I have recently ordered both a fire pit and a solid fuel stove to enhance our boat life experience and also, more importantly, to prepare for our first winter in 8 years.
I noticed that workmen were clearing the trees on the far bank recently, cutting them back and keeping the footpath accessible. I also noticed that they left a lot of wood behind.
Even though the fire pit and solid fuel stove have not been delivered or installed yet I thought that this was too good an opportunity to let pass by and I should take advantage, collect as much as possible and get ahead of the game.
So off I went and ventured on to the footpath on the far side of the canal.
It's a lovely walk and plenty of people make use of these trails. Birdwatchers, hikers, dog walkers (possibly doggers too but we haven't seen any)
I collected the left over wood cuts and made little piles of them along the foot path off to the side. I was never going to be able to do it all in one day so I thought I'd just wander back and forth and do it in a leisurely fashion over the weekend. It's a pleasant walk and the weather is awesome.
So I made piles like these at intervals so I could come back to them later.
Carrying the logs back in small amounts along the walking trails.
And dropping them off on the roof of the boat.
I spent all day Saturday and Sunday doing this and taking in the beautiful surroundings
Yet again it felt like I had the whole place to myself, foraging for wood. I know it's glorious and sunny now but it won't be long before the long grey winter draws in and I want to be prepared. I've not been though this in quite some time. 8 years since we did a full winter! It's going to be an adjustment.
Each time I returned I smiled as the woodpile grew.
It was a lot of walking and carrying but with splendid views like this and my own thoughts for company I was more than happy. There was something very primal and satisfying about collecting wood as a fuel source.
I had to smile at the contrast also. I spend a lot of time these days in the crypto world. On hive and dabbling in a little trading and watching my crypto portfolio grow. Yet here I am rummaging around in the countryside gathering wood for fuel.
Back and forth I went smiling at this thought. I thought to myself and giggled.
The pile grew larger and larger and started to completely fill the available roof space.
So out with the saw and start to get it all into smaller logs for use in the stove and on the fire pit.
It will dry quicker also in smaller pieces and I have a few months before winter sets in. More than enough time to add to this stock pile. I am enjoying the whole exercise so I will be out for more for sure.
Worked up quite a sweat in the heat sawing through the logs of wood.
The stockpile is starting to look impressive. Not bad for a bit of wandering about the canals.
As soon as either the fire pit or the stove is installed I shall be sharing some posts of these logs burning. As much as I don't want the summer to end, part of me is now looking forward to the fires to come!
