Quesnel, our next destination spot turned out to be a great place to explore. We parked our RV on the edge of a big lake and went off to explore Barkerville, the largest living history museum in North America. With over 150 buildings from the 1850’s gold rush era, each filled with relics from the times and many costumed actors, it did feel as if we had hopped out of our Delorean (Back to the Future fans will recognize this reference) amidst the miners and townfolk.
On the way up the mountain (about 2500ft up), we realized that there was some kind of race, with each runner escorted by a vehicle along side the road. We learned that every year Quesnel stages a 100km (66 miles) relay race from Quesnel, through Barkerville and on up the mountain through the snow. Each team has 8 participants, running somewhere between 5 -17 km. Did I mention the “up” part…and the “down” part…and the “up” part? We also learned that the cars not only carried the other team members but protected the runners from the mama bear and her 2 cubs along the side of the road.
We were so busy tooting at the runners for support – we missed the 3 bears on our way up. But they obligingly stuck around for photos on our return. You can find some pictures in the album at the right called 05-15 Marble Canyon & Seton.
May 20, 2009 at 10:20 am
I love your blog! Have followed along ever since”You never Walk Alone” and enjoy hearing your perspective on familiar spots. Seems the “vehicle on flatbed through railroad tunnel” from Whittier to Portage that I mentioned to you may not happen anymore. I’ve searched websites and it seems the tunnel alternates between rail and vehicle traffic–still a fascinating way to reach Anchorage. Didn’t know about the Quesnel relay–I was publicist for and ran in the 288 km Jasper-Banff relay for years (oh, to run marathons again!)so your description brought back memories of that mountain race (https://www.bjr.ca/). You’ll soon be in Alaska! carol & hans
Hi Carol & Hans!
It was great getting to walk the beach with you and learn about your research. If you’re ever passing through Columbus, we’d love to connect. Of course the summer is just beginning and there’s many places we could connect on our return through Canada in August!
SHB
I love your blog! Have followed along ever since”You never Walk Alone” and enjoy hearing your perspective on familiar spots. Seems the “vehicle on flatbed through railroad tunnel” from Whittier to Portage that I mentioned to you may not happen anymore. I’ve searched websites and it seems the tunnel alternates between rail and vehicle traffic–still a fascinating way to reach Anchorage. Didn’t know about the Quesnel relay–I was publicist for and ran in the 288 km Jasper-Banff relay for years (oh, to run marathons again!)so your description brought back memories of that mountain race (https://www.bjr.ca/). You’ll soon be in Alaska! carol & hans
All I can say is what an adventure! love dad