I've been checking here and there, still can't get into the woods with my 4x4. As soon as I start my way in I slide all over the place. I need to get some more wood- lesson learned- double my wood next year and then some. I am going to buy a snowmobile next summer too. If I had one this would be no problem. Anyone else going through this? It's really going to suck to have to pay money for wood. I gave a bunch away to a couple who are good friends last summer. Shorted myself, as they say no good deed goes unpunished! Meantime, I'm gonna watch the last cord of wood burn slowly. I really thought I would be at this point around March. It's been too cold this winter.
Yep, get more than you need, then double that. Do it again next year too. I'm unable to get into the woods right now, so I'm looking forward to spring.
I learned the same way, first year burning I was grabbing any dead standing tree I could. After meting these guys I'm now 3 years ahead. Nice that way as I just head out to get trees when the weather pet,it's and have a pile of rounds at home to work on as I have time.
Are u burning green wood? Sounds like you just cut it this summer? You need to get at least 2 years a head so that you know your wood is dry and also helps in a situation like this. You can always pull more wood if u need it cause you have it on hand. Sorry to hear about your lack of wood though.
Walk out cut & buck a bunch of wood. (No oak.) Got snow, use a sled to take the equipment in. When the weather allows go pick it up, split & stack If you are almost out, any you cut now will not burn well. Get next years & the year after that CSS Work on the 2 years ahead rule. Then you can work on getting some oak, 2 years+ to season it. Most all of us went thru this firewood "learning curve".
I cut this wood last spring and summer stacked it very loose and on top of a hill where there is constant breeze/wind. Been burning well so far. I was not able to get further ahead due to working seven days a week for most of the summer and all of fall. Finished up working that much when snow hit. This sprig and summer I am going to hit it hard. Try to get ahead. I had to move 2 years ago and you can't take wood with you. I sold all the firewood I had before moving and have to start over. Not happy about that or leaving my garden & orchard behind. I do love my new place much more though. Went from the sticks to the forest! 10-acres versus two. Having to build all new outbuildings and set up a garden in a completely different soil type has been difficult. It's been two years since I have had chickens, I miss fresh eggs. That's #1 priority this year, along with a pig pen and rabbit hutches. I use my Durango to gather wood. I can fit a little over a face cord in the back. I also use this truck for hauling my 4 German Shepherds around too so it doesn't bother me to haul wood in it. Hoping to buy a new Tacoma in a couple years.
Sounds like a nice place, we went through the same thing this year moving but I moved all my stacks. Have the benefit of having everything stacked on movable pallets so I was able to move about 10 cord with a tractor at 1 house and bobcat at the other. Will be great when y get everything all set up again.
I can't walk out and cut just to leave it there, I cut in the National Forest for my personal wood. If it gets left behind someone will take it. Not enough trees on my property to cut for firewood. Most of that is jack pine. I'm tying to grow more trees on this land.
Takes a long time after moving to get settled in and everything the way you like it. Like starting over again. There's no shame in buying a couple cord of wood until you can get things in order. Beats the heck out of having no wood at all.
I've got propane heat for the rest of the winter though so it's not a big deal. After my first post I went and gathered up all the uglies and branch rounds I had piled all over, about a cord worth. I might make it yet. Just have to take it easy with it! I also didn't take into account that I keep the stove going full tilt 24/7. It uses a lot of wood. Might have to buy a couple new stoves this summer. Depends on work. I have to leave in a few months to work in Florida, so I might earn enough to do this. I work with bees on the commercial level. It's busy in spring and fall but not much happens during the summer while the bees make honey. That's when I can get most of my work done at home. When I am working though, it can be long hours. I am the only employee they have (family business) and hours are flexible as I need them. But it is farm work and when work needs to be done you do it. I also help with their cattle and horses. I repair their equipment/vehicles, handyman for their buildings/home etc. I also work part time in auto part sales too-managing a store on weekends. It gets crazy at times. My 'Pop and I bought this place together after years of wanting to move up here. We're making it our homestead for future family. It's nice to be able to work with my dad. I don't have a family of my own yet. He lost my mom 12-years ago, when she was 41 from diabetes complications. We have eachother to keep company and we get a lot done together. I am thankful for our relationship- most people don't have that.
Stick with it Joe. You and Dad working together sounds great. Good luck. btw, think strongly about the 3 year plan. I've promoted this for years and have never heard anyone who tried it say bad things; just praise! It works and the benefits are amazing.
3- years is about what I had before I moved. It was nice to have stuff ready to go and extra if needed. I really is the only way to go.
I can't even get my four wheel drive tractor up the hill to the top of the ridge right now. I tried 2 days ago and left ruts 8 inches deep. I even had the diff lock on and it got half way up and just spun all four tires. The mud was literally caked 6-8" deep on each wheel and you couldn't even see the tread. This is exactly why I never try to cut in the winter around here as you can't ever depend on getting in or out of the woods.
Man...that is horrible that your mom died so young. I have diabetes type 1, so I have to fear those myself if blood sugar isn't kept down via insulin.
Obviously, you have a great git-er-dun attitude, Joe. You fit in here already. I agree with lukem. If you have the bucks, buy you're way back into the game so next year isn't so skinny. Then, cut more than you need next summer. You'll get there. It is a real shame you couldn't manage to get the wood moved from your old place. Seems like you've mentioned your stove, but my sometimers keeps me from remembering. What ya' got? Add it to your sig line when you get a chance so I don't need to keep attempting to use my remembery.
When it's muddy out you have little choice. I have gone into the woods with the headlights on, right at day break, and headed out by mid morning before the ground started to thaw and get greasy. Obviously you have grit so you will come out on the winning side. Try to find scrounges, I have cut trees for people and my truck didn't have to leave their driveway. It will all add up. Nice dogs btw.
