Well, this year's shootout was a lot more relaxed for me compared to last year. I let Craig Blake run the mill, and I took the easy job of just stacking the wood.

Well, easy? Maybe I should just say less stressful!

It's hard to explain what it's like to be in a Shootout. It's not a relaxing time just milling with your mate. There's pressure from the guy churning through his log next to you, and from the crowds cheering and screaming your name.

But most of all, the pressure comes from within you, as you strive to do your best.

You know what your mill is capable of doing, and you believe in your self and your tools, but in that 35 minutes anything can happen. And what a lot of the other guys find out each year, the hard way, is that it's something that you can't prepare for. It's a knowledge that can come only with experience in what really is the Great Portable Sawmill Shootout.

Craig now has some of that Shootout experience. Never satisfied, I know he's going to want to come back for another crack next year, aiming for that number one spot.

Let's keep this great tradition going for many years to come, so we can pass on what we've learnt through our sweat and tears, to the next generation.

If you couldn't get to the show, don't worry, we've brought it to you. Check out some photos of the action at the Shootout, held on 3-4 June at SAWLEX on Tom's blog,theForestry Forum post,andRobert's photo album.

There will be a full wrap up in Sawmill & Woodlot's upcoming issue.