A big part of researching a book for me is getting out into the world of the person or people I’m writing about. Jean ‘Cataline’ Caux travelled on many trails through his long and interesting life, many of which were made long ago and used by the Indigenous people in the different locales that the pack trains later worked. In my own travels on the backroads of British Columbia, I’ve been lucky enough to see and experience the beautiful surroundings and the historic landscapes that surround us and which gave so much inspiration to me with the Cataline book.

When I’m out exploring the backroads and the history of British Columbia, I try and take some photos that will reflect the feelings that I get when I’m immersed in the beauty of our surroundings. Here are a few that I particularly like and I hope you will like them, too.

On the Dog Creek Road, driving south from Alkali LakeDog Creek Road junction near Gang Ranch (east side of river)Heading towards Lillooet with Fraser River in distanceA silhouette of goats heading towards Big Bar on north sideRanch land and sagebrush near LillooetMarble Canyon–Cataline often wintered near hereNear Bridge River, close to LillooetHat Creek Ranch on a hot dayHat Creek Ranch–Cataline spent time here enjoying drinks with friendsBack on the trail again, heading away from Hat Creek area

Cataline would have spent time in all of these places as he travelled around the province. Irene Bjerky, whose research gave such a basis to the family background of Jean ‘Cataline’ Caux, and who wrote such a lovely introduction to the book, has compiled lots of information about Cataline’s travel routes on her ‘Packtrails‘ website and I urge you to check it out.

To purchase ‘Cataline: The Life of BC’s Legendary Packer’ go to Caitlin Press’s website, or buy it from your favourite bookseller.