Halifax: August 27, 1912 <<< >>> Victoria: October 17, 1912
| Today's Statistics: | Travelling from Gravenhurst, Ontario, to North Bay, Ontario | |||
| Distance: 130 km | Driving Hours: 3.5 h | Fuel: 52 l | Weather: Sunny | Temperature: Min. 7 Max. 25 |
The Findlays and John Nicol reached Scotia at midday, determined to locate the spot where Haney's misfortune had ocurred 85 years ago. The town, which used to be at the point where two railways crossed, no longer exists. One of the railways has long been abandoned and the station and hotel which used to be on Edgar Street are nowhere to be seen. The roads are paved, but alongside the roadways is evidence of the sand that caused the 1912 problems. Scotia Junction was set in a very hilly, sandy area.
After a short search the Findlays and John Nicol were able to fairly accurately locate the same road based on a picture in Wilby's book, A Motor Tour Through Canada. With the Reo positioned across the road above the railroad tracks, it was time to take pictures and video in an attempt to re-create an important part of the 1912 trip. Afterwards, a trip down a gravel road led to a very helpful resident who had pictures of the old town which used to exist at Scotia Junction. For quite a while, the group gathered around the car and shared photos and stories while a number of local goats wandered about freely.
Since Scotia has no accomodations, the 1997 pathfinders decided to travel on to North Bay a day early. This will allow for some maintenance on the Reo, which has not always been running on all four cylinders.
It had been a most interesting day poking around the back roads of a tiny, historic community.
A local resident provided much history of the former town of Scotia
... Some local livestock showed great interest in the Reo trip.
On this day in 1912 ...