Monkman Provincial Park

This past weekend I had a quick break from treeplanting so went on an incredible hike with a friend from Grande Prairie (Pepper). We booked it over to Monkman Provincial Park in BC. From there we hiked about 21km into the park to an area called the Cascades, which is a series of ten amazing waterfalls. The area somehow is very rarely used, but is simply unbelievably beautiful. The backcountry campsite we stayed at was just off the ledge of a 30 meter waterfall (Brooks Falls) and just across from another cool set of falls (Shire Falls). Another fun feature of this site was that there were numerous Black Morrel mushrooms (which are a delicacy in Japan I have been told) that we picked then sold back in town for $7.50 per/lb. I had a great time and would love to get back there someday when I have a few more days to explore (about 50km total in two full days can be tiring). More photos have been added to my Picasa Photo Gallery. (If you look closely in the photos you will notice the orange Pine trees which have been killed by the pine beetle in the area)

3/8"

The planting season keeps passing by quickly.  The only major note of late would be that I purchased a pair of hair trimmers and clipped my hair down to 3/8th of an inch.  I'm starting to wonder why I had kept my hair longer for the past number of years.  Although my longer hair in the past did keep the horse flies and sun off my head and ears.

Pepper, Planting and Paine

I had a couple great days off in Grande Prairie earlier this week to get some much needed R&R (Left Top photo: my planting partners side that has been rubbed raw from his planting bags). While in town I was able to chill at a friend's place for the couple days which was wonderful. Thanks again Pepper! Here are a couple pictures of us chilling on the roof of his place watching the sun set over GP. Well back to planting now. (This Satellite Internet that we got set up in camp is cool)

Gatorade

I find Gatorade an interesting drink. When I'm out working there seems to be nothing better for getting some energy back and it just tastes good. In town however if I'm just thirsty on any ordinary day I think the stuff is disgusting. The sweet salty taste just is not appealing I may be able to get down a few gulps of the stuff. I guess when the body is in desperate need for the salt and sugar on a hot day somehow the mind is able to make the stuff taste almost divine. There isn't much better (in moderation, although water is some good stuff also).

Shift 1

For some reason I always forget how tired and worn out I get after the first few shifts of planting. Every day is basically wake up eat, drive, work, drive, shower, eat, 30 minutes of sports on TV followed by sleep. Repeated daily. A few pictures of my first shift at the coal mines we are working at. (A few more photos in my photo gallery.)

Day 1

Day one of planting went well.  Unfortunately as we were quading off the mines it was just starting to snow heavily so needless to say this morning there was a thick blanket of snow with more steadily falling.  So one day of planting one day off.  Hopefully it clears up so we can get back at it in the morning and keep planting for a full shift.

New Camera

As I was doing a bit of gear hunting around Calgary today I came across a great deal on a camera. The camera (a Canon S3 IS) is one I have been looking at for some time so I went ahead and purchased it. I have to say simply only having 6% tax here in Alberta itself automatically makes everything over 10% less to start with compared to the Island. I'm hoping the camera will work out for me. It would have been great to have last year while I was traveling.

The Season

A new season of planting starts for me on Thursday morning. I'm just hoping the snow has melted and the ground has thawed were we have to start. I am guessing there will still be some snow lingering since both Lake Louise and Sunshine are still fully opened and its basically May. I should go skiing for the day tomorrow, but doubt it's going to happen.

My Nephew

Since exams are now over I'm back home relaxing for a number of days before I head back out west for the summer. It's been great to spend some time with my nephew. (Left- Kyler with the North Face coat I got him in Nepal) (Right- Kyler and I trying to fall asleep on the couch-unsuccessfully)

Nature vs. Cell Phones

I was reading an article talking about the adverse reaction of cell phone radiation on bee colonies. It sounds like a bee will not return to its colony for some time if it senses cell phone radiation. This in turn can destroy the colony if enough workers don't return within a day. If this initial research is correct, we should develop a small device that produces cell phone radiation to destroy unwanted bee nests around the yard. Someone try it out by using your cell phone (I would but don't have one). Let me know if it works. (To read the bee declining population due to cell phone radiation article click)