continued...

The prediction is that all the pines will be killed will be a major ecologic problem .the pine is the major tree in these forests and their loss will completly denude much of the terrain.Much more of a problem here than in E.Tn.'s hardwood forests because pine not the predominant tree.These dead pines also provide excellent fuel for forest fires.The other major industry in this area is natural gas production.Drilling crews are a large presence. In fact Fort Nelson has the largest natural gas production and processing plant in North America...who knew.The ride today,456 mi. was another head down day...no lallygagging.Met a mounty who is a rider at one of the gas stops.Nice fellow and suggested some alternative roads. He says if we like twisty roads take highway 24 from 100 Mile House (thats a town) to yellowhead highway Great,says we wanting to please the nice officer.Well ,highway 24 is very picturesque,but the tightest curve out there would not even have a number if it was on a race track."Blade" (D.L.) could have taken any of them without his patented "shortcut maneuver"...boog