We had first snow on the mountains 2 days ago. It hasn't really been that cold (hi-50's/low 60's days down to mid-30's at night), but three overcast days in a row results in no solar gain. And today I had no choice but to make a fire, using some of the Siberian Elm reserved for the shoulder seasons.
I posted a couple days ago in the Wood Shed forum, my concern about the pine populations in this area being decimated by the infamous bark beetle. While part of it is for environmental reasons, part of it is also purely selfish. If there isn't pine/pinon to burn, then I'm stuck with this Siberian Elm, which is thriving while the indigenous species are under siege. It is one of the worst fuelwoods I've ever used. Besides smelling awful and putting a bad taste in my mouth, it has low heating value, burns reluctantly, and leaves no useful coals. If this was the only wood available to burn, I'm not sure I'd do it. Awful stuff.
I posted a couple days ago in the Wood Shed forum, my concern about the pine populations in this area being decimated by the infamous bark beetle. While part of it is for environmental reasons, part of it is also purely selfish. If there isn't pine/pinon to burn, then I'm stuck with this Siberian Elm, which is thriving while the indigenous species are under siege. It is one of the worst fuelwoods I've ever used. Besides smelling awful and putting a bad taste in my mouth, it has low heating value, burns reluctantly, and leaves no useful coals. If this was the only wood available to burn, I'm not sure I'd do it. Awful stuff.