Wind

Early May a wind storm visited our area; roaring in from the northwest; through the forest, whistling through the tree tops on the ridge, all the trees danced to the wild rhythm .

Fortunately our cabin is tucked down near the toe of the rocky ridge to the west of the house; keeping us from having to deal with anything but the odd finger of wind which pokes down towards us at intermittent moments.

Often Tom has smaller week rooted balsams to clear off the forest paths after such a wind BUT this wind was very strong; one of those manic gusty fingers flew over our roof top and caught and twisted one of our beautiful old spruce trees growing between the house and barn for at least a hundred years, and he crashed down with a thundering roar.

Tom has started to de-limb this downed soldier and move it's huge branches to the bonfire pile. The evolving log is straight as an arrow running constant for over 40 feet after the narrow top section was removed. It would make a wonderful beam 12" square If we needed one. I think if all goes well it can be milled into lumber - lovely wide planks which will be air-dried to be used in the nebulous future for a yet decided project.

It will take time as the Alaska Mill seems to get heavier and balkier as we get older. Over the years this has been an exceedingly useful tool. We were so wise to invest in it - and here over 30 years later both it and the large Stihl Chainsaw purchased at the same time work smoothly together.

Hopefully over the summer there will be enough interested young strong visitors who will enjoy helping Tom with this project.