Back from vacation

     What a great trip we had, just returning form the northern California and southern Oregon coasts. Temperatures in Idaho were in the 100's. We hit 107 degrees in Redding, California. However, when we crossed the mountains towards the coast, the temperature dropped to the low 60's. What a difference.
     We toured the Redwoods and I had the opportunity to stop at some woodcarving shops and galleries. We stopped at a few in the Redwoods (they are so massive and amazing, you have to use capital letters) and I had the opportunity to chat with Bernie Korbly, with Korbly Wood Products, as well as several others who were carving some great things. I picked up some myrtlewood and some redwood blanks. Redwood is a soft wood, best carved when wet. 

This mountain man carving is one I want to enter in the Caricature Carvers of America competition in August. He was a lot of fun (and hard work) to do.

This fireman is one I did in Gene Fuller's class at our Jamboree in May of this year. It was a great class and a great project.

Here is a picture of the redwoods from our trip. They are so amazing. There is nothing like looking straight up at trees that can be more than 300 feet high.

This hollow redwood tree is still growing!. Apparently, these wooden behemoths can lost most of their inner structure, yet still keep growing. As long as there is a layer of cells that can transport water and nutrients up to the upper levels of the crown, the tree can survive and keep growing. Amazing!

We had a great time on our trip. Thank you, California and Oregon! I had not stepped foot in California since I was 10 years old. It was a good welcome back. Thanks!