Halifax: August 27, 1912 <<< >>> Victoria: October 17, 1912
| Today's Statistics: | Travelling from Portage La Prairie, Manitoba to Brandon, Manitoba | |||
| Distance: 156 km | Driving Hours: 3.5 h | Fuel: 33 l | Weather: Sunny | Temperature: Min. 11 Max. 30 |
The early part of the trip was along the portion of highway 1 that is also part of the Yellowhead Highway. The Yellowhead stretches from Winnipeg to the Queen Charlotte Islands. It was named for a young Iroquois trapper who, because he was part white, had light coloured hair. The French voyageurs called him Tete Jaune - Yellowhead. Around mid-morning the two highways separated as the Yellowhead takes a northerly route west.
Along the way, the Reo passed farmers harvesting their potato crops. The potatoes are taken directly off the truck onto conveyor belts where they are sorted according to size and quality.
The day ended in Brandon, known as "The Wheat City" because of its location in the fertile wheat belt of Manitoba. Farms in this area produce a variety of grains including wheat, barley, and oats. Members of the Western Manitoba Pioneer Auto Club met the Reo at the edge of town and escorted it into the city.
Located on the Assiniboine River, Brandon is the second largest city in Manitoba. The Brandon Wheat Kings junior hockey team has produced many well-known players such as goaltenders Ron Hextall and Glen Hanlon.
One of the highlights of this day was lunch at Harry's Ukrainian Kitchen, including cabbage rolls and pyrogies. The prairie provinces are known for their ethnic variety. After the C.P.R. came through in the 1880's, many immigrants to Canada came to the prairies to settle on the rich farmlands.
At day's end the Reo had covered almost 5000 kilometres since leaving Halifax with no major problems - a feat even more modern cars can be proud of.
Farmers are harvesting potatoes. The potatoes are taken right off
the truck on to a conveyor belt ...
... It's not uncomomon to see a combine driving through downtown Portage
La Prairie
On this day in 1912 ...