"The Reality of Tree Cutting"

Last week was the first time I have ever cut down a tree. This isn't a common achievement. When I first came to acknowledge that I had never cut down a tree before, I can't say I was thrilled. Being that cutting down a tree is an odd and unique achievement that can only really be appreciated once one has cut down said tree. The actual act of cutting down a tree is a vigorous, afternoon-consuming project that can only be accomplished with extraordinarily good aim and extreme devotion. Once the tree comes crashing down to your feet, and the axe you used to bitterly chop small chunks out of the massive timber is swung over your shoulder, then you can realize what you have achieved. And from now on you can know that 60% of the people you encounter from day to day have probably never cut down a tree.

The Second Thing

After massive shop and barn clean out and organization, we finally got to work outside and do the second thing on our list. We went out into the Pingree woods in search for a tree to chop down. The tree we found had relatively few branches which would create knots in the wood. It also had a good drop zone, where the tree would fall. 

After clearing the area around the tree, we were able to start chopping with our special guest, Mr. Holmes. We started by cutting the area of the tree closest to the drop zone. After about 2/3 of the way through, chopping started on the other side, higher than the cut we already made. 

As we got closer, we started to watch the top of the tree for any signs that it was going to fall. With about twenty minutes left in our day,we finally got it to fall. The video above shows the amazing detail of the scene.