The explorer Simon Fraser mapped this section of the river as his greatest challenge. 'A place where no human being should venture, for surely we have entered the gates of hell'...was what he wrote in his journal.
With the waters of the Fraser River at peak levels...we decided it was a good time for a rendezvous with Rendezvous at Hell's Gate. We discovered there were two ways across...the tram or a hike down into the canyon and a stroll across the bridge.
Most of us opted for the tram!
Once the first car was loaded...it plunged out of sight and down across the canyon. It was rather like a large-group zip-line experience! Most painless...however.
We also learned a few things while we were there. Who knew that twice the volume of water flows through Hell's Gate than that which flows over Niagara Falls? Nor would I have guessed that the water boiling beneath us was 180 feet deep. And this is the river that is home to the world famous salmon run! Those fish do not have it easy.
We walked the bridge...checked out the gift shop and museum...
...and felt a little of what Simon Fraser would have experienced in 1808. We had salmon chowder and ice-cream...
...or treats from the fudge shop. We sat next to the roaring river and enjoyed our goodies and each other's company...
...and soon the last tram car was heading for the other side. It seemed no one was too eager to spend the night at Hell's Gate...and soon we were all homeward bound.
Great weather, good friends, and a chance to see a beautiful piece of British Columbia...it was a good time!
