More than 75 years have
passed since in the midst of
the Depression, flamboyant
French- born American
millionaire Charles Bedaux
launched an attempt to cross
the wilds of northern British
Columbia with Citreon
halftrack vehicles. Also
dubbed the “Champagne
| Safari”, Bedaux and his
entourage were supported by
over 100 pack and saddle
horses, as well as a crew
that included cowboys,
packers, trail cutters,
surveyors, cooks, and even a
valet and personal maid. Over
the years, many articles have
been written about Bedaux,
| his motives and the successes
and failures of the
expedition, but to date there
is little on record about the
role and contribution of the
expedition’s cowboys and
crew. Close to 50 men
assisted and accompanied the
expedition and many of these
called Northern BC home and
| their experience gained
packing, trapping, and
guiding was invaluable. Some
20 Peace River cowboys felt
fortunate to be hired on at
$4.00/day, double the going
rate. Much has been written
about Bedaux, his motives,
and the Expeditions success
and failures, but to date
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