North Star Trail - The Last Spike Traditional Cache
Hidden : 7/31/2011
Difficulty:
1.5 out of 5
Terrain:
1.5 out of 5

Size: Size: micro (micro)

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Geocache Description:


Most Canadians must have seen, and will immediately recognize, the “Last Spike” photo of Donald A. Smith, later Lord Strathcona, driving home iron spike at Craigellachie, B.C. at 9:22 a.m. on Nov. 7, 1885, thus completing the CPR transcontinental line.



For 56 years it was not publicly known as to who was the young lad who managed to squeeze himself into the photo and can be seen peering over Donald Smith’s shoulder. Later it was discovered that this is Edward Malladaine, who at the time was working as an errand boy for the CPR out of Revelstoke. The night before the historic occasion, Edward – determined to be a part of history – caught a ride on a flatbed to Craigellachie. It snowed hard, then turned to sleet. Through the pitch-black night, Edward was stiff and half-frozen. He finally found shelter, near the site of the ceremony, in a boxcar. When the ceremonial moment arrived early the next morning, he squeezed his way, chilled and wet, through the throng of assembled dignitaries. His place in the photo was established.

Edward later married a teacher in Creston and was responsible for the Kootenay District and had charge of the timber limits and the location and operation of tie camps and mills operated by the CPR. He was based in Cranbrook so would have been well acquainted with the North Star Branch.

Where was the final spike driven on the North Star Branch? In spite of searching the available records I have not, as yet, come up with that fascinating piece of information.

An interesting, unique, spike was found close to the location of this cache site so maybe, just maybe, this was the spot where the rail line was finally completed as this spike was hammered home.

Cachers will need to provide their own pencil or other writing implement. .

You might like to try the Stirton Rd. South for access to this cache
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