08.3 found 2 records - Research Collections - Whyte Museum of the Canadian Rockies

Abstract: Born in the west but raised initially in the east, Dale Portman was eight years old when his family headed back to the land of the Rockies. Growing up in Calgary, he was introduced to the Rocky Mountains at an early age and as a young man eventually found work in Banff National Park, where he spent most of his time in the saddle while working for outfitter Bert Mickle, based out of Skoki Lodge near Lake Louise. Jobs in the local tourist industry and at a couple of ski hills followed. Eventually Dale was drawn to the warden service, doing avalanche control and forecasting in Rogers Pass, with the backcountry of northern Jasper, Yoho National Park and Field, BC, eventually becoming the stage for many memorable, humorous, tragic and life-affirming moments. The Green Horse takes the reader on a journey through a time when our mountain national parks were less touristy and more substantive. When there was space for everyone to enjoy without having to line up and there was a sense of freedom and adventure in the air. (From Rocky Mountain Books website)

Contents: Foreword -- Prologue -- My youth -- Banff and Lake Louise -- Faye and Donny -- A mountain winter and a spring roundup -- Dale and the Mickles -- Lake Louise -- Rogers Pass -- Early Jasper -- Alfie and Ginger -- Jasper tales -- Blue Creek -- Yoho -- Yoho again -- Epilogue.

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1 website

Subjects: Railways; History; History of Alberta; History-Canada; Rocky Mountains; Canadian Pacific Railway; Canadian Pacific Railway Company; Canadian Pacific Railway Hotels

Abstract: Ride the rails through Canada’s western mountains to explore the many vestiges of the region’s spectacular and surprising railway heritage. Here is where grand railway hotels were built to attract tourists to the West’s beautiful scenery and bring profit to the railway lines as well. Rustic stations added to the allure. The challenges of conquering the mountains resulted in some of Canada’s most ingenious feats of engineering, such as spiral tunnels and soaring trestles (one of which was featured in The Amazing Race Canada). Relive the days of rail on a steam train, the luxurious Rocky Mountaineer, or one of VIA Rail’s mountain journeys. Outdoor enthusiasts can follow the abandoned roadbeds of Canada’s more spectacular rail trails, like the legendary Kettle Valley Railway. Also included are some of Canada’s most extensive railway museums, which have helped to bring this vanished era back to life. (From publisher's website)

Contents: The rails arrive -- Conquering the mountains : the tunnels and bridges -- The faces of the railways : the heritage railway stations -- Life on the line : the railway towns -- The dream castles : western Canada's railway hotels -- Railway structures : a forgotten heritage -- Celebrating the heritage : the railway museums -- The rail trails -- All aboard.

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