July 17, 2012 | Tips from Travellers >
Houston, Attractions
View a larger image on flickr.com
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.
July 13, 2012 | Tips from Travellers >
Houston, Hiking
Find more information about Houston - Hiking
View a larger image on flickr.com
I went searching the other day for the elusive Byman (Perow) Falls and boy are they hard to find!
After turning off Highway 16 onto Perow Loop we went a short distance and turned onto Jarman Road. We had to follow Jarman road up a hill until it turned into the Perow FSR. Once on the Perow FSR we travelled passed the 5km marker and found the falls not far passed it on the right.
The first time we drove by I missed the markers entirely so keep your eyes open for two orange ribbons tied around two trees. The trail itself was overgrown and had many fallen trees along the path. If you keep your eyes open and walk carefully you can maneuver through the trail. It does get steep in spots and you can look out above the waterfall. If you have a fear of heights I wouldn't recommend going too close to the edge since it is quite a ways down.
After going along the trail you are brought to the rocky creek shore. If you travel back along the creek you will be standing at the base of Byman Falls. In total there are two falls. The first major fall comes into a small pool that then overflows into a second very small waterfall. The second waterfall flows into Byman Creek.
The sight was beautiful and definitely worth the bug bites. However, for those that want to explore the falls I highly recommend bringing bug repellent and bear spray. For those going to see the falls, Good Luck!