Oregon White Oak

Started some selective logging this week.  Some of the fir are shading the native white oaks, so time to take them out and give the oak a better opportunity for survival.  It will be interesting to see what kinds of wildflowers will begin to bloom with the additional sunshine reaching the forest floor. Even though we feel like it is the right thing to do, it is difficult to watch the big fir come down.  

Oregon White Oak & Doug Fir

Lurkin' in the brush

A big oak branch up on top of the hill came off during the last storm.  This is what is left still standing.

Oregon White Oak

Oregon White Oak

This is what came down, or at least some of what came down.  Sid took the splitter up the hill to turn this all into firewood.  They are large rounds, so not easy.

Next Winter's Firewood

Hard Work

Libby & Jackson

The dogs sniffing, exploring.  Yesterday's trip up the hill led to a most unfortunate incident.  Coming back to the house, we heard Libby bark at something off the trail.  Jackson went to join her.  We called them. Jackson came running back and immediately our noses told us what Libby had been barking at........a SKUNK!  It got her good.  Right in the face, her nose, her eyes and mouth and across her back.  I felt so sorry for her.  Poor girl was miserable. Thank goodness for Dawn dishwashing detergent. Skunk spray is like a grease, and Dawn cuts the grease.  I used a full bottle on Libby dog.  Jack wasn't so bad.  I think he got it more in passing, and his coat is slick so it came off easily.  


So lesson learned:  Always keep Dawn dishwashing soap on hand.  You never know when a skunk is lurking in the brush.