John from gpwmi Loc: Michigan

For those who caught my post on Tuesday, "The Great Bear Rainforest", this is an addendum, but it stands alone too. I would also like to hear opinions on Color or B&W. But first a little background.

Butedale is a factory "ghost town" on Princess Royal Island. It was constructed in 1911 as a fishing, mining, and lumber camp. However, it really prospered as the Butedale Fish Cannery until the 1950's with a peak population of 400. The largest building was the workers bunkhouse. Other structures included homes for management, cook house, ice house, packing house, reduction house, herring oil reduction tanks, and a water-driven powerhouse with water from a mountain lake.

In 2010 when we visited and spent a night moored to the remnants of the dock, it wasn't exactly a ghost town, as there were two squatters living there. This really made the place even more interesting. The older fellow had been there for several years and a younger guy who joined him that spring. They must have an interesting tale of what they left behind, but never mentioned it. They were very hospitable and gave us a tour of the town. My Canon Rebel hard quit working due to the rain and dampness and hung in the boats extremely warm engine room one night to dry out. I did not to risk it in the rain and dampness again until we saw the Spirit Bears (Tuesday's Post), so I missed many photo ops here. We invited the gentlemen to have dinner on the boat and they told an interesting story of living in such isolation. They are 30 miles from the nearest First Nations village and any stores. Their transportation is an open, 16' outboard boat. I'm sure they get money from the Canadian government and boats like ours that stop for a tour. Not really enough for any kind of GAS. The older gentleman was particularly proud of making use of the powerhouse, which at one time must have been able to generate several thousand kilowatts. The machinery no longer worked, but he was able to use the huge water wheel to drive and automotive alternator to charge a bank of batteries. Then with a solid-state, 12 vdc to 120vac inverter (his only GAS) he had power for a couple of lights, a computer, hot plate, etc. They lived in the old cook house which was in pretty good shape and had a hand pump for water and a wood stove for heat. The photos are soft due to the mist. Recommend downloads.
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Butedale Fish Cannery as we leave in the rain and mist. The large building is the workers bunkhouse. What makes this photo interesting to me is the smoke rising from the stove pipe of the old cook house where the squatters live.

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Color or B&W? Here I'm not sure. I've settled on thinking that color one would be better in a travel log. As a stand alone photo, the B&W where the smoke catches the eye. (Opinions Welcome)

(Download)

Longshadow Loc: Audubon, PA, United States

Color for me.

gvarner Loc: Central Oregon Coast

A low contrast photo does not equal a B&W success.

rmalarz Loc: Tempe, Arizona

John, as you know, I'm pretty much a black and white photographer. However, I am drawn to the color photograph here. I really like the tonality.
--Bob

47greyfox Loc: on the edge of the Colorado front range

The color image detail contributes to your story. The b&w in this case is easily ignored. Pictures aside, what an interesting visit!

jederick Loc: Northern Utah

An interesting part of your adventure, John and looks like it is a candidate for a horror movie. Color photo adds to the story more than B&W!!

kpmac Loc: Ragley, La

Color for me, John. And it's a very nicely composed image.

angler Loc: StHelens England

colour for me as well a John,great shot.

Cwilson341 Loc: Central Florida

I really enjoyed your narrative. It would be a hard life but there are probably rewards as well. I definitely prefer the color version. The moss and growths on the roof, the still bright colors visible in some areas of ruin - these add a lot of interest and depth that is lost in monochrome.

UTMike Loc: South Jordan, UT

I opt for the color, John. A very interesting narrative, thanks for sharing.

John from gpwmi Loc: Michigan

Thank you, LF. That's running 100%

John from gpwmi Loc: Michigan

Thank you, GV. That's running 9/9.

John from gpwmi Loc: Michigan

Thank you, Bob. I was hoping you would respond because of your expertise in B&W. Probably should have gone with my gut feel, but talked myself out of it.

John from gpwmi Loc: Michigan

Thank you, GF. Running 9/9.

John from gpwmi Loc: Michigan

Thank you, Jim. Is running 9/9.