Primitive Methods
Well, the Indian summer weather was outstanding, so we loaded up Eb,
Polly, Dan and Bo.
Larry, Gary and I were planing on a little trail work up in the William
O.
Wilderness that is, where primitive methods are required.
In fact, your power equipment could simply be retired.
But we'd get the job done, for it ain't no joke.
That trail would be cleared without racing engines, ear plugs or foul
smelling smoke.
Yes, we'd use our crosscuts, that'd be primitive enough.
We'd be traveling light, wouldn't need that gas guzzling stuff.
Eb, Dan & Bo were saddled, Polly was loaded with camp gear.
We carried all that would be needed for this last trip of the year.
Polly packed the small saw and Bo packed the big.
We were ready to start on this tail clearing shindig.
We headed up the trail, stepping back in time.
Crossing that wilderness boundary, with modern ways left behind.
We set up camp and were ready to get underway.
It was getting late, and cutting windfalls was the order of the day.
First log was cut with the one man saw.
But progress was slow, their seemed to be a flaw.
It's not how the Good Old Boys said this should work, there was hardly
a chip.
This must be what is referred to as a misery whip.
A couple of more slow cuts, then we pulled out the big saw.
A two man bucking tool, that used to belong to grandpa.
Well grandpa would be happy of the use we'd found.
A painted picture on the this fine tool would have simply made him
frown.
This razor sharp saw would cut wood like a hot knife though butter.
Throwing long shavings to and fro, this was an amazing log cutter.
When the daylight began to fade we headed back to camp.
Dinner was grilled over the fire, with the light of a little candle
lamp.
So we stood their by the campfire under that frosty starlit night.
But, we could have still been clearing trail if we would have had a
really big light.
Camp was packed up in the morning, then trail clearing continued, mile
after mile.
The progress was impressive, we couldn't help but smile.
We were making good headway with good scenery, good weather and good
folks.
To call this work, would surely be a hoax.
When all was said and done we stepped back into the modern world, and
make no mistake.
We agreed this wilderness trail clearing was just a piece of cake.
We'd cleared several miles of trail at a leisurely pace.
It was good to take break from that modern rat race.
Now of these primitive methods, I've head a lot of whining and complaining.
But I'm sure these modern minded folks, simply need a little on the
job training.
For as those who have participated in this venture can verify.
Their just isn't nothing to fear, it's really worth a try.
So put down that wimpy chainsaw and pick up a real bucking tool.
You'll be a real he man and make all the women drool. (or gender vice
versus)
Well the season for this work has past, snow has covered the ground.
But we'll be back next year, to this wilderness land were primitive
methods abound.
Because we'd got the job done, and it ain't no joke.
That trail was cleared without racing engines, ear plugs or foul smelling
smoke.
Copyright © 1999 James L. Thode
For Primitive
photos, see Wilderness Trail Work in the Photo Album
Valley Ride Driving Demonstration
It was a pleasant day for a trail ride, Good trail, good weather and
good folks
Most riders had completed, horses were resting and some lucky ones
got hay and oats
Vehicles were being shuttled from the start of this one way deed
Preparations were under way for that big chili feed.
A vehicle drove into the crowded campground, quite unnoticed but not
forgot
The driver of this pickup and horse trailer rig spied a small back-in
parking spot
Quite a nice space you see, it was right near where folks were gathering
to eat
This chili cooking cowgirl would have to pack her pot of chili just
50 feet
A few onlookers began to notice, as the driver began this precision
backing maneuver
Fore and aft, left and right, progress was slow, but there was a problem,
the trailer wouldn't waver
It was clear to the growing crowd that things weren't progressing quite
as she had pictured in her mind
But, with the help of her ity bitty dog, this driver continued, space
was tight, with a tree directly behind
Then a strange sound was head, sort a crunching noise filled the air
Onlookers directed that all motion cease and upon a closer inspection,
Oh the despair
For under that pickup was a simple short wooded post, a traffic bollard
if you like
That had been installed by the Government, to keep vehicles off the
campsite
Well, it had done its job, and quite a bit more, for its original
purpose was now exceeded
For when reversing was attempted, that turbo charged diesel roared,
but no backing proceeded
The front axle of that fancy rig was firmly hooked on that stubby traffic
control device
The oil pan was threatened and the spin on oil filter was as if in
a vise.
For one more move and she'd have an oil spill, an environmental travesty
The EPA would be there in white suits no doubt, to mop up and charge
the guilty party
So there she sat, this operation had gotten way outa whack,
Traffic had started to pile up, she couldn't go forward nor back
Then, as if from no where, one of the gathered onlookers, retrieved
a simple but effective tool
It was nothing more than a wedged shaped block of wood, he was
no fool
This handy device was placed behind a front wheel, then, backing was
attempted once more
Engine screamed, suspension creaked, and the outfit started to inch
back from its impending gore,
As it moved, the front end raised, as if by magic, just clearing that
squat post.
A few expert movements, forward and back, right and left, then rig
was free to coast
She drove out of sight to a far-off straight-in parking spot,
She'd have to pack her kettle of chili a lot further than originally
thought
Well after all have eaten their fill, People were thinking of heading
home, someone was heard to say
She should represent the chapter, at the BCH Rendezvous on that June
day
No, not in the Trail Riding Obstacle Course , or Camp Cooking competition,
which I'm sure she would excel
But in another contest, with her technique, she'd do quite well
For with the experience gained this day, as all who witnessed it can
attest
This seasoned driver would surely to do well, to enter the Truck and
Trailer Rodeo driving contest
Copyright © 1999, James L. Thode
