2008 Fernie to Victoria Tour

AUGUST 21, 2008: Over the Hope Princeton

Today's Statistics:	Travelling from Princeton to Hope
Distance: 136 km	Driving Hours: 3.5h	Weather: Showers	Temperature ... Min: 6 Max: 15

Crossing the Hope Princeton proved to be one of the most challenging drives of the 2008 tour. The climb out of Princeton up to Sunday Summit was probably the steepest climb of the trip. The cool weather kept the cars happy, but had the drivers of open cars scrambling for sweaters and gloves.

After a short stop at Manning Park Lodge, the cars were on their way toward Allison Pass. Once over this pass, the cars were following the Skagit River - flowing westward. It was the final mountain pass to cross before reaching the coast.

This morning's stop was at the community of Sunshine Valley, just east of Hope along the Crowsnest Highway. There the group was warmly welcomed by the local residents. Coffee and fresh baking were gladly received by the tour participants and everyone really appreciated the personal touch. Many thanks to Barb Bell and her crew for putting this tour stop together for us.

CLICK HERE FOR BARB'S MUFFIN & BROWNIE RECIPES

Rain fell as the cars made their way into Hope. Fortunately it stopped by evening and the stopover at the Hope Visitors' Centre was a pleasant one. Tourists and locals alike stopped in to see this unusual collection of cars. Thanks to Inge Wilson and the staff of the Centre for organizing this stop.

Today the Fernie to Victoria Tour said goodbye to the Russells in their beautiful 1937 Packard and welcomed two new cars - Geoff Crowe and Al Nichol met the group in Sunshine Valley in Geoff's 1931 Ford Model A, and Don Gilbert and Bill Austin joined in Hope in Don's 1926 Ford Model T. Don and Bill drove this same car in the 1958 Tour.

The 1925 Packard had to head home on the truck today because of wiring problems. Hopefully, the problem can be solved and the car can rejoin the group in a day.

Fifty years ago, Paul Bolam drove a 35 year old Ford on the Fernie Tour. This year, he's driving Rose's Plymouth, which is 67 years old. Which was more challenging?

After a long climb out of Princeton, the cars entered Manning Park. The temperature was a chilly six degrees.

John and Linda's 1932 Nash on its first day with the tour.

The little Ford Roadster is still a steady performer. It is the only car to participate in all four B.C. Centennial tours - 1958, 1966, 1967, and 2008.

Bess gives a wave as John motors up the hill.