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After set-on we had to drive our road vehicles about 5 hours east to Swan Landing, Alberta where we would arrive about a week later. A bus met us and took us back to Prince George. The route took us past BC’s highest mountain, Mt. Robson, on one of those clear days when we saw what is rarely seen – the top of the mountain.
Leaving PG before dawn on Canada Day we headed north and then east to Tumbler Ridge. This involved a crossing of the Great Divide through a 6 mile tunnel (a long dark wet tunnel) and then a 4 mile tunnel (very cold, strong smell of sulphur) before we emerged. We made our way to the coal chute where we drove right though it on the balloon track to reverse our route
Next day we headed back west through those tunnels and on to a work camp near Mackenzie BC. This was a grand adventure although it certainly provided a glimpse into the life of those who work in camps. Spartan conditions – but having the camp to ourselves meant we could enjoy each other’s company in a relaxed if none-too-fancy facility.
Our CN route took us up through the Pine Pass
On our last day with CN, we operated into Dawson Creek where the local station museum hosted us for lunch complete with a special cake to celebrate our arrival and the American 4th of July.
The real adventure began after lunch when we crossed the Peace River and after miles of rather rough track found ourselves on miles of hypothetical trackas this part of the track has been restored by CN but is not currently being used – the weeds were winning!
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Although there were several hours where I doubted we’d ever make it, we finally left CN and joined Savage Alberta Railway and were guided into Grande Prairie, AB where we finally got a day off but lost an hour to a time zone change. Two days later with cooler weather and even a little rain we headed south along the eastern side of the Rocky Mountains. We crossed the Smokey River several times and enjoyed herds of elk, deer and even a couple of bear cubs up a tree. Late in the day we passed the remains of a derailment – one that would have prevented us from traveling on SAR if our trip had been a few days earlier.
The route was mountainous and gorgeous with set-off just north of the Swan Landing junction where SAR drops cars for CN transport. The nearby Black Cat Ranch created our lunches for the bus trip when we’d parked there a week earlier – now they provided rooms for those who wished to stay overnight
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There is a photo of Carl and Marg on an unusual mini-bike speeder. Marg thanks to all of the PNWT 2006 participants who contributed to this gift – the photo is of our shake-down run at the West Coast Rail Association museum in Squamish. It is a delightful piece of our history!
A few general bits: – Sam the dog and all the rest of us endured some very hot weather – somewhat unusual in the northern parts of BC in early summer but it was that kind of year.
(Breakdowns…) – plagued our trip this year. The Kelley car self-destructed just out of Prince George and had to be towed for the remaining 7 days. Even Chris Baldo’s car blew-up and the replacement car “Big Blue” proved unreliable. He rode in a variety of speeders and hy-railers but did a great job as our leader.
Sadly, this was to be Mallet’s last trip as lead-canine. She managed with some help from her many friends to keep Chris company but this autumn she made her debut in doggy-heaven.
