The stump is the remains of one of the largest fir trees that had been on the farm. Right next to the house it died completely over the first years we owned the farm. It stood dead for years until I got the balls to take it down September 30, 2019.

Since then the stump has stood slowly decaying.

So I got to work with the adze cutting ans chopping as much of the soft wood away as I could then had to dig down some around the roots.

At noon I grabbed my saw and began the onerous task of cutting the thing into chunks. The top sections broke apart as I cut through and I used the wedges to keep it from pinching the chain.

The first section came off and I have quarts of pitch and sap to collect.

Then the next section came off and I had to really dig around the roots.

The 3rd round got cut from the stump which brought it down to only a foot tall above the surrounding ground.

As I dug the dirt and gravel away I found this rock the roots had grown around and I had to chop it out to then pry it out.

There are not many options for dealing with this large of a stump, without having a tractor. So my only real possibility was to cross cut it and try to chunk it out. I made the first cut on the right then had to change my chain. Made the second cut and changed chains again.

I had to put on a new chain after each cut but I was able to sink the saw the full 20" length into the stump and cut all the way across at depth.

More chain changes and more digging around the roots meant I could get a plunge cut done to remove the first section.

I put on my last sharpened chain and cut at the second section. I got it cut pretty far then used the wedges to break it out. I had to double stack the set of wedges to get enough pressure to break the remaining connection point.

By this time it was about 3:30 pm and I was so sore. The amount of sawing I did on the stump was easily as much as the tree I brought home. I called it good for the day since all of my chains are dull and need sharpening now.

UFC 307 was on and what a shit show. Useless refs, highly ignorant judges, and totally screwed up results. At least the local woman Pena has the title belt back.

Soaking only did so much and I ended up sleeping like shit last night. I was sore all night and every time I woke up I was in pain. I've now spent 2 hours this morning with the Theracane mashing my screwed up back muscles.

Today I am trying to work out the knots in my back. The stump needs more work but the chains all need sharpening. Possible to fly mid day in Chewy but I will see how my body feels.

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