Fishing is fabulous

The Kitimat River Fish Hatchery started in 1977 as a pilot project, located across from Eurocan. They started rebuilding salmon stocks. In 1983 a $10 million facility was built and now releases 9 million fish annually. They are chum, chinook, and coho salmon plus cutthroat and steelhead trout, which are sea run trout.
Here you see the fishermen on the Kitimat river across from the pumphouse. The fishing is wonderful here and you can't go anywhere without seeing people fishing and catching large fish, by boat or just from the shore. It is common to catch fish weighing up to 35 - 50 pounds.

Lakelse Lake and Hot Springs

As you crest one hill on the way back from Terrace, you catch a view of Lakelse Lake. It's a very popular spot with picnic area and campground. The water is crisp and clean with water flowing in and out at several spots from the Lakelse River. It's warm in the summer and has soft sandy beaches.
We stopped for a look at the Mount Layton Hot Springs. I picked up a metal tray at a patio sale down south this past winter with a picture of this from the 1950's and it looks very new but it reminds Ron of visits here as teenagers. We haven't had time to swim here this time but have in the past.

Fire Hydrants in Terrace

Ron got laid off yesterday and said it was the happiest day of his life. He hasn't worked since June 2005, and has been climbing up and down 40' ladders in and out of the hole, in a confined space, welding all day long, so finishing the job was fine with him.
We went off to Terrace today and enjoyed the creative spirit around the town. There are a couple of eye catching murals and the Kermode Bear statues. The Terrace Beautification Society had different artists paint the fire hydrants from city hall down Lakelse Ave. They are quite innovative celebrating early pioneers who built the town, including George Little, the founding father.

July 1st flags

I took Gisela and Sylvia for lunch today at the Keg and really enjoyed being with them. We haven't been up for 5 years so it was a treat. The city is getting ready for the July 1st weekend and parade. It's always a big celebration here ending up at Riverside Lodge with many Vendors, ethnic food and activities. Here's the flags on Haisla, the main street. This Haisla totem pole stands in Centennial Park, nearby, which is also the site of the community's war memorial.

Book covers and Bowls

I'm having a great time with the 6 other worker's wives here in the campground. Vicki, whom I first met in Port Alberni on a job in 2005, is showing us several quilting or sewing projects. I'm making a 1" square book cover from remnants of the different sewing projects I've done. I've chosen to do it in greens, as our motorhome has green and beige upholstery. Next I'm attempting a cloth covered rope bowl. Vicki surprised me with one as a gift for my birthday, which I love. I've finished repainting our outdoor name sign, fabric painted my faded convergent quilt tablecloth and completed a thorough housecleaning. We walk when the weather is good and are so busy that we don't have enough hours in the day.

The Giant Sitka Spruce

You get an idea of what the old growth forests looked like when the early pioneers arrived here, when you go to the giant Spruce Grove in Radley Park. This tree was registered as B.C.'s largest living spruce tree in 1983 and is protected by environmental law. Over 500 years old, it is the oldest living organism in the Kitimat Valley and stands more than 160 ft. tall and nearly 38 feet around.
The logs on this truck aren't quite as big but it's headed for Eurocan and will become tomorrow's newspaper.

Black Bears

You are certainly reminded daily that you're living in the mountains beside wilderness around here. We've had the local bear behind the trailer across the road at night and Amanda and Stewart have had 2 fighting in their front yard. They had to have the conservation officer install a live bear trap to resolve the problem. Gisela had one in her garbage outside her apartment and Amanda saw a sow and 4 little tiny cubs on the roadside going up Kuldo by the old hospital site.
This bear welcomes you to Kitimat.