Bears and Mars in Port Alberni

After departing Campbell River, it was on to Port Alberni we went. We were heading south, and hoping to find the warmer weather we had been promised this time of year. Fortunately for us, it was delivered.

Our first full day involved making our Forestry presentation to WoodTech21 - a group of local men and women from a variety of fields, coming together to plan a path forward for Port Alberni's Forestry and Lumber Industry, bringing it into the 21st Century.

From here, we were taken to PRT nursery, a Christmas tree farm and woodlot, and to Coulson. Who knew that the home of some of the aerial fire fighting appliances, that many of us have seen either first hand or on the news, aiding our fire suppressing operations, was based in Port Alberni Canada. We were very fortunate to be shown not only the helicopters, but also the Mars water bombing aircraft. Amazing to look at, and absolutely huge, the Mars was being prepared for deployment to the US for their summer. We were all fortunate enough to get in the cockpit of the second Mars at the Coulson premises.

At 4 and a half weeks into the GSE, we were all beginning to think that Black bears in the wold were a myth. And then, after a wonderful day in Tofino and Ucluelet, there, on the side of the road, was a black bear. After a whole lot of pointing and shouting from the back of the van, we U-turned, very safely, and were able to observe the bear, grazing and keeping one eye on us. Finally, a big tick next to Bear sighting could be drawn. Thanks to Kenn and Larry for organising the bear to be so accessible to us tourists!!

For the rest of the week, we were busy with Vocational days hosted by British Columbia Forest Service. Our hosts had put together an excellent programme. We were able to observe shovel logging, road building by blasting, paper mill and sawmill operations, and a lucky encounter with a sky crane that was taking off to start heli-logging (see video). And this was only the first day.


After a jam packed week, and many great memories, we were able to wind down at a special dinner meeting for both Daybreak and Noon clubs in Port Alberni, and thank all of the Rotarians that made this leg of the GSE special.



Next stop - District 5020 District Conference