Dave punishes a troublesome rock.
Monday, June 29, 2009
Sunday, June 21, 2009
That Red Oak Log
I had enough hemlock loaded to give me all the lumber I needed for the office roof after all.
So, the question was, "What am I gonna do with that 8 foot red oak log?".
At an average 11 inches diameter, it translated into a 7x7 cant. From that I cut 3/4" boards 7 1/4" wide.
These board pairs are bookmatched where the blade cut them.
Got eight of them all together and loaded them onto the air-drying pile with the rest of the lumber.
All that was left to do was put a sheet of plywood and some hold-down rocks on top of it. And wait.
So, the question was, "What am I gonna do with that 8 foot red oak log?".
At an average 11 inches diameter, it translated into a 7x7 cant. From that I cut 3/4" boards 7 1/4" wide.
These board pairs are bookmatched where the blade cut them.Got eight of them all together and loaded them onto the air-drying pile with the rest of the lumber.
All that was left to do was put a sheet of plywood and some hold-down rocks on top of it. And wait.
Saturday, June 20, 2009
The First Day of Milling
Yesterday was a big day - the first day of milling wood on the Norwood mill.
Mom Pocock did the honours of pouring a fine Ontario sparkling white wine on the second cross bunk.
May the milling gods be pleased with this sacrifice!
After some adjustments, I finally got underway with the first hemlock polewood.
The first task was to build the supports for the 8 ft. air-drying station.
Scaredy deer makes a visit to the milling area
to see what all the fuss is about.
The 4x6 'mudsill' beam is placed on the air-drying station. A wood structure must first be built on which to place cut lumber for air-drying.
In between each layer of drying wood on an air-drying stack, small lengths of wood called 'stickers' are placed to allow air to flow which, over the course of several months, will draw the moisture out of the wet wood.
Classy red oak stickers 'cause I'm, like, a class guy.
Mom Pocock tries her hand at peeling a red oak log.
There's no shortage of sawdust.
Mom Pocock did the honours of pouring a fine Ontario sparkling white wine on the second cross bunk.
May the milling gods be pleased with this sacrifice! After some adjustments, I finally got underway with the first hemlock polewood.
The first task was to build the supports for the 8 ft. air-drying station.
Scaredy deer makes a visit to the milling area to see what all the fuss is about.
The 4x6 'mudsill' beam is placed on the air-drying station. A wood structure must first be built on which to place cut lumber for air-drying.
In between each layer of drying wood on an air-drying stack, small lengths of wood called 'stickers' are placed to allow air to flow which, over the course of several months, will draw the moisture out of the wet wood.
Classy red oak stickers 'cause I'm, like, a class guy.
Mom Pocock tries her hand at peeling a red oak log.
There's no shortage of sawdust.Wednesday, June 17, 2009
Old Surveys
Was checking the Deerwood property line the other day and noticed the orange spray paint I'd applied to trees last autumn have faded quite a bit.
Seems your regular, run of the mill orange spray paint don't do too good on tree bark. I've picked up some special tree marking spray paint, but haven't tried it yet. Plastic flagging tape is pretty good too. I'm not going as far as priming wood stakes and painting them red because the boundaries I mark are only with an orienteering compass - red stakes are for the pros.
Below is a nifty photo of a crew of surveyors at camp circa 1870. That's when the first survey work was done in the Parry Sound district. Not too long ago was it?
Surveyors' camp in Parry Sound District (1870s).
Seems your regular, run of the mill orange spray paint don't do too good on tree bark. I've picked up some special tree marking spray paint, but haven't tried it yet. Plastic flagging tape is pretty good too. I'm not going as far as priming wood stakes and painting them red because the boundaries I mark are only with an orienteering compass - red stakes are for the pros.
Below is a nifty photo of a crew of surveyors at camp circa 1870. That's when the first survey work was done in the Parry Sound district. Not too long ago was it?
Surveyors' camp in Parry Sound District (1870s).Tuesday, June 16, 2009
Skunked
The first of three days of fishing was the only time Master Steve and I landed fish.
A low pressure system moved in and that's my excuse for not hauling in dinner out of some good lakes. The fish were there but not attacking the tackle.
Here's a few notes from 'Backroads: A Guide to Day Trips in the Parry Sound Area' for my future fishing reference...
Large Northern Pike are most often caught when the water is cool, during spring and fall. At these times, fish 10 - 20 kgs. are common. In the spring, pike are fished in 1 to 2 metres of water, often using light tackle and live bait. In early summer, they are fished over weedbeds, with heavy line and live bait, or trolled for along the edges of shoals. In the fall, pike fishermen troll or use live bait.
Until next time, fishies!
A low pressure system moved in and that's my excuse for not hauling in dinner out of some good lakes. The fish were there but not attacking the tackle.
Here's a few notes from 'Backroads: A Guide to Day Trips in the Parry Sound Area' for my future fishing reference...
Large Northern Pike are most often caught when the water is cool, during spring and fall. At these times, fish 10 - 20 kgs. are common. In the spring, pike are fished in 1 to 2 metres of water, often using light tackle and live bait. In early summer, they are fished over weedbeds, with heavy line and live bait, or trolled for along the edges of shoals. In the fall, pike fishermen troll or use live bait.
Until next time, fishies!
Sunday, June 14, 2009
Fissin' Season
Master fisherman, my buddy Steve came up for some backcountry camping and fishing this weekend. So, I figured, what the hey, why not get some pointers from da man.
Thanks to Master Steve, I landed a 5 lb, 20 inch small mouth bass yesterday on Blackstone Lake.
Lucky for this guy it wasn't bass season for another two weeks.
Back in the lake you go!
The dude, Eric, who's boat we went out on caught a 51 1/2 inch muskie last week and I saw the pictures to prove it. It looked like a dragon, remarked Master Steve.
Eric was still 'celebrating' the muskie catch all day on the boat. The fishing day was pretty much over when ol' Eric accidentally jumped off the boat - but managed to hold onto his rod.
Gone fissin'.
Thanks to Master Steve, I landed a 5 lb, 20 inch small mouth bass yesterday on Blackstone Lake.
Lucky for this guy it wasn't bass season for another two weeks.Back in the lake you go!
The dude, Eric, who's boat we went out on caught a 51 1/2 inch muskie last week and I saw the pictures to prove it. It looked like a dragon, remarked Master Steve.
Eric was still 'celebrating' the muskie catch all day on the boat. The fishing day was pretty much over when ol' Eric accidentally jumped off the boat - but managed to hold onto his rod.
Gone fissin'.
Friday, June 12, 2009
Almost Millin'
I've spent the last few days preparing the milling site and servicing the mill. That is when I'm not smashing trailer lights against trees, or snapping bolts in two.
The Norwood sawmill manual states that the worst ground on which to mill is wet or organic soil. These ground conditions will not support a level cut once a log is placed on the cutting deck.
Well, the wet and organic soil the mill is currently on isn't the best situation for my first cuts on an unfamiliar mill. Still, these logs are small.
Notice the trench I've dug along the bottom left, trying to drain the black muck soil due to a downpour a few days ago. It's like cold tar full of tree roots.
The Norwood sawmill manual states that the worst ground on which to mill is wet or organic soil. These ground conditions will not support a level cut once a log is placed on the cutting deck.
Well, the wet and organic soil the mill is currently on isn't the best situation for my first cuts on an unfamiliar mill. Still, these logs are small.
Notice the trench I've dug along the bottom left, trying to drain the black muck soil due to a downpour a few days ago. It's like cold tar full of tree roots.
Shack Attack
Karen kindly sent along some photos of yours truly cutting a tree at The Shack.
It's nice to see that orange goes with everything, but those trou just don't flatter my girlish figure. Better go back to the chaps....
It's nice to see that orange goes with everything, but those trou just don't flatter my girlish figure. Better go back to the chaps....
Skiddin'
Yesterday I bought some chain, a cleat, hook and did my first log skidding operation.
Thought I'd first try to solve the old Pine Logs Issue by hauling away some of the logs dumped on Deerwood. The piled logs still threaten to seriously hurt someone and it preys on my mind.
My first skid log is chained and ready to slide.
And it worked! I was able to drag it to the mill site.
Though, the 40 grade 3/8" chain didn't like being dragged under the log for a quarter mile of pavement.
I could have bought some tougher 70 grade chain at double the price, but thought the 40 might do. All in all, I don't think any chain does well when ground into pavement. Better that I stick to gravel or dirt trails for dragging chain. I cut the damaged chain links off and started again. That chain was too long anyway.
Thought I could help solve mom's high gravel/dirt mound problems on the Deerwood road by dragging logs down the centre.
This really did help to smooth out the high middle of the road in a bunch of places. Bonus!
Next, I tried to skid a log over a bumpy forest trail using an old plastic barrel cut in half with the skid chain through a hole in the centre.
The rounded barrel ends did work to get the log over bumps instead of getting the end stuck. This is the way to go, baby. Dragging logs down the new forest trails helps to clear away vegetation to better establish the trail path. Though, it's probably best that I don't use this barrel 'cone' apparatus on gravel as it would destroy it pretty quickly.
Finally, I chained four logs and saplings together for a skid try and it worked too!
Below is a photo of a small toad at the mill site. I almost stepped on it. They're hard to see on the forest floor with a toad's natural colouring. Glad it didn't end up like the chipmunk.
A small toad rests on the sawmill's blade guard.
Thought I'd first try to solve the old Pine Logs Issue by hauling away some of the logs dumped on Deerwood. The piled logs still threaten to seriously hurt someone and it preys on my mind.
My first skid log is chained and ready to slide.And it worked! I was able to drag it to the mill site.
Though, the 40 grade 3/8" chain didn't like being dragged under the log for a quarter mile of pavement.
I could have bought some tougher 70 grade chain at double the price, but thought the 40 might do. All in all, I don't think any chain does well when ground into pavement. Better that I stick to gravel or dirt trails for dragging chain. I cut the damaged chain links off and started again. That chain was too long anyway.
Thought I could help solve mom's high gravel/dirt mound problems on the Deerwood road by dragging logs down the centre.
This really did help to smooth out the high middle of the road in a bunch of places. Bonus!
Next, I tried to skid a log over a bumpy forest trail using an old plastic barrel cut in half with the skid chain through a hole in the centre.
The rounded barrel ends did work to get the log over bumps instead of getting the end stuck. This is the way to go, baby. Dragging logs down the new forest trails helps to clear away vegetation to better establish the trail path. Though, it's probably best that I don't use this barrel 'cone' apparatus on gravel as it would destroy it pretty quickly.
Finally, I chained four logs and saplings together for a skid try and it worked too!
Below is a photo of a small toad at the mill site. I almost stepped on it. They're hard to see on the forest floor with a toad's natural colouring. Glad it didn't end up like the chipmunk.
A small toad rests on the sawmill's blade guard.Death of a Disco Chipmunk
Just in case dear reader thought it was all fun and games here in the forest, I give you the death of a disco chipmunk...
Former chipmunk.
This here chipmunk danced too close to a car or ATV one too many times and wound up dead.
Life and death is abundant in the forest - and on the road, it seems.
Former chipmunk.This here chipmunk danced too close to a car or ATV one too many times and wound up dead.
Life and death is abundant in the forest - and on the road, it seems.
Thursday, June 11, 2009
Clearin' Land
I was off to Burk's Falls, over at Karen and Dave's place, for a few days.
There was some land clearing to be done down by the lake to make way for their future sauna/boathouse compound. The hard work was eased by thoughts of gourmet meals and hot tubs at night.
Dave and I went over to Gib's chainsaw emporium off Hwy 52o for a couple new chains. I asked the proprietor how much he'd charge, say, for a used 90 cc - if I was to come by some time. He looked around the scattered saws and parts at his feet. He half lifted a Husky I thought was a goner for sure. "Have to put on a new muffler...two-fifty." $250 is darn good when I'd easily pay a grand for a new one.
Think I was still talking to ole Gib when he just turned around and walked back into the farmhouse.
See ya later!!
Dave tries out the new saw chain.
Dave gives the birch an attitude adjustment.
Scene of the carnage.
There was some land clearing to be done down by the lake to make way for their future sauna/boathouse compound. The hard work was eased by thoughts of gourmet meals and hot tubs at night.
Dave and I went over to Gib's chainsaw emporium off Hwy 52o for a couple new chains. I asked the proprietor how much he'd charge, say, for a used 90 cc - if I was to come by some time. He looked around the scattered saws and parts at his feet. He half lifted a Husky I thought was a goner for sure. "Have to put on a new muffler...two-fifty." $250 is darn good when I'd easily pay a grand for a new one.
Think I was still talking to ole Gib when he just turned around and walked back into the farmhouse.
See ya later!!
Dave tries out the new saw chain.
Dave gives the birch an attitude adjustment.
Scene of the carnage.Wednesday, June 10, 2009
Case of the Missing Feed Bucket
DEERWOOD - This morning between the hours of 5:30 and 6:00 AM a daring deer feed bucket heist was perpetrated by bear(s) unknown.
Shirley Pocock, Deerwood owner, was roused from sleep at approximately 5:30 am by Smokey the Cat who wanted to go outside. When Mrs. Pocock let the cat out, she observed two young deer (Scaredy, well known to locals, and another). Mrs. Pocock filled said white plastic feed bucket (containing dried corn, oats, and sunflower seeds) and left it outside for the deer to eat.
When Mrs. Pocock next looked outside half and hour later the deer and the bucket had disappeared.
"It must have been that damn bear!", remarked Mrs. Pocock. It was determined that the deer would not abscond with the bucket as Mrs. Pocock provides the deer with a bottomless supply of feed from the bucket - as long as she knows where it is. The deer, who know the deal, may be dumb, but they're not stupid. Scaredy, while not a suspect, is wanted for questioning.
A subsequent search of the immediate forest area failed to recover the feed bucket. There was no trail of feed into the forest as it is believed Scaredy & Co. ate the evidence before investigators arrived on the scene.
Shirley Pocock, Deerwood owner, was roused from sleep at approximately 5:30 am by Smokey the Cat who wanted to go outside. When Mrs. Pocock let the cat out, she observed two young deer (Scaredy, well known to locals, and another). Mrs. Pocock filled said white plastic feed bucket (containing dried corn, oats, and sunflower seeds) and left it outside for the deer to eat.
When Mrs. Pocock next looked outside half and hour later the deer and the bucket had disappeared.
"It must have been that damn bear!", remarked Mrs. Pocock. It was determined that the deer would not abscond with the bucket as Mrs. Pocock provides the deer with a bottomless supply of feed from the bucket - as long as she knows where it is. The deer, who know the deal, may be dumb, but they're not stupid. Scaredy, while not a suspect, is wanted for questioning.
A subsequent search of the immediate forest area failed to recover the feed bucket. There was no trail of feed into the forest as it is believed Scaredy & Co. ate the evidence before investigators arrived on the scene.
Sunday, June 7, 2009
Midnight Rambler
Mom said she thought a deer was walking around the house late that night. I didn't pay too much attention, watching my fave TV show, Top Gear. But that couldn't be right - deer around the house late at night.
Around midnight I heard a 'thump' out on the front deck. Right. I bolted for the door and threw on the outside lights.
The bear had turned and started away from the front door. I smashed it open and the screen door as the black rear end boogied off the deck, golden snout swinging back for a look.
"GEEDDOOOTTTAAAAHERRRREEEE!!!!
It wasn't a big bear - maybe three years old - as it tore into the woods. I like bears, I just don't want them getting used to hanging around. Bad for humans and bear in the long run.
Bobo 1, Bear 1.
A Portable Sawmill
My buddy Steve did me a big favour a couple days back. He delivered a portable sawmill to Deerwood which I'd picked up a ways back.
Bill with his LumberMate 2000 portable sawmill.
It's a Norwood Lumbermate 2000 which I look forward to using once I've got a loggin', skiddin', millin', dryin' set up a' goin'.
Besides cutting wood for Deerwood outbuildings, I hope to hire myself and the mill out to woodlot owners who would like to make lumber from their logs. All in good time.
Bill with his LumberMate 2000 portable sawmill.Besides cutting wood for Deerwood outbuildings, I hope to hire myself and the mill out to woodlot owners who would like to make lumber from their logs. All in good time.
Friday, June 5, 2009
Heritage Forest
I was talking with mom about Deerwood a while back and realized that she (the woodlot owner) and I (the woodlot's forest manager) had some different ideas about forest policy.
Mom wanted to plant some more yellow daffodils. I mentioned that daffodils are not naturally occurring in this neck of the woods. She didn't see what the problem was. Well, my forest management practice strongly discourages the introduction or maintenance of foreign or invasive species in the managed ecosystem. It's unnatural.
"In two hundred years, do you want this forest covered in yellow daffodils?", I asked. A smile lit up her face. Hmmm.
"Daffodils grow from bulbs, so they wouldn't spread. Oh, except for the double-headed mutations! They'll spread."
Sometimes being a forest manager means saying a soft 'no' to your mother. When in doubt on these matters I turn to my new bible, 'The Ontario Tree Marking Guide' published by the Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR). It has many of the answers to practical ecological questions relating not only to trees but many aspects of forest management.
So, I've decided to name my forest management practice 'Heritage Forest' - the forest we leave behind. It's the way I do things as a forest manager. It's firm but fare and based on the latest science made available by the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources. Sorry, daffodils.
Mom wanted to plant some more yellow daffodils. I mentioned that daffodils are not naturally occurring in this neck of the woods. She didn't see what the problem was. Well, my forest management practice strongly discourages the introduction or maintenance of foreign or invasive species in the managed ecosystem. It's unnatural.
"In two hundred years, do you want this forest covered in yellow daffodils?", I asked. A smile lit up her face. Hmmm.
"Daffodils grow from bulbs, so they wouldn't spread. Oh, except for the double-headed mutations! They'll spread."
Sometimes being a forest manager means saying a soft 'no' to your mother. When in doubt on these matters I turn to my new bible, 'The Ontario Tree Marking Guide' published by the Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR). It has many of the answers to practical ecological questions relating not only to trees but many aspects of forest management.
So, I've decided to name my forest management practice 'Heritage Forest' - the forest we leave behind. It's the way I do things as a forest manager. It's firm but fare and based on the latest science made available by the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources. Sorry, daffodils.
Bear - Paw Print and Scat
I was clearing trail in the middle of Deerwood yesterday and came across another bear scat and a paw print this time.
Bear paw pint (outlined in white) and bear scat (right) in Deerwood.
The print (rear paw?) was about the size of my hand (7" x 4"). That's bigger than the partial prints on the door. Though if it's the same bear, the front paws would be smaller than the back paws...I think....
If anyone of both my blog readers knows of a chart to match the size of a bear paw print to the size of the bear, um, please let me know.
Bear paw pint (outlined in white) and bear scat (right) in Deerwood.If anyone of both my blog readers knows of a chart to match the size of a bear paw print to the size of the bear, um, please let me know.
Tuesday, June 2, 2009
Scaredy Deer
All but a lone dear - Scaredy Deer - have wandered off into the woods and left the feed troughs behind for the summer.
Scaredy Deer seems to no longer roll with the herd and prefers to go for the easy chow mom happily provides at Deerwood.
Scaredy eyeballs Smokey the Cat.
Scaredy has to keep a special lookout for threats when eating though as a herd can alternate looking and feeding. Today Scaredy didn't like the looks of Smokey the Cat and high-tailed it over the garden, away from Smokey - a deadly predator....
Scaredy busts a move.
Scaredy Deer seems to no longer roll with the herd and prefers to go for the easy chow mom happily provides at Deerwood.
Scaredy eyeballs Smokey the Cat.
Scaredy busts a move.Monday, June 1, 2009
Whos's That a Knockin'?
Boy, you leave the forest for a couple of days and everything goes krazy.
When I was away mom tells me that a bear visited her house late night and pressed it's paws up against a couple doors.
Guess the bear didn't know the secret password. So it decided to tear apart a bag full of weeds. Must be some kinda...weed fiend.
I don't think it's that big by the size of the prints. Nothing to be worried about.
Right?
When I was away mom tells me that a bear visited her house late night and pressed it's paws up against a couple doors.
Guess the bear didn't know the secret password. So it decided to tear apart a bag full of weeds. Must be some kinda...weed fiend.
I don't think it's that big by the size of the prints. Nothing to be worried about.
Right?
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