Halifax: August 27, 1912 <<< >>> Victoria: October 17, 1912
| Today's Statistics: | Travelling from Grand Forks, British Columbia to Penticton, British Columbia | |||
| Distance: 212 km | Driving Hours: 4 h | Fuel:47 l | Weather: Cloudy | Temperature: Min. -3 Max. 10 |
After a few early morning photos, the Reo left Grand Forks still following along highway 3, the Crowsnest Highway. After a short drive, it reached the picturesque town of Greenwood.
In the 1890's, Greenwood was one of the busiest towns in the Boundary country. Over 2000 people lived there and the city offered over 100 businesses and a 1000 seat opera house. The city thrived because of the nearby copper mines and the smelter that processoed the ore. Today, the town is 100 years old and has a number of very interesting buildings. The smelter is gone, but its story lives on in the history of Greenwood.
After leaving Greenwood, the Reo crossed over two mountain passes. A series of steady inclines led to the first summit, at approximately 1000 metres, before leading back down again. Later in the morning the Reo once again began to climb, this time the steep slopes of Anarchist Mountain. Although the hill was steep, the Reo managed it well, the engine running cool in the autumn mountain air. After reaching the summit at 1200 metres, the Reo began a long descent to the Okanagon valley below. Again, the Reo was up to the challenge as its brakes were easily able to handle the long hill. Along the way, the Findlays and John Nicol stopped to admire the spectacular views of Osoyoos Lake far below.
The town of Osoyoos is located in Canada's only desert region. The area gets very little precipitation and is often the hottest spot in Canada during the summer months. It is located very close to the International Boundary, in the beautiful Okanagan valley. The valley is known for its orchards. Apples, peaches, cherries, and apricots are among the fruits grown throughout the Okanagan valley.
After leaving Osoyoos, the Reo headed for Penticton, via the old Fairview Road. The road winds back in the hills past the former gold mining town of Fairview. It is also the route of the the original Okanagan Brigade Trail. The trail was the route by which furs were transported through the Okanagan Valley en route from New Caledonia (northern B.C.) to Astoria on the Columbia River. The brigade travelled by horseback - usually once a year - led by the Chief Factor of the Hudson's Bay fort that was supplying the furs.
The Reo was escorted into Penticton by members of the Okanagan Chapter of the Vintage Car Club of Canada. Upon arriving at Penticton, the Findlays were warmly welcomed by many friends, family, and well-wishers. Penticton is Lorne Findlay's home town and many people were pleased to recognize the efforts of a local citizen.
Greenwood was once one of the busiests cities in Boundary country.
... The hills are coloured with Yellow Tamarack Pines - the only Canadian
coniferous tree to shed its needles.
On this day in 1912 ...