Backwood Polaris Upgrades

I've been finding satisfaction in using things I already have rather than buying new stuff.  

An example of that is a few  modifications I recently made to my 2004 Polaris Ranger.

1. I attached a saddle gun scabbard to the driver side that I had purchased several years ago from Cabellas in anticipation of some day acquiring a Mule named Ruth, just like Festus Haggen.

2.  A rough chainsaw scabbard was crafted from western red cedar scraps and fit nicely into the existing stake-pockets.

3.  A heavy duty bed-divider was added utilizing a 2"x12" red oak slab sawn from a tree that previously occupied space in the side yard of our old house.  This old slab also worked nicely for hanging a large felling axe and 25" Scandinavian forest axe, both compliments of the good folks from  Gransfors Bruk, Sweeden.  As a bonus, these fine timber-cutting tools are now more pleasing to the eye than when they previously bounced around in the bed of the Ranger.

These relatively minor upgrades have helped modify the Polaris Ranger from a general purpose utility vehicle into a more focused firewood and log-work vehicle.   The three upgrades were completed at a total cost of $0.  And, importantly, the .44 will be readily available when Armadillo-whacking opportunities present themselves.

My next planned Ranger-related project is a pull-behind trailer for hauling firewood, assorted campfire material and grandkids.   Rather than purchase a new trailer, I plan to do what Dad and his good friend Don Baird would have done back in the old days: make one out of previously used parts.

Thanks to my handful of reasonably loyal readers for tuning in.  When it comes to random internet reading I'm aware you have myriad choices.  Thanks for including Old and Ridiculous/Regular Folks in your random reads.

Best wishes for a Merry Christmas (or whatever you might be celebrating this time of year).  
As we continue making our way through the holidays, I'll try to keep you posted on firewood and campfire related matters...

(A heartfelt shoutout to Nate and Madeline Dodd from Nashville, Tennessee:)