Way back in 1845, Father Jean de Smet, a missionary working with the Kootenay Indians saw large pieces of coal along the river, and wrote, “I am convinced that this fossil could be abundantly procured.”

The majestic beauty of the mountains is awe inspiring to almost anyone, but for a geologist, looking at mountains is like seeing an ancient warrior whose battle scars reveal millions of years of history.

Most of the mountains around Fernie are upside down. Oh, I know that they look like right side up mountains, with broad bases rooted firmly in the valley floor and pointy peaks reaching skyward.