Here is a short story I wrote some time ago and I believe I posted it here once before about 2 years ago. The kernel that grew into this story was a tale told to me by a man who actually did "ride the rails" during the "dirty thirties". He had several stories of his travels through North America and I expect that in the future I'll be using some of what he told me to build other short stories. But for now ... A Voice From Beyond. By D.M. McGowan © 1             His eyes opened to dim bands of light coming through cracks in the ancient boxcar. Those who had never found a need for a low-budget ride on a fast freight might not appreciate how he could have slept through the clack of the wheels and the squeal of steel. After years of becoming used to it, he found the rock and sway comforting, and only heard the noise when some fellow traveler might try to speak over it. However he may not have slept so well had he ...

I went up to Fort St. John , yesterday for one of the short concerts promoting the “ Alaska Highway 75 th Anniversary” CD. Recited my short rhyme, “The Road That Couldn’t Be Done” and sang a couple of songs from the era. I managed not to have to re-write any of them too badly and didn’t fall of the stage or anything. I missed some of the presentation but what I heard was very well done by all; A good presentation. It reminded me that I wanted to post some artists I like very much. Here is the Gibson Brothers who usually put on their Sunday go t’ mettin’ clothes for their shows, something we all used to do and I enjoyed it. Now days it “just isn’t done.” This is the video for one song so it is short … probably to short considering the caliber of work. The Gibson Brothers – They Called it Music https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xmHFxqGJ7Ys The next one is a group called “Iron Horse.” I heard this done by our MLA ( Dawson Creek mayor at the time) and though he ...

Mr. & Mrs. John Bowren I’ve been extremely busy the last few weeks delivering fuel and haven’t done a great deal of writing. There is a short break apparently this week but then there is always something to do around the place which also interrupts the keyboard time. We need an electric fence around the garden to keep from feeding the deer the tender new growth and save it for ourselves. That job is about half done but today’s rain has shut that job down long enough that I can do this. Another oil field job starting tomorrow but, as usual, no thought of scheduling for those not a part of the immediate on-site crew. They want their fuel after supper. For now, though, a short break to put a few letters together and form some words. I have few things on my calendar for the summer; a book signing at Cole’s in Ft. St. John on June 17 th , reciting my rhyme contribution to the “Alaska Highway 75 th Anniversary” CD at Dawson Creek’s Pioneer Village June 24 th (their opening day...

 ... and a few reviews. No, the cartoon has nothing to do with the post, but it does help to raise the  status from the depths of sadness.   I would like to know how we came to this very low place. We have provincial elections taking place in a couple of Canada ’s provinces and with most elections in memory there does not seem to be any chance of improvement. One of the choices seems to think that nothing matters but the creation of jobs while the wants and needs of those actually making things work are ignored. The other choices all seem to think that if they spend all the money they can borrow (the voter’s cash) to spend on programs they will save the world. Both sides then make promises that are at odds with their basic ideas in hopes of confusing the voter into thinking their destructive ideas might not be implemented. There was a time when sacrificing one’s independence for the duty of leadership was a noble calling. It appears to have become th...

The Alaska Highway early years Building the trail that became the Alcan - 1942 Civilian travel during the early years - 1943 Alaska Highway, Kilometer 1639, Feb. 26, 2013 As I’ve mentioned before, the Alaska Highway 75th Anniversary CD is now available and there is some good music on it, some good writing, good musicianship and good recording. Bert Goulet even made me sound authoritative. There is a promo at  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nTt25BOVaqs Here are some more videos about the building of the highway with some great views of the cable control Caterpillars, gallons of mud and gumbo (no, it isn’t the same as mud; walk in it for one minute and you’ll know the difference.) a look at some US Army Engineers and the civilian contractors. Alaska Highway then and now https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T-6cpMuLqWI&sns=fb Building of the Alcan . USA Signal Corps https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1ThlIabKgnM Mega Structure https://ww...

In 1964, from June through September I worked on the Penalty Ranch across the Peace River from Fort St. John . I went back a few times in subsequent years. The man who owned the ranch, René Dhenin had come to the country from Southern Alberta in the 1920s and was a packer, guide, freighter, horse trainer and cattlemen in the area well into the 1990s. This year, 2017, is the 75 th anniversary of the beginning of construction of the Alaska Highway . Although he had already been a guide for several years René was not involved in the initial trail blazing and the following rhyme explains why. The concept of a land route from the “lower 48” states to Alaska had been around for several years. There where three routes in strong contention. Where the Mackenzie Highway is today was one choice, from Peace River town up through Hay River in the North West Territories then west through the Yukon . A much better idea was where the Alcan actually is, from Dawson Creek , BC , nort...