Wreckhouse

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The bold wall of the Long Range Mountains overlooks the Codroy Lowland along the Trans-Canada Highway just north of Port aux Basques. Valleys cut through the Long Range Mountains funnelling violent, gusty winds capable of overturning transport trucks, and in the past, trains which once passed here. The wind speed can be equivalent to a Category II hurricane at 200KM (125 miles) per hour.

Lochland (Lauchie) McDougall, A local trapper and farmer who was familiar with the winds, understood the conditions and provided warnings before the trains passed. At times the trains would be chained to the track to avoid being overturned by the winds. He became known as the human wind gauge.

These two photos show the mountains on one side and the Atlantic (Gulf of St. Lawrence) on the other.

At first glance, the white poles appear to be fence posts; however, they are utility poles.