Pine cone gloat

[Gary Beasley]

My wife and I decided to go camping on the spur of the moment and decided to head south to FDR State Park in hopes of finding some large lonhleaf pine cones. Well I think we suceeded, before we even got the camper to the campgound Dale spied very large pinecones on the side of the road. We collected a large 33 gallon bag of prime cones right then and there. Saturday we were out doing a bit of exploring and found several good collecting sites and had another big bag full before we headed back to the campground. I learned FDR actually planted his farm with a large quantity of the longleaf pines in the area after learning no effort was being made to replant the forests there after trees were harvested.
I think I'm set for a few years.

 

[Drstrangefart]

Many congratulations, Dad. Glad you found a reliable supply.

 

[Gary Beasley]

Finally got one bag cleaned up and I think I got about 80 cores. One more bag to go but I think I'll wait a while, it's a pretty messy operation.

 

[Vince_Hoffmann]

Great find !! Yes, cutting cones is very very dusty and messy. I typically find mine green and closed, then dry them indoors so they stay closed. That way, if the core is not big, the cone leaves will flesh out the remainder of the blank.

 

[Gary Beasley]

These are some big cores. You can make cigar pens from them with room to spare.

 

[rkimery]

great find indeed!