We awoke on Tuesday morning, to find a stuffy atmosphere of humidity and heat, already making for a hot day of logging.
After a quick breakfast of Cinnamon roll and coffee, we packed a light lunch and headed to the "Swamp Rat". It was 6:55 AM. We proceeded to the truck, parked on the mainland, and loaded the chainsaw, ropes and extra fuel cans. We shoved off and proceeded downstream, north, to the Oklawaha River, where we would start the day looking for floating or submerged logs.
We decided to go up a tributary, Bear Creek, and see if the low water level had exposed any logs that we had missed on previous trips. As we motored slowly up stream, the warmness of the day gave way to the coolness of the swamp. The towering trees, with their carpets of flowing Spanish Moss, was making a shady canopy that retained the coolness of the water that makes the swamp a very nice place to be.
We eased by a patch of weeds that is home to a very large Momma Gator. That is one place NOT to go, although, there will probably be a nice log hidded beneath the soggy mass.
(https://forestryforum.com/images/03_21_04/FDHgatortrail.jpg)
There is a trail right in the center of the picture. To the lower left is debris that has been raked loose, to be taken to the nest. This is definitely NOT a good time to poke around.
We kept idling along, and Ed's keen eye spotted a "floater". Can you see it in the picture???
(https://forestryforum.com/images/03_21_04/FDHhiddenlog4.jpg)
It's there, really. ;D ;D Look at this picture.
(https://forestryforum.com/images/03_21_04/FDHhiddenlog6.jpg)
We stopped and inspected this log. We jerked it loose, and left it among the Lily Pads, to be picked up upon returning downstream.
We headed upstream again, and saw this one hiding in the brush.
(https://forestryforum.com/images/03_21_04/FDHhiddenlog3.jpg)
We had spotted this one in the past, and swung in again for a better look.
(https://forestryforum.com/images/03_21_04/FDHhidden2.jpg)
The picture came out fuzzy ??? The log is about 20" Dia. and 20+ feet long. The Swamp Rat is terribly underpowered for the task of jerking logs loose from the brush, so, we had to leave this one once again.
We headed upstream once again. There was a slight breeze on the water and we could hear 2 Ospreys chirping at us, that we were in their territory. We slid around a pretty major blockage of fallen trees and other debris that was caught up in the tangled mess. Once again, Ed's young eyes caught the image of a log just under the surface. We eased in for a look.
(https://forestryforum.com/images/03_21_04/FDHhidden5.jpg)
Sometimes, the submerged logs are solid, not pecky, and will sink. We tied a ribbon on a nearby branch and set about our journey.
Not far from the last sighting, we saw a log protruding from the bank. We slid up to it and decided this was a "Keeper".
(https://forestryforum.com/images/03_21_04/FDHhiddenlog.jpg)
The boat was positioned amongst the brush and Ed crawled out and looked the log over carefully. We had to clip 1 root from some Poison Sumac that was holding it in place. After Ed cut the root, the rope was fastened around the end of the log, and I tried to jerk the log loose. The "Swamp Rat" had little effect on this log. Ed used the cant hook and tried to roll the log, while I made repeated attempt to move it. After several tries, I re-positioned the boat at a very acute angle and gave the boat FULL AHEAD. Ed stood clear. The rope could break and cause a nasty welt, at the least.
The log moved and we knew we would win the tug-o-war. When it finally slid into the water, I had to head it off. It was headed for the floating mass of debris. We tied it up to the side of the boat and decided we would head for camp. It was now, 9:30 in the morning.
We went back downstream and tied the log that was left in the Lily Pads, and headed for camp. Suddenly, Ed spies one we had missed. ::) It was a long thin floater with several holes through it and 2 inspection holes chopped into it. I swung the Swamp Rat around, after several "K" style turns, and headed into the maze of debris, so Ed could rope the log. The Swamp Rat would not budge it, in reverse. Swinging the boat around, once more, we tied to the stern and "Full Bore" made the difference. The log came free. Ed tied it up close, just off the Port hip of the boat and we were heading to camp once again. Around the next bend laid one of the larger Gators we had seen in our 3 years of water logging. The camera was in it's case and we got no picture.
(https://forestryforum.com/images/03_21_04/FDHboatlog.jpg)
As we made open water, on the St. John's, we decided that 11:30 was a good time to have lunch. It is a very boring push to get the logs to the camp.
All was well as we left the cool confines of the Swamp, and we noticed a pair of Bald Eagles soaring on the wind currents high above us. It had been a rewarding trip.
WOW!!!
I gotta say I really love these stories, keep on telling them to us! 8) 8) 8)
FL.
Are you guys hiring!
What a way to make a living.Do you have any idea how lucky you are.
That would be the life!
Thanks for sharing.
Mike.
Good story, Harold and Ed. I like the pictures too. 8)
Old3DoG, yeah, we are sooo lucky, we just went in debt deeper, for the newer truck. ::) ::) ::)
It DOES hold $2300.00 worth of Pecky, though. :o 8) ;D ;D
More, if it's dry. :D :D :D We had the rear flaps dragging on the pavement coming home. :o :o ;D ;D
DanG Harold!! Don't break your "NEW" truck. :D
Yes, I too really enjoy your adventures and the pictures. Many a men would pay thousands of dollars to be able to do this. You guys are really lucky fellows.
Thanks FD and your son.
EZ
See there Harold? Here you are trying to sell wood and you could get thousands for a boat ride. :D
:D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D
Now THERE'S a thought!!! :D :D :D
I would just rather have someone buy us out, then we could BUY the logs and just do the sawing. ;D ;D
Boat rides are easy, but, so far, no one has shown up. Maybe free rides are too cheap. Guess we will start charging from now on ::) ::) ;D ;D
Thank you for the story Harold and Ed. I sure enjoy the trips into the swamp with you guys, even if it is sitting at my computer in Iowa. :)
Great job of logging and writing, Harold. You made me feel like I was there! Guess I'd better get back over there for one of them free rides, before the price goes up, eh? :D ;D :D
I'm thinking get some producers interested and make a documentary and sell it to TV. I know I'd watch it!!!!
If we had 1 more helper, we would make our own video. Being as how we are already movie stars, we know, first hand, that the video guys are the ones that make the $$$$.
We HAVE seriously considered doing it. Have the contact info of the guys in Orlando that did the Treasure Hunting show with us.
Logs just laying around won't last long. We will have to get into the water before too much longer.
DanG, one full day on the river will make the trip back well worth it.
deadheader, ya best get all those logs cleaned up before the show since it will create all kinds of competition. Once ya got all the logs cleaned out, justgo back and seed some for da t.v.
Yup, had that already figgered. Course, that would be a good way to sell the logging part. ;D ;D
Maybe the discovery channel can do a new series about you called "American Logger".
Skipper: "Do you do anything around here?"
Gilligan; "I do everything around here!"
Skipper; "Well how come you don't have all those logs fetched yet?"
Gilligan; "I've been busy sawing logs for our customer that has to be completed tommorow.
Skipper: "I've got a size 12 for ya if you don't get your butt in gear........"
You'd make millions off the t-shirt sales alone!
LogRite, don't be telling Harold, the treasure hunter, about the million$ to be made in t-shirts! :o He'll be out of logging and into the t-shirt business before you can blink yer eye! ::) ;D :D :D :D :D
Thanks for the story and pics.
Have you thought about dropping anchor and using a winch to free some of those logs? Or tying off to a nearby tree and using a winch?
Probably silly questions 'casue I know you guys are a thoughtful team.
:o :o :o American Logger, eh ??? :-/ :-/ THAT sounds like a can do sort of thing. Wonder who we can get to sponsor the show ??? This might take some real thinkin. ;) ;) Let'see, we use Stihl Chainsaws, Yamama Outboards, Warn Winches, Dodge Truck, Hmmm, what else ??? Universal Studios is just down the road, in Orlando. Hmmmmmmm ;D ;D
OWW, where ya been, son??? Haven't ya ever seen the pics of the Logging Barge, with the 15000 pound Warn Winch mounted on the sliding carriage ??? That's how we DO get the logs loose, sometimes ::) ;D ;D
It's a short-term memory thing :D :D
I can't believe you're still letting that one little ole log that's sorta stuck in the mud just stay there!!!! :D
Shoot, CK. I thought ya might have some inside info for the new TV show, American Logger ??? :D :D
Oh, almost forgot. How far down the road from Orlando? The missus and I are going to be in Orlando the end of October. We are driving down. Sure would like to hook up with you if that is possible. Hopefully we will be able to work a couple of days in on the return trip to pass through J-ville and Tallahassee. Would love to visit with Tom and DanG if we can work it out. Nothing fancy just a leisure visit to say hi, maybe over a cup of coffee, tea or sodas.
We are North of Orlando, about 40 miles or so. Might be a empty camper to house ya overnight. Maybe we could swing another "Swamp Get-together", and have several FF folks drop by again. That was fun. Keep in touch with yer plans. ;D
It would be great to see you all together in one place. I would even eat some grits! :D
The conference ends Oct 27, generally around noon. I will IM you and the others as time gets closer to see what we might set up. 8) 8) 8)
I can see it now on the Logging Channel on DirecTV
or Dish Network
The Log Hunter starring Fla Deadheader 8)
I ain't much of a tv camera man, but I kin drive a boat pretty good. What's the pay? :)
We pay strictly on commission. IF we get the gig, everyone gets a %. ;D ;D
Quote We are North of Orlando, about 40 miles or so.
So, you aren't in Vero Beach any more? Vero is about 150 miles South down the Eastern coast. If I drive 40 miles north of Orlando I'd be near Crescent City (West of Daytona Beach). I have an old friend who used to live in Pomona Park. :)
Rocky, we WORK in Georgetown, but, LIVE in Vero. Some day, ya gotta make the drive and ride the Logging Barge. ;D ;D
Kin ah bring mah fishin' gear? Looks like excellent bass waters. What kinda food ya got? gotta know what's on tha menu!
8)
Whatever ya catch, is what's on the menu. ;D
We got a nice Burger Joint right down the road. :D :D :D :D
OWW, I sure hope we can work out a meet. Another "Shenanigan" at Harold's camp would be good, or I'd love to have you and your Bride stop off at my place. I'm always anxious to meet other FF folks. We'll talk more when the time nears. :) 8) :) 8)
:D :D ;D
I also enjoyed the story and pictures of you guys playin on the swamp. ;D. Fla_D your just like someone I knew with all kinds of ideas of his own, plus lotsa ideas from others to make his millions. All put together would keep ya just a little behind. :D ;D ::)
keep churnin out them stories ;)
Reminds me of a time some city slickers where gonna come here and make their fortune fur trapping. Had the land all bought for a house, but once reality set in they was sellin the lot back and never returned. bahahha :D :D
cheers
Sounds more'n fair to me, I was afraid you were gonna make me pay you. :D
DanG, and others, definately one way or another we will see you before we leave the state. (https://forestryforum.com/smile/sun_smiley.gif)
If you're passing through Jacksonville and linger on the North side in the vicinity of the airport, I'll bet we can get together. Keep us updated on your schedule. :)
::) ::) Turns out, that's the starting day of the Moultrie Show ::) ::)
I wanna go see that Petersen Auto Swinger ;D ;D ;D
Really!! That would be a good visit. ;D A trip to Moultire for two days to visit with the Southern fellows who will hopefully be eating grits at the Shoneys, visiting at the show and staying over at one of the motels on I-75. 8)
Tom, ya got plans for the show this year??? Ya wanna team up, again ???
I go every year ..... so far :D Sure. the more the merrier :D
I just went to the site and checked the dates. The show is Oct. 19-21 2004. I'll probably be going the 20th and 21st.
http://www.sunbeltexpo.com/
OWW.. I'll still be around to visit. Like I said, stay in touch. There's no telling what we might cook up. ;D
A 24 foot frozen steer, maybe? ??? ::) :D :D :D
OWW, maybe you could schedule to meet us at Moultrie on your way down, if it ain't too late to re-arrange yer schedule. ???
QuoteA 24 foot frozen steer, maybe?
Now what would make a person say something like that unless it was an inside joke? Come on, tell us!! :)
I know about the frozen steer...ya ought to be ashamed of yurself DanG, throwing something like that out to confuse folks! Somebody else will need to spill the beans on it tho. Right now this minute I'm on for Moultrie! Another swamp thing sounds good too!!
As for the swamp video...GREAT IDEA!!!! (keep in mind I watch bad video on gold prospecting...I'd watch most anything that holds my interest)
Great story FDH!
Is that Moultrie, GA? I will check with the little lady to see if she would be able to take a couple extra days off to leave early.
Ya gotta read the rest of the Forum, CK. ;D It could have been a contest, but I doubt it. ::)
Yep, OWW, it is Moultrie, Ga. The Ag Expo is a great event, with lots of interesting exhibits. It covers everything with any connection to agriculture, including forestry and sawmilling. HUGE show.
I hope you can work it out, but if not, we'll figger out another way to get with you. :)
Heres a real question for ya! How do ya tell what species driftwood is ??? Here it is all sun bleached and it either sinks or floats :D
Do ya just bring it home and see what surprises await 8)
The MORONS are on the water ::) ::) ::) ::) We hadda get outta Dodge ;D ;D ;D
Had a good trip, found LOTS of wildlife, found a few nice logs, and, have I got some stories for Y'all ;D ;D Tomorrer :D :D
We were back on the river on this past Wednesday. The day was clear and hot. The coolness of the swamp is very welcome on these hot days.
We cruised up the Oklawaha and decided to try a tributary that we had gone a short ways up, on an earlier excursion. As we cruised up the tributary, we were joined by a Horned Owl. He posed for us, so, I got his picture.
(https://forestryforum.com/images/03_21_04/FDHowl.jpg)
We headed deeper into the bowels of the swamp, dodging limbs and spiders and always on the lookout for Wasp nests. They LOVE to nest in the leaves of the swamp maples that hang out over the water. Them are NASTY Red wasps.
Before long, we spotted the first log of the day.
(https://forestryforum.com/images/03_21_04/FDHmudlog2.jpg)
We checked it out and left it for another day. We headed upstream and found another log.
(https://forestryforum.com/images/03_21_04/FDHmudlog3.jpg)
This log was stuck in the bank, so we left it. A little further on was another log.
(https://forestryforum.com/images/03_21_04/FDHmudlog5.jpg)
This log we sawed the end off, looking for Pecky holes. It's solid and the 20" bar barely reached through the log. It's gonna be tough getting it back to camp. We left it and moved deeper into the swamp. We almost missed this one. They are DanG hard to spot, sometimes. ::)
(https://forestryforum.com/images/03_21_04/FDHmudlog7.jpg)
We eased up to it and Ed went to work cutting it into a short enough length to drag out and tie to the boat.
(https://forestryforum.com/images/03_21_04/FDHmudlog6.jpg)
This turned out to be a nice log, completely slick looking, meaning no raggedness. When Ed cut it, we could tell it was Pecky, a $$$ log. ;D He got it cut and worked a rope under it and lassoed it. I tied the other end of the rope to the rear cleat, and the Rodeo began.
You have to remember that there are other trees in the water and dead limbs and mud and lily pads and all kinds of debris scattered all around in the creek. I back up to the log, as close as I can get, and "put 'er to the floor" so to speak. When the rope comes tight, you never know if the log will move, the rope will break, striking you in the back of the head, or if you will just lurch sideways from all the pressure.
This log was stuck pretty tight in the mud. I threw Ed the cant hook and he tried to roll the log as I pulled on it. When the log finally shifted, Ed took one step forward and went chest deep into the mud. The cant hook is all that kept him above the surface. I couldn't reach him to help him get loose, so, he had to tough it out. If that had been a "LogRite" cant hook, Ed might have gone down. ::) ::) ;D
We finally got the log into the water and it started to sink. NOT a good sign. When we got back to camp, we halved the log into 2---8 footers, and, as we suspected, it was only half pecky, half the $$$ worth. ::) ;D ;D
Oh well, we had pulled another cull Pecky into the water on the way up the Oklawaha, so, we headed out and gathered it up an went on to camp.
On the way out, we had another visitor, so I got his pic also.
(https://forestryforum.com/images/03_21_04/FDHosprey.jpg)
We see a LOT of these Ospreys, and usually a bunch of Bald Eagles. So far this year, the Eagles are scarce.
We also spotted this log? sticking out of the mud. IF it's a log, not a stump, and IF we can raise it, it will make some very pretty Tabletops. It is OVER 4 feet wide. Them Lily pads are around 8-9" wide, for comparison. :o
(https://forestryforum.com/images/03_21_04/FDHmudlog1.jpg)
Hope Y'all enjoy our journeys into the Swamp. ;D
The fine print on our LogRite Cant Hooks specifically state that they are not to be used as a flotation device. Here is the exact text:
[size=-3]LogRite Cant Hooks are not to be used as a flotation device. Not kidding, so don't even try. Now, get back to work.[/size]
I like seein them owls in the bush. I often see goshawks hunting grouse, swoopin down closed in woodlot trails. I seen 2 ravens take to tormenting an owl a few years ago. The ravens could outfly and dodge the poor owl. If'm he latched onto one them ravens there'd been some squakin and fuss'n. Seems to me he had a hare in his talons. :D :D
The undisputed adventures of the swamp loggers. May no log go without turning. :D :D :D
LogRite, I wanna see an actual picture of that warning label. :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D Sooo, when ya comin down ??? ;D ;D
This was life-flighted in from Maine about 15 minutes ago.
(https://forestryforum.com/images/03_21_04/logrite-flotation-warning01.jpg)
I knew I could count on you. I didn't even have time to reach for the batphone and call Commisioner Gordon.
p.s. I wonder if there is $$$$$$ to be made in warning labels?
Logrite, I wouldn't worry too much about the label. Ain't nobody would even try that ceptin Captian Skipper or someone on his crew!!!!! ;D I'll have to say for sure, I sure enjoy his episodes!!!!
QuoteLife shouldn't be a journey to the grave intending on arriving safely in a pretty, well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out. Yelling WOW! What A Ride!
That is so TRUE!!!! I really got to say I LIKE yer style!!!!
Harold, Linda was just tellin' me this morning, that we need to do something besides feedin' dogs and sawin' lumber this summer. We just might grease up the ol' Minnie Winnie and head over your way for a weekend(could be Wednesday and Thursday...we're retired ;D) and give her a real adventure. I'm pretty handy with a camcorder and do a half-fast narrative. Maybe we could make a pilot for the Swamp Logger documentary.
;D :D :D :D :D :D ;D
Where do I send the money for copy # 1 ?
:D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D
Don't slip on the pontoons camera man. The way Fla_Deadheader drives that barge, he's liable to stop short and you and camera get to swim with the gators to film an episode of crockadile hunter. :D :D :D
DanG ole pal ole buddy, If'n Y'all was here RAT NOW, you'd be late. ;D ;D Just let us know when you and the Bride can make it. They's always room for ya here. The longer ya wait, the hotter it will get. ;D ;D ;D Bring LOTS of tapes and make DanG sure ya charge that Batterary. ;) ;D :D :D :D :D
WeekDAYS are much better than weekENDS.
Decided to make a link to this thread, and e-mail it to a friend in Costa Rica.
Then, I sat and re-read the whole thing. ::) ::)
Ya know, it's amazing the things you can find to read around here. ::) ::) :D
Hey!!! those pics look familar to me ;D ;D ;D 8) 8) 8) 8) 8) Thanks for the good time Harold :) :) :) :) :) :) I'll have more to add when I get home. 30 mins of comp time in a library doesn't go far. Everyone needs to meet the Gov. of Palatka ;) ;D ;D