Archive
Berthusen Park
In 1883, Hans Berthusen immigrated with his family from Norway and settled in Whatcom County. He homesteaded some 180 acres of dense brush and trees, and eventually added another 80 acres. The wood was very valuable, but he set aside 20 acres so future generations could see what the area looked like before it was settles. Today, some of those larger trees are worth we’ll over $50,000 in wood alone. So it is hard to find native forests anywhere.
After his death in 1944 at his request the property was bestowed to the city of Lynden contingent that the property be set aside as a park. And it now is a park with some of his original buildings and structures for all to see. And enjoy the old growth forest.
It has an extensive network of trails, so much so that you can get lost. However, no harm done, it is surrounded by agricultural land so eventually you’ll find the way out. And enjoy the old growth as you wander around.
We just missed an antique tractor and equipment show last weekend on an adjacent site, but we’re able to see some of the equipment still there. Lots of old things, and one particularly nicely restored Farmall tractor, right down to some very fancy wheels.
Nanaimo, BC
Or first port of call was Nanaimo, a city of some 80,000 on the west coast log Vancouver Island. Originally founded as a coal mining city, there are still miles of inactive underground mine tunnels. Today it is more known as a logging port, and, of course, Nanaimo bars.
Right next to our berth a logging ship was being loaded. Very interesting to watch, the little tugboats reminded us of sheep dogs, gathering up the herd. But it sure looks like dangerous work, running around on those logs!
We had nice stroll around the shore line. It is a pretty city, lots of parks and of course marinas. And the people we met are some of the friendliest anywhere.
We watched the cannon firing, sure reminded me of our days at Fort Vancouver!
We visited the Old Quarter, admired some of the older buildings and of course had a Nanaimo bar at Bocca, winner of the best bar awards. And it was delicious! We also had some excellent fish and chips at Trolleys, right on the dock.
Now on to San Francisco…
They really load the ships up high
Tugboats act like sheep dogs, gathering up the logs
But it’s the guys with hob nail boots that do the dangerous work
A wood Dungeness crab, carved with a chain saw
Spinning alpaca
Gay pride is evident here too
Loading the cannon
A flash in the pan….
The primer goes off….
BOOM!
Bank building
Old Quarter buildings
Old Quarter buildings
Pedestrian shopping
Bocca, winner of ” best Nanaimo bar” award
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