I borrowed that phrase from a sign as you enter Berlin, New Hampshire. For more than a century, the economy of northern New Hampshire has been defined by the wood products industry. The area I visited yesterday is the real northern New Hampshire, at least two hours north of the outlet store “paradise” of North Conway. I was photographing a family that runs a logging business, in support of a story that will run in a future Northern Woodlands. There is a ton that I could write about, it was an interesting operation to visit on one the most beautiful summer days you could ask for (cool temps and mostly clear skies). But in the interest of getting work done, I’ll briefly highlight this family’s logging process from the viewpoint of equipment used.

Ok, one picture of wood that has been piled up (for pickup by firewood distributor) to start.

The 1998 Timberjack 608B feller-buncher grasps, cuts, and piles up 80 foot hardwoods with ease.

A 1994 John Deere 648E grapple/cable skidder hauls a load away.

The 1995 Hood 24000 loader and portable slasher takes the trees, removes the branches, cuts to length, and loads the trailer.

A load is hauled away to a mill in Quebec in a 2001 Western Star log truck.

Headed down to White Sands National Monument this past week. It’s an incredible place to visit with some great camping, photography opportunities, and short hikes.

I set my alarms for just before 5am this morning, the plan was to meet Anne and Janet at Cathedral Ledge (North Conway, NH) to photograph them climbing. I arrived while it was still dark and headed down to the ledge above Recompense (5.9) to set an anchor and static line (with the assistance of my headlamp). Despite a lack of coffee in their systems, Anne and Janet showed up with plenty of time to rap down and start climbing as the sun rose. Anne led and did a great job despite some damp and slimy conditions inside the corner. I kept gravitating towards my fisheye lens and got some great images. We packed up as most people in the valley were waking up and hit Frontside Grind for some coffee and baked goods, a great way to start the day.