Fun, Friends & Walnut

[Magicman]

I read Andy White's thread First Walnut with interest.  I had also been following his construction activities involved with building a Kiln.

My thoughts were "that guy needs a Walnut tree" and I thought about a leaner that I have pictured here.


 
This is an 18" tree that is shown here before it started slipping into the creek due to erosion.  This picture was taken Jan, 2012.


 
This is as it looks today with the butt about two feet below the top of the creek bank.

Anyway, I sent Andy a PM back on Feb 16th which got the wheels rolling.  Of course he wanted a Walnut tree!!  I really needed to finish my Outrigger Log Arch project because that old creek bottom is wet and I wanted to avoid muddying the logs up. 

Marty will go with us to the Cabin Sunday afternoon and we will make the first move toward winching the tree to the bank.  Hopefully the stump will give way and we can salvage it attached to the butt log.  If not, then we will cable it to an Elm tree and buck it off.  Andy and Nancy are planning to arrive at the Cabin about 4:00.

We are looking forward to hosting Andy & Nancy and he and Marty will have a chance to visit.  They worked so well together during the Goodwill Sawing trip in December.

So this will be a Fun, Friends, & Walnut couple of days.  Did someone mention Food??

[Coon]

Look forward to seeing the pics of the adventure as always. Hope you have a nice BBQ planned and ready.   ;D

[Andy White]

Lynn,
Just got on and seen this thread. You and Marty don't get overloaded before we get there. That tree looks like it's leaning pretty far over the creek. Should I bring my "wetsuit"? Have the equipment loaded, truck fueled up, Nancy packed and ready to leave early. Looking forward to the visit. The rain will be over tonite around midnight, so I'll be bringing clear weather with me, I hope! I have already made plans for a project, but I can't tell you about it yet. If you can think of anything else, call me or post here. BTW, that is a nice looking first Walnut for sure. The Mill Special will come in handy on that one. Thanks for the thought and offer.    Andy

[Magicman]

If that Walnut tree proves to be too much for us, then we will just move over and get one that is not leaning.  Defeat is not an option.   ;D

Pat has been busy checking recipes today.  We will not be hungry for sure.   

[pineywoods]

DanG, Lynn, I would have thought that walnut tree would have floated off down the creek by now.  ;D Good thing you ignored my suggestion to set up camp downstream and wait for a good rain.....Do I see a new FF activity in addition to sycamore projects ?  Difficult retrieval of highly valuable logs  :

[Magicman]

One never knows. 


 
I also have this one in mind.  This picture was taken Jan, 2012.


 
And now a recent picture.  Notice that the entire tree and root system has caved off of the bank and is now in the creek bottom.  We just might go for it first.   If that tree on the bank is strong enough we can triple block it.  I'm also sure that we will get that smaller fallen Walnut tree in the background.   ;D

[WDH]

Old Sayin'  -  He who gives away walnut logs sleeps good at night.

[Peter Drouin]

The water must come high on the bank at times. Is that just a spring thing?

[Magicman]

During/after a heavy rain that field in the background sometimes gets 2 feet under water.  There is  huge water shead that feeds my creek.  Debris and watermarks are left on the trees, etc. but I have never seen it because my access is also cut off with high water.

The creek banks are 100% dirt.  No rocks or gravel which is why the trees give way and fall into the creek.

Old Sayin'  -  He who gives away walnut logs sleeps good at night. 

Yes, happiness comes in many forms.  I am content and sleep very well at night.   

[POSTON WIDEHEAD]

I'll call you about 3 am and check on your contentness. 

[morgoon]

I'll call you about 3 am and check on your contentness.  :)

Ha ha ... that right there is a good one :)

[Magicman]

Yeah, and I'm gonna call that Veterinarian.  I'll bet he makes house calls in SC.  ;D

[POSTON WIDEHEAD]

Yeah, and I'm gonna call that Veterinarian.  I'll bet he makes house calls in SC.  ;D

[Ocklawahaboy]

Once again, I am jealous of those of you who have walnut growing in their region, much less, on their property. 

[Bill Gaiche]

Sorry,double post. bg

[Bill Gaiche]

Hope this project doesn't have all the drama as Ax Man does. Profanity, fighting, equipment failure, wait, these are civilized people on a mission, so every thing will be just fine. Good luck and hope to see what Andy has in mind with the walnut. bg

[Sixacresand]

 

 
MM,  Are these some the same trees you showed us on the Chicken Crispin Tour of your place?

[Bill Gaiche]

 Sixacresand, yes, I believe it is. bg

[Magicman]

Yes, the one you pictured is my first priority.   Andy, Marty and I will miss seeing you guys.   8)

[mesquite buckeye]

When I get those they turn into lumber. ;D

[dablack]

I'm looking for an update?  How did it go?  Pictures or it didn't happen!

[Bill Gaiche]

I'm looking for an update?  How did it go?  Pictures or it didn't happen!

Yup. Photos required. bg

[Andy White]

OK Here is the story ,
Had a good trip Sunday morning, saw beautiful scenery, and lots of rain. We arrived at the vineyard gate at 2.00PM and Marty arrived shortly  after. Had a good time and got to meet his children. Lynn showed up, and it was ON! Prepped the equipment, and hit the trail.As we winded down thru the woods, I saw several good looking signs that some would never notice.


  

  

 
Lynn needs to get more ammo if he wants to keep his White Oaks from deer demise.
Once we made the plan of attack, Marty started sawing. In a short time, we were ready to haul. It was late after noon, and time for a coffee break. As the day ended, I'm thinking "how are we going to get these logs on the trailer?" Lynn had a vision that nite, and it was a great one. We loaded those logs like we had been doing it forever. It took longer to drive to and from the logs than it took to load them! This is so much fun!!!


  

  

 
It helps to have the proper tools for the job. The log arch worked much better than expected! All those holes on top made it so easy to balance the load, it didn't matter how odd shaped, or length, it took just a second to get them ready to travel!


  

  

  

  

 
The last load is leg, bowl and turning stock. Don't leave much when we loaded out.


  

  

 
All that's left is the stump in the creek. Got everything loaded on the trailer, and strapped down for the trip home.


 
And last, a farewell to our most gracious hosts. This was a really great visit, and Nancy has found two true friends with Lynn and Pat. This parting didn't have the same tone as the one we all had at Austins, but all the feelings were the same. 

 
After we got on the pavement, I had to increase the brake controller two more notches, those logs are really heavy! We made the 328 miles home, and didn't loose even a piece of bark! About 10 miles from home, Nancy took a sunset shot of a Perfect end to a perfect visit.


 
Thank you Lynn and Pat for a great visit.    Andy and Nancy

[Jeff]

 

[dablack]

What a great trip!  I bet that moss will make it easier to cut.....Right?

I'm surprised Nancy didn't want to take the camaro!  Does she have a hitch on it? 

I know where Andy and I are going hunting this year!  I've got an old WWII mauser that can fix those trees from getting rubbed.  White Oak is my favorite and I don't want them harmed!

I love the trailer in a ditch trick.  Fifty percent of the time, it works everytime. 

Austin

[Wick]

Nice deer rub's too

[POSTON WIDEHEAD]

Great pics. The smiles and the sunset tells it all. 

[Bill Gaiche]

I just knew there was going to be a good story and a happy ending to his one. Glad all went as planned and Andy and Nancy made it home safely. Those will be some highly valuable logs for sure. Now another story will start in the near future I am sure about these logs. bg

[dablack]

Lynn,

Are those reflectors on the back of the tractor and log arch legal out in a field like that? 

Bill!  Andy!  I think I see a deer stand along the tree line!  I doubt Marty or Lynn ever use it....

[Magicman]

We just got home from the Cabin, and what a joy is was for Pat and I to host such an event for our very special guest. 

Andy didn't tell about our labors pulling a water logged 22" butt Walnut tree out of a 15' deep creek. 


 
Here Marty is clearing debris away from the tree trunk.  Of course there will be no "felling" because the tree has already fallen and is lodged on the opposite side of the creek.


 
Here Marty and Andy are rigging the cables and chain for our first attempt to pull it out.


 
We will try again.


 
It's now triple blocked and coming up out of the creek.


 
Andy was happy to get it to the top.  Actually, we all three were.   


 
The butt log had some ring shake.


 
The first log on the log arch.  The shirt sleeves disappeared under coats the next morning.


 
When I was building the log arch I kinda wondered about making it so large.  That 44" wide and 50" high came in very handy when we loaded the logs onto Andy's trailer.

The thing wrong with being so successful and getting the logs out as quickly and easily as we did was that it cut our visit short with Andy and Nancy.  Thanks to you both.  The pleasure was ours.   

[dablack]

What a great way to put logs on a trailer.  Looks like yall had a great time. 

[Andy White]

Lynn,
Next time you talk to Marty, I need you to ask him something for me. "HOW COLD IS THE POND WATER IN MARCH!!???" I now have my degree from MMIT, and I am proud of it. I studied hard and learned much at Magic Man Institute of Transportology. When you and Marty get a chance and want a guided fishing trip on Sam Rayburn, come on down, I know where the big ones are!!!   Thanks   Andy

[Magicman]

What a great way to put logs on a trailer.

With no FEL, I went to bed wondering how we were going to load them, and then the idea came to me;    just back the arch up onto the trailer and unhook.   ;D

Next time you talk to Marty, I need you to ask him something for me. "HOW COLD IS THE POND WATER IN MARCH!!???" 

Since Marty is not here to defend himself and so everyone will know, after we got the log out of the creek, Marty and his two Sons decided to fish a little.  Long story short.....Marty ended up upside down and backward in the pond.  Actually Andy, he was shivering like he was a bit chilly.  And then there was also that commotion with him hollering for dry clothes.   :D

[Andy White]

Austin,
Legend has it that more deer has come from that stand than any other on the place! I believe that you have to get a reservation three years ahead of time to even have a chance at that one! :D :D

[POSTON WIDEHEAD]

That Highly Valuable Walnut looks like it crossed the property line  when it fell.  ;D

[SwampDonkey]

What a great story.

I see MM had his director's coat on and them young fellers got down to the short sleeves. ;D

[Andy White]

After our trip home Monday, we were tired, so I left the trailer hooked up for the night. Tuesday morning, I turned it around and parked it on the driveway "deck", locked it up, and left for Orange about 8.00AM,logs still loaded. I thought I'll unload them Thursday afternoon when we get back. WRONG!!. My friend and neighbor took care of the unloading Wednesday morning! He said those logs were calling him to let them off the trailer. I think I will cut him a pair of slabs for his trouble. It is nice to have good friends for neighbors!


 


 
This one with the 3 branches will be turned into live edge slabs tomorrow! I'm like a kid at Christmas!!


 
But first, I have to dewinterize the mill! Will post results tomorrow.     Andy

[WDH]

The one with the three limbs will have some killer crotch figure. 

[Magicman]

That is what we were also thinking Danny.  I am anxious to see what is inside of that multiple crotch.

[POSTON WIDEHEAD]

That suckers got $300.00 wrote all over it.  ;D

[WDH]

What  ???  I did not see any writing.  Maybe it is under the bark.....

[POSTON WIDEHEAD]

What  ???  I did not see any writing.  Maybe it is under the bark.....

You should know, surprises are always under the bark.  ;D

[Magicman]

Andy was wearing a $300 smile and actually so was I.  ;D  There are just too many of those old Walnut trees that fall into the creek and are never recovered.  Well, not just Walnut trees, sometimes Sycamores.

[dablack]

Looks like I'm going to have to send Margaret back down to sweep out that loading dock again!  NOTE:  She likes walnut slabs!   :D

[Andy White]

Austin,
You can come down here and get you some of that walnut, I'll even let you saw it yourself. Bring all the kids, and we'll play while you saw.     8) 8) :D    Andy

[richhiway]

Nice work. I will post some pics of cleaning up my river a few years ago. Those trees that grow near the river bank are heavy! I did not have a way to mill them then so I blocked it all up and gave it away for firewood. I met a nice elderly couple from up the road that had lived near where I grew up all there lives. Small world.
Can't wait to see that would slabbed up!

[Martha White Nelson]

Lynn,  Andy gave me a small piece of that walnut tree, and here's what I did with it!!   First, I had to clean off the creek mud and let it dry for a few days.  In the meanwhile, I made the tiny owl from clay, baked and painted it.  Then I used some gorilla wood glue and put him in the hole and sprayed it with clear lacquer.  I'm trying to figure out how to make a stand or some kind of hanger for it.                                                                       

  

  

  

 

[nmericle53]

Great job Mart. I knew when I saw that knot it had your name written all over it. Can't wait to see it in person.

[WDH]

Is it a screech owl?  ;D

[Magicman]

We heard it hooting, but I did not know that it hitched a ride.  ;D

[WDH]

Then it must be a Hoot Owl  :D.

[thecfarm]

Nice looking owl!!

[Magicman]

Andy, the area where we winched your Walnut tree out of the creek got two feet under water Thursday night.  All of my bridge boards washed off and they are now scattered down that creek.

[Peter Drouin]

I could not live in a flood plane like you all do with all the leaves.

[Magicman]

The water must come high on the bank at times. Is that just a spring thing? 

During/after a heavy rain that field in the background sometimes gets 2 feet under water.  There is  huge water shead that feeds my creek.  Debris and watermarks are left on the trees, etc. but I have never seen it because my access is also cut off with high water.

The creek banks are 100% dirt.  No rocks or gravel which is why the trees give way and fall into the creek.

Peter, I had forgotten that you had previously asked about the flooding.  During heavy rains, that field does flood, and it did again last week.   ;D

[SwampDonkey]

Being on a high ridge doesn't save ya, if you get 6". Except it doesn't come flooding in the doors. It comes in from the soil.  Water logged, is water logged, ridge or flood zone. :  :D

[Magicman]

Yup, the Cabin is high and dry, as is the great majority of my property.  It's just the creek that overflows.

The good thing is that when it does flood, it is spreading Walnuts from further upstream.   ;D

[Andy White]

Lynn,
That's a good thing, because the forum needs MORE WALNUT!!!!!        8) 8)     Andy

[WDH]

Yes, we all need more walnut (and cherry). 

[mesquite buckeye]

I grow more every day. ;D

[WDH]

Maybe you should try growing sweetgum  ;D.

[mesquite buckeye]

Got some of that too. the biggest one is about 12' tall now. ;D

[SwampDonkey]

Cut it while you can. It's the Borg, resistance is futile. Your forest will be assimilated. ;D :D

[POSTON WIDEHEAD]

A very nice gift. 

[Magicman]

None of us knew when we started this topic that it would become a part of our Memory Lane honoring Andy White.