Tree Hunting Tips

When hunting for a Christmas tree in SE Idaho follow these few basic guidelines for a successful trip.

* The most common species of evergreens in the area are douglas fir and lodge pole pine. Both make terrible Christmas trees, both are too sparse and have weak branches that poorly support ornaments. Look instead for blue or engelman spruce, white fir, noble fir, or sub alpine fir. All of the good species prefer colder climes so look for them in north facing slopes above 6000 feet.

*Drive to an alpine area with elevation of at least 6000 feet. Throw a saw, rope and tarp into your pack and an almost 3 year old, near thirty pound little boy on your shoulder and slog a 1/2 mile, 1000 foot elevation gain path through 3 inches of fresh snow.

*Look and find the perfect tree. In this case a white fir located around the 7000 foot line. Let the little boy chop the tree down.

Hey look! A saw!

Daddy, let me do it!

*Once the tree has been felled, wrap it securely in the tarp, tie a rope to the tree and stuff all of your leftover gear into the tree's branches. Tie a big loop in the end of the rope, put it over one shoulder bandolier style and throw the almost three year old little boy back on your shoulders. Lug the tree out, catching on every stump, aspen, bush and deadfall between where you cut the tree and the rig (about 1/2 mile). Dump your stuff out of the tree and end up carrying it in your hand. Take frequent breaks, to catch your breath, keep from passing out and keep your heart from exploding.

*Once at the car, stuff the little boy into the car, and put some hand warmers in his hands when he tells you his hands (now without his gloves) are cold. Securely lash the tree to the roof of the rig and drive home after securing said little boy in his car seat. Little boy will promptly fall asleep.

*Now that you are home do a little trimming to the desired height and lug the tree and stand into the house. With the assistance of the little boy, and Vovo (grandma) Zeze mount tree in stand.



*Now enlist the aid of everyone you can find to decorate tree. Throw 15 strands of lights, 200 glass balls and the accumulated ornaments (Thanks Julie!) of the years onto tree.

Good help is essential!

*Let the supervisor sleep. He is grumpy when woken, and can be enchanted with the lights later.

Supervisor Joshua

*Two hours, and many exasperating moments with the little boy later, sit back and enjoy the fruit of your labors: the aching back and thighs, and the beauty of the tree.

All done!