2008 Fernie to Victoria Tour

AUGUST 24, 2008: The Tour is Over

Today's Statistics:	Travelling from Duncan to Victoria
Distance: 64 km	Driving Hours: 1.5h	Weather: Rain	Temperature ... Min: 13 Max: 20

The final day of the V.C.C.C. 2008 Fernie to Victoria tour was a challenging one, due to the weather. Heavy rain fell all morning as the group gathered at the B.C. Forest Discovery Centre for an outdoor pancake breakfast. The Duncan Rotary Club made a delicious breakfast but most participants had to work hard to stay dry and warm. Thank you to the Forest Discovery Centre and the Rotary Club for preparing this breakfast for us.

The drive to Victoria was cold and damp. The route led through Cobble Hill and Shawnigan Lake before following the old Island Highway into Victoria. It was a lovely scenic drive and most drivers were glad to be off the main highway. It was only later that we discovered that two of the brass Model Ts missed the Cobble Hill turnoff and actually drove over the Malahat along the main highway. Brave guys!

The arrival at the Legislature was an exciting moment. Members of the Victoria Chapter of the V.C.C.C. were on hand to welcome the tour and help with parking at the legislature. Josh Smienk unloaded his 1905 Orient Buckboard and drove it the last few blocks and up the driveway into the legislature. Acting Mayor Charlayne Thorton-Joe welcomed everyone on behalf of the City of Victoria and received the letter that had been sent by Fernie Mayor Randal Macnair. All those on hand were impressed with the amazing collection of vehicles that had made its way across the province over the previous week. It was a very special time.

Thank you to Gordie Thomas and his crew of Victoria Chapter members for their help on this wet morning. Also, thank you to Luba Lisun and the staff at the Parliament Buildings for allowing us to use the grounds for the conclusion of the tour.

The final activity for the Fernie Tour participants was a brief reception across the street at the Grand Pacific Hotel. It was a lovely tea and an opportunity for many farewells to be offered. Before long, the cars were heading for home - returning to all regions of the province (and Alberta) with many wonderful memories of the Fernie to Victoria Tour.

The organizers of the B.C. 2008 Fernie to Victoria Tour would like to thank all those who assisted along the way and helped make this an historic event. They also are grateful to the tour sponsors - the B.C. Tourism Ministry, BCAA, and Husky/Mohawk - as well as all the other contributors to the tour. All of these helped make the tour special.

And finally, many thanks to the tour participants themselves - drivers, spouses, children, and friends. All of you have made the week most memorable for everyone else involved. It is the people and the relationships that we value most and this week of re-aquainting with old friends and making new friends has been truly special. Thank you, and congratulations to all of you.

The cars gathered at the B.C. Forest Discovery Centre for a pancake breakfast.

Members of the Duncan Rotary Club served up hot coffee and freshly made pancakes and sausages - perfect for a wet morning!

The Forest Discovery Centre was started by 1958 Fernie Tour driver Gerry Wellburn. Today, it is an outstanding museum, not to be missed by anyone visiting Duncan, B.C.

There were some cold and damp passengers in the open cars this morning.

Sometimes a little plastic helps keep your Hupmobile dry.

The cars lined up in front of the Parliament Buildings.

The line of parked tour cars stretched right across the front and down both driveways.

Gordie Thomas and his crew of Victoria Chapter volunteers helped manage the event. They were wearing their bright yellow May Tour 2009 jackets. Click here for information about next year's May Tour.

Acting Mayor Charlayne Thorton-Joe welcomed the group and received the letter from Fernie Mayor Randal Macnair.

Even in poor weather, many of the group were in period costume.

Members of the public were on hand to view the historic collection of automobiles.

The 1931 Packard and 1934 Plymouth look very stylish in front of the historic buildings.

Vern brought the Morris Cowley (left) in on the trailer. It was the only car to drop out of the tour due to mechanical problems, but was most welcome as a 1958 and 2008 tour car.

These two brass Model Ts actually went over the Malahat, instead of around it. In front of them is Gordie Thomas' beautiful 1934 Ford Sedan.

On hand in Victoria were Newell Morrison (left) and Bud Buchan. In 1958, Newell owned the '26 Cadillac (behind) and Bud drove it in the B.C. Centennial Tour. It was a wonderful reunion. After sitting behind the wheel, Bud remarked, "It still feels the same - 50 years later!"

The 1910 REO (left) was a 1958 Centennial Tour participant. The 1938 Cadillac is a Victoria car - right at home at the Parliament Buildings.

A closing reception was a chance for a quick lunch and many fond farewells.

A chance to relax after a job well done!

Looking back ...

2008tour@vccc.com