Another shot from Jet boating in the Fort George Canyon last weekend. Up until the completion of the railway the Fraser River was the main transport route in and out of Fort George (now Prince George), and the Fort George Canyon was one of the key obstacles that sternwheelers had to navigate. It quickly became known for its dangerous reefs, rapids, and whirlpools. Sternwheelers like the “BX”, “Nechacco” and “Quesnel”, navigated these treacherous waters in the early 1900’s. The BX sank in Ft George Canyon in November 1919 after striking a rock. It was loaded with 2500 bags of cement that perished. In April 1921, the Quesnel would become the last sternwheeler to run the gauntlet through the canyon. She was relaunched with the intent of resuming the local service abandoned by the BC Express and BX and lasted only three weeks before being wrecked in the canyon. During the salvage of her cargo, which included 100 barrels of beer, she broke free from the rock she was caught on and sank and was never recovered. Fort George Canyon Provincial Park, Northern British Columbia, Canada
Located on a small island that lies between Stephens Passage and Frederick Sound the Five Finger Islands Light was the first U.S. government lighthouses opened in Alaska, on March 21, 1902. It became the last lighthouse in Alaska to be automated on August 14, 1984. The original wooden lighthouse burnt down and the current art deco structure dates back to 1935. We were lucky enough to be radioed by the lighthouse keeper as we sailed past in S/V BOB and were invited onto the lighthouse for a tour. Taking advantage of a rare bout of calm seas around the light, we headed over to the rocky outpost in our little skiff and were able climb the light. South East Alaska, USA.
Another angle of the Ad Deir or "The Monastery”, carved out of rock in the ancient Jordanian city of Petra. You can just make out the small figure approaching the main entrance door. Architecturally an example of the Nabatean Classical style it was carved into the side of the mountain in the 3rd Century BC. At 50m (164ft) wide and 45m (148ft) high it is one of the largest structures in Petra with the main door itself being 8m (26ft) high. Petra, known to the ancient Nabataeans as Raqmu, lies on the slope of Jebel al-Madhbah. Jordan.
