Leaf Raking

This year's leaf raking was productive. The event was held a week late this year, but that meant more of the leaves had fallen and could be raked. The morning started with a shining sun and perfect raking conditions. The Steensmas and Elenbaases came out in force and accomplished most of the leg work,but grandpa wanted it to be known that he and Mr. Kett had already hauled 6 tractor loads the weekend prior.






The leaves, wet from a prior night's rain, packed easily, but left us a little muddy.







After 30 some years of doing this, we found a new innovation to improve efficiency. The VerHoefs had us rake the leaves onto tarps so they could be loaded into the trailer faster. I took a side off the trailer and used it as a ramp to rake the leaves directly into the trailer. This worked well until one wet, dirty rakefull launched up the ramp a little too forcefully, and caught our most diligent stomper square in the face. Sorry Grace!







As the day progressed the sun hid behind clouds, and the temperatures dropped until the fire pit was the only thing warm.