Axe Wood

The Charms And Challenges Of Country Living

Perhaps you are looking to really get away from it all for a quiet vacation. Or, maybe you are considering retirement in a rural or even rustic environment. Those weary of the crowds and stress of city living may long for the peace and quiet of a cabin in the woods. If this is your idea of fun, you should definitely run with it. There are a few things, however, to think about before taking off for the wilderness. While you may not miss your daily latte from the corner cafe, probably you don’t feel the same way about giving up basic creature comforts such as warmth and water.

The first thing to think about with regard to life in a rural setting is being well stocked with supplies of all kinds. Depending on how far you are from the nearest town, it may be difficult to get to a store very easily if you run out of something. Food and other supplies should be stockpiled and managed carefully so that you don’t need to make an emergency trip for an item or two. Instead have planned shopping days and make sure you have enough to last for the periods in between.

One thing you must definitely not run out of, even more so than food, is water. It is likely that your country place will have its own well. A well may have wonderful water, but unfortunately it also may run dry, particularly during late summer. And if electricity is needed to run the pump, a power outage could interrupt your water supply also. Of course, a generator is good to have on hand for such a situation. But a supply of bottled water is also recommended, enough to last for several days at least for drinking, cooking and washing.

You should have some self-sufficiency with regard to emergency situations that may occur, as personnel from town may take some time to get to you when you need them. Make sure you have first aid supplies and know basic first aid procedures, including CPR.

Avoid emergency situations whenever you can, of course, both in terms of your own and your family’s personal safety, and that of your house. Keep a large area all around it clear of brush as well as overgrown trees and bushes. You can easily accomplish this with a light duty Homelite chainsaw. In the event of a forest fire, the cleared area will serve as a barrier until firefighters can put out the blaze.

While you are busy clearing the land around your house, you might consider having a garden to produce your own fruits and vegetables. This is not only very satisfying, but also very practical. Between eating your fresh homegrown produce and perhaps the extra that you have put up in cans, you will be independent of extra trips to the store for such perishables.

You are likely to need and want a good supply of firewood when the weather turns cool. The only source of heat for your home may be an air-tight fireplace. Or you may prefer it even if other heating options, such as gas or electric, are available. And even an open fireplace is a source of some heat as well as enjoyment. An afternoon in the woods with a heavy duty Husqvarna chainsaw will produce all the firewood you need, after, of course, you have split it with your axe.

Now you can enjoy the rewards of all your hard work and planning. With a full tank of water, a full pantry and plenty of other supplies to last as long as you need them to, you can relax and enjoy the rural lifestyle. You have plenty of firewood in the house, and much more outside, getting seasoned for when you’ll need it later. With all these creature comforts, and the satisfaction of having done it yourself, it’s time for a cup of coffee and some relaxation. Or you may feel ambitious and get back to working on the quilt set you’re making. This is as good as it gets.

Bryan’s Favorite Axe – Split wood the easy way!