[Colin_Partridge]

Hi Gang
I am back from the chainsaw carving competiton. The 7th Annual Chainsaw Carving Competition was held from the 25th thru the 30th of June 03 on the beach at Campbell River,
British Columbia Canada on beautiful Vancouver Island. We were blessed with five days of sunshine and blue skies for the entire event not one splash of rain.
Unfortunatly I didnt win this year the talent was unbelievable you just woulnt believe what these girls and guys can do with a chainsaw. I dont go to the competiton to win, the prize money even if I did win doent even come close to what it cost me to attend. This is my vacation there is nothing I would rather do than carve. I go just to be a part of it all to be with all those talented people.
The competition is open to 32 carvers from around the world and happens right on the beach.
The highlight of my trip this year was the special needs children that come to the beach every day to watch us carve. I took 12 bark carvings with me this year and gave them each one. Well the look on their faces was worth the trip you would have thought that I had given them a million dollars. They hugged them and stared at them with smiles on their faces that was worth more to me than any amount of money. Somewhere on this message board someone asked what was the most important secret to carving. I now know what it is for me, having someone appreciate my carvings that much was worth more than anything. They went back and told their friends and I had to carve half dozen more from driftwood on the beach and loved every minute of it.
For any of you that are interested I have posted a picture of my completed carving on www.picturetrail.com under Native Carving. The carving is almost 9ft tall and 3 feet in diameter and is done in a piece of western red cedar and my carving this year was Chief Sitting Bull the picture is not that good but I will post a better picture when I get one.
Colin

Hi Colin,

Sounds like a fantastic trip. I can't believe that your carving didn't win anything, there must have been some stiff competition. I'm glad to hear that the weather cooperated too.

Well, you may not have come away with a ribbon, but it sounds like your prize was worth more than any amount of money. Seeing the looks on people faces and the joy that your carving brings, that's what its all about.

I'm glad you had a good time.
Chris

[Kenny_S]

Outstanding carving. You summed up why you carve great. The Joys of giving. That can not be bought.
Keep up with the outstanding carving.

Hi Colin -

Welcome home. It sounds as though the competition was great for you and alot of other folks. Your carving is, of course, outstanding. Must have been some really big competition there.

I love it that you gave away carvings to the kids - that's a gift they'll treasure longer than you or I will be around. Thank you for that.

Teri

[Callynne]

Welcome back Colin, you may not have won a ribbon but you sure came back a winner, what a nice person you are!! Callynne