June 11 - Chetwynd, BC - Chain Saw Carvers Competition
It didn't take nearly as long to get back to Mackenzie Junction, and Hwy 97, than it did getting to Mackenzie yesterday. But it always works that way, doesn't it? We gassed up at the Petrocan station and headed east.
The weather for our drive to Chetwynd was a mixture of sun, clouds, and showers. Along the way, we stopped at Azouzeta Lake Lodge (boarded up and for sale). How about this for spectacular scenery?
We did a tour around town and found the Bistro attached to the library where we had a nice lunch.
As we headed back to camp, I pulled over and shot a video of one of the lumber mills in town:
The topography has certainly changed. From the rolling hills out of Prince George, to the Rocky Mtn Trench, and now this spectacular scenery.
We arrived in Chetwynd, chain saw carving capital, by late morning. We knew there was the annual chain saw carving competition this weekend. So after setting up camp, we went back to the competition site. Carvers from all over the world, as far away as Oz, were hard at work.They have 4 days to complete their work. (On the left, at the competition; on the right, one of the amazing works around town.)
As we had ventured into Mountain time zone, we were a little unsure of the correct time. Jen and I both decided that we should change our BlackBerrys, so we did - back one hour. It was only when we got back to the RV Park (and booked in for a second night) that I noticed the time on the credit card machine. It was still Pacific time. The manager explained that this area of BC does not change its clocks. "During the summer, we are with BC....during the winter, we are with Alberta....it can be confusing." Right he is!
Tomorrow we are going to drive to Hudson Hope and view Wacky Bennett's dam. If you are not familiar with this colourful BC premier, take a look here.
(You can view these videos in full screen if you click the YouTube icon at the lower right of the display)
