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Caption: Other than a couple of locals off-loading supplies from the baggage car, there was no one else on the platform at Thicket Portage, MB but me on this cold and snowy morning. The weather has changed dramatically from the day before when I was in Churchill, MB where it was blistering cold, but beautifully sunny with not a cloud in the sky. This snowfall would get heavier as the day went on and eventually leave over a foot of fresh stuff by the time it was over.
The community was originally known as Franklin Portage after the Franklin expedition. It is one of the portages in the route used to connect the Nelson River system with Wintering Lake. The community is located on the Hudson Bay Railway.
Thicket Portage is 48 km south of Thompson and 256 km northeast of The Pas. The railway provides the only all-year surface transportation linkage to the outside. A winter road is established for six to eight weeks every year.
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A typical northern community stop. Not many footprints in that fresh snowfall.
Now this is railroading in the winter, grey skies, lots of snow on the ground, icicles and snow on the F40’s, and someone plowed some snow off the platform. Love the “Welcome” sign, covering half the width of the white board “cute” station; no mistaking where your location ! This sign is for you Paul, even though your stay on the snowy ground was probably only a few minutes – hope you had your snow boots on. Also, your history comments are so interesting, had no idea that this community “in the middle of nowhere “ was part of the Nelson River portage system, and that it was previously named after the ill fated Franklin Expedition, and that this community is important enough to have a Subdivision named after it ! Paul, you are indeed a great tour guide !! Thank you very much, John
Thanks John, I very much appreciate your comments. Your enjoyment of my photos is quite evident.
I enjoy writing a little commentary with each of my posts from what I personally experienced, however, the ‘history’ details of an individual community or location most often come from internet research. Such as that for Thicket Portage.
https://www.manitoba.ca/inr/publications/community_profiles/pubs/thicket-portage-2016.pdf
Paul, I must agree with my dear friend John – “Now this is railroading in the winter…”! Your incredible journey continues to amaze and inspire us. Like I have said before, you have cemented my desire to retrace your rail miles. Thank you again for sharing! – Ken