Sunday, July 6: Kimberley BC

Mark Creek, the main water source for Kimberley

When I arrived at Cranbrook, technically the detour was completed as the TCT runs through the city. However up the trail lies the city of Kimberley, which is the first community the TCT visits after leaving the wilderness road from Gray Creek.  It was 19 miles away and uphill, but I felt I should take a day to visit Kimberley. On the way I cross the Kootenay River, which seems odd, since the Kootenay River also was at Creston, on the other side of the Purcells.  This Kootenay River provides the direction for the next several days on the TCT.  At Maryville, the trail starts to seriously climb, and continues to climb from the city limits to the downtown area.  The Sullivan Mine, in its day one of the largest lead and zinc mine in the world, was the major source of income for the residents until the 1970's, when the mine closed. 

When the mine closed, tourism became a major factor in the local economy.  They adopted a Bavarian style of architecture in the downtown area, and built a pedestrian mall they called the Platzl  (Plaza). Since I wasn't sure whether riding the bike was permitted, I walked the bike through the Platzl, and selected a restaurant for a mid-afternoon meal.  

The slope continues to rise west of the downtown area, where I came upon a scenic wooden pedestrian bridge over Mark Creek, a stream that comes rushing out of the mountains, and provides the main source of drinking water for Kimberley.  Well named, I should say!  Mark Creek continues downhill until it joins the St. Mary River, at Maryville.  

Also, the Kimberley Alpine Resort is a noted ski area which advertises the longest night-lit runs in BC.

Playing the tourist today, rather than the traveler, this was a nice break in traveling, and I enjoyed the downhill back to Cranbrook.

 

    Pedestrian mall called The Platzl

 The  Platzl

Sculpture of zinc-lead miners