The Delicate Art of Chainsaw Wood Carving: Part 2… North to Alaska

July 19, 2013January 24, 2015 / Curt Mekemson / 15 Comments

Peggy, who had just been kayaking on Dragon Lake in Quesnel, BC, was immediately attracted to this dragon wood carving in Chetwynd. (Photograph by Peggy Mekemson)

On Monday I provided an introduction to the art of wood carving with a chainsaw in Hope, British Columbia. Today we will see what Chetwynd, BC has to offer. As I mentioned earlier, Chetwynd holds an annual contest in June that attracts wood carvers from around the world. We quickly found that the number and variety of carvings was even greater than we had found in Hope. I was amazed at what could be accomplished in 36 hours. it made me think about the months and even years, sculptures spend working on a block of marble.

I was more entranced by this scary pumpkin scarecrow.

A close up of the head. How would you like to meet up with this guy on a dark night?

The complete sculpture. Like Scarecrow in Oz, he had straw stuffing trying to escape.

A close up of the head on Peggy’s dragon. (Photo by Peggy Mekemson)

Was this crusty gold miner saying “Don’t take my photo”?

A close up of the miner’s face in Chetwynd, BC.

I found the perspective on this bear totem pole interesting.

Deer totem pole.

An eagle lands to feed its chick. (Photograph by Peggy Mekemson)

A bear tries to raid an eagle’s nest. The eagle objects.

The Thinker? (Photograph by Peggy Mekemson)

Another perspective. This ram had quite a set of horns.

A Samurai warrior.

A carved relief on the side of the Chetwynd, BC Visitor Center of St. George slaying the dragon.

It seems appropriate to end this blog on Chetwynd, BC chainsaw wood carving with a moose.

Another photo of the moose.

Next Blog: The busy beavers of the Toad River.

When Your Campground Goes to the Dogs… North to Alaska

July 17, 2013January 24, 2015 / Curt Mekemson / 12 Comments

Peggy decided to go kayaking on beautiful Dragon Lake near Quesnel BC for her birthday.

Peggy decided to go kayaking on beautiful Dragon Lake near Quesnel BC to celebrate her birthday.

It was Peggy’s birthday. We picked out a nice campground near Quesnel, BC and declared a layover day. I am expected to celebrate the day appropriately. When we first got married Peggy told me that forgetting her birthday was grounds for divorce. Apparently her first husband missed one…

I’d been careful when leaving home to pack candles, animals, and a hanging birthday sign. “What’s with the animals?” you ask. Peggy’s family has a tradition. Over the years they have gathered dozens of miniature plastic and metal animals. Several of them are placed on the birthday cake. The person having the birthday is then expected to make the sound each animal makes. Like what sound does a hippopotamus make? I’ve been known to leave town on my birthday.

I gathered cards, gifts and a birthday pie along the way. Our friends Bob and Linda joined us and I explained the animals. Peggy then made the necessary growls, grunts, coughs, chest pounds, etc. and had a good time. It appears I am married for another year.

What we didn’t realize was that our campground was about to go to the dogs. Robert’s Roost Campground was hosting dog agility trials. Our campground filled up with dogs of all breeds, shapes and sizes. We went over to watch the action. The dogs are expected to run through tunnels, climb over bridges, weave in and out of a line of sticks, and leap over hurdles in a timed performance. Their owners run along beside shouting instructions. I think the owners work harder than the dogs.

A number of hurdles had been set up for the dogs. (Photo by Peggy Mekemson)

Hurdles are set at different heights to accommodate dog size.

This guy seemed to float over his hurdle. “Jump!” his owner urged. (Photo by Peggy Mekemson)

An even smaller dog weaves his way through the poles. (Photo by Peggy Mekemson)

Peggy captured the passion this dog was showing. (Photo by Peggy Mekemson)

Another shot that captures the intensity of the dogs participating in the agility trials. (Photo by Peggy Mekemson)

Stepping out on the bridge at the dog agility trials.

Another dog challenges the bridge. This time from the opposite direction.

Tunnel exit at dog agility trials. (Photo by Peggy Mekemson.)

Bob and Linda's dog, Sister, stands in our shadows and watches the action. Sister decided that much more than "Good dog," would be required for her to leap over hurdles.

Bob and Linda’s dog, Sister, stands in our shadows and watches the action. She decided that much more than “Good dog,” would be required for her to leap over hurdles.

Next Blog: Busy as a beaver on Toad River

Wood Carving with a Chainsaw… North to Alaska

July 15, 2013January 24, 2015 / Curt Mekemson / 26 Comments

Hope, British Columbia sits on the Fraser River. This photo is taken from the river park in front of the town.

Peggy and I have ventured into British Columbia several times. And we have always been impressed. This time is no exception. The natural beauty, abundant wildlife, proud communities and friendly people guarantee our return– again and again.

We are also amused by the efforts of small communities to capture their moments of fame and share of tourist dollars. The world’s largest cross-country skis, the world’s largest beehive, and the world’s largest golf ball are all examples. These fun gestures make us smile. Out come our cameras for the obligatory photos.

The world’s tallest cross-country skis.

Chainsaw wood carving exists on another level. This once primitive art form has taken on a surprising level of sophistication. Two towns we passed through on our journey north to Alaska featured chainsaw creations: Hope is an hour or so from the border of Washington State; Chetwynd is near Dawson Creek, the beginning of the Alaska Highway.

The helpful folks at the Chetwynd Information Center explained how they had obtained their extensive collection of carvings. Each year the town hosts a chainsaw wood carving contest. Participants come from all over the world. The process starts with importing logs from Vancouver Island. The logs dry for several months and are then tagged with numbers. Individual participants draw numbers to see which log he or she gets. Contestants then have 35 hours over five days to complete their masterpieces.

Today I am featuring Hope, which is located on the mighty Fraser River. Chetwynd will be featured two or three blogs up the road.

Hope is quite proud of its chainsaw woodcarvings. A map from the Visitor’s Center took us on a walk to find the town’s sculptures.

These herons are an example of how sophisticated chainsaw wood carving has become.

Animals are a common subject for chainsaw woodcarvers.

A pair of wolves.

Fantasy figures, such as this wizard, also serve as common themes for chainsaw carvings. Note the mouse living in his beard.

The wizard also wore an eyeball ring.

Many of the chainsaw wood carvings in Hope, BC display a sense of humor such as this tourist with a guidebook in his hip pocket. Another carving can be seen on the next block.

Speaking of humor, I found this face on a statue of Bigfoot rather funny.

In my last blog I featured totem poles. Given the First Nation influence in British Columbia, it was not surprising to find Raven as one of the wood carvings.

This eagle and girl also represented a First Nation theme.

I found this face rather powerful.

My friend Bob decided to look tough in this Rambo photo board outside of the Hope Visitor Center. Stallone’s “First Blood” was filmed in the town.

Peggy and Linda share a laugh on the edge of the Fraser River at Hope BC. Possibly they were amused at Bob’s effort to look like Stallone.

Next Blog: When a campground is taken over by dogs.

Sailing Off into the Sunset… And On to New Adventures

June 11, 2013January 24, 2015 / Curt Mekemson / 12 Comments

What’s not to like about a beautiful sunset. This one took place off the southern coast of Italy in the Mediterranean Sea.

I am a sucker for sunsets, which is a good thing. Sunsets, waves and spectacular cloud formations are what pass for scenery on the open ocean. My dad, who started and ended his life as a painter, dismissed sunsets as postcard pictures. Nevertheless, when I went through several thousand of his photos after he died, I discovered numerous photos of the setting sun. Nobody can resist a beautiful sunset. Along with fireworks, they are the number one cause of oohs and ahs.

Mediterranean sunset off the coast of Southern Italy.

A close up of the same sunset shown above.

As for sailing off into the sunset, sailors have been doing this since the first sail was invented. (The western heroes of my youth rode off into the sunset, instead. After doing in the bad guys, they would kiss their girls goodbye– probably on the cheek, climb on their faithful horses, and ride off into the west as the sun sank behind the horizon and the picture slowly faded. “Hi-o Silver away!”)

Once we left our farthest point to the east, Kusadasi, Turkey, we sailed into the west all the way to Galveston, Texas. Since our ship inevitably pulled out of port in late afternoon, there were ample opportunities for sunset photos. I decided that a few of these sunsets, along with some cloud formations, would make a fitting end for my series on Mediterranean Ports.

Sun shining through clouds on the Atlantic Ocean.

Sun shining through clouds can be quite dramatic. We took this photo in the Atlantic.

Close up of the above photo. Somewhere in my youth, I was required to color clouds like this in Sunday School. The image has never quite left me.

Clouds over the sea can also provide drama, as this towering cumulus does.

Towering Cumulous cloud over the Mediterranean.

Another cumulus cloud over the Mediterranean.

The seabird soaring between the clouds spoke to how close we were to shore.

These clouds over the Atlantic appeared less threatening, but brought a storm.

This impressionistic photo of purples and pinks was taken in the Caribbean south of Florida at the end of the trip.

NEXT BLOGS: I hope you have enjoyed our journey through the Mediterranean. In three weeks Peggy and I will begin another adventure, this time driving from our home in Southern Oregon to Alaska via the Northwest US, British Columbia and the Yukon Territory. Please join us. In the meantime, I will introduce you to our hometown of Jacksonville, Oregon; take you on a trip though the Southwestern US exploring thousand-year-old Native American rock art, and catch up on what’s happening with Burning Man 2013. Peggy and I will again be traveling to Burning Man after we return from Alaska.

The Azores: Last Stop before Sailing into the Sunset

June 8, 2013January 24, 2015 / Curt Mekemson / 6 Comments

Street scene in Ponta Delgado on the Island of San Miguel in the Azores.

We spent a pleasant three hours wandering along the streets of Ponta Delgada. Note the fun pavement.

Nine hundred miles west of Portugal we arrived at Ponta Delgada on the island of San Miguel. The Azores Islands are an autonomous region of Portugal and Delgada is the administrative center. When the Portuguese arrived in the 1400s, they found the islands uninhabited. In the days of sailing ships the islands became an important stop for resupplying with fresh food and water.

We found Delgada quite occupied and very pleasant, almost charming. Surrounded by green mountains that feature pineapple groves and grazing cattle, the city of 45,000 is nestled against the ocean. Instead of scrambling to see sites, we simply wandered through the streets.

The pineapples grown in the Azores are known for their sweetness and considered a gourmet treat.

The pineapples grown in the Azores are known for their sweetness and are considered a gourmet treat.

I even found time to check in on my blog. Normally, I had to use the ship’s Internet, which cost the proverbial arm and a leg. (Cruise ships are dedicated to separating passengers from their cash. We were dedicated to keeping as much of ours as possible.)

The town of Punta Delgado on the Island of San Miguel in the Azores

The town of Pont Delgada is surrounded by green mountains where cattle graze.

Our stroll around Delgada took us past attractive churches.

Church door in Ponta Delgado in the Azores

This door on the church was quite dramatic with its white background.

As always, our traveling companion, Kathi, could be expected to find tasty pastries. (Photo by Peggy Mekemson)

Carriage ride in Ponta Delgado in the Azores

These horses waited patiently to provide tourists with a carriage ride.

Ponta Delgado City Hall and reflection pool

I loved the way the street tile was extended into the reflection pool in front of Ponta Delgada’s city hall.

Peggy, Kathi and Frances take a break at the pool’s edge.

We found interesting murals in Delgada including this chicken?

I found these abstract squid quite attractive.

As in Europe, we found a number of attractive balconies.

Another balcony in Ponta Delgada.

A flower stand provided a beautiful bouquet of roses.

As the shadows lengthened it was time to return to the ship.

NEXT BLOG: Sailing into the sunset. The proper term is probably cruising into the sunset but I find sailing much more romantic. Our next stop would be Florida.

Lisbon’s Rua Augusta: Where Mimes Rule… Quietly

June 5, 2013January 24, 2015 / Curt Mekemson / 15 Comments

One of several mimes we met along Lisbon’s Rua Augusta. (Photo by Peggy Mekemson)

Leaving Barcelona meant we would soon be leaving the Mediterranean.Our time exploring several of the Western World’s most beautiful and historic areas was drawing to an end. We sailed past the Rock of Gibraltar and watched the sunset over North Africa. Our final stop on the European Continent would be Lisbon, after which we would begin our journey by ship across the Atlantic– a lifetime bucket list item of mine.

As our ship passed by the Rock of Gibraltar, we left the Mediterranean Sea behind. (Photo by Peggy Mekemson)

Later we watched the sunset over the North Coast of Africa.

Lisbon is one of Europe’s most ancient cities. Celts, Phoenicians, Romans, Germanic tribes, and Moors had all called it home at one time or the other. In the 1500s the small country of Portugal was a world power with colonies in South America, Africa and the East Indies. Five years ago Peggy and I had traveled to Albufeira on the south coast of Portugal and then wandered north to the fascinating walled city of Evora before flying out of Lisbon. This time we entered Lisbon by sea, passing the UNESCO Heritage site of Belem Tower and sailing under the 25 of April Bridge, which commemorates the overthrow of Portugal’s dictator Antonio Salazar in 1974.

We passed by Belem Tower. Built in the 1500s, it is now a UNESCO World Heritage site.

The Ponte 24 de Abril serves as the gateway to Lisbon. It is patterned after the Bay Bridge across the San Francisco Bay.

The Ponte 25 de Abril serves as the gateway to Lisbon. It is patterned after the Bay Bridge across the San Francisco Bay.

A view of the April 25 Bridge in Lisbon from below.

What the April 25 Bridge looks like from below.

Since we only had four hours in Portugal, we decided to focus on the Rua Augusta, Lisbon’s bustling pedestrian street in the heart of the city. We stopped to admire the Rua Augusta Arch, strolled along the street, checked out several mimes, had a great lunch and ended our European experience in Rossio Square where the people of Portugal have been gathering for centuries.

At first, I thought this was a statue honoring Mozart. Then I realized he was another mime. The pigeons offered a special touch…

As everyone knows, pigeons have a fondness for statues. We found these in _____ Square at the end of Rua Augusta.

As everyone knows, pigeons have a fondness for statues. We found these on a statue in Rossio Square at the upper end of Rua Augusta.

The arch at the beginning of Rua Augusta.

This flower stall we found added a touch of color to a side street off of the Rua Augusta.

Lisbon balcony with Christmas decorations.

And scarves added color to these Christmas decorations. Many of the walls in Lisbon were covered with tiles as shown here and in the window reflection.

We stopped for lunch at a small restaurant on the Rua Augusta. Here Peggy offers a toast to Portugal and our trip through the Mediterranean.

This photo shows the unique mosaic-like pattern of the Rua Augusta walkway.

This mosaic pattern on Rossio Square at the top of Rua Augusta could make you seasick.

Ferris wheel on Rossio Square in Lisbon.

The ferris wheel we found on Rossio Square is the most colorful I have ever seen.

The merry-go-round on Rossio Square was equally colorful.

Like so many other squares we had visited in Europe, Rossio Square had a fountain featuring semi-clad statues.

A look up the hill reminded us of all the areas we would have to explore on another visit.

The sun setting behind the April 25 Bridge meant it was time to resume our journey.

A final view of the bridge as we sailed off into the night and the Atlantic Ocean.

NEXT BLOG: We stop off at the Azores Islands.

The Genius of Antoni Gaudi (1852-1926)

May 30, 2013January 24, 2015 / Curt Mekemson / 4 Comments

Our short stay in Barcelona limited the amount of time we had to view to enjoy Antoni Gaudi’s work to Sagrada Familia. Two of my WordPress friends, Alice and Don, referred me to an earlier blog they did which is more extensive. I always like what Alice and Don present so I am reblogging their post on Gaudi today. Enjoy. Curt

Adventures in Wonderland

It feels as if I’ve known about the work of Antoni Gaudi all my life. Certainly I learned about, and saw pictures of his buildings, in high school art classes when I was a teenager, and have wanted to see the real thing ever since. There is nothing ordinary about his work. It is all inventive, and incredibly creative, and magical; every part of a building was a place for art. There’s nothing like it anywhere else.

As I’ve said earlier, Don and I are not ones for a ton of research or facts, but we learned a few things. He was difficult and ornery. He lived the last years of his life at La Sagrada Familia. His construction method was based on catenary arches – the inverse of holding both ends of a piece of string into a curved position. He converted to Catholicism later in life.

We visited…

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Sagrada Familia… Barcelona’s Masterpiece of Art and Faith Soars Toward the Sky

May 29, 2013March 25, 2018 / Curt Mekemson / 20 Comments

An interior photo of Sagrada Familia in Barcelona Spain

Walking into Sagrada Familia and looking up is like entering a totally different world.

Barcelona arrived in the Twentieth Century with its own brand of Art Nouveau, Modernisme. Combining whimsical and practical with a healthy dollop of nature, Barcelona’s Catalan artists and architects did a makeover of their city. Antoni Gaudi (1852-1926), the best known among the Modernistas, added strong religious belief to his work and became the architect of Sagrada Familia, the Church of the Holy Family.

Started in 1883, the church continues to be a work in progress today. Like the great cathedrals of the Gothic and Renaissance periods, it is a work of generations, and like the great cathedrals of Europe, is a masterpiece of art and architecture. Peggy, I, and our traveling companions walked inside and could only stare in awe at the beauty. I’ve selected the photos for this blog to provide a sense of why.

The front of Sagrada Familia reflects Antoni Gaudi’s love of nature and is sometimes described as looking like a melting cake. My thoughts are a melting ice cream cake. The church is a work in progress. The four towers are the first of 14.

Sagrada Familia towers representing Matthew, Mark, Luke and John.

A close up of the towers. The lower right shows doves that Gaudi included on the church.

Subirachs ' Passion sculpture on Sagrada Familia in Barcelona

This sculpture found on the opposite side of the church is one of many included in Joseph Marin Subirachs’ story of Christ’s death. I found the modern sculptures both powerful and moving.

Subirachs sculptures on Sagrada Familia in Barcelona.

More sculptures by Subirachs.

Another view looking up inside of Sagrada Familia. The columns inside the church range from 36 to 72 feet tall. The ceiling vault reaches a height of 200 feet. The final tower, which will rest on the beams and ceiling, will soar 560 feet into the air, making it the tallest church steeple in the world.

The columns in Sagrada Familia come in different colors and follow Gaudi’s nature theme. Designed to symbolize tree trunks, they branch at the top. The clear windows will eventually be replaced with stained glass windows.

Stained glass windows in Sagrada Familia

The majority of beautiful stained glass windows are already in place. (Photo by Peggy Mekemson)

This, and the two photos below, provide more examples of stained glass windows in the church.

Stained glass windows in Sagrada Familia

A rather unique set of stained glass windows.

I thought this interior photo captured the etherial quality of Sagrada Familia.

I love this artistic juxtaposition of the organ pipes and stained glass windows taken by Peggy. (Photo by Peggy Mekemson)

The Crucifix that hangs above the altar.

A final view of Sagrada Familia. Cranes show work in progress. The church is scheduled to be finished in 2026.

NEXT BLOG: We leave the Mediterranean and head for Lisbon.

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La Boqueria: Barcelona’s World Class Market… Seaports of the Mediterranean

May 24, 2013January 24, 2015 / Curt Mekemson / 19 Comments

A front view of the busy La Boqueria. The sign and building were done in Barcelona’s famous Modernista art style.

What a place… a kaleidoscope of colors, smells, noises and textures– an imagination gone wild. I walked into the Boqueria Market just off of Barcelona’s Ramblas (most famous street and pedestrian way in Barcelona) and I was captured; enthralled may be a better word. I could have spent a week alone with the fish. There were fruits and vegetables and breads and nuts and meats and drinks… not to mention some 200 square feet of chocolate delights! Who wouldn’t go crazy? Imagine going here to shop instead of your local Safeway or Wal-Mart.

La Boqueria is first mentioned in Barcelona literature in 1217. It may have started as a goat market. The market arrived at its present location in 1835 when St. Josephs Convent burned down. Today it is one of Europe’s best known fresh produce markets, a favorite of both locals and travelers… especially travelers with cameras. One stall owner even yelled at me, “No, no take pictures. Buy.” I could empathize… but I could no more not take photos than refuse to breathe.

Peggy spent what seemed like hours checking out the 200 square feet of chocolate wonders…

… while I was intrigued by the strange fish. This one had a face only its mother could love.

I promptly named this guy Jaws.

Squid, anyone?

I found these shrimp colorful…

… and these, uh, weird.

I found most photos on the web featured fruit stalls like this at La Boqueria rather than my fish. I wonder why? (Photo by Peggy Mekemson… Peggy does not take photos of weird fish)

Being a big fan of spicy food, I found these peppers quite attractive.

Hanging garlic and corn at La Boqueria Market in Barcelona.

I also liked the hanging garlic and corn.

Several types of mushrooms were for sale. I believe these were morels. They grow up behind our house in Oregon. People kill for them.

Delicious fruit drinks at La Boqueria in Barcelona

Fresh fruit drinks were in abundance. (Photo by Peggy Mekemson)

eating raw oysters at La Boqueria in Barcelona Spain

Peggy’s brother John joyfully downed a raw oyster. (Photo by Peggy Mekemson)

Fruit at La Boqueria Market in Barcelona.

I’ll close with my own obligatory photo of fruit at La Boqueria. Can you taste the strawberries?

NEXT BLOG: We journey to the incredibly beautiful and strange cathedral, Gaudi’s Sagrada Familia. You will not want to miss this blog.

Cannes: Where the Rich and Famous Hang Out… Seaports of the Mediterranean

May 22, 2013January 24, 2015 / Curt Mekemson / 6 Comments

The rich and famous hang out at Cannes and I am sure you will recognize this trio from Charlie’s Angels. Do you think Cameron Diaz minded that I borrowed her body? (Photo by Peggy Mekemson, body by Cameron, head by Curt)

The Cannes Film Festival is going on now. The town has filled with an army of glitterati and paparazzi. The famous and infamous have gathered to be seen, party, hang out, party, watch movies and party. We were there at a quieter time, thankfully. Still, we couldn’t help but note that monstrous yachts filled the harbor and fire engine red Ferraris served as rent-a-cars. We did the tourist thing, checked out the walk of actors’ handprints, and had our photos taken with cutouts, which was a close as we got to anyone famous.

This is what rent-a-cars look like in Cannes. My guess is that you wouldn’t get the economy rate.

Celebrities John, Frances and Peggy enjoy their moment on the Red Carpet at Cannes

Much fine, and I might add expensive, food will be served up in Cannes this week. Here I feature an appetizing duck a l’orange.

Peggy couldn’t resist trying out Meryl Streep’s hand print for size. Meryl’s fingers are longer.

I took this photo of Sly Stone's hand print. Can you sense the testosterone?

I took this photo of Sly Stallone’s hand print. Can you sense the testosterone?

We also enjoyed wandering around Cannes and were particularly taken with this building. (Photo by Peggy Mekemson)

Cannes was in the early stages of preparing for Christmas when we visited. I liked the way these decorations reflected an awning below.

Window shopping in Cannes, as you might imagine, was interesting. Take this form fitted chair, for instance… It seemed to go along with the ape lamp above it.