This unique town in the island of the tiger is the largest town on the largest pacific island of Honduras. Although an island, it is fairly easy to get to Amapala. You must first get to the fishing town of Coyolito, buses to Coyolito run frequently from San Lorenzo, as well as from Choluteca. Once in Coyolito, you can hire a motor launch to take across the channel to the island. Both rides to the island are a remarkable journey to be enjoyed and at times the views and flora are breathtaking. Without question the first impression that strikes you upon arriving for the eight minute boat ride to the island is the conical volcano. There is also a road that leads to the top of almost perfect conical extinct volcano on the island From here, you can enjoy spectacular views of the Gulf. If you are headed for El Salvador, there is cuasi regular service to La Union in El Salvador. There is local immigration and customs service at Amapala, so getting a stamp on your passport prior to departure is no problem.

Regretfully, I have to report there are no tigers on Tiger Island. Isla del Tigre is within the larger Gulf of Fonseca which is shared by three countries: Honduras, El Salvador and Nicaragua. The island is the largest of a small archipelago of islands. All three countries can viewed at one time and boat rides are offered as well.

The island fishing village is small friendly village of locals that begin there day at sunrise and sell their catch that day at the Port of Amapala. Many native Hondurans drive for many miles to purchase the seafood of their choice. The variety of fish and shrimp is without question fresh and many time the clients are waiting for the boats to dock and unload their catch.

The entire archipelago is part of a significant marine and terrestrial reserve as is the large volcanic peak seen across the strait from El Tigre known as Sacate Grande. This peak once an island itself until connected by a causeway to the mainland through the mangrove swamps is where the road now ends at Coyolito and where small launches to Amapala can be taken. Extending back east from the archipelago is a deep bay--Bahia de Chismuyowhich is completely ringed by near pristinemangroveforests and wetlands and is targeted for management by both countries that border it, El Salvador and Honduras. The mangroves and wetlands ringing the gulf are among the largest, least degraded and most important example of this aquatic ecosystem between South and North America.

My visit there was short and I regret I didn't have more time to see more. I enjoyed talking to the locals and having a few beers with them at the many bars along the beach. It was a real pleasure to move out at the break of dawn with two island fisherman to learn their craft.

Their wooden boats are more like a 20 ft. John boat but are stable and easy to control. It allows the fisherman plenty of room to store all their equipment and nets and their catch when they haul the nets in.

I was in luck because the haul for the day was their best in several weeks and it elicited smiles from them until they unloaded the catch and sold it all. Selling was a simple process because the Hondurans were offing prices as the boat touched the cement dock. It did not take long to strike a good price for both parties and we were head back to Tiger Island unbeknown to be to celebrate their good fortune at their family bar. That was indeed a great time and I hated saying my good-byes to the Medina family. vista it presents as the backdrop to the island.

This unique town in the island of the tiger is the largest town on the largest pacific island of Honduras. Although an island, it is fairly easy to get to Amapala. You must first get to the fishing town of Coyolito, buses to Coyolito run frequently from San Lorenzo, as well as from Choluteca. Once in Coyolito, you can hire a motor launch to take across the channel to the island. Both rides to the island are a remarakable journey to be enjoyed and at times the veiws and flora are breathtaking.

Without question the first impression that strikes you upon arriving for the eight minute boat ride to the island is the conical volcano. There is also a road that leads to the top of almost perfect conical extinct volcano on the island From here, you can enjoy spectacular views of the Gulf. If you are headed for El Salvador, there is cuasi regular service to La Union in El Salvador. There is local immigration and customs service at Amapala, so getting a stamp on your passport prior to departure is no problem.

Regretfully, I have to report there are no tigers on Tiger Island. Isla del Tigre is within the larger Gulf of Fonseca which is shared by three countries: Honduras, El Salvador and Nicaragua. The island is the largest of a small archipelago of islands. All three countries can viewed at one time and boat rides are offered as well.

The island fishing village is small frendly village of locals that begin there day at sunrise and sell their catch that day at the Port of Amapala. Many native Hondurans drive for many miles to purchase the seafood of their choice. The varity of fish and shrimp is un questionly fresh and many time the clients are waiting for the boats to dock and unload their catch.

The entire archipelago is part of a significant marine and terrestrial reserve as is the large volcanic peak seen across the strait from El Tigre known as Sacate Grande. This peak once an island itself until connected by a causeway to the mainland through the mangrove swamps is where the road now ends at Coyolito and where small launches to Amapala can be taken. Extending back east from the archipelago is a deep bay--Bahia de Chismuyowhich is completely ringed by near pristinemangroveforests and wetlands and is targeted for management by both countries that border it, El Salvador and Honduras. The mangroves and wetlands ringing the gulf are among the largest, least degraded and most important example of this aquatic ecosystem between South and North America.

My visit there was short and I regret I didn't have more time to see more. I enjoyed talking to the locals and having a few beers with them at the many bars along the beach. It was a real pleasure to move out at the break of dawn with two island fisherman to learn their craft.

Their wooden boats are more like a 20 ft. John boat but are stable and easy to control. It allows the fisherman plenty of room to store all their equipment and nets and their catch when they haul the nets in.

I was in luck because the haul for the day was their best in several weeks and it elicted smiles from them until they unloaded the catch and sold it all. Selling was a simple process because the Hondurans were offing prices as the boat touched the cement dock. It did not take long to strike a good price for both parties and we were head back to Tiger Island unbeknown to be to celebrate their good fortune at their family bar. That was indeed a great time and I hated saying my good-byes to the Medina family.

The land is rocky and hilly. One shopping area is built around a large granite ledge which must have seemed too beautiful to blast away. Marblehead got its name from a case of mistaken identity. The early settlers thought the many granite ledges were marble.

A day trip to Marblehead in early spring might mean winter coats and hats like it did for us this March. The sun was brilliant, but the wind was brisk. Summer in Marblehead is hot, but a spring visit also meant easy driving and parking on the narrow streets in the historic area close to the sea. And the “townies” had plenty of time to chat with us.

While he made our lunch sandwiches, Paul, the chef/proprietor of Foodie's Feast, told us how he'd bought the place and moved here from the city 6 years ago. Foodie's is on Washington Street in the historic “old town”, nestled in among boutiques and shops. My lunch was one of the freshest and tastiest that I've ever had in a café, especially the lobster bisque. Most likely the lobster came off the boat of a local lobsterman.

We shared lobster bisque reviews with Betsy, the volunteer at the Marblehead Arts Association during our visit to look over the entries in the 2nd Annual Sculpture and Photography Contest. Marblehead residents and visitors love the arts, and the Arts Association is housed in the King Hooper Mansion, one of nearly 300 houses which have survived from the Colonial, pre-Revolutionary War period. Betsy said her favorite bisque came from The Landing, but when we told her about Foodie's she called over to order some delivered so she could compare.

Marblehead fishermen and lobstermen still make a living from their catches in the Atlantic, but it's not the wildly prosperous industry it was before the Revolutionary War when men became rich catching and exporting dried cod. In 1846, a storm sank half the fishing fleet and 65 men and boys were drowned. The fishing industry began to decline as people lost their heart for the sea and turned to shoemaking.

Walking along Front Street with the ocean nearly always in view, I could smell the sea salt on the wind. There were a few fishing boats in the harbor. But the pleasure yachts were dry docked and wrapped in white waiting for their summer season. This is what the sea means to Marblehead now. In the late 1800's two fires destroyed the shoemaking industry. The destiny of the town would again be linked to the ocean as men of wealth began to bring their yachts to the wonderful harbor.

In the summer, Marblehead Harbor is dotted with yachts. Sailing enthusiasts will find boat makers and sellers, six yacht clubs, and numerous races including the yearly race to Nova Scotia. Marblehead is often called the “yachting capital of America”, a playground of blue sea.

The nature of the appeal from the sea may have changed from 1700 to now, but appeal she certainly has. The sea has fed the folks of Marblehead, lined their pockets, satisfied their love of sailing, and enticed those of us who love the sea to come spend a few hours under her spell in this delightful historic ocean town.

For the hikers we have boulders the size of office buildings at a park called Courthouse Rock in Stanton, or you can hike to Yahoo Falls, which is Kentucky's highest water fall, along the Big South Fork River near Whitley City. Or you can do a short 2 mile walk along the Kentucky River palisades or a 31 mile hike along Kentucky Lake's Trails. Just to name a few.

Many of Kentucky's most scenic areas loop through National Forests and Geologic Areas, most of the most scenic areas are in urban areas such as Bernheim Forest in Louisville or Raven Run Nature Sanctuary in Lexington. Kentucky has plenty to choose from. With its terrain which allows some of the best mountain biking, hiking, or hunting, from the rugged Appalachian Mountains and the Daniel Boone National Forest to trails at Mammoth Cave National Park and Land between the lakes.

Kentucky also has quite a few lakes. With great camping, boating, and fishing opportunities. We have Cumberland Lake, Buckhorn States resort park, and Carr's Creek Lake, just to name a few. Each offers a wide variety of activities for any family outing.

For the hunter there are plenty wildlife management areas that accommodate your hunting needs. There's the Daniel Boone National Forest as well as the Peabody Wildlife Management areas, along with 130 others. There is no shortage of hunting opportunities with seasons including deer, elk, and turkey along with small game.

Kentucky has also been featured on many hunting and other outdoor TV shows, including "Tournament Fishing".

For the music lovers the state has lots of music parks located in Eastern Kentucky with the states broad music heritage. Some of these attractions include the Kentucky Music Hall of Fame and Museum at Renfro Valley, As well and historic homes that are open to the public, (Loretta Lynn Home) as well as the Kentucky Artisan Center, the Jenny Wiley State Park and many more features too numerous to mention. Kentucky is native to many well know country and blue Grass singers such as John Michel Montgomery, Loretta Lynn, Ricky Scaggs and Montgomery Gentry among many others.

There is lots of resorts that offer accommodations. Here is a list of a few attraction to check out:

• US 23-Kentucky's Country Music Highway
• Berea
• Boone Tavern
• Kentucky Artisan Center
• Renfro Valley
• Kentucky Museum
• Jenny Wiley State Park and Theater
• Mountain Art Center
• Yates Ville Lake and Resort
• Historic Middlesboro
• Cumberland Gap National Park
• Pine Mountain State Resort Park
• Kentucky Coal Mining Museum
• Kingdom Come State Park
• Fort Boonesborough State Park

The list goes on and on...

Kentucky has lots of activities and plenty of historic places to visit. So the next time you plan a family outing think about Kentucky for your next vacation. Along with the view you'll leave with a memory that will last a life time.

The airfare from Vancouver to Calgary or Edmonton, then direct to Yellowknife is approximately $1,000 flight time less than three hours. I spent more time than that waiting at airports. The pilot on the second part of the flight was a woman and I looked forward to a female voice announcing “This is your Captain speaking” but it was not to be. On this flight the only announcement was a male voice letting passengers know they could buy a drink for $6.00 or be served complimentary coffee or tea.

Vancouver to Calgary was familiar scenery, but soon after leaving Calgary the landscape changed from quilted fields of green, yellow and brown, to rocks and hundreds of lakes. It seemed there was more water below than land.. The forests were replaced with scrub and small pines growing out of dusky pink patches of the Canadian Shield. I began to understand the feeling of isolation in the wilderness as there was no sign of human habitation until Yellowknife came into view. We flew over part of Great Slave Lake and there it was, a city in the wilderness. high rises, roads and houses.

It is a small but busy airport with regular airport trimmings, check in desks, baggage carrousels and lost luggage. I had checked in one large back pack and a bicycle. Previous enquiries had informed me that I could replace one of my suitcases with a bike as long as it was in a bag or box. Air Canada would supply one when I checked in. This turned out to be incorrect. as they no longer provide the bag or box. Fortunately I had sewn a cloth bag 6' x 4' with a draw string top from a piece of gold and brown large flowered print. You really couldn't miss it, or so I thought. Wrong.. It had been missed and did not arrive with me and my other baggage. Ten minutes later I had lost luggage file claim number.. It showed up next day, still in its hideous bold bag, wearing a tag that read ”Express delivery. Priority.”

Yellowknife is a small city and one of the best ways of getting around is by bicycle. It gives you the freedom to explore unpaved roads, parks, trails and the city centre. . It is built on the Great Canadian Shield and trails lead over great boulders not at all suitable for bikes. You end up pushing or carrying it when the boardwalks and blacktop surfaces just disappear. From the 9km Frame Lake trail you can get to the centre of town, the library, the legislature and the museum. It was at the museum where I learned some of the history that explained the development and location of Yellowknife. By 1937, with a boost from the brand new bush plane industry, Yellowknife became a boom town. As the “Old Town” community of shacks, tents and log cabins outgrew its Yellowknife Bay location, a new town site was established further up the hill. The city was named capital of the Northwest Territories in 1970,. The legislature building was opened in 1994 prior to that members met in the mall.

Several big box stores have arrived, including Extra foods enabling restaurants to offer a variety of meals from authentic Vietnamese dishes to a muskibou burger (musk ox and caribou) with brie cheese. French fires made from Yukon Gold potatoes have a lovely yellow centre and fine flavour. Fish is the one food item that does not need to be trucked or flown in. Trout, Northern Pike, Walleye and Whitefish are easily obtained from the nearby lakes. .

When leaving Yellowknife I was asked by security in a lilting Newfoundland accent, if I had any liquids or gels, I declared my 500grams of cream cheese. She smiled and agreed with me she didn't know if it was either and to ask at the next security check

It was in my hand luggage and raised no questions as it went through the scanner.. Not being one to volunteer information I also raised no questions. This cheese was the partner to the box of crackers that would be my lunch.. My window seat was beside the wing restricting my view of the lakes that sparkled in the early morning sun, rocks and small trees. Remote, wild and beautiful said it all.

I will go back to Yellowknife to discover stories of native residents and people passing through. There are many stories to be told, I would like to talk to the taxi drivers from Somali, the Australian female ramp worker at the airport, the Newfoundland bar tender, the Vietnamese chef, the English waitress and native artists. I only stayed a week, they have stayed for years. The north and Yellowknife have a lot to offer enquiring minds, people who enjoy adventure and the outdoors life. If you get the opportunity to visit., say Yes and go North.

School children of Saint Thomas will memorize their capital city as Morant Bay and agriculture and manufacturing as their foremost industries. Some major cities are Golden Grove, Bath, Sea forth, and Port Morant. Yallas is a town that will cause US readers to wonder if the city of Dallas in Texas was derived from Yallas. According to size, Saint Thomas is the ninth largest.

Christopher Columbus landed on Jamaica in 1494, two years after "discovering" America. Many people find it difficult to think of it as a discovery since the indigen population had been there for forty thousand years as humans evolved. On the island lived a large number of Tainos/Arawaks. Cattle were introduced to Jamaica by the Spaniards. In Morant Bay and Yallahs in this parish. In 1655 with the British capture not only did the British take over but they invited residents from other colonies to join them. Unfortunately two thirds of the immigrants came down with illness (fever of some type) and died. The group included the Governor of Nevis and his family.

Next came the French invasion. That was in 1674. Admiral Du Casse captured many slaves from the British. The word settler sounds like it would describe a group of good people. The word invaders does not carry the same connotation. In either case it seems to be the indigen population that suffers.

The Morant Bay Rebellion is a fascinating part of Jamaica's history. In 1865 the ex-slaves were going through a period of severely unfair situations. When Paul Bogle led a large group of farmers to ask the Governor to grant land tenure in a fair way it ended up starting a civil war. At one point when the authorities (they had already been refused help from Governor Eyre in Spanish Town) tried to repel them, the protesters threw stones at them. The volunteers responded by shooting into the group. Seven of the protestors ended up dead. Their retaliation was to return later and burn down the Courthouse. The unfortunate citizens trapped inside tried to escape but were shot by the rioting crowd.

George William Gordon, one of the British rulers attempted to help the farmers and workers. No good deed goes unpunished. His fellow Brits took him out and hung him. The next day they also hung Paul Bogle. Before this entire rebellion was ended the British had killed more than 430 people. It was a sad period in the history of Jamaica's Parish of Saint Thomas.

It wasn't until 1969 that Paul Bogle was named an official National Hero. One of the others honored with the title was George William Gordon who had tried to do what he considered the right thing.

As for the terrain it is mostly mountainous with the highest point being 4,000 feet above sea level. Although Jamaica is considered to be a tropical island the climate can vary in most parishes including this one. There are underground rivers in this area. Above ground are the Rio Nuevo, the Wag Water and the White River. The land close to these rivers tends to be swampland.

Probably due to the fact that it is one of the smallest and poorest parishes on Jamaica, one would guess that tourism was not the primary source of jobs. Agricultural production seems to be decreasing although bananas and breadfruit among the crops grown are popular food. On the positive side are the good schools that it is known for. Some of the graduates hold important positions in banks and other businesses.

Located in Middlesex (county of) it had a population of 113,000 as of 2001. The land area covers 610 square kilometers. The crops of coffee and citrus, cocoa to coconuts are still produced in addition to sugar cane of course. The people also raise livestock. The fact is though, agriculture is on the decline. There has been talk of developing the land for parcels of housing and other buildings. Being inland makes the land less valuable as a resource. Although I'm sure that any citizens in all of Jamaica can get to the shoreline to enjoy the ocean though.

Some business ideas for Jamaica's citizens to explore might be designing swim suits as well as other light clothing. Since livestock is flourishing they could open a livery stable or two for horseback riding. Being inland they might want to consider raising and training the horses to supply stables closer to the ocean and therefore more profitable due to the tourist trade. Another thing to think about might be building boats of all sizes. There must be a need for many boats of all types. Any luxury items and souvenirs to sell to the many visitors might be lucrative. It is a fact that over one hundred thousand people from all over the world flock to Jamaica each year. The beauty of the land, the many activities and the friendly people who make their trip pleasant are all influencing visitors to return year after year.

Among visitors who can afford the luxury, they might fly their wedding attendants and all the guests to Jamaica for a grand celebration. This is usually movie stars, oil billionaires and others with financial advantage. The hotels cater wonderful weddings on the beach with an outdoor or indoor reception afterwards. With the trend among movie stars being multiple marriages, Jamaica will be busy catering possibly three or four weddings for each during their lifetime.

SNORKELING. Snorkeling is a practice on observing underwater world Moreover, it is the easiest way to explore beauty under the sea. Snorkeling is fun to do because the whole family can participate at the same time. Snorkeling is easy. You will enjoy much when you learn all the right techniques .

Equipments use are mask, snorkel and fins. The mask is the important piece of equipment use for snorkeling. It should be properly fitted. Another equipment is the snorkel, it allows you to breath when you are under the water. Lastly, the fins. It must be flexible and lightweight, but some uses booties to protect their feet from pointed objects and jagged corals.

The Place in Boracay where to snorkel best is in Balinghai Beach because of a coral garden not too far from the shore. For those who want a quiet place, this resort is a place to be. Cottages are scattered on the rock cliff. The resort is offering foods and drinks to be delivered to the cottages as part of their service.

Snorkeling Balinghai Beach

WINDSURFING AND KITESURFING. Most travelers windsurf and kitesurf during the northern monsoon period, between the months of December to February because wind and wave conditions are most effective during that time,

The ideal destination to windsurf is in Bulabog Beach. Beginners and professionals are taking advantage on the waves that brought by the strong winds. When visiting the place, you can avail of the equipment rentals. Also, there are windsurfing and kite surfing lessons to those who want to learn. There are courses available to beginners up to advanced sailors. There are spots for beginners and for professionals for easy learning. It's really fun when you get used to it.

Windsurfing Bulabog Beach

SKIMBOARDING. Skimboarding is simply riding a board on an outgoing wave and it is similar to surfing. What makes skimboarding interesting is that they are riding the waves. Older people love to skimboard, but for kids, it is just a new sport for them. The best beach to practice skimboarding is at the White Beach in Boracay. White Beach is a well known beach in Boracay. You can see a lot of people sunbathing on the white sand trying to unwind and relax.

Skimboarding White Beach

WATERSKIING, BANANA BOAT, PARASAILING AND GLASS BOTTOM BOAT.

These activities are popular in the White Beach of Boracay Island. Waterskiing is fun, but you should have 20/20 vision to remain safe behind the boat and also, to avoid debris while you are waterskiing. Banana Boat Riding is popular mostly for children. They use banana boat or a boat made of banana or a yellow boat shaped like a banana while pulling by a larger boat to move the banana boat fast with four people riding on it.. Two glass bottom boats are available to see the beauty of underwater while staying dry. Parasailing is an adventure sport and favorable when the sea is calm. It is a favorite activity of some people who loves to fly in the air like a bird.

Waterskiing Banana Boat Ride Parasailing Glass Bottom Boat

FISHING. Visitors love to go to Kingfisher's Farm to eat. You can see various kinds of jumping fishes. It's very relishing because there are a lot to catch and eat. The Kingfishers's Farm will grill them for you. One thing why fishes here are delicious and juicy because they cook them fresh.

SCUBA DIVING. Scuba Diving is one of the popular sport . Swimming underwater longer is an accomplishment because not all people can do it. Ilig Iligan Beach is perfect for Scuba Diving especially when the beach is normally calm and clear.

Scuba Diving Ilig Iligan Beach

Ilig Iligan Beach is on the east coast of Boracay Island and has many caves. Local Boracay boys offer their service as a tourist guide to travelers who want to explore the caves.

Exploring the island can learn you many things and. doing all the activities makes you feel very proud of yourself. It serves as a fulfilled experience. You can tell your friends and the world that you've been to one of the most beautiful island in the Philippines. It's really worthy to spend money for a vacation.

Approximately fifty kilometers to the East of said cairn is the city of Prince George.

In the early 1800's, Simon Fraser, a partner in the North West Company, thinking he was on the Columbia River, followed the river, which now bears his name. In 1807, on the West bank of said river, just South of where it is joined by the Nechako River, he erected a trading post. Mr. Fraser, in honour of King George III, named the post, Fort George.

Now known as Prince George, this city is, literally, the heart of B.C. Located amongst millions of hectares of spruce trees it is known as the Spruce Capital of the World because of its economic base in the logging, and pulping, of spruce.

Small, in comparison to most cities, its population ranges from eighty thousand to one hundred twenty thousand, depending on the economy. It is the commercial hub for the Northern half of the province and people move out, when times are lean, as fast as they moved in, when work was plentiful.

Currently, the economy is on the rise as the new container port in Prince Rupert begins development. As level land is scarce between the steep mountains of the West Coast, containers, once they are unloaded from the ships, will move, from Prince Rupert, by train, to be sorted in Prince George.

The, current, ten hour, drive from Vancouver to Prince George will probably become a, twelve hour, commute with the increase in truck traffic.

Prince George is noted as a summer and winter playground: twenty minutes from downtown will see you; swimming in the summer, hunting in the fall, skiing in the winter, or fishing, any time of the year.

This summer while visiting friends in PG, we were discussing work. My friend had just started driving taxi and one of her first fares had time to kill before catching a flight, the next day. “What is there to do, what is there to see?”, they asked her. She was stumped. She has lived in PG for over thirty years. I had lived there for ten years and I was just as stumped, even though I had, also, driven taxi for a while.

What do Prince Georgians do? Like everyone else they work, they eat, they sleep. For those who live downtown they breath an atmosphere that is not all that pleasant. When visitors ask, they reply, “Ah, that! That is the smell of money!” The perfume from the pulp mills, a byproduct of the chlorine, acid, bleaching process tends to drift down the valley into the bowl.

Prince George is located in the bottom of a bowl. It is often referred to as a giant beach looking for an ocean. The entire area is sand. Consequently the Fraser river turns a dark colour and when it gets to Vancouver the environmentalists blame the logging industry for polluting the river. In truth it is only discolouration, courtesy of Mother Nature.

Gold can be found in the sand, in too small a quantity to be profitable to pan. The loose sand also makes it difficult to build, particularly near the edge of the bowl. The construction of the new university was an engineers' nightmare. Rumours continue to claim that, soon, students won't have to commute to the top of the hill, as the university is gong to slide down to the bottom of the bowl.

`Ones man's garbage is another man's gold', as the saying goes. While the sand may cause problems for some, it provides pleasure for others. The Sand Banks, along the North Nechako River provide skiers one last kick at the cat, come spring. When they have worn out their skis on the two local ski hills, Mt. Tabor, and Purden Mountain, they tune them up for the `Sand Blast'. A yearly event when mayhem overcomes common sense and the skiers fly down the steep sand banks and try to stop before they stumble across the road, into the river.

NIGHTLIFE:

Several neighbourhood pubs, some with live music, several nightclubs, a few with live bands. Live theatre, cinematic theatres, hockey, PG is the home of the Prince George Spruce Kings, the host team for the 2007 RBC Royal Bank Cup, a casino or two, bingo, and my all time favourite, roller skating. Although that will soon come to pass. The fad has worn off over the years and the building is now doomed.

Along with the neighbouring Golf and Curling club, the land has been sold to a developer. Over the next few years the PG Golf and Curling Club will move to a new location along the Nechako River. In its place will be a new hotel and residential subdivision. And lets not forget the newest addition to the PG nightlife, a drive in theatre, which is also home to; a mini golf, and a go cart track.

• Prince George Spruce Kings
• Prince George Golf and Curling
• Prince George Park Drive-In Theatre

DAYTIME:

4X4ing, art galleries, bicycling, bowling, curling, fishing, golfing, at least 5 golf courses, hang gliding, hunting, museums, parks, shopping, ski-dooing, skiing, swimming, tennis, touring the pulp mills, wildlife viewing. Wow! Prince George has all the attractions of a major city, without the commuter hassle, plus all the benefits of a small town.

Oh, did I mention the higher average wage, compared to the city, and the lower average cost of rent, or home purchase.

Excuse me, this narrative will now pause while the narrator packs his bags and moves out of the din of traffic in the big city to the peace and quiet of the Cariboo Valley.

• Prince George Pulp Tours
• Prince George Recreational
• Tabor Mt. Skiing
• Wildlife Viewing

SHOPPING:

Prince George is home to one major shopping plaza and two major malls, in the bowl. Other shopping centers can be found on the North, and the West rims of the bowl. Several super, destination, stores; Canadian Tire, Home Depot, London Drugs, Real Canadian Superstore, Staples, Wal-Mart, etc. can be found; downtown, at the foot of Peden Hill, and near the entrance to College Heights.

College heights, a residential district in the South West corner of the city has, over the past few years, expanded further to the West as the city enjoys an increase in property values as construction expands.

Prince George Shopping

EDUCATION:

Prince George hosts four colleges and a University. CNC, the College of New Caledonia, has branch colleges in many of the towns in Northern B. C. UNBC, the university of Northern B. C., is a satellite of UBC, the University of British Columbia, in Vancouver.

• Prince George Education
• CNC
• UNBC

MEALTIME:

Restaurants of most ethnicities, abound, as do smצrgוsbords (Buffets to Americans). Culinary delights for all tastes, and budgets.

Though I can no longer do justice to a smצrgוsbord, smצrgוsbords in Prince George used to close their doors when they saw me coming, I still enjoy the variety of choice that is offered. One of my favourites is The Caribou Steak and Seafood Restaurant. Always a great selection of; roast beef, ham, mashed potatoes, pirogies, etc. a great salad bar, desert bar, pleasant atmosphere, and great service. I invariably meet friends there whenever I visit Prince George.

One of my favourites was the Hart Wheel Inn truck stop on the Hart Highway. In the late 80's there were four, really good, Chinese, smorgs, daily. Each of them had a nice selection at noon, a larger selection in the evening, and, on weekends, would add a roast of beef, or ham, or a turkey; and some Canadian style potatoes, and salad.

I haven't been up to the Hart in a while as my friend, Chung, the owner, has opened new and larger premises, The Great Wall Restaurant, near the Fraser River bridge on Hwy 97. This has a much larger selection in its daily smorg.

Another favourite culinary experience was on Sunday mornings. I would phone all my friends, who were generally nursing hangovers, and coax them out of bed to one of the four big breakfast smorgs. I believe the only one left is at Ester's inn. But it is still worth going. Table after table of culinary delights.

A new establishment has opened, next to the Cariboo, `The Waddling Duck'. Their menu offers; air dried bison steak, venison sirloin, nori wrapped ahi tuna, as well as other culinary delights.

One of my all time favourites is Franco's Steak and Spaghetti, 251 George St. Home of the Panzeroti. A panzeroti is, basically, a pizza, folded over, with the edges joined, but they don't use pizza dough, or bread dough, as some restaurants do.

One of my mother's favourite sayings, if something tasted good, was, `That tasted like more'. The first time I had a panzeroti the waitress asked me how it was. I replied, “That tasted like more”. She took me seriously, looked at me startled, and said, “If you can eat another one of those, I'll pay for it”. She paid for it.

• Esther's Inn 1151 Commercial Drive; 1-800-663-6844. Water slide, pool, restaurant.
• Franco's Steak and Spaghetti, 251 George St
• Prince George Restaurants

GETTING AROUND:

Prince George is too spread out to walk to most locations. However it does offer a city bus system.

• Prince George Transit System 24 Hr. Bus Info (250) 563-0011

PARKS:

There are several parks throughout the city. Fort George Park, on the banks of the Fraser River, is the largest, at 65 acres, and is home to the Fraser Fort George Regional Museum, `The Exploration Place', Prince George's Science Center and Museum.

A replica of the old fort has been constructed in the Park. Also, in the park, one can ride on a miniature train, or walk along the bank of the Fraser River.

The Prince George Railway and Forestry Museum is located adjacent to Cottonwood Island Park. There is an 1914 Grand Trunk station and a large array of rolling stock, such as; a 1913 100 ton steam crane, a 1903 Russell Snowplow, and a 1913 first-class Nechako Car. In the forestry part of the museum is a large selection of 1800's machinery.

Cottonwood Island Park offers a pleasant stroll along the bank of the N. Nechako River. The park is open all year and offers; a boat, and canoe, launch, picnic shelter, toilets, and an eleven Km. paved, trail, suitable for; walking, biking, in-line skating, or running, that goes under the bridges and connects to Fort George Park.

Another place to walk or picnic, is Connaught Hill Park. While I was in Prince this summer I discovered, or is that re-discovered, Connaught Hill Park. I have been to the park, more than once, over the years, but have never really noticed it. Just a quick drive through.

When I lived in Prince I was into dogs. I have always been good with cats and dogs and having relayed a story of approaching a strange dog a young lady dared me to try and approach her's.

I followed her to Connaught Hill Park where she; parked her VW bug, instructed her German Shepard to Guard it, then walked away. A while later I approached the car, spoke to the dog, through the closed windows, walked around the car, still talking, then entered the drivers's door. When she returned to the car I was lying across the front seats, the dog licking my face.

This year I took the time to smell the roses. Connaught hill is a wonderful place for; a stroll, a picnic, some picnic tables have their own parking area, or to smell roses, or other flowers, and offers a splendid view of the city.

• Connaught Hill Park
• Cottonwood Island Park
• Fort George Park
• The Prince George Railway and Forestry Museum
• Prince George Parks

ACCOMMODATION:

There are several hotels in the city, four of which represent major chains; Coast, Days Inn, Holiday Inn, and Ramada. The city, and area, also abounds with motels; Economy, Travelodge, Camelot, Carmel, and many others. As well there are numerous BandB's.

CLIMATE:

Prince George has always been noted for short, hot, dry summers and long, cold winters. Over the last few years, due to the increase in surface area of lakes that have been enlarged for hydro electricity production, and global warming, the climate has moderated. Though they still get the odd day of forty below in the winter they no longer get the week after week of fifty below, with the odd day that would reach a high of thirty-five below. Nor do they get the continuous, deep, snowfalls, that they once did.

For some this is a good thing; the elderly don't have huge snowfalls to contend with, the city saves a lot of money on snow removal, and people from the South are more inclined to move in.

However, the down side is less winter employment and a basic industry of the province that is in danger of disappearing.

Because the area around Prince is fairly soft, logging was much easier in the winter when the ground was frozen solid. IE: trucks and equipment could move, off road, without getting stuck. Seasonal employment is a common thing in Canada and nowhere more so than in the Cariboo.

Winter time would see the population of towns, such as Prince, double. Logging companies from other towns, that had work in the summer when the ground was dry, but too steep to log in winter would come to the North during the winter.

As the North is notorious for its cold winters so it was notorious for fly-by-night companies. Quick-buck artists would come to town in the fall and leave, just a quickly, in the spring, owing their suppliers money. They would stay in motels, make arrangements for fuel, tires, employees, etc., and leave town, owing everyone.

Such companies are great for seasonal employees such as myself and they are educators for youngsters who have no experience.

One such company came to Prince, one winter and I drove a logging truck for them. At the end of the season I went to work one morning to find, nothing. No one. Gone. I enquired at the motel where they had been staying. The manager said they had left during the night. All except the logging truck that I had been driving. He was keeping it until they paid their bill.

Sometime later the truck disappeared from his parking lot. I doubt that he ever got paid. I know I never saw my last cheque.

Years later I had a similar experience with a chop stick factory. A man came form overseas, started up a factory to supply the orient with chopsticks made from Alder wood. I started up a logging company to supply him with clear, white alder.

The day after he received a multi million dollar grant from Ottawa he returned to his homeland. None of the workers in the factory received their last paycheque and none of the logging companies were paid for the logs lying in the yard.

I stated earlier that a basic industry of the province is in danger of disappearing. Cypress; elm, fir, pine, and spruce, beetles kill trees. The beetles bore through the bark and mine the phloem - the layer between the bark and the trunk of a tree. They burrow even deeper into the tree to lay their eggs. They live in the summer and hibernate in the winter. Actually what they do is die in the winter. If it is cold enough. To survive they hide under the bark of a tree. It takes many days for cold to penetrate the bark of a tree and many more days for the cold to kill the beetles. Thirty to forty below, for a period of six weeks, will kill the beetles, and their eggs.

It has been many years since the temperatures have stayed that cold for that long a period. Consequently the beetle population is out of control. The forest that the tree huggers of the `90s managed to save from the forest industry have now been lost to nature. Along with many millions of hectares more. The latest maps from the B. C. Forestry show that over half of B. C.'s forests are infested and will be dead within the next few years.

GETTING THERE:

Passenger train service from East to West, Prince Rupert to Jasper, is offered by Via Rail. Greyhound service is offered in all direction as is airline service. The airport in Prince George hosts; Horizon, Jazz, and West Jet, as well as several smaller airlines and helicopter services. There are several flights a day, to and from, major centers in Western Canada, as well as non stop flights to Puerto Vallarta, Mexico.