29 going to 58. I've been burning the woodstove all week. Usually would have been done with that by this point in the year. Forest fire in Shenandoah caused the closure of the Skyline Drive and nearby hiking trails. I could smell a little smoke a few times during the day, but not bad.
So, decided to go back in the woods and cut some firewood before the big rain softens the ground again. Had one dead oak in mind, but in exploring I found another dead oak that I had flagged a while back and forgotten. Harder to cut and not near the woods path, so decided to do it first.
Saw a little rot at the ground, but turned out to be badly infested with termites, and so when it was time to fall, it twisted and took a slightly different path down...right on top of another tree. Tried to "walk it down" by cutting a few rounds, but pinched my bar after cutting several rounds. I knew better. Had to drive back across the creek and up the hill to get my chains. Was able to get the tractor close enough to use 2 chains and pull it down, like I should have done from the start. I removed the chainsaw body from the bar first...good thing because the tree fell right on the bar and bent it.
So had to go back and get another old bar...the chain was okay. Finished sawing and brought a big load back. Wife was in town so she picked up a new bar for me...so this was a workout and a $47 lesson.
