If you think logging is tough, you’re right.  It’s not only the work that’s tough, but commuting to the forest takes a toll on most of the loggers.  The loggers that I work with get up around 2:30 AM to get prepared for their long day.  The forest is not in our backyard, so occasionally loggers have to commute 2 hours each way.  Luckily, I came during a week that we only have to drive for 1 hour. 

The drive on the way back is like their vacation.  They stop at the liquor store to buy 6-packs of beer, a couple packs of cigarettes, and some cases of chew.  They started smoking in the car as I rolled the window down.  “Do you have any bad habits?” one of the loggers asked.  “I guess I haven’t been logging enough,” I replied.

November 18, 2008

When I studied economics at the University of Southern California, I chose to do a report on forest economics.  It was one of my favorite assignments to cover because I’ve always wanted to research how logging impacted the environment.   According to all my co-workers this week, harvesting timber enhances wildlife habitat and improves the quality of wood.  It’s hard to say because you have to wait 50 plus years to prove it.

It was my second day logging in Medford, Oregon and I really enjoy how harvesting is operated.  First of all, cutting down timber will blow you away.  When you see a 200 foot tree slowly breaking down between other enormous trees and shake the earth, it would take your breath away.  Not only that, you have to be extremely cautious of your surrounding because other loggers are cutting at the same time.  Accidents do occur often, but only if you’re not paying attention.  Most of the loggers that I work with have 15 years or more of experience.  They’ve seen their friends in fatal accidents and they’ve always been caused by the lack of awareness.  Awareness was the first thing that my boss instilled in my head. 

After cutting the timber, it is dragged out by a skidder that has been choked by thick wire.  Then the log is sent to a stroker to shear the stumps and make it smooth.  Lastly, the log is piled ready to load by a shovel.

November 16, 2008

It was one of the greatest reunions I’ve had.  I went back to Eugene, which was where I started my college career.  It has been 6 years since I’ve seen this great college town.  I went to visit Hometown Buffet, which was my first job away from home.  I spent much of my junior year washing dishes in order to get free food from this all you can eat buffet.  I was surprised to see that one of the dishwasher employees was still there after 6 years. 

I spent the rest of the day revisiting many of my favorite spots.  I couldn’t miss out on visiting the track where I spent most of my afternoons and weekends training.  Eugene was on my way to Medford, where I will be working as a logger.