck, outdoor firepit, pool, the list goes on....... While temping, we elect not to use the pool.

4c and rain does not seem quite like pool weather......

_________________
"Nos Ludos Intra Vehicula"

"That is on the floor..... in fifth..... 6500????..." -Buffum to Smith (140mph+, Rallye Charlevoix.....)

"A HUNDRED AND EIGHTY FIVE DOLLARS????"

"Great, now we're gonna get frikken' yelled at....."
"Let the record show that the evening degenerated at 2022hrs..... Duly noted..."

The air is still and just a hint of drizzle as we arrive. The smell of wood smoke is thick in the air. The interior of the cottage is blessed with not one, but two wood stoves. Nothing takes the chill off like a wood fire.
Knotty Pine and two story vista's peer out over the lake. Sled trails and snowmobiles would be the order of the day in January, but we are not there yet.

We fire up the stove for some ready to eat treats that will form a quick meal. It's been a long day for all, and we value eating slightly more than food prep time.

One of our team has a birthday this weekend. Sonia has been working on a plan on how to transport a dessert treat, or better yet, how to create a surprise cake with the one you want to surprise looking over your shoulder. She cleverly decides to create her delectable delights right under their nose, with a false identity.

Little white lies.........

_________________
"Nos Ludos Intra Vehicula"

"That is on the floor..... in fifth..... 6500????..." -Buffum to Smith (140mph+, Rallye Charlevoix.....)

"A HUNDRED AND EIGHTY FIVE DOLLARS????"

"Great, now we're gonna get frikken' yelled at....."
"Let the record show that the evening degenerated at 2022hrs..... Duly noted..."

The table is set with the finest of linens.... (Blue towel roll from the service truck). We open a fine selection of fermented beverages, light the wood stove on the top level, and dig in.

There is nothing like a good meal in a cottage setting.

We discuss rally lightly, and enjoy a relaxing evening. Rough plans are made for Fridays activities. It's the one night we have to stay up a bit late, as we have a few minutes the next morning. The cottage affords separate rooms for near all.

Roughing it.... really roughing it.....

_________________
"Nos Ludos Intra Vehicula"

"That is on the floor..... in fifth..... 6500????..." -Buffum to Smith (140mph+, Rallye Charlevoix.....)

"A HUNDRED AND EIGHTY FIVE DOLLARS????"

"Great, now we're gonna get frikken' yelled at....."
"Let the record show that the evening degenerated at 2022hrs..... Duly noted..."

What happens next???!!!

Next chapter please!!

I'm waiting to hear more about us Newfoundlanders and our war!

Friday 21 Oct 2016. 0730hrs.

Recce Day!

We have a few minutes this morning, so we make good use of it. The coffee is fresh, and Jim has taken up making Waffles from an old family recipe. Light and fluffy, berries and whip cream, it's a good thing we've got some work to do today. There are some extra calories to be burnt.

1130hrs.

We head into Clermont to register and get our info. The truck is parked in our service spots. We jiggle it around as needed. Mal is next to us, his trailer already situated. We make sure he's got the room he needs, and open the truck for layout. I put the Service Crew book in the dash. We'll have work to do with that this afternoon.

1300hrs
It's time to make some notes. It will also be a full afternoon of setting up our service area. We have two spots this year, as all teams do.
Due to the weather this time of year, the organizers have mandated that snow tires are mandatory. We check our pressures and fluids on the Recce car. James and Daph get themselves situated with what they feel they need. GPS, odo apps, snacks.... Recce is busy, and they won't have time to hang about. 1300 to 1700 is fairly regulated.

_________________
"Nos Ludos Intra Vehicula"

"That is on the floor..... in fifth..... 6500????..." -Buffum to Smith (140mph+, Rallye Charlevoix.....)

"A HUNDRED AND EIGHTY FIVE DOLLARS????"

"Great, now we're gonna get frikken' yelled at....."
"Let the record show that the evening degenerated at 2022hrs..... Duly noted..."

1300hrs Friday 21 OCT 2016.

They are off.

We set about things in an essential priority list: Tim's run, then layout the tools of the truck.

We sort all tires, unbind everything from it's trip, and generally familiarize ourselves with the truck and it's location. Given the forecast, we won't have the luxury of having things sitting outside. It's going to be wet. Really it is wet.

We use a shovel and crowbar to dig a trench from the small lake that is growing towards our service site. We name it "Teir Two Service Lake", fully representative of our service location. Very original. We manage to limit it's banks to the edge of our tarp, but the Honda team across from us is not so lucky. They setup on a bank of the lake, to avoid getting wet.

1305hrs. Ducks start to gather. No Muskrats yet. It is wet.

With full access to the Rally HQ in the adjacent arena, washroom facilities and warmth are near by. I climb into the cab of the truck, service book in hand.
As we learned last year, should the unfortunate happen, it's very handy to have all of the stage ends programmed into a GPS. It's an added hassle that no one wants or needs to be searching for info when your driving on rural roads in an area of the country you are not familiar with.

The organizers have provided Maps and Lat/Long data for all service crews. It takes a bit to get it all sorted, but well worth the time.

_________________
"Nos Ludos Intra Vehicula"

"That is on the floor..... in fifth..... 6500????..." -Buffum to Smith (140mph+, Rallye Charlevoix.....)

"A HUNDRED AND EIGHTY FIVE DOLLARS????"

"Great, now we're gonna get frikken' yelled at....."
"Let the record show that the evening degenerated at 2022hrs..... Duly noted..."

We layout all the door cards and windshield banners. Normally a bit of moisture makes application easier, but there is a limit. The is one time when we regret not spending the time on a tent.

Dom offers up Mal's tent, we're just about done, but we thank him for the offer. We have some questions about how long the window numbers will last. It's a new glue it would seem.....

Several cups of coffee later the afternoon is winding to an end. Jim and Sonia have figure out that the canteen in the Arena also serves Poutine. Given the damp and cold, it's a nice reward.

SMS is our friend again this year. It certainly does make things easier to be ready.

1713hrs:

Daph: Done Recce, on our way to service. Have a Torque Wrench ready.....

We did not plan on working on the Recce car a whole lot this trip.........

_________________
"Nos Ludos Intra Vehicula"

"That is on the floor..... in fifth..... 6500????..." -Buffum to Smith (140mph+, Rallye Charlevoix.....)

"A HUNDRED AND EIGHTY FIVE DOLLARS????"

"Great, now we're gonna get frikken' yelled at....."
"Let the record show that the evening degenerated at 2022hrs..... Duly noted..."

We have spare tires and fluids laid out. There are not many Subaru parts on board, but lots in the Service park. Jacks, stands and anything we think might help is at the ready. We don't have a huge amount of time, our tech inspection time is 90min away, but close by.

Turns out our concern is slightly premature. Rough roads on Recce have loosened the wheels a bit, and they want to be extra sure they are checked to spec. Easy one that...

We nibble on some sustenance, and ready ourselves for the next step. As we load the helmets and suits in the rallycar, we come to a slight amount of panic. It appears that the CoDrivers suit may still be back at our accommodation.

The rally team proper B lines for the cottage, and we make sure everything is a go. When our tech appointment is done, we will transit to the ceremonial start. Again this year, it will be on the door step of the fantastic and historic Manoir Richeliou.

The Route Book guides us to an unassuming garage a few KM away from Service. There is a line, and we've got time to spare. Seems others may be a bit off on their time, and a gap presents itself. We are waved in early for tech, out of the dark and into the light, one of three bays in a hive of activity.

A flock of inspectors descends on the car, clip boards in hand..........

_________________
"Nos Ludos Intra Vehicula"

"That is on the floor..... in fifth..... 6500????..." -Buffum to Smith (140mph+, Rallye Charlevoix.....)

"A HUNDRED AND EIGHTY FIVE DOLLARS????"

"Great, now we're gonna get frikken' yelled at....."
"Let the record show that the evening degenerated at 2022hrs..... Duly noted..."

Tech is thorough but fair. Everything safety is checked, and all required on board equipment is certified.

Daph takes Jim and Sonia aside to a neighbouring car, she explains what they are looking for, what to have ready... It is a good procedure to see before your through it for your first time.

With tech complete, we roll 8km down the coast to the Fairmont. Just like last year, the ceremonial start is front and center. The turning circle is between the Manoir and the Casio door. Despite the rain and chill of wind, there are hundreds of spectators about. There is also a large line of bus tours, dropping folks to take a shot at a game of chance.....

During the time in the que for start we get chatting to Nicolas Laverdière. He's running a 2W Open Honda civic. We discuss lighting and so forth, but the real interest is in his insight to Simon Dube's car. Simon is one of the front running PQ competitors. While only 2WD, he's usually top 10 at any major event. He's just got the gift. Not being a VW guy I try and garner any info that I can, in case James is interested. Always good to learn from the fast guys and gals......

Things are ramping up for the start. The DJ is announcing, in French mind you, but I'm trying. The order is reversed, so as car #23 we are not far from the first. Names announced, and lights ablaze the VW makes it's official start for the event. It's raining now, but the damp has not stifled the enthusiasm of the crowd. This seems to be the thing in Quebec. The love of motorsport is admirable. Mal is up soon in 18th. The combination of sticker gravels and wet pavement seems to create a low friction situation. The crowd loves it.

The next item on the official agenda is 0700 tomorrow morning, so we discuss our food options.

We opt for Mikes Restaurant. It's on the way back to service, serves good food, and supports the event. Done. There are more than a couple Rally Cars in the parking lot with the same plan.
Beverage and food ordered, we take a minute to relax. We are all a bit chilled and dog tired.

5min in, Daph starts calling softly for her meal: "Here, pizza pizza pizza...... "

Time to get our Co Driver some sleep I think........

_________________
"Nos Ludos Intra Vehicula"

"That is on the floor..... in fifth..... 6500????..." -Buffum to Smith (140mph+, Rallye Charlevoix.....)

"A HUNDRED AND EIGHTY FIVE DOLLARS????"

"Great, now we're gonna get frikken' yelled at....."
"Let the record show that the evening degenerated at 2022hrs..... Duly noted..."

0615hrs 22OCT2016.

It's Rally Day.

Jim has the coffee on, and I swill several cups. It's good, the mixture is just right.

Sonia has completed project "Covert Cookie" The previous evening. Also completed: Project Cornbread muffins.
Daph and James have readied the ingredients for "Truck Chili" You've not really rallied until Truck Chili is involved.

The cookies are layed flat in layers, and the other secret tools are hidden away. We pile ourselves and our rain gear into the Recce Car. It's not a nice day out, but it's rallying, what can you do. We'll figure something for breakfast later. Priority one is Service Park.

Rolling into Clermont, it's clear it's been a windy sour night.
Mal's first tent is twisted beyond use. His second is being retrieved from the other side of the paddock. Sam is wrestling with it best he can. We all get together and tear apart what is left. They are liabilities now sadly, not an asset. Several other teams are moving pipe and cloth from the surrounding woods. Not so good.

_________________
"Nos Ludos Intra Vehicula"

"That is on the floor..... in fifth..... 6500????..." -Buffum to Smith (140mph+, Rallye Charlevoix.....)

"A HUNDRED AND EIGHTY FIVE DOLLARS????"

"Great, now we're gonna get frikken' yelled at....."
"Let the record show that the evening degenerated at 2022hrs..... Duly noted..."

I ask James what he wants to start on for pressures, and recheck all the lugs. Fluids are good, it looks like it's ready to rally!

Drivers meeting is up at 0800hrs, and Daph and James head on over. The car is fired up, defrosted, and ready to go. Official start is 0825, so they will be out close to Nine O Clock, with 1min spacings. Not much concern about dust today....

We have the one opportunity to see cars in action, and still be ready for our duties in the Service Park on Clermont 1 and 2.

The stages runs through the river valley in the middle of town. By finding a highers elevation parking lot over looking the valley, we have time to make the first pass of cars and get back to Service in time.

Some decide to hang it out regardless. You can't win a rally on the first stage, but you can sure loose it. There are hundreds of spectators lining the designated areas, and there is a show to be put on. The town has made a sizable jump out of Gravel, and it gets used to great effect by some. After a sight section of gravel post jump, the stage finishes on pavement, with a few higher speed corners through the industrial park.

Variety is the spice of life, so they say.....

_________________
"Nos Ludos Intra Vehicula"

"That is on the floor..... in fifth..... 6500????..." -Buffum to Smith (140mph+, Rallye Charlevoix.....)

"A HUNDRED AND EIGHTY FIVE DOLLARS????"

"Great, now we're gonna get frikken' yelled at....."
"Let the record show that the evening degenerated at 2022hrs..... Duly noted..."

0937hrs Sat 22OCT2016.

Daph via SMS: "Please start the Chili. We also need fuel, can you prep for that?"

I love the order of priority.

James being the ingenious man that he is, has a 1000w inverter installed under the hood. By plugging in the service cap, we have 110v power for the slow cooker. The Chili is started, allowing the flavour to distribute itself through the ingredients. This is the only way to Rally.

Fueling at a proper Rally is very regulated. It is part of a transit, and you have a time control into it. It is a designated area, with fuel only and a fire truck. Fairly safe environment. It is done at the end of your service time.
Sonia and Jim move the fuel down, with the required fire bottle.

As they roll into their service area, I ask the usual: How is it?
J: "Good, seems fine."

Well then.... I set about checking pressures, fluids, lugs.... anything that can be done. The car seems fine, but it's only had a dozen km on it, so it's not shocking. The next loop will be much more of a test.....

_________________
"Nos Ludos Intra Vehicula"

"That is on the floor..... in fifth..... 6500????..." -Buffum to Smith (140mph+, Rallye Charlevoix.....)

"A HUNDRED AND EIGHTY FIVE DOLLARS????"

"Great, now we're gonna get frikken' yelled at....."
"Let the record show that the evening degenerated at 2022hrs..... Duly noted..."

Loop two, is far more significant. The car did not return from it last year. The surface has rough spots, it's been raining heavily, and there are 75km of special and 75km of transit to be completed.

James instructs us to fill the car. Right, fill.

We empty one and a half into the VW, and shut the cap. It's full full, shall we say. A tap on the roof and they know they are good to roll. There are several other cars, each in their own row. The fueling section is busy.

They will be gone for some time, we hope. It's also a good policy to keep your eye and ear to your phone, in case anything crops up.

Project SECRET COOKIE is next on the agenda. Sonia takes the baked delicacies into the Rally HQ area. With registration done, Cindy is also free to help. I tidy up a few things, and then head in. I find Jim, Sonia and Cindy, with trays of cookies about, icing tubes poised, inscribing crafty information to them.
Most seem to refer to a certain number, which I won't mention. My mother told me it's not polite to ask a lady her age....

After coming up with all the ways to denote a numeric value, from binary to roman numerals, we move to Jemba Notes. I did not realize R4>3/C Flat R/C would be so hard to write. It is a small cookie I suppose.

Several children from the Hockey side of the arena need to be swayed from the cookies. One in particular takes time to ask about them. When Sonia tell him they are not available, en francais, he proceeds to ask the next person at the table. E for effort, but he may loose fingers if he pouches one I think....

I check my phone. Nada. No news is good news I suppose???

_________________
"Nos Ludos Intra Vehicula"

"That is on the floor..... in fifth..... 6500????..." -Buffum to Smith (140mph+, Rallye Charlevoix.....)

"A HUNDRED AND EIGHTY FIVE DOLLARS????"

"Great, now we're gonna get frikken' yelled at....."
"Let the record show that the evening degenerated at 2022hrs..... Duly noted..."

1137hrs.
D via SMS:"Made it through Port aux Soumon. On our way to Bataram."

Ok, good. Another one down.

I v SMS "All good?"
D "So far so good, stage is pretty chewed up though, should be interesting in the dark."

I get the light bar from the truck. The next service is 45min, if we have something, we have a bit of time to deal with it. Wrenches are laid out, and stands are placed around the tarp. Jack is placed front and center. It won't be nearly as quick as the Mercedes boys do an F1 stop, but they charge a premium for their time.

1252hrs
D vis SMS "Done Bataram, on our way back. All okay. Codriver Hungry. In time 1318hrs.

Wicked. We now are officially further ahead than last year. And the chili is almost hot. I cycle the Cummins up for 10 min to make sure the batteries are still solid. We let the Diesel Fumes waft over us. Mmmmm Diesel Fumes.....

Sonia has the Cornbread and butter laid out in the truck. Bowls and Spoons are adjacent. The crew eats first, we'll grab something when they are out.

I grab everything under the hood. It all looks solid. We check the bolts that caused our failure last year. Knock on wood, they seem solid.
We go for stands, and I start pulling on skid plate bolts, control arms, engine mounts. I shake and wiggle everything I can. It is clear that despite his thrash for the new build, James got it right. It's holding up very well.

Sonia has the grabbed the tray of "Rally Cookies." They are now clearly Birthday Cookies, and we sing Happy Birthday to our CoDriver. I'm flat, but I'm also wet and covered in dirt I reason.
Daph looks genuinely surprised. It's a good moment, and the picture is worth a 1000 words. Time card in one hand, Birthday Jemba Note cookie in the other. We stipulate that she must take the Rally Cookie with her.

"What's the rally cookie?" She asks.

"It's the one with 'Rally Cookie' on it in blue icing."

"Oh, of course."

_________________
"Nos Ludos Intra Vehicula"

"That is on the floor..... in fifth..... 6500????..." -Buffum to Smith (140mph+, Rallye Charlevoix.....)

"A HUNDRED AND EIGHTY FIVE DOLLARS????"

"Great, now we're gonna get frikken' yelled at....."
"Let the record show that the evening degenerated at 2022hrs..... Duly noted..."

More Ian More!

With Mal having a decent service crew with him this year, we've not had as much contact with him. He's been in for his service, and showing well.

He is however, suffering from his usual issue. Tires. Flat ones. The pile of bent wheels and flats is growing at the rear of their service trailer, and they've taken to measuring the use in weight, as apposed to numbers. A switch to 13's was hoping to create less of this issue, but I'm not certain that it has.

"You picked a fine time to leave me loose wheel......." He sings strolling over to us.

He mentions that he lost a wheel on stage. Fair enough, things happen. It would turn out that the departure of the circular support device was quite dramatic at speed. There is video available.

Martin is professional, and business like. We've not had a lot of time to chat with him, but he seems a good head the time we've had with him at Lookoff, Charlevoix, and others. They are out 5 min ahead of us.
Camber and toe seems to increase with each stage for Mal, but that's also par for the course.

_________________
"Nos Ludos Intra Vehicula"

"That is on the floor..... in fifth..... 6500????..." -Buffum to Smith (140mph+, Rallye Charlevoix.....)

"A HUNDRED AND EIGHTY FIVE DOLLARS????"

"Great, now we're gonna get frikken' yelled at....."
"Let the record show that the evening degenerated at 2022hrs..... Duly noted..."

Mal and Martin are back in the car and out. Daph and James get themselves situation. It's been a good service for us, and we can't seem to find to much amiss.

The rain has eased earlier, but it's still and damp grey day. I get a chance for my Chili, and Sonia and Jim make a Tim's run, and grab some light bulbs from the local Canadian Tire for the Recce vehicle.

The Chili really hits the spot. Warming from the inside out, and fresh cornbread to boot. I have a second bowl. Dinner is a bit away. Jim and Sonia are going to make an executive decision, and grab something that we'll throw together back at the Cottage. Desire for food next to the wood stove is high.


I'm starting to notice a disturbing trend: A number of cars have not departed from service, and trucks and trailers are leaving the service area empty. There destination is no doubt the end of a stage, where the sweep crew has pulled them to. It's never a good feeling. We were there a year ago, and are hoping to avoid that very scenario. As Colin McRae once said: "In Rallying the highs are very high, but it can also be a very cruel sport."

_________________
"Nos Ludos Intra Vehicula"

"That is on the floor..... in fifth..... 6500????..." -Buffum to Smith (140mph+, Rallye Charlevoix.....)

"A HUNDRED AND EIGHTY FIVE DOLLARS????"

"Great, now we're gonna get frikken' yelled at....."
"Let the record show that the evening degenerated at 2022hrs..... Duly noted..."

The loop between Service two and three is La Pax. Run twice, in reverse direction.

TV footage from years ago show die hard motorsport fans lining the berms that make up the sinuous sections of the stage. It opens to an amphitheater like setting, beneath a Quebec Hydro right of way.

The crews report later that it's lost none of it's appeal, with spectators camped on it's banks, tents included. They've made a weekend festival of it. During the turn around at the end, the cars are swarmed by folks trying to get a closer look at the machinery. It's one of those intimate moments in rallying....

1539hrs
D via SMS: "Pax done. James wants to look for a leak. We smell gear oil. Light bar not needed, we are not going to mount it."

Uhhhh. Gear oil. That's not good.
Checking the truck, it's one of those items that is not aboard. I stroll next door and hit up Dom for some. I obtain some sort of special Amsoil 75W90 synth that keeps RX7 rear axels alive. Most of the time anyway....

Rolling into service, the smell is distinct. We only have 20min this time around, and we could likely use more. I know little about VW transmission, but James quickly determines that it's a right side axle seal. Nothing we have time for. We repurpose a fuel spout to act as a funnel, and I desperately try and get the speed sensor out of the top of the transmission case, so we can add oil.

D - "Thirteen minutes left."

The water on Pax has been high. This corresponds with the water level in the car being high. Daph is complaining of damp notes. It's always good to keep the Co Driver happy. We used towels at Service Two to mop up water, this time we need a more aggressive approach. James drills drain holes in the floor pan. The water level subsides. Crisis averted.

After much cursing and skinned knuckles, I get the sensor out of the transmission. We add a liter of Mal's fine rear end fluid and button it up best we can. The car is without second gear, and when the sensor is removed, it's a indication of why. There is fine metal flake on the nylon gears of the speed pickup. Not good. Something in the transmission is failing. Perhaps many things.............

_________________
"Nos Ludos Intra Vehicula"

"That is on the floor..... in fifth..... 6500????..." -Buffum to Smith (140mph+, Rallye Charlevoix.....)

"A HUNDRED AND EIGHTY FIVE DOLLARS????"

"Great, now we're gonna get frikken' yelled at....."
"Let the record show that the evening degenerated at 2022hrs..... Duly noted..."

With a 20min service, we don't have the luxury of playing with much. The sensor is stuck back in, and we button everything up.
James has concluded with the flood aversion, and Jim and Sonia have taken on the other tasks, pressures, lugs, glass, etc.

The car is back together in time, and sent to fueling. We meet them there, and top it up once more. The loop is long in distance and time. It is the last time we can do anything for them.

Off into the night they go.....

With the final time out of service for them, we break down our service park setup. We want to be in a position to depart shortly, and we'll be leaving here to join the festivities at the Parc Ferme. Everything is shackled down again, and we hook up the trailer, ready to roll.

The rally finish is about 8km away, back closer to the Manior. Typical to Quebec, a street is shut down, just off the main drag. It's starting to rain now, but we don't let that dampen our spirits.

Several haulers have decided to meet their cars here, and we find a hole to stuff the Subaru in.

On the way down the river front we've seen several cars heading back in the direction of the Service Park.
That seems odd.......

_________________
"Nos Ludos Intra Vehicula"

"That is on the floor..... in fifth..... 6500????..." -Buffum to Smith (140mph+, Rallye Charlevoix.....)

"A HUNDRED AND EIGHTY FIVE DOLLARS????"

"Great, now we're gonna get frikken' yelled at....."
"Let the record show that the evening degenerated at 2022hrs..... Duly noted..."

1736hrs.

Daph via SMS: "Done! We are on our way back to service!"

I v SMS: "Service? We are at Parc Ferme?"

There is a long bit of silence, and I'm a bit concerned. I'm also thinking of the more than a few crews that were returning to service while we made our way to Downtown.

D v SMS: "Found it, on our way."

There had been a change in the route book. It was on loose paper, and distributed later than the original route book. Easy enough to have happen. Really pleased that it didn't go on too long!

We stand at the entrance time control, waiting to see what we can. We don't see Mal and Martin, but we do see cars after their number. This is disappointing. The blocked road is filling with cars and spectators. There is a smoked meat shop, a DJ, music....... It's a rally finish.

Finally, after a new build, 12 months, lots of late night thrash, and two very wet Recce and Rally days, car 23 enters the final time control. It has Reverse, First, Fourth, and Third if you lean on the shifter James says....

They have done it!!!

Out of the car, and phone calls home to little ones, we take some shots of our weary band. It's been quite the few days.

We'll find Malcom a few minutes afterwards: "Hey, what happened?"

Mal: "uhhh, we had some alignment issues from when we lost the wheel. Bent a control arm, and it's a bit hot after the tree we hit punctured the rad. Couldn't restart at the bottom of the hill, we walked the card in."

If you want to sum up a never quit attitude, that is it right there.
They will be classified as 18th. Second last overall, but a finisher.

James and Daphne will show a 2 Wheel Open class finish of 6th, and 13th overall. There were 25 starters.

In rallying, attrition is a big part of the game. A combination of quality build, care in the rough, and a steady pace have paid high dividends.

_________________
"Nos Ludos Intra Vehicula"

"That is on the floor..... in fifth..... 6500????..." -Buffum to Smith (140mph+, Rallye Charlevoix.....)

"A HUNDRED AND EIGHTY FIVE DOLLARS????"

"Great, now we're gonna get frikken' yelled at....."
"Let the record show that the evening degenerated at 2022hrs..... Duly noted..."

There is a podium to celebrate the Maritime Eastern and Quebec Championship.

Given that Mal and Martin, and James and Daph are the two teams that competed in both the Lookoff here in Nova Scotia, and Charlevoix in Quebec, they are in good standing.

The Arsenault Brothers did make the trip for Lookoff, as well as Besner, but Arsenaults day has not gone as well. Besner will finish 5th overall today.

When the announcements are made, the rain is just starting to fall. Dube will be called 3rd overall in MEQC 2WD.

James and Daph will be called to second on the podium, and Mal and Martin will be top of the box. Two local Nova Scotia teams, on the rostrum. It's been a good weekend.

Champagne is sprayed, and trophies are collected. The rain is suitable to wash off most of the over spray. Someone see's fit to douse Max, as a thank you for this hard work in making this years event happen.

Hardware collected, it's time to try and get dry and warm. We are released from Parc Ferme.

Daph and James limp the 3 speed VW back to service, and we follow in the Subaru. Cindy is going to join us back at the estate for dinner. We waste no time in loading the car. By this point we are soaked through.



Back at the homestead we light up both stoves, and crack the top on many beverages. Dry pants and socks start to make things feel warm again.
Sonia has the two birds in the oven, and we mix a side of salad.

Dessert, is of course, Rally Cookies. I can't recall a better meal.

_________________
"Nos Ludos Intra Vehicula"

"That is on the floor..... in fifth..... 6500????..." -Buffum to Smith (140mph+, Rallye Charlevoix.....)

"A HUNDRED AND EIGHTY FIVE DOLLARS????"

"Great, now we're gonna get frikken' yelled at....."
"Let the record show that the evening degenerated at 2022hrs..... Duly noted..."