Another hard 'week' of toil, and there are 4 nice long days ahead before I start another. Last week I ended up taking off with Neil on Thursday and Friday, then heading off for more fun and games on Saturday (we'll talk about that tomorrow), so there wasn't much time for mundane stuff like housework or bike rides. That hopefully will get covered this week.
Last night when I posted here, I promised you a visit to Hell's Gate. Since I haven't been there yet, only to the roadside building where the fun begins, I have to rely on the internet to share information. A lot of the information here is from http://www.venturevancouver.com/ .
Anyway, it was still daylight when Neil and I drove by, so he pulled his rig into the parking lot so I could check out the area. Also so he could have a smoke break. I'm not sure which was top on his list, but I do enjoy checking out areas.
The door here is bracketed by two signs, which are really informative.
-and-
Situated in the Fraser River canyon, the daunting Hell's Gate was described as such by explorer Simon Fraser during his journey along the river in 1808. Today, this section of British Columbia is far easier to pass through thanks to the roads high above the canyon and the construction of the Canadian Pacific Railway below, however, Hell's Gate and its awe-inspiring narrow canyon continue to stun visitors as they descend into the 'Gates of Hell' via its bright red Airtram. Explore exhibits, shops, bridges and more at the bottom of the canyon, learn about the regions history and enjoy spectacular views at Hell's Gates!
First described and named for Simon Fraser's journal entry (which said of this section of the Fraser River "surely this is the gate of hell"), the Hell's Gate section of the
Fraser River - located between Hope and Boston Bar - has been a source
of both suffering and of awe for over two hundred years. The mighty
Fraser River narrows in this section of the steep canyon and created an
obstacle for many explorers and gold miners during the early years of British Columbia.
Today, significant road improvements make the canyon a comfortable and
scenic drive, however, remnants of the dangers once faced by early
settlers remain and can be visited at the Hell's Gate attraction.
Hell's Gate's journey begins on a precipice high above the Fraser River. At highway level, visitors can take one of two routes down, a steep hiking trail, or, the more preferable route, the airtram. Opened in 1971, these small airtrams can fit twenty-five people and take only one minute to reach the Fraser River level. A small village offers a fudge shop, gift shop, cafe, gold panning and fisheries exhibit to explore. There is also a suspension bridge which crosses the Fraser River which connects to the trail, offering spectacular views of the river, tram and canyon.
Visitors can learn about the large fishway at the Fisheries Exhibit, which is one of the most noticeable features of Hell's Gate. Built in 1944, the fishway was an integral addition to this narrow gorge whose water flow was irreparably altered by a rock slide during the construction of the Canadian National Railway in 1913. Inside this museum, visitors can see movies, old photos and learn about the Fraser River and its Salmon.
Some of Hell's Gate's most famous residents are its spirits: Edward haunts near the gold panning station, the smoking man in the restaurant, the Asian spirit on the observation decks and the lady behind the gift shop door. A stove is also reported to be controlled by the spirit of its cook who worked there during the construction on the railroad
An interesting historical adventure for all ages, Hell's Gate provides the opportunity to learn about the perils faced by British Columbia's early explorers, settlers and salmon while offers spectacular views of the canyon from the lower terminal, air tram and highway level. Don't miss some of Hell's Gate Annual events such as Canyon Appreciation Day (May), the River Regatta (May) and the Pumpkin Drop (October)!
See, doesn't this seem like a lot of fun?
Of course, it probably isn't as much fun as some people are having back on the east coast - I'm grateful for the pictures that are popping up on Face Book showing the Leah Caroline, her extended crew, and the reunion in Little Harbour, Newfoundland and Labrador.
Hell's Gate's journey begins on a precipice high above the Fraser River. At highway level, visitors can take one of two routes down, a steep hiking trail, or, the more preferable route, the airtram. Opened in 1971, these small airtrams can fit twenty-five people and take only one minute to reach the Fraser River level. A small village offers a fudge shop, gift shop, cafe, gold panning and fisheries exhibit to explore. There is also a suspension bridge which crosses the Fraser River which connects to the trail, offering spectacular views of the river, tram and canyon.
Visitors can learn about the large fishway at the Fisheries Exhibit, which is one of the most noticeable features of Hell's Gate. Built in 1944, the fishway was an integral addition to this narrow gorge whose water flow was irreparably altered by a rock slide during the construction of the Canadian National Railway in 1913. Inside this museum, visitors can see movies, old photos and learn about the Fraser River and its Salmon.
Some of Hell's Gate's most famous residents are its spirits: Edward haunts near the gold panning station, the smoking man in the restaurant, the Asian spirit on the observation decks and the lady behind the gift shop door. A stove is also reported to be controlled by the spirit of its cook who worked there during the construction on the railroad
An interesting historical adventure for all ages, Hell's Gate provides the opportunity to learn about the perils faced by British Columbia's early explorers, settlers and salmon while offers spectacular views of the canyon from the lower terminal, air tram and highway level. Don't miss some of Hell's Gate Annual events such as Canyon Appreciation Day (May), the River Regatta (May) and the Pumpkin Drop (October)!
See, doesn't this seem like a lot of fun?
Of course, it probably isn't as much fun as some people are having back on the east coast - I'm grateful for the pictures that are popping up on Face Book showing the Leah Caroline, her extended crew, and the reunion in Little Harbour, Newfoundland and Labrador.
And here's the star of the summer - the beautiful Leah Caroline -
awe inspiring location...so magical
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