Firewood Run

We are near the end of the 4th winter without a functioning heat pump - not for lack of money and trying. Our heat pumps have been worked on extensively during this time. We are getting low on seasoned wood to heat the house. Firewood Run! Dave has not been out on the property for months. With help from a former Caboose tenant, Andreas, we took Dave's tractor and my quad and went in search of downed timber and an adventure for Dave and the dogs.

The day was 60 degrees. The dogs got quite hot exploring the woods as we drove up to the top of the ridge...

A handy puddle not only refreshed them but provided even more fun on the adventure. Unfortunately, I did miss the picture of Trask running down the hill and doing a face-plant in the water when his forefeet stopped his forward momentum by getting stuck in the muck. We haven't had snow but we have had periods of record rain. The woods are super saturated - a good sign for the upcoming dry months.

The dogs helping Andreas check-out a logging landing.

Then it was to the top of the ridge in search of "sunny-side" oak.

 Turkey fungus on downed oak.

 A very muddy Trask.

Even after a couple mile run up and over one ridge then to the top of the other, the dogs were hard to hold still for a group photo. Trask, Cedar, Koyuk and Lupin.

Lupin - who at 11 1/2 years old, kept up with the younger dogs.

 Cedar got a face full of mud running behind daughter Koyuk and grandson Trask.

Back down the ridge with a load of logs.

The heavy tractor made for deep, muddy ruts.

Another puddle to cool off in and it was home for a real bath for all muddy dogs.

This wood will have to be cut to length, split and stacked but if the engineers don't figure out the heat pump by next fall, I will have a head start on heat.