Forest Country

What is this? Answer at end of blog

It would be tough to have another day measure up to the bear adventures

we experienced yesterday. We left Prince George this morning, planning to put the pedal to the metal and head to Cache Creek. Our goal is to be in Vancouver for Sunday. We want to photograph some highlights in this popular city and Saturdays and Sundays are always best. You don't have the weekday traffic and it is easier to get around a big town.

Prince George, also known as British Columbia's northern capital, is built upon the lumber industry. Lodgepole pines grow in British Columbia like weeds and the lumber industry is the backbone of this region. We stopped to take a picture of Mr. P.G. He has been standing at the entrance to Prince George for forty years. He's a little odd looking, but cute.

Our travels took us through mile after mile of forests. The lumber industry understands this renewable product and has replanting as a part of doing business.

75 mile south of Prince George is the town of Quesnel. In this town of 8,000 people, 2,300 hundred work for one of the four lumber companies in town. From making MDF board to paper pulp, this town lives and breathes lumber. In a way, it reminds me of how Detroit was when the Big 3 automakers employed a large percentage of the working population. One would hope that this industry is safe, for the livelihoods of so many are dependent upon it. We walked up to an observatory platform constructed by the companies. It afforded a great view of the area and the encompassing forest industry.

We also captured a shot of an antique steam shovel in one of the town's parks. It was manufactured in Toledo, Ohio. We've come a long way...

In our travels during the day, we saw forests, rivers, farmland and cattle. When you drive along these roads, you understand how the real follks that live along this path don't really care what people in the big cities do. They are the salt of the earth. No airs about them, just hardworking, industrious folks.

One striking shot we captured was an incredible line of electrical wires. They are in stark contrast with the simple land on which they stand. How could something so powerful look so graceful?

This wasn't necessarily an exciting day, but an enjoyable one nevertheless. Tomorrow, Vancouver.

What is the image at the beginning of the blog?

Stacked lumber...ready for your neighborhood Lowe's or Home Depot.