July 9, 2012

Old Logging Roads

I've expressed obsessions for a few things on Backwoods Plaid. One is history while another is logging. Logging in it's more primitive form is fascinating - the woodsmen took off into unexplored forests for the winter months to work in the woods, fell trees and load them onto frozen lakes. Waiting for spring melt to arrive, they would begin the long, arduous, and sometimes fatal journey of a river driver. Journeying across the state, men followed the river breaking up jams and ensuring the future boards arrived to the mill. Logging, although much less hardcore nowadays, is still a rugged living to make, and for that, it is to be admired.

Driving through these woods, we stop several times along the river to explore. The waters still run crystal clear and the song of birds fills the afternoon air. One can simply picture the bustling of the boots so many years ago. There is something here that draws in man.

As always, thanks for visiting and feel free to leave a comment below or shoot me an e-mail.

Stacks of freshly cut timber await a logging truck to carry them to a mill.


Tracts of open cutting are apparent every 1/4 mile. Offshoots of the main road extend left and right every so often forming a web of roads in an otherwise untouched piece of wilderness.

A soft afternoon light makes its way through the height of the trees before illuminating the forest floor.

Turning miles and kicking up some dirt. The sound of ice rocking back and forth in the cooler fills the Jeep. During stops, however, those ice cold beverages are refreshing.


The road stretches forth. Each corner unveils a unique mountainous view.


Today's camp reading.


Historic sporting camps dot the otherwise dense forest road.


I saw the mud hole approaching. The cooler's ice really splashed back and forth on this one.


I discovered a vacant logging camp that housed loggers in the early years. Now vacant, I assume it was used from the 40's to the 70's.


Stacks of timber and blue skies. Not a soul in sight for as far as the eye can see.


Trail side Lupines spring up along the tent site.

Our wilderness tent site and the beautiful backdrop of Rangeley, Maine.


Other Posts to Explore:


3 comments:

Anonymous said...

Jealous of your camping supplies. Your photos and descriptions tell the story well.

Rhon Bell said...

I appreciate the comment and hope you swing by often.

Edmond G. Belanger said...

Mom walked me outside, with a stern reminder that I had my "New clothes on." "Don't get into any fights," she said. "I have heard that these Izee kids are the toughest and meanest on this earth... And, watch out for the rattlesnakes...I find this website for Best Logger Boots. You can visit this site.