The First Trans-Canada Auto Trip

Halifax: August 27, 1912 <<<    >>> Victoria: October 17, 1912

Daily News: August 27, 1997

Into the Atlantic

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Today's Statistics: Travelling from Halifax, Nova Scotia, to Truro, Nova Scotia
Distance: 94 km Driving Hours: 2h Fuel: 26 l Weather: Beautiful! Temperature ... Min: 13 Max: 25

With a warm Halifax send-off, the 1997 re-creation of Thomas Wilby's historic cross-Canada trip got underway today. The citizens of Halifax and neighbouring Dartmouth came out to watch as Lorne Findlay backed his 1912 Reo into the waters of the Atlantic. In a faithful re-enactment, passenger John Nicol scooped up a bottle of Atlantic water to be carried to the West Coast. The entire proceeding was televised by ASN on Halifax Breakfast TV. Host Scott Boyd conducted interviews among the numerous car enthusiasts who attended.

Dipping Wheels




Dipping the Wheels into the Atlantic at Fisherman's Cove










Boyd




Lorne Findlay being interviewed by Scott Boyd of Halifax Breakfast TV.










Fisherman's Cove




Fishboats docked at Fishermans Cove, east of Halifax







After the morning's ceremonies, the 1997 pathfinders set off along highway 2 for Truro, about 95 km away. The weather was beautiful and the scenery lovely.

The route twisted through the countryside past quiet lakes and wide green farms. Here and there the travellers passed through small towns featuring lovely old buildings usually including a small church building surrounded by an open cemetary.

The drive to Truro took about 2 hours, as the Reo cruised at speeds up to 60 kph! In the evening the members of the Golden Age Auto Club (and their cars) hosted a BBQ. Their hospitality was warmly received by the Findlays.


On this day in 1912 ...

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