Giant trees down
Jeff Weesner
Three weeks ago, five minutes after the tornado watch expired, we had dangerous southern winds slaying enormous trees: a 60+ foot white, grey and green Sycamore and a Hickory with a 5’ diameter trunk that young men were able to walk on in the air. A giant shade tree tipped over - roots and all. Another oak fell across Hudsonville road. That day there were trees blocking all directions to us and our neighbours on Hwy 7, South Slayden, Duckpond Road and Hudsonville Road.
Sunday, after neighbours returned from church, I helped our friend trim and drop 4 large oaks in the middle of his chickens, opossum, and rescue camel. One sixty footer was threatening a sitting Turkey. I thought of ways to weaken the trunks to let them finish their descent without hurting us. And my biggest mistake from the top of a ladder, pushed the ladder back as the skyward portion fell away. I realised again how precarious life is. It was a day of physics.
Then the Wednesday before the Passover, a heavy wall of sideways rain from the west took tops of trees and crashed two oaks across the fence and road. I tried to relieve pressure on the taught wire fence before leaving town.
Today I learned to use a new pole chainsaw. I’m 1/3 done with the fence trees not pressing the fence.
Taking pigs this week to the processor. Some persons. A lot of people just asking what meat we’ll have. I am an optimist. Pogress continues.