Category Archives: Traveling Companions

Riding Shotgun!

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During the last few weeks I’ve had a Siggy and Sailor come to work with me while the weather was cooler. Mostly, it’s been too hot, but we’ve had a few nice days.

Siggy’ s doing some quality control one some poles.
Posing in a pine plantation from my reforestation days.
We visited a logging side for student loggers!
We went through the Ponderosa Burn. It was replanted several years ago and the new forest is well on its way.
On a warm day the Northern Sierras we have to be sure a girl can get a drink.
Sailor got to go visit loggers with me on the Westside toward the coast. He patiently waited in the truck so I can talk to the contractors.
Steeper ground requires yarders for logging.
Sailor thought the creek felt pretty good after riding around.

Wild Wednesday … Wood Rat’s Nest

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Bliss and I were out marking trees a few weeks ago when we came upon several wood rats nests. They build these large stick pile akin to a beaver lodge on land. They are very industrious creatures. They are also an important prey species for forest predators.

Bliss, wood rat nest

Bliss was very impressed with this massive collection of sticks. So impressed that she claimed it for herself. Sadly for her it wasn’t going to fit in my vest and she could only carry one stick at a time.

This clever rat built its nest in the trees. No sticks for Bliss from this one.

Bliss found a deer skull under the nest. “No Bliss it’s not a rat skull and no you can’t eat it!”

Golden Retriever Bliss

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Golden Retriever, Bliss, pen and ink, pen drawing, drawing pet portrait

Golden Retriever Portrait of Bliss in pen and ink.

We took a walk around the property on this blustery day. Here’s a gallery of our pack. Just click on a picture to enlarge.

Looking down the hill at our pond with Sailer, Tasha and Bliss.
Bliss
Phanny on the run! As usual.
Tasha and Bliss stop for a drink.
The pack!
Sailor thinks Phanny should shake somewhere else.
Phanny swimming!
From left to right, Tasha, Phanny, Bliss and Sailor.
This looks like trouble, Bliss and Phanny!

Forestry Friday … Bridge To The Past

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forestry, logging, bridge, log bridge, log stringer bridge

Log Stringer Bridge

Here’s a sight we don’t see much in California anymore, the log stringer bridge.  It used to be the standard bridge for small creek crossings on logging jobs. Most of the old log bridges have been removed and replaced with large arch pipes or metal bridges.  This one was put in for a temporary crossing. When the logging is complete the logs will be removed and sent to the mill.  The stream channel will be returned to it’s original condition and the approaches will be grass seeded and mulched to prevent erosion.  This was an inexpensive solution to access an area that didn’t need a permanent bridge.

logs, logging, forester, golden retriever

Bliss is helping with the log quality inspection. She offered to take care of the tiny logs and left me the big ones.

logging, forestry

A perfect Fall day in the woods.

golden retriever

Bliss

This Summer I’ve been extremely busy and I haven’t had much time to devote to the blog.  The near future looks pretty busy too.  I might have to put Bliss in charge of it.