Fraser Canyon

We continued up the Fraser Canyon and stopped at the occasional turn-out. There was very little traffic and the place had a forlorn feel about it as there was evidence of heavy use during the summer, but now even the information boards had been removed in preparation for the snow storms that are just around the corner.

We pulled into the Skihist Park when we were intrigued by clouds of dust swirling up the canyon and almost obscuring our vision as we headed north. This is now the Thompson River Canyon and the water is a purer blue green. The ground is carpeted with Ponderosa Pine needles and the air is heavy with the smell of Sage Brush. The air was dry and warm as we walked to the edge of the precipice. Again, such good timing as a CN train was heading our way.

We soon discovered that the source of dust was this steep gravel slope. The wind came sweeping down toward the tracks and then swirled its way up our side of the canyon. There were small rivulets of sand and dust flowing downward, collecting beside the track. The colour has not been manipulated in any way, but that is the way it is. The dark stains are small quantities of water oozing out of the mountain.

Looking back at this very long train, we finally saw the end of it, a long train of empty container flatbed cars.

Looking to our left again, the predominant cargo of sulfur was just heading around the bend toward the tunnels.

The two large diesel engines are just entering the tunnel.

Zooming back, you can see the spectacular rugged terrain that the railroad builders had to overcome. 

We were nearing Spence's Bridge where the plan was to turn east on the #8 Secondary Highway to Merrit. Still not the colour in the trees that we had hoped for.