So who else is getting antsy?

Tree Machine · Jan 7, 2004

I'm taking some time off starting next week, so have been trying to get caught up so the clients don't have to wait until after vacation.

Day before yesterday it was unseasonably warm (60's), but raining. I went out to do a couple minor takedowns in the rain. Not big trees, but technical due to obstacles and lines. I was working two ropes. Everything (including me) got thoroughly soaked. I got three more jobs just because the folks watching from inside their homes, I guess, perceived some tenacious work ethic that flipped their switch

. Just trying to get the work load under control so I can leave...

Yesterday it got freezing cold and today, it got really, REALLY freezing cold. I had some big trees to do, bringing in limbs over the roof of condos. Stiff saddle, super stiff ropes. Annoyingly, rock-solid, heavy hanks, exceptionally challenging to climb and rig.

After those yesterday-into-this-morning issues, started the pruning of 125 young white pines. Minor first-time prunes, most under 30 feet. But 125 of them? Got through 88 by day's end and the right shoulder is singin the pole pruner blues. That kind of repetitive pulling just can't be good for a shoulder joint, but I think that pruning rock-solid frozen branches is much easier than the thawed variety.

I am very greatful to have the abundance of work I have. Being stupid enough to work in the foulest of conditions has somehow served me well. Gives me a good point of reference for the extreme lounging I have planned for the near future. -TM-

rbtree · Jan 7, 2004

We're starting a 7000 $ job tomorrow. Out here in the PNWet, we have to work in the rain...unless work is slow and we can reschedule. It is pouring as I type, and the forecast is wet for at least a week.. AARRGGHH.

I bring all the gear in and dry it by the woodstove, which is in an alcove, and I have rods strung across to hang clothes, ropes, belts, slings......bodies..... :blob2:

Gypo Logger · Jan 7, 2004

Hi Roger, it reminds me of when I spent some time in a logging camp in 81', on Texada Is. To dry our clothes and boots we hung them on a hook attached to a rope that was hoysted to the ceiling on a pulley.
Anyway, if you took the wrong guys hook, you would come back in the morning to see the free end of the rope all tied in a bunch of knots by a disgruntled logger.
John

rbtree · Jan 8, 2004

Some more craziness at Alpental, shot by a friend:

Kneejerk Bombas · Jan 8, 2004

Rb, looking good, but you need to keep your poles together just a little for better form.

Koa Man · Jan 8, 2004

Originally posted by rbtree
Out here in the PNWet, we have to work in the rain...unless work is slow and we can reschedule. It is pouring as I type, and the forecast is wet for at least a week.. AARRGGHH.

We were probably the only tree service working last week Friday. 6 inches of rain in 24 hours that day. It was the third day of a 3 day job and forecast was for 6 days of rain, so I said, "What the heck, put on the rain gear and go." Saturday was full sun, no rain, no clouds and it has been that way since. Customer thought we were nuts, but did supply us with all the hot coffee and tea that we wanted, plus gave me a $100 tip.