The First Trans-Canada Auto Trip

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

Daily News: September 28, 1997

The Toughest Day So Far

Today's Statistics: Travelling from Regina, Saskatchewan to Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan

Distance: 108 km Driving Hours: 3 h Fuel: 31 l Weather: Windy Temperature: Min. 8 Max. 20

Strangely, after travelling through the Maritimes, up the St. Lawrence, and around Lake Superior, the most difficult day to date was the drive from Regina to Moose Jaw. Winds out of the west gusting up to 90 kph slowed the Reo's progress and made the driving the tall car a real challenge. Lorne Findlay, a professional driver for decades, described it as the hardest day's drive he'd ever made. The high winds buffetted the car relentlessly and blew dust and small objects everywhere. Tumbleweeds hurried across the roadway as the Reo struggled to maintain its speed on the perfectly flat, straight highway. Fortunately, by 1:00 the Reo arrived at Moose Jaw - tired but not damaged.

The day began with members of the Antique Auto Association of Regina escorting the Reo on a quick city tour, culminating at the Saskatchewan Legislature. The beautiful building sits amids trees and gardens and overlooks Wascana Lake. The lake and its surrounding park are home to many of Regina's points of interest such as the University of Regina, the Saskatchewan Centre of the Arts, and several museums and galleries. Another Regina site to visit is Taylor Field, where, on this day, the Roughriders were preparing to meet the Edmonton Eskimos.

Upon leaving the city, the Reo's Regina escort stayed with it through the wind until it reached Moose Jaw, where members of the Antique Auto Club of Saskatchewan were waiting to lead the Reo into town. Shortly after, the Findlays were greeted at a luncheon hosted by the Moose Jaw Historical Society. Also on hand was the Honorable Lorne Calvert, Manitoba's Minister of Social Services, Deputy Mayor Bernice Crosby, and many local well-wishers.

Before putting the Reo away for the day, the Findlays took a quick trip through downtown Moose Jaw. The city is known for its many murals depicting local historic scenes such as the coming of the railway and homesteading. It is believed that the city's name is actually a version of the Cree word for warm breezes - "Moosegaw."

By the end of the day the fierce winds had subsided and all was calm once again. The fiery Saskatchewan sunset lit up the western sky as it seemed to stretch forever across it.

The Saskatchewan Legislature is located in Regina, amid beautiful flower gardens, tree-lined streets and a man-made lake.

Downtown Moose Jaw has many murals depicting historic local scenes. This one recalls the opening of baseball season in 1916.

At day's end the wind died down and the skies were painted fiery red. The Saskatchewan sunset stretched endlessly across the sky.

... All flags were in full flight as the tour headed into 90 kph winds

On this day in 1912 ...

Wilby and Haney were joined by Reo employee Earl Wise, who would accompany them for the rest of the trip.
The Reo made good time - 3 1/2 hours - for the 80 km trip to Moose Jaw

Today's Statistics:	Travelling from Regina, Saskatchewan to Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan
Distance: 108 km	Driving Hours: 3 h	Fuel: 31 l	Weather: Windy	Temperature: Min. 8 Max. 20