A couple of weeks ago I decided to pull the tarp off my workshop for the winter, and I agonized over this decision more than I should have. My workshop is a cheap carport canopy from Harbor Freight, and I figured that 6 inches of wet snow would surely crush it. I didn’t want that worry hanging over me all winter, but at the same time, I feared that this would mark the end of carving season! Eventually I came down on the side of removing the canopy, and as it turns out, I didn’t have to give up on carving for the season! It’s all about attitude and embracing the winter. Pictured here is my first use of the new saw, but it’s not my first outdoor winter carve. That was back in March when I started carving, and there was snow on the ground for that. There’s something satisfying about sawdust on top of snow!
But there are limits. Today is Christmas Eve, I woke up to -1 degrees Fahrenheit, the wind is blowing, and the yard is an ice rink after a “flash freeze” from the rainy day before.
The weather pattern also helped to down another Ash tree, but it’s going to be awhile before I can reclaim this wood for carving. This tree was doubly jeopardized by the Emerald Ash Borer and a receding shoreline that got super wet the day before. As you can see, the main trunk took a dive while a lesser trunk is still standing. I simply don’t have the equipment or expertise to go after that main trunk, and I’m sure that even a professional would balk at working on this with the high water and ice conditions. I did have thoughts of dropping the standing part myself, but it bends strangely and I’m not sure I can predict or control where it would fall if I cut it. It would also be hard to find an escape route if things go south when it falls. It seems best for now to let nature take its course, then recover what I can when it’s safer to do so. I’ll also want to regrade this in the spring and plant some chutes for streambank retention.
So, it’s time to embrace winter, and also to respect my limitations. Maybe it’s a good day to work on web content.
UPDATE:
A few weeks after our tree fell, the Chemung County Soil and Water District came through to clear the the creek. They brought an ENORMOUS excavator with a “grabber” attachment. I think I want one of these! Many thanks to the operator and the gentleman who was walking alongside. It would have been easier for them to swing the tree to the left and deposit it there, but at my request they put it on my side. Cutting and moving the logs to my workshop will be challenge enough without having to ford the creek!
Otherwise, I’m doing as much indoor work as possible during the Winter months. Yes, I do some cutting and sanding on the patio just outside the door, but that involves set up and clean up. Can’t wait to get the tent back up, so I can let the chips fly with abandon!
