Editor:
A few weeks ago, Bruce Uzelman had an article in the Lakes District 亚洲天堂, about the Cariboo Road, Lillooet and Bralorne Gold. I have some historical information to add to this story. My grandfather Bert Durban, hauled freight into Bralorne mine.
In 1915, Bert drove his eight horse jerkline team, hauling equipment up from the Mission. Shalath was the name of the little settlement at the end of the lake system where the freight boats landed. The rough trail that led up over Mission Mountain was call 鈥楾he Mission鈥�.
Led by a bell-mare to steady and steer the team and wagon around curves and to keep them from tangling in the harness, they made their way into Bralorne and Pioneer. It took seven days from the Mission, up steep narrow mountain roads and down the other side, then along the dangerous winding curves high above Bridge River where sudden rock slides could hurl travelers into the river below. Slides could also block the trail with tons of shale or snow. The last 10 miles was up steep mountains on narrow trails, hundreds of feet above the winding Cadwallader River, finally reaching the busy mining towns of Bralorne and Pioneer hidden in the mountain fastness of the Bend.
In 1916, Bert made the trip with a waterwheel, weighing four ton. He drove his eight team with two swampers to help. Coming back he got snowed in. He had to unhitch his horses and leave the wagon at the foot of Mission Mountain until spring. I am so proud of him.
Pat Kalaman
