NTWG

The wood burning season is well underway and to this point has been what I would call a successful non-traditional wood gathering (NTWG) experiment.  So far we've tried using pine cones for kindin' (see previous post).  We have also tried cutting up stove-sized pieces of non-treated pallet wood.  They burn great but should only be used as a supplement to traditional wood as they burn VERY hot!  They are great for getting a roaring fire up and going but quick.  We also got lucky and caught a high-line clearing crew working in the area who had pieces that were too large to go through their chipper.  The wood that I picked up was in front of a property owner who did not want the wood and in fact wanted the crew to haul it off.  They were more than happy to have me pick it up and save them some time and effort, and all I had to do was ask.  I've also picked up a fair amount of kindlin' from a local hardwood company that leaves a pile of their culls free for the taking.  While going through the pile the other day I had a good conversation with fellow wood scavenger who suggested checking out a rail road tie company who also leaves a pile of end pieces (untreated of course) for those who want them.  I'm sure there will be other opportunities that will arise in the future and any and all are a welcome chance to pick up supplemental fuel for the trusty wood stove.  So keep your eyes peeled for stacks of burnable, (often free for the taking) material.  As long as you are not having to go out of your way and the providers are willing for you to take it off their hands...why not!!!   

Kindlin' in a Cone

Fall and winter are busy seasons on the Runnin' Lean homefront!  Preparations of all sorts have to planned out and then completed before the weather takes a turn for the worse...and then decides to stay that way for a few months!!  One of the most important things to consider (if you're heating with wood that is) is your kindlin' supply!  It's true.  It is something that you can & should continue to gather throughout the burn season as well, but the more you have stock piled from the start the less you have to fret about finding a suitable dry material to use though the rain and snow of winter.  We've tried something new this year that has provided great results . . . pine cones!  A friend of ours has several pine trees on his property which just so happen to be in and around his yard (easy access don't you know;)  The cones are a nuisance to him as they create unwanted debris for him to deal with year after year.  This last spring  we asked if we could pick some of them up to dry out and use for a fire starter.  Without hesitation he said yes.  We promptly picked up a galvanized trash can full of the cones that were strewn around his house and yard.  In no time we had filled the can and were on the road back home with our flammable treasure.  I've used several of them at this point and have to say...they are perfect kindlin'!!!  They burn fast and hot and are so easy to get lit that I can simply put a match to them and watch them go up :)  So pick up some pine cones and bring on Winter!