Seeing some other posts got me to wondering how much wood we now have on hand because I know we don't have nearly as much as we've had in the past. But, we're still in good shape. Cut, split and stacked amounts to 3 years worth of firewood. There is still some that is split but needs stacking so that will take us well over the 3 year mark so we are okay. There is still wood that needs splitting plus there is a lot down in the woods that needs to get out then bucked, split and stacked. It is going really slow now. I guess it must be age catching up to me as I can't do much any more and what I do makes me hurt a lot. So perhaps the end of our wood burning days are numbered. We'll fight it as long as possible though and then probably look into a pellet burner of some type. In the meantime, this is some of what we've been working on (and normally I do not do any of this during the summer months). This is some of what was still left but did not get split from the GTG last spring. There is also a small pile of splits to the right that did not get into the picture. On the left is some red oak. This was dropped by one Scotty Overkill last spring. I managed to get it cut up and hauled out. Dang those logs are heavy! On the right is more ash that did not get done during the GTG. If we don't get to this, it will be there next spring for the guys and gals. Scotty also dropped a couple white oaks and they are proving to be too big to haul out so we took the splitter back to make them smaller. It's been a bit hot for this kind of work but more it is the heft of the stuff that is tearing my body up so the work is going very slow. None will get done today for sure as it was struggle enough just getting out of bed...
Savage, after all the knowledge you've laid down for us, I truly wish I was closer and could help you out some to keep you in split wood as long as you want to be. That said, I wonder if a well timed call to the local boy scout troop might help you get some of your wood hauled out and/or processed. I'm sure there's a ton of wood craft you could teach them, maybe even host a camp out on your land. If I had a boy in the scouts, this is exactly the sort of good will project I'd want his troop to undertake.
Exactly as you say Sav, fight it as long as possible because you know you will miss the wood stove, not to mention you probably won't be as warm as you like it. BUT we all have out limitations when our bodies start to wear out, darn it anyway.
Would you consider getting split wood delivered? Buy it a year or two ahead of when you need it. More expensive but easier.
Dennis knows I have a stockpile awaiting the word that he needs some...no matter if that's this year or down the road. I am close enough to get it to him too! I can haul 3 cords on my trailer Once my hand heals up I am going to make a trip over Dennis. Will be after this heat leaves us!
All that aside...some good stocks ya have Dennis. I can imagine that oak is heavy. It's amazing how heavier oak is than ash and I love burning ash.
That's a thought for sure but right now we're having some fun with GTG. We've had 2 of them so far and made many friends who have been happy to come to come and cut wood. Of course, there is enough time for party too! Looks like we'll probably have another GTG next spring but might move it to a bit later to get some warmer weather.
I was not so politely chewed out by the ornery one because she heard me talking to Tim yesterday on the phone and I mentioned that to him. She has other ideas! Looks like we'll be burning wood for quite some time.
Probably not. As stated above, as long as we have the GTG the guys will continue to help us get wood out. Plus I could just put word out around here and many would come to put the wood out but it is more fun with the FHC guys!
I was thinking about you earlier this week. Wondering if together we might fight those white oak limbs that are in the creek. I'm not certain as to the best way but thinking to use the FEL on the tractor.
I have no doubt we can make it happen. Let's plan on doing that when I come over. I can also help move any larger pcs.
Sounds good but it has to fit your plans. If it doesn't get done it is not a big thing for sure. If you do come, bring your saw to cut up that white oak if you can. Do you have my number yet? If not I'll send it via PM to you.
