Some Logging Action.

Booming grounds in Holberg Inlet. The funky boom boat makes short work of sorting and shifting the load just dropped off.

The arrival of another load of old growth to the log dump. Not too heavily loaded for an offroad logging truck.

Once under the A-Frame the load is quickly lifted off. A series of whistle blasts lets the driver know when he's correctly positioned.

Holberg, we have lift off!

More whistle blasts to position the truck for loading the trailer back on, the boom boat moves in for the load.

Gone in 60 seconds.... well, maybe 5 minutes would be more like it!

A few years back we took a forest tour with Western Forest Products north island operation based out of Port McNeill. This tour had the appeal of a 'cruise' from Coal Harbour down Holberg Inlet to Holberg. From there we were bussed to various sites where operations were taking place, though with the hot, dry weather, not too much activity was actually taking place. A look at the silviculture side of things..... how the second growth is being managed etc, the falling of a tree by the 'bull bucker' was arranged for demonstration at a convenient location, and on to see a 'hoe chucker' pulling logs out of a recent clearcut. Then it was back on the bus and down to the A-Frame at the log dump and about 15 minutes or so of viewing the action there before heading back to Port Hardy.

I'm not happy about the style of logging taking place in BC but must own up to an interest in seeing the massive equipment at work in the forest. Anyone wishing to see 'how it's done' should contact WFP and see what tours are being offered. No need to be familiar with the logging road network when you're bussed around and no abuse to your vehicle either!