Halifax: August 27, 1912 <<< >>> Victoria: October 17, 1912
| Today's Statistics: | Travelling from Nelson, British Columbia to Rossland, British Columbia | |||
| Distance: 100 km | Driving Hours: 2 h | Fuel: 23 l | Weather: Sunny | Temperature: Min. 4 Max. 16 |
The morning's trip covered the short distance to Castlegar, in the heart of Doukhobor country. The Doukhobors were breakaway Russian Christians who immigrated to Canada in the late 1800's to escape religious persecution from the orthodox church. They settled in Saskatchewan and Southern B.C. and lived communally in towns in this area. Because of their religious beliefs they did not participate in the public education systems and social life of the community.
A short distance before reaching Castlegar, the Reo was met and escorted by members of the Columbia Chapter of the Vintage Car Club of Canada. Upon reaching the city, the Findlays and John Nicol were greeted by representatives of the city and the Chamber of Commerce.
Around Castlegar, visitors can see the Doukhobor Heritage Museum, Verigan's tomb (the Doukhobor leader), and the old Doukhobor bridge, which was built in 1913 and stands as a memorial to the hard work and ingenuity of the Doukhobor community.
After leaving Castlegar the Reo made its way along the Columbia to Trail. Trail is the site of Cominco, one of the world's largest lead and zinc smelters. From Trail, the Reo began a long, steep climb up to Rossland. The hill stretched for about 10 km and included grades of up to 8 per cent. The Reo made its way slowly up the hill with a steady column of steam rising from its hot radiator. A stop along the way ensured that the Reo remained cool enough to continue up the hill. The local people still refer to the stopping point as "watering hole corner" because most cars used to have to stop for water halfway up the huge hill..
Rossland, at the top of the hill, is at an altitude of 1036 m (3398 ft) and is known for excellent skiing (on Red Mountain) and mountain biking. The city has hosted both the Canadian and North American mountain biking championships. Olympic champion skiers Nancy Greene and Kerrin Lee-Gartner have come from Rossland. It is truly an alpine city with historic and natural sights to enjoy.
The Doukhobors built these houses in their communal villages
... The Columbia River flows almost 2000 km to the Pacific Ocean, supplying
hydro-electric power to much of the Pacific Northwest
On this day in 1912 ...