125 for 3600

Firewood gathering at the wilderness homestead always began as soon as snow had melted and ground had thoroughly dried. Late spring, usually, but sometimes well into summertime if monsoon rains were heavy and started early. Regardless, delay was never an option, even if I was inclined to put it off. After winter released its grip, I was always eager to get outside to soak up sunlight, fresh air, and wild sounds, sights and aromas of springtime. While winters were never overly taxing or boring, the end of five months of cold was always welcomed.

When monsoon rains commenced, it was fun timing work sessions around the storms so I could enjoy watching their clouds swell and approach from safe distance and be back inside before lightning flashed and first drops fell. Requiring only two weeks to complete gathering five cords of warmth and a few days splitting and stacking it for ready convenience, it all translated to about 125 hours of concerted effort for about 3600 hours of warming stove fuel.