Heading in a new direction..more like a circle.

[Stephen Alford]

   Well Mike I like to think anything is possible. Each variable in the equation has to be accessed. Every feasible operation has to be market driven.  We are all selling something to somebody.  I always try to focus on the needs of the landowners i work for whatever that may be.  Do the research on possible  products in addition to firewood.   A combination of products helps kind of like mixed farming. Hope that helps but personally I have been to busy working to ever make any money.   :D

[mike_belben]

Boy aint that the truth.. Worked my whole life.. But to see my bank balance youd think i just started.

The Lord has blessed me with a lot of great sunsets however.  Thanks for sharing, great pics.

[thecfarm]

Looks good.
Looks like all hardwood. I had a couple acres like that. My woods is a mix of soft and hard wood.

[David-L]

Very nice photos. Thanks, and good work. I take it thats a tater field.

[Stephen Alford]

  Yes cfarm when we thinned it the first time hardwoods were favored. Left as many white and yellow birch as possible as well because of the importance of their catkins to grouse in the spring. Stand age and crown closure would be two variables that should be addressed a little closer in future thinnings.

[Stephen Alford]

Hey David ..tater field is what it is being called today. In 2 months it will be called something quite different..     That Mac of yours is causing a bit if envy ..just sayin    :D

[Stephen Alford]

  Well its been a little over 6 months since I started this thread. things are chugging along. Always wonder if landowner is happy.  Arrived to find a bench at the landing.. I will take that as positive  :



 

This is some of the wood on the landing



 

The farther back i get the bigger the wood.



 

Found this huge raptor hemlock..it stays



 

This dead hemlock will make a great drumming log.



 

Looks like 47 feet of snow this winter..I am in charge of wood sales might be tanted  ;D



 

Couple of wood delivery pics



  

  

 

My dear wife thinks that the wind got her deck umbrella..me thinks ..pirates   :D



 

[mike_belben]

Nice. 

Is that a telescopic multi stage ram on the dump or a cable pole hoist?

[snowstorm]

Nice. 

Is that a telescopic multi stage ram on the dump or a cable pole hoist?

multi stage

[Stephen Alford]

   Yes it is a three piece scope. Had to convert it from transmission pump to the electric/hydraulic power pack. Get about4/5 years out of those units.  I like the ol school style cab as it allows better weight distribution.  Nice to have the dump height as the load comes off without much forward movement. Built it so the sides can be plucked off with the log loader. The tailgate is a couple off planks that go in a grove with a lock/brace in the middle. The planks are used to protect basement windows and siding when you dump , or ramps to roll stuff up onto the box. Go easy..



 

[lopet]

So what is it what tells you about the 47 feet of snow to come ?

Hope you find some time to get some use out of that bench. 

[KGTC4D]

Looks like a bea's nest high in the tree.  They build their nests high for a big winter.  Or so it has been said

[Stephen Alford]

   Yes , old timers say that wasps hornets and bumble bees will build their nest above snow level.  Not sure who lives in the nest..not planning on going up... or bringing it down to find out.   :-\    Another reason to keep looking up.  I try to wear a big whool  sweater , tuk, mitts and pass out matches when trying to make a tough firewood sale . The grim weather forcast sets the stage. did I mention this will be the worst winter since the deep snows high winds and power outages of 42   :D :D :

   No need to set on the bench as my new office credenza arrived   ;D



 

[mike_belben]

Love the work station

[lopet]

Didn't you guys get hammered with snow a couple of years ago ? So you're saying that wasn't a new record .

How is that ms362 working out for you ?

[Stephen Alford]

  Ahhh we do get a wee bit from time to time   :D  no complaints with the 362 if all goes well would like to get the artic version by the end of December..Santa   ;D



 

[Stephen Alford]

 Hey Mr lopet just reread  your post and thought I should do a better job of answering your question. Technically the winter of 2015 set new records for annual snowfall . Now as to the..." winter of 42"  I thought I might share the story how that came to be a reference point....
    Most firewood deliveries are made in the evening when folks are home to show me where they would like wood dumped and of coarse they can pay me. On this particular evening I was running late and had several deliveries to make. This particular customer is a great guy and under normal circumstances we would take the time to chat and catch up. I was in a real hurry but he was insistent that I look in this shed to see if there was room to stack another load.  We opened the door and stepped inside. The only thing in the shed was a chopping block.  As we looked around the wind caught the door and it slammed shut. I felt for the handle and could not find it. I asked where is the handle. His response was ..Funny thing there is no handle on the inside only a handle on the outside. When i was shopping for a handle the double handle was 3.49 and the single handle was only 2.25.  So I bought the single handle. He then says do not worry my wife has gone to pick up a few things at the grocery store. She will be back in a couple hours. He sets on the chopping block and says.. Did I ever tell you about ..."the winter of 42"   I turned booted the door said I will bring you new hinges and a double handle in the morning.    Thus ..."the winter of 42"   :D

[lopet]

........booted the door  :D :D
Yeah, I always get to hear those stories from the old timers when they had snow banks so they could " almost " touch the hydro wires while standing on them.
But always forget that they didn't had the heavy equipment back then with the big wings to trow the snow.  :D

[snowstorm]

and the light poles were much shorter

[BurkettvilleBob]

You plowing Searsmont again this year Snowstorm? We'll see if the Farmers Almanac is right, could be a good year!

[snowstorm]

Ya 30 miles of it

[snowstorm]

So what is the winter to bring? I don't mind the snow the ice storms get tiresome

[BurkettvilleBob]

Supposedly cold weather and at least 5 good snow events. I sure could do with out the ice.

[Stephen Alford]

 Starting to see the first signs of colour in the canopy.



 

The diggers are out and about, that changes the weather forecast from great fall to ...could snow any minute.  ;D



 

On the plus side supper is looking promising..



 

[Stephen Alford]

  Widened out the wheels on the ol blue ,hoping to improve stability and make room for chains for the winter. As mentioned had the push plate on the bottom bent. Added some plate on the back side to beef it up, plus a pair of removable teeth . they worked great as extra braking  working slopes.