We know Blakiston was aware of the Crows Nest Pass because as you can see a trail was marked on his map but in his own words: By report of the natives it is a bad road and seldom used.

The answer seems to be just a classic case of misunderstanding: To the Indians: A good road was one that was free of fallen timber (which made walking very difficult) while a slope meant nothing. But to Blakiston: Looking for a possible railway route the slope was what was important. Windfall could be cleared away.

The result: It would be 15 years before Europeans would travel the Crowsnest Pass - a perfect pass for a railway with no mountain to go over.

Yes! Communication is Important.

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Thomas Blakiston in Japan

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