2008 Fernie to Victoria Tour

AUGUST 19, 2008: It Never Rains In Osoyoos in August

Today's Statistics:	Travelling from Grand Forks to Osoyoos
Distance: 120 km	Driving Hours: 3h	Weather: Rain	Temperature ... Min: 13 Max: 20

Whoever wished for a change in the weather certainly got that wish today. The Fernie Tour participants experienced a twenty degree drop in temperature and heavy rain in Osoyoos, with occasional lightning and thunder.

The morning began with a long climb up out of Grand Forks, over the Eholt Pass. The hill was steep and slow, but the weather helped keep the cars running cool. The rain had not yet begun.

The cars all stopped at the historic town of Greenwood, where the women of St. Christopher's United Church had prepared home baked goods and coffee and tea. All of the tour participants really appreciated the warm welcome and personal touch they felt.

After leaving Greenwood the group had to climb Anarchist Mountain (1100 m) before descending the other side into Osoyoos. It was here that the weather turned and the skies opened up. All thoughts of overheating were now gone as the drivers found out where the leaks were, and how well the windshield wipers worked.

In the evening the group met together for dinner at The Bombay Grill in the hotel. The food was good and everyone had a great time.

The BC2008 Fernie to Victoria Tour is now half over. For the second straight day no tour cars rode on the back of Mike's BCAA truck.

Happy Birthday to 4 year old Christopher, from Uncle Peter Trant.

James and Barbara started the day with the top down in their 1914 Ford Model T.

Lou and Shar stopped their 1928 Model A Ford at The Flag Tunnel. The tunnel was part of the old road built in 1913. It remained buried in the mountain until recent years, when the hill was cleared. Now the tunnel stands by itself and is painted with the flags of many of the visitors who have come through the Crowsnest Route.

The tour cars stopped at the United Church in Greenwood, the smallest incorporated city in Canada.

Dave's 1931 Rolls Royce has no trouble climbing the hills with its huge (490 cu in) six cylinder engine.

This 1913 Cadillac is a reliable tour car.

The people of Greenwood came out to see the cars. Board of Trade President Frank Paladichuk, right, presented the group with Greenwood souvenirs and Pat Kelly of the Boundary Creek Times was on hand to record the event.

James came to the rescue when the Model A Ford starter failed. In no time the starter was out and repaired.