VANITY FAIR: INSIDE STORY OF WHY ARIANNA LEFT THE HUFFINGTON POST
CONSULT ANY LIST, ASK ANYONE IN THE KNOW AND THEY'LL TELL YOU, timbering and road building in true wilderness can be as dangerous work as it ever gets. But to professional loggers with decades of experience managing the risks and rewards (and the size of last week's rattlesnake) on these types of lands, it's the most satisfying of all professions in the world. There's no where else any of them would rather be. They live and work on land they love, as close to the rhythms of nature, seasons and wildlife as anyone can be today.
One of the last bastions of all male camaraderie, these men---real men---combine tree harvesting with an eye on the health of present and future forests, good business sense, top-notch safety procedures, good manners, ole time religion and an ultimate conservation ethic from boots on the ground, rather than obscure computer modelling with little basis in practical reality. It's an ethic Mr. Gore would envy.
How could I be so fortunate to be working with these outstanding men for the past several years? Grace is the only answer I can come with. (Yes, I know there are plenty of unscrupulous loggers out there.)
I spent today with them as they laid out a road that will serve multiple purposes in the months and years to come. It was very hot in Nashville, but on the mountain with the majesty of big trees forming an air condition canopy, it was much cooler. A glorious day, far away from news.
What a beautfiully-written post. Wish I were there with you walking the land and rattling the snake.
ReplyDeleteWouldn't mind seeig some real men too? We don't have them where I live. But for the moment
I'm on the Cape soaking up the last rays of summer.
Thank you, my friend. Was just thinking of you this morning, wondering how you and P are doing. We'll have to have a catch up soon via phone. Enjoy those last rays of summer. It's about to cool off here.
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