Best Places to See in BC - Kitmat Sitka Spruce

I can't get enough of the old growth trees in 

British Columbia.

Standing at the foot of this gigantic 500 yr old 

Sitka Spruce tree in Kitimat, BC

was totally awe inspiring.

This tree is the oldest known living organism

in the Kitimat Valley.

It was registered at the largest living

sitka spruce tree in BC in 1983.

It measures 50.3 meters (165 feet -- really!) tall

and 3.4 meters in diameter.

You have to imagine what this tree has seen

and been through in it's lifetime.

The age of quiet and solitude, explorers to

British Columbia, storms and unbearable 

weather changes, then dodging the cut of chainsaws

and logging. 

The feel of the bark under you fingers is rough and

textured, weather worn and vibrant.

Full of life and living.

I can only imagine what the next 

500 years will bring her.

Best Places to See in BC - Avatar Grove

The Avatar Grove

on Vancouver Island

should be on everyone's 

"to do" list in life.

 Located a few mintues 

drive outside of Port Renfrew,

these old growth trees

have recently been protected

from logging.

Their massive size and the

overwhelming tranquility of

 the rainforest must be experienced

in person. 

The Avatar Grove a life altering

journey into the very

beginnings of time.

Best Places to See in BC - Old Growth Trees

There are still some old
growth trees here in British Columbia.
I won't get into the political and
economic halabaloo
regarding the logging of these
giants.
What I will say is
every single person needs to be near one of
these behemoths once in your lifetime.
To stand near one is awe inspiring.
To actually touch one brings you
to an understanding of how really
really huge they are.
And how important their presence is
on our planet and in our lives.

BC is home to some of the
most astounding old growth forests,
or more accurately what is left of them.
I found this beauty along east Harrison Lake.
Right next to an active logging camp.
I can only pray that she remains intact.

I, for one, feel honored to
have been in the presence
of these giant trees.

 To see other photos
from fabulous British Columbia
please visit my other website:
karencooperdesigns.ca

Best Places to See in BC, Old Growth Trees

I've traveled a fair bit in BC.
Documenting the province has
become a passion of mine. Some call
it an obsession.
The one thing that stands out for me
above all others are the old growth trees.
They're getting harder and harder to find.
No doubt there are some left.
I think it's extremely important to document them
photographically.
Where they are located will remain with me.
I can keep Mother Nature's secrets.

Wind, rain, and the unfortunate hand of man
will make these magnificent trees a thing of
memory and legends in times to come.
To be close to one of these trees is to touch
our past. It's who we are.

I have no idea how old this particular tree is.
The privilege to stand in the presence
of such age, beauty and grace is life changing. It makes you
want to draw all that is precious in life close to your
heart and protect it forever.