The logger's life: Part 1

I avoided this industry for thirty years but since I began in April 2007 there is a whole new appreciation for this kind of work. Yes, sometimes the weather is quite foreboding but the Oregon coast range is the perfect nursery for growing trees. Even a rainy day can be a thing of beauty.

As a photographer I have captured many a wondrous scene in one of God's most awesome creations, a forest. Now that I work in that same forest on a daily basis I have captured many more images that are nothing short of stunning. Of course it might also be because this is the happiest I have ever been in my working career.

At the age of ten I began working with wood and have become quite well known for the many things I create in my workshop. Thus working as a logger seems quite natural. The crew finds unique pieces of wood on occasion that I take home to work on. Walking sticks, slabs for woodturning or carving and odd shaped pieces that end up as yard art are amongst the many things I have done since last April.

My job is chaser on the landing. Perfect! My many talents are put to their best use in this position. My main job is to unhook the chokers when the yarder brings them in. But there is much time that I spend waiting for the next turn so I have put that time to good use. Organizing and cleaning the tools comes naturally to me. The crew is quite pleased with this and that makes me happy. What more could one ask for?

The firefighter in me is a big plus as well as I have become very safety conscious after thirty years of service. Tiny details that my boss may feel aren't important are part of my daily routine. One thing I have learned throughout my working career is that the guys doing the work usually know how to do the job more efficiently and safely than the boss ever could. My boss is a great guy but just a bit impatient. Yes, time is money but speed kills. Find the happy medium between these two and stick with it.

I found a sign in a small store a few months ago that says it all for a logger: BETTER TO BE CAREFUL A HUNDRED TIMES THAN TO BE KILLED ONCE. Amen to that!

Keep checking each week to read more about the life of a logger.

Rescue Dog.

Logger's lament.

As we drove home today the crew was quiet. I didn't know why until my stepson and I were on our way home. The son in law of the boss had died in a logging accident today. He worked for our company for years and left to work for another. Our lead choker setter was best friends with him and this is the second friend he has lost in less than a year.

Logging is dangerous work but it is also quite rewarding. Every day we get to see the glory of God's tree nursery with trees as far as the eye can see. Rain or shine the Oregon coast range is the most beautiful place that one could ask to be. So as I go to work tomorrow I will say a prayer for those affected by the loss of this logger.

Our company has a five year plus safety record and is the safest in the state of Oregon. This loss is a sobering reminder of what could happen to any of us.

Even though I don't know this logger I feel a loss too. As a firefighter with 30 years experience it is easy for me to relate to how people feel when tragedy strikes. My sincerest hope is that nothing as tragic as this should ever occur to our crew. They are my friends and family.

May God watch over us and keep us safe from the perils of our job.

Rescue Dog.