The Chickasawhay River and the Leaf River begin their origins about 100 miles to the north and snake their way south through wooded areas eventually conjoining to create the Pascagoula River. As the river makes it way south it is divided and become two rivers, the East & West Pascagoula with its banks winding through the Cypress, Oak, and Juniper trees along the way. This eventually creates a three square mile wide marsh between the rivers in the Moss Point and Gautier area near the mouth of the Gulf. It is along these river banks that the process begins.
Learn about the "Singing River"
The entire process encompasses several steps and many years. The first depends on mother nature. Heavy rains to the north cause the rivers to rise above flood stage causing a tremendous surge as the waters flow toward the Gulf of Mexico. Every curve and bend in the river has its banks eroded little by little and year by year. The trees along its banks gradually have their root system exposed and eventually give way and lean into the water. As time goes by the remaining root system gives in to the rushing water, the tree begins its slow journey downstream. Many times the tree is submerged and stuck in one spot for long periods of time with the river current stripping its outer bark and eventually becoming a smooth log that’s ripe and ready. Bobing up and down as they make their way down stream, they lodge along the banks, on a sand bar or in the marsh. This process takes place over several years even decades, so it isn’t like there is an abundance of wood available.
Next comes the recovery. Most of all the logs are not suitable for wood working and finding the right one takes time. Once located the log is then towed to shore where it is retrieved from the water cut into manageable lengths. Next a trip to a local sawmill where each section is sliced into the width and diameter desired for the project the designer has in mind. The wood is then taken back to workshop where it is placed in racks to dry.
Once completely dry, the wood is milled to conform to the needs of the design for the project which it was intended. Then with a lot of love of the craft, a unique piece of décor is created.
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