Barkerville is truly one of British Columbia's gems. An 1862 gold rush town it is now a living museum where many exhibits are interactive and period actors make the town come alive. I was worried that Gabrielle would get bored but I was very happy to be wrong! She became so immersed in the 'show' and quickly became known by name by all the people of Barkerville. Miss Gabrielle was greeted everywhere.
Mrs. Houser invited her to a cooking lesson where they made soda biscuits in a wood stove. Gabrielle got to wear an apron which made her feel even more a part of the history.
Gabrielle even tried her hand at gold panning and came away with 5 flakes of gold from the bottom of her pan. She now has gold fever and wanted to rush in and get another pan of 'pay dirt'! At 5 years old she's well aware that gold is good and gold with diamonds is even better! Someone's going to have to have money in her future!
I've been visiting Barkerville since I was young and this is my fourth visit here. I must admit the while privitisation doesn't usually sit well with me it certainly is working very well here. The town keeps getting better and the exhibits are increasing.
While Barkerville started out mining for gold it really hasn't changed much other than shifting from gold nuggets to gold loonies! Not much panning now, it seems to be more focused on strip mining wallets! Ah but what are grandchildren for but to empty out your wallets occasionally!
Main street is still possible to photograph if you're careful about timing. Early morning is the quietest. This view is only halfway down the street, an equal amount is behind me and is comprised of Chinatown which is much more restored now than it was on our last visit.
St. Saviour's Anglican Church
Looking closely allows one to see some interesting pieces of history. Here are two examples.
I'd like to show more pictures but internet up here is not very consistant or fast!
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