Day 138

We should have known that when the “frozen” forest was no longer frozen, things might be a bit wonky. I am all about warmer, sunnier days in the middle of a dreary, gray winter. However, when the goal is to get work done, any obstacle can be frustrating. The thawing snow would've been well received if we weren’t sinking in slushy and muck while trying to level a stand of dead ash trees. It took a mini miracle to get our schedules aligned so we pressed on even if the conditions weren’t ideal.

We quickly reviewed the area in question, created a plan, and got right to chainsawing. We looked forward to a productive day out in nature. We had no idea that a collection of chaos waited for us. 

After a few trees had been felled, the next issue developed. We had a chainsaw malfunction.  Upon inspection, the problem was discovered and required a  simple parts replacement. An easy fix.. Both gentlemen said they carried extras of the needed part in their packs. Of course, as luck would have it, both men didn't have the part in question. 

With one chainsaw inoperable, the owner decided to head home and grab what he needed to proceed. Just minutes in, we had lost half of the cutting crew. Luckily, he lived somewhat close and would only be gone for about forty-five minutes. Surely, no major malfunctions could occur in such a short period of time?

Wrong.

When my helper left to get what he needed to fix his chainsaw, he left most of his gear right where he was working. The other helper was working nearby and was having little issue knocking down trees. 

Until he dropped one right on top of the other helper’s equipment pile.

Since I was untrained in sawyering, I was taking a few photos and videos of the process. I had positioned myself in a perfect position to see the tree as it slow-motioned towards the equipment. Instinctually, I rushed to the scene in a poor attempt to move the equipment out of harm’s way. Not only did I not save the equipment from contact, I lost equipment of my own.