Playing with Fire

We’ve had rain off and on for the last week, and today the temperature is hovering in the high 40’s. It’s cloudy and cool, and especially since we’re SUPPOSED to get sun and heat next week, this seemed like the perfect day for Bruce to play with fire. 

And Bruce loves playing with fire 🤣

The last few years have been difficult on our Grand Firs in NW Montana. Drought and high temperatures weakened the trees who then succumb to pests and fungus. We have lost well over 50 Grand Firs on our little 34 acres alone- some HUGE, old trees, right down to young, new saplings. Since these gorgeous trees are one of our favorites, it’s especially disheartening to see an entire stand die. 

Lately, Bruce has been cleaning up our back meadow, dragging dead trees and debris into an enormous burn pile, just waiting for a day like today. It’s hard work de-limbing a Grand Fir. They are dense, with branches too numerous to count, and NOT Bruce’s choice for firewood. (we MUCH prefer them alive) So, he has to work long and hard to remove each dead tree. The burn pile is his reward.

It’s a good day’s work- physical but enjoyable, and satisfying. This back meadow is one of my favorite places to ride Magick. It’s where the elk, mule deer, whitetails and coyotes live. It feels good to take care of the land- to be good stewards of the property. And today really was the perfect day to accomplish that.