LUCKY LAGER ROAD TRIP
WESTERN BRITISH COLUMBIA
October 8, 2015 (Day 20)
Day Trip Port Hardy Area, BC
Miles: 52 / Total Trip Miles: 1,296
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Today’s Route
PHOTOS
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HOLBERG:
Our first intended destination was the tiny village of Holberg. Holberg sits at the westerly end of Holberg Inlet, and is accessible via a 31 mile gravel logging road from Port Hardy. In its early days Holberg existed as a floating camp, at one time the world’s largest, for forestry workers in the area. Logging operations are completely land-based there today.
We started down a narrow gravel road with deep ditches on each side. A few minutes later, a semi-truck pulling a flatbed trailer, carrying an oversized load, was heading fast in the opposing direction. I had my little Subaru STI as far to the right as possible without going into the ditch. The truck didn’t slow down … barely an inch separated us. I expected to see the truck rip open my car like a can opener. Fortunately, no damage was done. We immediately turned around .... not wanting to take on any more trucks!
COAL HARBOUR:
In 1883, the discovery of coal seams (a dark banded deposit of coal that is visible within layers of rock) prompted the settlement of Coal Harbour. A mine was built in attempt to extract the coal, but proved unsuccessful, and was soon abandoned.
The outbreak of hostilities in 1939 hastened the decision to build a wartime station at Coal Harbour, and a details were given emergency priority. When World War II broke out, Canada perceived a threat on its Pacific Coast from the Japanese. In 1940 the government authorized the establishment of a Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) Station at Coal Harbour. The station supported both initially radio operators, and eventually the No. 120 Bomber Reconnaissance Squadron. RCAF Stranraers and later Canso-As (the Canadian designation for Consolidated PBY Catalina Flying Boats built by Canadian Vickers) were based here. See photos below: PBY below on left and Stranraers on right. RCAF Station Coal Harbour was closed at the end of August 1945.
After the war, whaling operations began. Whales were harpooned by a fleet of up to five small "chasers" with harpoon guns. Whales were brought up by steam windlass on the main slipway formerly used by planes and then flensed (stripped of their blubber) on the concourse and processed indoors. Whaling operations ended in 1967.
Abandoned RCAF Officers Quarters
Float Plane on Tarmack
This float plane is parked in front of the old RCAF hanger.
Float Plane Engine
Location: Ecoscape Cabins.
Ecoscape Cabin
We give the Ecoscape Cabins an A+ rating.
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TOMORROW
Mary and I continue exploring the Port Hardy area.
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COPYRIGHT
These photographs are the property of Leon Jackson, and are protected by copyright laws. Photographs may not to be downloaded or reproduced in any way without the written permission of Leon Jackson. © 2015 Leon Jackson. All Rights Reserved.
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