2008 Fernie to Victoria Tour

AUGUST 16, 2008: On Our Way!

Today's Statistics:	Travelling from Fernie to Creston
Distance: 216 km	Driving Hours: 5h	Weather: HOT!	Temperature ... Min: 10 Max: 34

Day 1 of the 2008 Fernie to Victoria Tour was challenging, to say the least. As the temperature neared the mid-thirties, many of the cars began to protest the heat.

The morning started out cool and clear. All the cars gathered near the old train station in historic downtown Ferni. At 9:00, the tour participants were welcomed and sent on their way by Ferni Mayor Randal MacNair.

The morning drive was highlighted by a lovely drive along the old road into Fort Steele, along the Kootenay River. The drivers were happy to be off of the main highway for a while.

At Fort Steele many interested onlookers admired the cars while the tour group went inside for lunch. Before leaving, the cars paraded through the streets of the old town, while the Fort Steele staff and visitors watched and clapped. Thank you to the Fort Steele administration for allowing us to stop there.

The afternoon drive was hot. Although the drive was easy, many cars had a difficult time with the heat. Problems included overheating, vapour locking, a blown tire, and a cracked water manifold. One car may have suffered a blown rod bearing. All of these incidents meant it was a busy day for our BCAA Roadside Assistance man, Mike. He helped out every time and made sure that, by the end of the day, all the cars were safely tucked away in Creston.

An afternoon stop at Yahk's Summerfest 2008 was an opportunity for some of the cars to cool off a little before finishing the drive. The people of Yahk warmly welcomed (yes, very warmly) the group to their BC150 celebration.