2008 Fernie to Victoria Tour

AUGUST 18, 2008: Hills and Heat

Today's Statistics:	Travelling from Castlegar to Grand Forks
Distance: 95 km	Driving Hours: 2.5h	Weather: Hot!	Temperature ... Min: 21 Max: 41

Today's drive was a short one - just 95 km over the Blueberry Paulson Pass and into Christina Lake and then Grand Forks.

After receiving instructions from Castlegar native Ron Garay at the morning drivers' meeting, the cars set off up the hill from Castlegar. The first few kilometres were steep and then the hill was just steady for the next 20 or so kilometres. It was a long hot grind for the older cars and most stopped to cool off or add water near the top.

The other side of the pass was just as challenging. The long, steep downhill stretch kept the engines cool and the brakes hot. Eventually the hill levelled out at beautiful Christina Lake. Most cars stopped for a break or lunch there before finishing the drive to Grand Forks.

The day's drive finished in Grand Forks, where the town had put on a terrific welcome, blocking the streets and bringing the community in for a festive afternoon.

The afternoon heat was hard on tires. The 1923 Ford Model T had its second flat tire of the trip and two cars, the 1912 REO and 1933 Hupmobile, had tires blow while sitting in the hot sun at Grand Forks.

All the tour participants were happy to finish the day in the pool or a cool room at the hotel.

Members of the Castlegar Fire Department stopped by the hotel lot in their 1923 White Firetruck.

Five year old Allison poses with the rag doll she made at last night's craft session. Brother Logan looks on while having breakfast seated at the running board.

Bess Reilly and Rosemary Proctor visit at the 1913 Cadillac.

Tom drives and Mark fixes, if necessary, the 1926 Cadillac.

The Leirs travel in style in their 1941 Cadillac.

It's the first time out for Ken and Chris Findlay's 1911 Model T Tourabout. So far, it has been a successful trip for them.

Ron and Chic drove their 1941 Dodge Special Deluxe Sedan from Kamloops get to Fernie. This car originally served as a taxi in Merritt.

Brad Holcik shares the driving of this support vehicle, which was used to transport some of the older vehicles to Fernie. So far, none of the Fernie tour cars has had to be put into this rig.