October 15, 2010

View of the day-Picking up the last swath of the season.

Yes, that's right, today was the last day of harvesting for 2010...six weeks ahead of last year.

We were combining before 10am and because we only had a few scattered acres to get done, we were finished before noon. Marilyn drove the combine over to the 'campground' to start the cleaning process and Al went to get the header trailer so we could load the pickup head so it would be easier to clean.

There was a good wind blowing so we got the stuff situated where we could take advantage of it, blowing off the chaff and straw. Marilyn started washing the pickup head while Al got to blow off the combine to get it ready for a swish. Marilyn was also able to get the tractor and grain cart cleaned, inside and out, before getting the combine into the wash bay next to the camper.

Al went on a road trip to visit a friend while Marilyn kept on cleaning until the pressure washer ran out of gas. She filled it up and apparently flooded it because no amount of pulling would start it, so she switched over to the garden hose with a spray nozzle...which actually works better to clean out the hopper.

Al got back and managed to get the pressure washer started so Marilyn could continue on with the washing. He worked on getting the tow strap off the chain on the back of the combine...it took a hammer, pry bar and lots of patience, but he finally got it loose and took the chain off. We wouldn't be needing it again this year...for that, anyway.

It got dark before we could finish the combine, but we have plenty of time for cleaning in the morning since Al wants AIS by 2pm...that's the Freightliner, empty cart trailer and camper going on the first trip. Sunday we will road the combine and tractor/grain cart home to Yorkton...the General and trailer will make it another day...no rush there, either.

Climbing up and down the ladders, crawling in and out of the grain cart, and fighting the pressure washer, Marilyn is pretty sure there will be some aching muscles tomorrow...better load up on the Aleve before hitting the sack.

We hope you enjoy the video of 'On The Combine' by High Valley. Visit their site and share the video...