August 11, 2012 | Tips from Travellers >
Houston, Attractions
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Staring at the big grizzly bear outside of the Houston Visitor Center gives me, and everyone else who witnesses it, an idea of the enormous power found in the wild. I can't help but feel in awe of this 11 foot tall brute, and know the sheer terror that must have gone through the people who saw it when it was still alive. The phantom bear lived on Hungry Hill, feeding off the livestock owned by local ranchers. The bear was caught in 2005, when it was finally discovered by a predator control officer. After the bear was caught he was estimated to be 18-22 years old. Taking a picture of the phantom bear of Hungry Hill was very difficult. The glass surrounding the bear causes reflections so you need to be cautious when taking a picture or you'll end up with unwanted artifacts in the image. I was lucky enough to take a decent picture of the bear, but I probably looked pretty silly trying to take it at the perfect angle. In order to truly value the power, beauty, and magnificence of the 975 pound bear I encourage everyone to stop and check him out.
July 17, 2012 | Tips from Travellers >
Houston, Attractions
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This week I was able to embark on a totally new experience. By signing up at the Houston Visitor Center I was able to go on a mill tour later that day. I got to put on all the equipment a regular mill employee wears (not including the steel toed shoes) and tour throughout the entire mill. Starting outside we saw as the logs were prepped and sent into the sawmill. We then went into the sawmill ourselves and had some of our questions answered by mill employees. From the sawmill we then got to see the planer. From the planer we saw as the lumber was packaged and placed on train cars. The whole trip was very informative and loud.
It was very nice to have the chance to see what goes on in a mill setting. I had many opportunities to stop and take a picture and just watch as the lumber was being split and sorted. The fact that the Visitor Center offers two tours three days a week was great as well. The tour was able to suit my schedule.
If you are looking to explore somewhere new, make sure to take the opportunity to explore Canfor Mill. As one of the few areas that allow mill tours to operate, it is truly a must see attraction.