This shows some of the predominant trees of central Minnesota.

Most of the white pines were cut down by pioneer loggers.

 

So until mid-century, Swede saws, axes and breaking plows kept the pastures, yards and fields open.

Then Swede saws and axes gave way to chainsaws for the next harvest.

This isn't a real stump - it's my woodshed.

But chainswaws are obsolete for serious modern loggers. If you have the pocket change for one of these,

the computer-controlled head will snip the tree, rotate it gently, strip the branches, cut the logs to length

and keep track of board feet while you listen to a CD in the air-conditioned cab.

Having harvested the trees,

you'll need a skidder to transport them to the landing nice and clean.

and stack them neatly for you.

Gather another million dollars'-worth of trucks and you're in the logging business!

Wellsir, I'm no logger. But I do have a camera.:)

So let's go get some trees.

 

 

 

These were purposely wound together in 1990, and they stayed that way.

This is from my favorite wooden bridge,

and the lowland trees have drained their sap to survive winter.

 

We're not the only ones gathering trees - lightning picks a few too.

Here's a young basswood that was recently popped.

 

 

These "Twisted Sisters" are young Alders, but they seem to be debating which way is up.

Roots are always interesting. I call this Migraine Man.

Of course, we don't HAVE to just look at trees. :)

Hope you enjoyed our mini-tour.