FORKS – When Mike Gurling retired from Olympic National Park and accepted the job as director of the Forks Chamber of Commerce visitor center, he was looking for a change of pace.

Not necessarily a slower pace, just a different one.

“I had worked for the federal government for 36 years, so I thought it was time for a change,” Gurling said.

People stopping by the visitor center, on U.S. Highway 101 next to the Forks Timber Museum, likely will be greeted by Gurling who jumped right into his new job at the end of last week.

His official duties include giving guidance and directions to visitors to the West End – or to anywhere else on the North Olympic Peninsula.

“Our information isn’t limited to just Forks,” Gurling said.

“A lot of people come to the Peninsula because of the variety, and we can help them make the most of their visit.”