You know one of my favorite fictional detectives is Sherlock Holmes, come to think of it I don’t have a favorite non-fiction detective. I have read the books not just watched the movies or TV’s show so I’m a big fan, and in this way when I must find my next story, I feel like a detective combing the web for an event or something that catches my attention like a bloodhound when it picks up the scent. But what I love about this is the weird turns a story takes as you research and your idea changes. I love when I find something awesome about a Canadian from around the area and that they did so much awesome stuff that helped us in so many ways because it paved the way for more knowledge and exploration to happen that becomes a chain-reaction to furthering research.

Neal Marshall Carter Born in Vancouver on December 14, 1902. Carter was a marine biologist in his professional life, having worked in fisheries research from 1930 to 1962. He started climbing in 1920 and spent the next thirty-five years mapping the Coast Mountains of British Columbia.

The beautifully eye captivating Coast Mountains of British Columbia were Carter’s first favorite place for climbing mountains. He explored new peaks having 16 first ascent with several of his first ascents in what is now called Garibaldi Provincial Park.

Carter was a skilled surveyor, photographer and cartographer, having created the first topographic maps of Garibaldi Provincial Park and of the Tantalus Range in the 1920s. He has been recognized as an honorary member of the Varsity Outdoor Club at UBC, the Alpine Club of Canada and a Fellow of the Royal Canadian Geographical Society.

If you are a history buff of the local area and want to learn something about our past, and you want to look at the glorious work of Neal then I have a clue for what you can do to learn something new the next day you are free. The Museum & Archives of North Vancouver (MONOVA)

“In 2014, MONOVA received three photography albums created by Dr. Neal Carter. The albums are beautifully illustrated and meticulously annotated with locations, names and dates. These unique archival albums are valued as historical evidence of early mountaineering activities in Western Canada, as well as personal keepsakes that embody a space between memory and imagination. Most of the photographs included in the albums were taken by Neal Carter and reveal his dual interest in visual documentation for scientific purposes, as well as celebrating the grandeur of the Coast Mountains.”

So put on your deer stalker cap and get ready! For the game is afoot to your next history adventure.

Brian Smith

bsmith288@my.bcit.ca