I've been going after smaller diameter stuff. It's me, my chainsaw and a wheel barrow. I thought about taking my maul and trying to split a large piece, just to see how hard it is. But I think as long as I can grab 14" ones or smaller, they're manageable for me. At this point I can pick and choose pretty easily.
Can't cut anything, there are some standing trees, they decide what trees they want removed. For standing trees they mark with red paint at eye level, and at the very base. I enjoy cutting some trees down, just because it's fun. But the blown over trees have been down for 6 months, at least it's a little head start on drying.
I camped at Mark Twain lake a few years ago on the way home from a Kansas archery hunt. Nice lake, country side and campground....but glad I was not there 6 months ago!! Good luck cutting wood.
Everyone is on their own hoarding journey do as you will. Having a plan is a good thing. The 3 year plan isn’t only for having dry stove wood on hand but also like having an emergency stash of cash. Lots of folks here have had health problems, family problems & just life problems in general that have slowed or stopped their ability to work up firewood. So, in putting up only the “minimum “ to replenish. In this scenario you could be putting yourself right back behind the 8ball. All that said, if you don’t have room for it or the time then that’s a different story. I would rather put up 5 cord & be upset that I didn’t get 6-7 than put up 2 cord & be kicking myself because later because of some unforeseen event; health or otherwise. In my experience last year at the State Park, I thought I had plenty of time & lost out on several Hickories & Oaks because I thought they would be there later. I realize that your area substantially larger but access may become more difficult time goes on.
JimBear, those are good practical reminders that life can and does get in the way sometimes. My wife and I have discussed moving in 5 years or so, for a variety of reasons, sometimes talk is just talk. But I keep that in the back of my mind as I'm stashing wood away. I tell everyone I'm on a 3 year plan, but in reality it's a lot closer to 4 or maybe even 5. But hoarding can get in your blood and become an addiction. Right now, storage is part of the problem, I have a place to build a couple new racks, but I need to get the materials and get er' done. Yesterday I went and hoarded another truck load, and I had to just back the truck to the yard and shove it out of the truck. That's ok for now, I'll move the splitter to it later this season. Dave_in_abq, guilted me into hoarding yesterday, brining my FHC membership card into question. So I had to hoard on. Here's yesterdays hoard. It was a beautiful day of solitude and reflection how powerful mother nature is. My lone maple; My old trusty wheel barrow, and how far I have to haul my rounds, the truck is visible through the trees. It is a workout, but I love it; Some of the storm damaged trees. I find it interesting that almost all the downed trees were white oak. Even dying ash trees were still standing. This large white oak is interesting, it fell the opposite way of all the other trees. It's hollow in it's base, and I can imagine the wind blowing it south, then springing back and snapping on the bottom portion and splintering back. I've read of trees 'barber chairing', and I wonder if this tree would be in that category if someone took a chainsaw to it.
We love this lake, it can be so enjoyable and because it's a flood control lake it can be so frustrating. I spend a lot of time on it, fishing and pleasure boating. The Corp and State Park campgrounds are nice. Glad you enjoyed it.
The kids & I stopped there a few years ago on our way from Hannibal to Lexington. It was a nice place to swim & rest.
. There is something to be said for balance in life too. Getting enough kisses with the wife is also good. . . Interesting all the White Oak damage. Wondering if it is because of the health/rot of the trees or if White Oak is susceptible too.
