Category Archives: and now you know

Nystar Mine – core samples

Posted on September 7, 2017 by Katherine

You may have noticed the rows of sheds if you’ve driven  through Stratchona Provincial Park on your way to the Myra Falls trailhead. They contain carefully labeled boxes full of rock core samples from with the mines in the Nystar … Continue reading →

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The world’s largest burl?

Posted on October 7, 2016 by Katherine

The world’s second largest burl – Port McNeill The world’s second largest burl (formerly the largest burl) is located in Port McNeill. It was cut from the base of a 351-year-old Sitka Spruce tree in 1976, about 40 kilometers southwest … Continue reading →

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Hydrostatic Releases

Posted on September 21, 2016 by Katherine

Hydrostatic releases on one of the BC Ferries Hydrostatic releases are handy little devices are used to automatically deploy inflatable life rafts when a ship sinks. Water pressure activates the device when it descends 1.5m below the surface, and when … Continue reading →

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E&N signs – Two diamonds

Posted on August 25, 2016 by Katherine

The two diamonds indicate that there is an obstruction close to the track – in this case, a power pole and then a chain link fence. Related Posts:E&N – signs – Two black circlesRideau Hall – Mungo Martin Totem poleIsland … Continue reading →

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E&N signs – W

Posted on August 6, 2016 by Katherine

You may have seen one of these whiteboard signs with a W on it – W signs are called whistle posts, and they are usually located at highway-rail grade crossings. In general, locomotive horns must be be sounded at all … Continue reading →

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E&N – signs – Two black circles

Posted on August 6, 2016 by Katherine

You may have seen one of these whiteboard signs with black circles – they advise snowplow crews to raise flanger blades in advance of crossings, switches, and other between-the-rail obstructions. The southern approach to the E&N bridge over Mill Creek … Continue reading →

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What is beach foam?

Posted on July 14, 2016 by Katherine

Sea foam, ocean foam, beach foam, or spume is a type of foam created by the agitation of seawater, particularly when it contains higher concentrations of dissolved organic matter from sources such as algal blooms. These compounds can act as … Continue reading →

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Geodetic Benchmarks

Posted on July 13, 2016 by Katherine

Canadian Benchmarks include several types of permanently fixed survey markers, monuments or other devices that are used for taking accurate measurements within Canada. In fancy terms, the benchmarks are the Official Horizontal Datums for Georeferencing Legal Surveys. British Columbia Survey … Continue reading →

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CN 77559

Posted on June 29, 2016 by Katherine

Canadian National 77559 at the Cumberland Heritage Village Museum Canadian National (CN) caboose 77559 started life in May 1926 as Grand Trunk Railway (GTR)  90808. The Grand Trunk Railway operated in Quebec and Ontario, and in Connecticut, Maine, Michigan, Massachusetts, … Continue reading →

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A bridge over a short river

Posted on May 4, 2016 by Katherine

The 5th Street Bridge crosses the shortest navigable river in the world – the Courtenay River. and now you know… Related Posts:At night – Courtenay 5th Street BridgeTsolum River bridgeCondensory Road bridgeAcross the bridge – Puntledge Park

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