Timber Joey supervises the logs arrival at Providence Park. (Photo: Diego G. Diaz)
When last we checked on the log’s journey it had made its way across the heart of Oregon timber country from Vernonia to Camp 18 Logging Museum and Restaurant on route 26. On Sunday morning it was time for it to receive the ceremonial blessing and continue on the last leg of the journey to a new home at Providence Park for the 2016 Timbers season.
If you’ve ever driven past Camp 18 on your way to the coast make sure to stop next time. It offers a fascinating insight into the history of logging in Oregon, with a range of historic trucks and machinery and a 160 ft spar pole that brings back memories of the one scaled in the corner of the stadium by Timber Jim back in USL days.
The morning started in the banquet room as more than a hundred assembled fans enjoyed a journey through last season courtesy of ProstAmerika’s photographic images. There were some emotional moments as people reflected on pictures of former fan favorites that will not be wearing the green and gold next season.
Timber Joey addresses the crowd. (Photo: Diego G. Diaz)
After breakfast it was time to venture out into a fittingly wet and blustery coast range morning to conduct the ‘blessing’. Kids and adults gathered around eager to touch the log that will be gradually be shortened throughout the season, each couple of inches removed will be greeted by a joyous out-pouring of emotion as the slabs are hoisted into the air.
‘Patch’ Perryman conducts the blessing. (Photo: Diego G. Diaz)
As one log was removed from the forest it was fitting that multiple trees were planted in its place. Jim Serrill demonstrated the noble art of tree planting to the young Timbers fans.
Victory log for the 2060 season is planted. (Photo: Diego G. Diaz)
After the formalities were concluded the last stage of the journey was to Portland, George Serrill’s trusty trailer was up to the task and the convoy smoothly pulled up to the 18th Avenue entrance in mid-afternoon. It took a while for the gate to be opened, but it was worth the wait as it gave some randomly passing Seattle fans a chance to salute the wood.
The journey was complete. One feels sorry for the thousands of other logs in the forest that will have to head straight for the lumber mill and not be warmly wrapped in scarves and have each instance of their dissection worshiped by thousands.
George and Joey spent considerable time debating how to remove this last stubborn strap before wisely reverting to a successful brute force method. (Photo: Diego G. Diaz)
