Hap Johnson

S

Sidehill Gouger

Joined
Dec 29, 2007
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The county historical museum put on a program about the legendary world champion all around logger, Hap Johnson from Castle Rock, WA last night. Ever see North To Alaska? That is Hap climbing the spar tree rather than John Wayne. Hap's son in law made a comment I loved. "He could have a camp fire going while you were still getting your matches out!" A real old time timber beast for sure.
 
:cool:

"Harold 'Hap' Johnson, limbing his way up a big Sitka Spruce. Hap was my Great Uncle and one inspiration for these Memorial Galleries. The stories of these great men need to be told and retold again."

1_a_1_a_Uncle_Hap_in_Spruce_AA.jpg
 
Ever notice how many of these Mountain Man legends, have the last name of Johnson. They must be part Viking, taking on the wilderness. :D

Spar Tree - 1977 A film by Phillip Borsos - Part 2

[video=youtube;ps87YJJtzEI]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ps87YJJtzEI[/video]
 
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Thanks for sharing that pic and film clip 555. They need to show this in schools these days to de-feminize these pansie kids today.
 
That is a cool vid!
Looks like the perfect job for me, being scared of heights and all, LOL!

Had a guy tell me about all the loggers he knew in Colorado once.
Said they where all missing fingers, limbs and eyes.
Tough men, tough job.
 
Twistedpair said:
That is a cool vid!
Looks like the perfect job for me, being scared of heights and all, LOL!

Had a guy tell me about all the loggers he knew in Colorado once.
Said they where all missing fingers, limbs and eyes.
Tough men, tough job.
Click to expand...

In the woods its called "getting stove up" and most loggers will say something like "I intend to keep working until I get to stove up to continue." Hap made that exact statement in one interview. He lasted into his 70's.
 
Makes me want to put on my VHS movie; Sometimes a Great Notion and listen to my collection of Buzz Martin LPs. I miss those days. Gonna put on my Hickory shirt and put in a chew.
 
Thumbs up for Buzz Martin. We actually played his recordings in class back when I was at WSU in forestry classes.
 
Sidehill Gouger said:
Thumbs up for Buzz Martin. We actually played his recordings in class back when I was at WSU in forestry classes.
Click to expand...

I was fortunate in that my best friend's dad was Buzz's manager. So I got to hang out and drink a lot of beer with my buddy, his dad, and Buzz. Plus I got to sing along with him. His son is now carrying on his dad's legacy.
 
555, that black and white photo of Hap going up that Sitka Spruce is amazing, how big the tree is and I wonder how tall it was? John
 
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