[Ed Thayer]

Great thoughts, I think we plan to provide alternate methods of payment for those who do not have access to credit or debit cards. Although it is too early to discuss the actual cost of membership or access to the forum, the idea is to generate funds to make it sustainable while keeping it affordable for all.

I like the idea of being able to sponsor other members for those who can’t afford it, whether it is from an individual or business sponsor.

We value the users on the forum and look forward to continuing the quality and friendly atmosphere it provides.

Ed

[Ed Thayer]

I am in depending on the date, We pay teamsters $1.00 a loaded mile for mileage.

[Ed Thayer]

They contacted me too. Got my name from the NH Maple producers association web site. They troll around and find all these public web sites with our name and address on them then add us to the data base.

I started my wood fire with mine 😉

Ed

[Ed Thayer]

I could not have said it better myself Andy, I have to admit I was a little apprehensive at first, but became much more comfortable as we went along and really started working on the issues at hand. I feel it was very productive. Glad everyone made it home OK.

Ed

[Ed Thayer]

Very informative George, your narration is very helpful. The team looks great.

[Ed Thayer]

Thanks for all the feedback, I think Don hinting that I was having more fun than I showed is spot on 🙂

Truth is, Tim Harrigan’s video with Abe and Will moving logs and Carl Russell’s video of chaining logs to a bobsled inspired me to try this.

I feel it is important to document the work I do here on my property for a couple of reasons. First, my children, they are off in the world doing different things right now, growing and learning. But when they are ready they may want/need to know how to do this work. I just dream about having a video or photographic documentary of my grandparent’s life here on the farm and wonder how much easier it would have been to figure things out had I a picture book of how it was or a video clip of granddad using the bobsled.

The second reason is the opportunity to share with others as I learn. I was very green a few years ago and had an unfortunate runaway with a stubborn yet intelligent Haffie, Don reached out after my very first post here on DAPNet and was very helpful and supportive. I feel I can give back a little by showing how working animals applies to me and our farm on a small scale.

The bob sled in the video was in the third floor hay mow of my barn. While doing a major renovation of the structure I found it under a ton of dust and nasty old hay chaff. It was completely disassembled and in a pile of parts and pieces. I dusted it off and set it aside as a future project. When I finally got around to tinkering on it I was not sure how it all went together. If I had a picture or video to look back on to see how to make this thing work it would have been very helpful. But I fumbled around with it, looked up pictures on the web and finally figured out how to put it together.

My rambling point is, maybe someone will find a double bob sled in their barn and remember this video and it may help them to put it all together. Were it not for this forum and all the supportive members, I may have walked away from working animals early on.

I primarily work a single horse and only use a team hitch for heavy work. I have learned by watching and listening how to maximize my productivity with a single horse, Five years ago I would have twitched a single log a half mile. Now, as Carl stated, we twitch to a haul road and buck smaller wood into 4’ lengths then haul to the processing area. It is much more efficient and productive. But that lesson had to be learned and it was this community that allowed it to happen.

Mark, my equipment consisted of an old tri pod my Dad gave me twenty years ago and a cheap $110.00 digital camera. The film editing is all thanks to windows movie maker. I shot this video in about 4 hr and then spent another 2 hr putting it together using that program.

Ed

[Ed Thayer]

That could have ended really poorly, I am glad it all worked out George.

Ed

[Ed Thayer]

I have never used a hook, my guess is my back would appreciate it 🙂

I do the video myself with the aide of a tri pod. Cheating? I know, but I enjoy it.

Ed

[Ed Thayer]

Congratulations, great news. I kind of thought it was inevitable after seeing all you share at the annual meeting. Great place and a happy family.

Ed

[Ed Thayer]

Love it, great photo

[Ed Thayer]

I am against it as well. We have been inundated with requests from the USDA to fill out surveys, complete questioners and so on. I simply file this stuff in the wood stove. We have been making syrup on this property for several generations and I cannot see how the local, state or federal government should have any input as to how I produce, sell or distribute our product.

I think they got our address because we are members of the NH maple producers association. They even had a Federal Rep from the USDA come to an annual meeting try to make us into believe they were there to simply gather statistical information.
Ed

[Ed Thayer]

I have been a member for a couple of years, very informative web site for sure.

Ed

[Ed Thayer]

I am headed out to work so I will not be on the call this evening. The P&E Minutes are on the Forum under Program and events, Jean has all the financials for the Logging workshop. The next planned event will be the Plow Clinic in CT. Erika is working with Sam and I to finalize the date and details. Erika has an article/add on the SFJ. P&E will be meeting again on Tuesday evening. Hope everyone enjoys a Merry Christmas.

Ed

[Ed Thayer]

Mitch,

I read that online somewhere about Russ. A real advocate for the small farmer and important issues that he belived strongly in.

Sorry to hear about his passing.

Ed

[Ed Thayer]

Great description. Thanks for clarifying. I picked up a #7 that is complete and think it may need some minor work. The shaft feels tight and turns freely. But until I pull the gear box cover off I do not know if it has oil in it and if it will need seals or not. I would like to rebuild it and get it operational.

Ed

[Author]

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