I have managed to transform the logs we skidded out into about 3 cords of wood ( 9 face cords), cut, split and piled. It is a sunny day so I rolled back the tarp to get some sunshine to help cure the wood. We have been enjoying some nice weather hovering around 0 C, a little snow and some lovely sunny days like today.
I will be ejoying a little rest until we skid out some more wood, hopefully on the weekend. I am about half way to what I would like to have on hand for wood for the Winter. I at least need to retieve the trees I have already cut down in the bush. During a recent high wind I could hear some trees blowing down in the bush. I may have to salvage them as well. You can never have too much firewood!
I am very bad at piling wood. It is an art form around here which I have never mastered. A secondary reason for the tarp is to hide my piles, from my more skilled neighbours. I think it is a sure sign that I am an outsider around here ( having only been here 30 years). Invariably one or more of them will fall and have to be re-piled even before I move the wood into the basement.
I love the clouds on days like today.
I feel I am getting stronger as I go with this wood work. I guess I am recovering some conditioning. I wonder how much wood I would have to chop before I loss some weight? Of course, weight is an advantage when you are swinging a maul to split a block.
This is an invigorating time of year with the cooler temperatures, the anticipation of the coming of Winter and snow and a sense of panic for not having do all that you should to be prepared for the colder weather.