8. Logging

The rich forests of Pindos drove the Vlachs to specialize in logging. Fir, Bosnian pine, black pine, and beech formed the primary materials for sawn timber. Logging typically began in autumn and ended by early spring, before the sap started flowing in the trees. The plentiful waters of the Aoos River and its tributaries powered water sawmills—hydro-powered, semi-permanent structures that turned tree trunks into planks. Large logs were transported from the felling sites to the sawmills via the rushing waters or along natural hillside slopes, known as log trails. Smaller logs were loaded onto horses and mules led by the Vlach carriers, known as kiratzides, and hauled over long distances through forest paths. Renowned Vlach sawyers hailed from Vovousa, Distrato, and Perivoli. They lived in forest huts, spinning tales of fairies and goblins as they worked.