It’s time to kick off the Christmas season and nothing lights up the Holiday like the smell of a fresh cut Christmas Tree. This year I decided to head up to Northern Arizona and “truck out” in the forest, drive thru the snow and cut my own tree using cool tools and get a work out – cutting your own tree is lots of work. Let me share my adventure with you.
I drove 2017 Honda Ridgeline , seriously this truck is amazing. It’s fast, efficient, roomy , and can handle any terrain ( snow, mud, sand,) and you can listen to Christmas tunes in the bed of the truck. Yep, the Ridgeline’s has an in-bed audio system so you can jam while you cut your tree.
Before heading out I stopped to purchase my permit at the US National Forest Services the cost only $15, you receive a tag which must be placed on the tree and a map indicating the allowed cutting area.
When you are heading to higher elevations the weather can be unpredictable the Ridgeline’s lockable In-Bed Trunk storage space was perfect to store all snacks, tools with out fearing they would get wet by rain or covered in snow. As I drove thru a very snowy Mogollan Rim trail, had peace of mind knowing all supplies were perfectly stored.
I loved finding my “imperfect – perfect” tree ( remember they are wild so they are not “fuller” like a farm grown), and if your thinking we are harming the environment by unnecessary deforestation.It is quite the opposite ,you are helping Smokey the Bear thin over populated areas which in turn help prevent forest fires.
As I mentioned in the beginning of the post, cutting your own tree is hard work. I recommend not venturing to far from the side of the road. There you will find the fuller trees , also it be easier to carry and load.
I’m ready to kick off the holidays with my freshly cut, Christmas tree!
For more on the Honda Ridgeline, I invite you to test drive it at your closet dealership.
Until next time,
Sandra
