Riding the Rails!

For the long weekend, we took Audrey out on her first bike trip.  Deciding to avoid the traffic on the roads, we took an old railgrade from Castlegar to Christina Lake, called the Columbia and Western (C&W).  Built at the end of the 1800's, it was still an active rail line until only 20 years ago but all the former rail stations and tiny towns along the route have long since turned back to dust.  There are lots of trestles and tunnels along the way, views of the lakes, and picnic and camping spots to make it interesting and enjoyable.

Starting out with a happy baby and fingers crossed...

Rest stop overlooking Arrow Lake

Getting water at the start of the Bulldog tunnel

It's almost a kilometre long and has a curve in it, so there's no light at the end of this tunnel!

Campsite at the (former) Tunnel Station

Our route (the black tracks along the west side of Arrow Lake)

Fun in the tent at the former Paulson Station.  There used to be a hotel, store and stables here but no sign of them now!

After dinner walk with Papa

A detour over a washout

Approaching the Paulson Bridge

I've driven over this bridge dozens of times and looked down at this trail, wishing I was on it.

Riding by an old water tower

Osprey nest at the end of the route