Sliding into the Solstice

20 December 2025

I am shutting things down until January and heading for the trails.

One of my fondest memories in my forest career is heading home on the last day of work before Christmas in a crew cab full of folks, a load of firewood in the box, a couple of Christmas trees strapped on top, and, back in the day, a thermos with a little something to take the chill off being passed around. Those days are long gone but I still get that feeling.

Saying 2025 was a tough year for the forest industry is an understatement. My condolences to all who are facing uncertainty in these tough times.

As I age the similiarities between the current state of the forest industry and cross country skiing are more noticeable. The number of up hills seem to be increasing, they are getting longer and steeper, there are fewer easy stretches and even on a downhill section things can get out of control quickly. All a person can do is enjoy the ride and keep plugging away.

Thanks to everyone I worked with this season, especially the contractors and crews who came out to help with wildfires. I don’t know where we would be without you. I hope you all get some enjoyable down time over the holidays, reset and get ready to give er’ in 2026!

Merry Christmas and best wishes for the New Year.

Doug

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