campinspecter's first job in the woods was the chain man on the survey crew. Cutting trail through brush. Then he worked as a chokerman and by the time we were married, he was a boom man. After we married, he learned how to run a grapple machine which is in his avatar.
Last Sunday, we headed out for another load of firewood from the same place. Blue skies but chilly. As it warmed up, the flies and mosquitoes started to show up. They don't like campinspecter but they really like me. Shadow was wearing cold protection gear so she got out and investigated the area. Makes it easier to keep track of her. I took some scenery shots. The hills received a frosting of snow in the last couple of days. Not much left of any snow pack we might have had. This was the pile we tackled. campinspecter went after the Western Hemlock chunks that were there. Moving the first one to the road. Getting it bucked up It was really gnarly so this was the rare occasion that campinspecter had to noodle a block before splitting it. It went easier after the noodling. Getting the next victim to the road Another bucking video The last two pieces had a lot of punk in them so it was slow going. Shadow was comfy in the front seat in the sunshine. Truck loaded and ready to head home What is left behind. I think we will try for the long alder up on the bank next time out. Our reject pile We weren't the only ones out there. Another couple and child were trying to get logs to the road, hand split and then load quarter blocks. They had two trucks to load and were still there when we left.
So today we went out again and went after the Red Alder that was on the bank. Things went a lot faster today so I didn't get as many pictures. It was a blue sky day again but had a stiff wind blowing. The wind was cold but there was no flies or mosquitoes this time. Getting the alder to the road. Reloader will appreciate the length on this one. It was really nice as the processor took off all the limbs. It was long. On the road. Splitting up the rounds. It split like butter with the occasional pop. First row done in the truck and lots more to go from this log Still bucking up the log. So this is how full the truck was from the one log. Still room so campinspecter went after the largest of the three fir pieces that were laying there. Now the truck has a load on it.
Seeing the background of this picture brought back memories! The arrow marks the spot of another wood scrounge! This is the place what the arrow pointed to! This is looking back to where we were cutting this week. Without the fog in the valley. This is the log that I found way up there! This is the reason it was no good for lumber it was wind shook!
What an awesome place to cut! I'm afraid if I went there I'd get lost in the scenery and spend the whole day there. As always, thanks for sharing your pics and vids. I enjoy seeing others adventures in wood hoarding.
What if the battery is dead? How many batteries do you have for it? I looked into one and the batteries ain't cheap
There always another to take its place!!! I have four battery's , got a good price on battery's when I bought the saw!!! Getting a pickup load on a battery and a bit! The extra battery's take up more room than extra gas would have taken!
Looks like some of the places I cut. I like processing alders like that. They're usually straight and easy to process. The worst splitting wood I've ever had was hemlock that was all twisted, I assume because it grew on a windy ridge top.
On Friday, we went out again and this time went after the other long alder on the bank. It was a long one again and a bit bigger around than the last one. Peavey works good to roll the log to the uncut side. It had a few suckers and burls on the butt end. The next section was hauled down off the bank Shadow had been out for a bit but it was quite a chilly morning so this is the place to be. After getting it all bucked up, the splitting went quickly First row in the truck Last four round left. Would they all fit? They did! No round left behind.
Being busy and weather didn't cooperate so we didn't get out until Tuesday. There was another alder across the road that was quite long. It took a bit more doing but it got hauled up on the road in sections. As each section got hauled up, they stood up above the road so bucking was fairly easy. It was a fair long one. A block or two in the right place kept everything off the dirt. Really nice wood to work with. I think we have enough for a load Maybe one last section? Starting to load the truck Sorry, no action shots this time. Camera battery was low and we were working fast. Possible rain coming. It splits so white. Full load. Shadow was on my lap going home while the tools and chainsaw were in her place. Last section left behind. A few rounds still there in that log.
Unfortunately we didn't go back for the alder as the chipper company had equipment in the setting and they were cleaning up all the chunks. So Plan B was back to the railway cedar ties. I was little short on picture taking this time. Starting to load the truck. Plastic bag has my kneeling cushion in it. It works better than the knee pads but just have to plan my movements more. It will be a while before we get all these. It was a really nice morning so Shadow spent quite some time outside exploring. The red sweater makes it easier to spot her. Something is interesting. Using the tongs and trapping the tie in the splitter makes it a nice height to work at. Another video for you Almost full to the top.
Some great loaded truck pics! How does the Toyota feel fully loaded like that? Hitting bump stops at all?
