: I found a guy in Alaska that is getting ready to cut some Sitka logs in the
: next week or two. He will sell for $10 per. board foot. This lumber will
: still need to dry, and shipping to Seattle is about $50.

Be aware that the wood may loose 20 to 45% its weight as it dry. When you are shipping wet wood, there is a lot of $ for moisture.

: Now what is so special about Sitka? Is this really the best wood to use?

It is the best if your are building ICBM for miltiary and money is no object. The nose cone for ICBM is made not by fancy honey comb composite; they are made from straight grain silka spruce. How can we compete with someone who can pay $400 for an allen wrench or $6000 for a toilet seat cover. With the stockpile of missile, no wonder we ran out of spruce.