EAGLESTAR.NET LAND AND PROPERTY REVIEW
http://www.eaglestar.net
Issue #47
December 16, 2008

IN THIS ISSUE:
Properties of the Week: AZ, TN, TX, WA
Our Natural World: Lunar Planting
Sponsor's Corner: Blue Heron Woods, PA
This Week's Top Searches
Auction News: GA, OK, WA, WI
LandTerms.com Term of the Week: Thalweg


"And for the precious fruits brought forth by the sun, and for the precious
things brought forth by the moon."
- The Bible, Deuteronomy 33:14


PROPERTIES OF THE WEEK
Historic Ranch Property
Reardan, Lincoln County, Washington
299+/- acres farm land / open pasture, including 59 acres tillable cropland.
Historic ranch property located on the Walla Walla to Colville Wagon Trail. A
beautiful setting, with orchard, lush grass, and ponds with springs. Rock well
is spring fed. Old homestead site with 1/4 mi paved road frontage. Listing ID:
21273. See photos and additional information at
http://www.eaglestar.net/btha1-.html

1138 Acres Fishing and Hunting Land
Paris, Lamar County, Texas
1,138+/- acre ranch located 5 minutes SW of Paris TX. 5 lakes, 8 ponds - all
stocked. Hills, trees, meadows with good grass. 4.3 miles of frontage, all
utilities. Enjoy hunting, fishing, camping, wildlife viewing, bird watching,
and much more. New fencing and metal pipe gated entrances throughout. Perfect
for a hunting, horse or cattle ranch, vacation, retirement, or investment
property. Located approximately 100 miles northeast of the Dallas/Ft. Worth
area. Listing ID: 21252. Photos and more information are available at
http://www.eaglestar.net/ekt.html

1.16 Acre Lot in Show Low Pines
15 mi. NE Show Low, Apache County, Arizona
This 1.16 acres is centrally located about 15 miles northeast of the busy town
of Show Low and seven miles southwest of the town of Concho. Show Low is the
largest town in the White Mountains area. The area where the property is
located is fairly flat with lots of mature trees and grass scattered about.
There are homes in the area and we found power in the unit as well. The main
road is in excellent shape and the other roads were easily drivable but a bit
overgrown from lack of use. This is a great investment for someone looking for
a place close to the busy town of Show Low or someone seeking a home site in
the White Mountains. Listing ID: 21478. View photos and contact information at
http://www.eaglestar.net/hfy2-.html

45 Acre Hunting Camp For Sale
Rogersville, Hawkins County, Tennessee
Private, gated, and overlooking the Holston River, this 45+/- acre parcel is
surrounded by 1500+ acres which are privately owned, as well as another 5000
acre parcel owed by TVA. Owners have taken nine 8-point bucks, two 6-pointers
and one 7-point buck since 2003. Owners have seen anywhere from 15-45 deer at
one time from tree stands. Property has been well cultivated and plotted with
crops to attract both deer and turkey. Other wildlife such as squirrels,
rabbits, and silver and red foxes also inhabit the parcel at various times.
Listing ID: 20302. Find photos and other information at
http://www.eaglestar.net/fmr3-.html


OUR NATURAL WORLD
This week we're taking a break from the forest and water series of articles to
bring you the first of a three-part series on farming and gardening done
according to the phase or position of the moon.

A Guide to Lunar Planting
Part 1: Moon Phases
In this age of seemingly constant technological advances, it is easy to forget
that the moon was once a guiding force in the everyday lives of most people -
and to some, it still is. A lot of ancient beliefs about the moon are pure
superstition, but many others, especially those concerned with planting and
other farming and gardening tasks, have been shown to be at least partially
true. The gravitational pull of the moon upon Earth actually does have
physical effects, such as controlling tidal cycles and causing pressure changes
in both subterranean aquifers and the internal fluid systems of plants. Many
contemporary farmers and gardeners would not think of undertaking planting or
harvesting activities without first consulting an astronomical calendar.

For those who hold by these tenets, doing the right thing at the right time can
make all the difference in the world. Knowing whether the moon is waxing or
waning, between Full Moon and New Moon or vice versa, or in its First Quarter
or Last Quarter phase can make or break a successful growing season, or so
lunar planters and harvesters believe. And it seems they have a valid point. An
article appearing in the scientific journal 'Biological Agriculture and
Horticulture' synthesized the findings of previous studies and concludes that,
indeed, 'lunar factors may have a practical significance for agriculture'.

The Pull of the Moon
The moon is the nearest celestial body to the Earth and its gravity greatly
affects Earth, exerting a pulling force that is quite strong. This force
controls, to a great degree, the tidal action of oceans, soil moisture levels,
and the delicate balance of water and other fluids in the internal systems of
plants. The effects of lunar gravitational pull are strongest when the moon is
closest to the Earth - during the new moon and full moon phases of the lunar
cycle. The pull is strong during the new moon, when the moon is between the
Earth and the sun, but even stronger during a full moon because both the moon
and the sun are exerting gravitational influences from opposite sides of the
Earth.

Oceanic tides are highest during a full moon and new moon because of the moon's
gravity. So are soil moisture levels and the ability of plants and seeds to
absorb moisture, which is why these moon phases are considered good times to do
general plantings and seed sowing. Seeds germinate best and plants grow fastest
during new and full moons. Researchers have found that this is true even in
experiments conducted in laboratories where the plants were never directly
exposed to the moon.

Phases of the Moon
The moon, like Earth, has one-half of its surface illuminated by the sun at any
one time. We see different portions of the moon's illuminated surface at
different times, due to the orbital rotation of the moon around Earth and to
the rotation of Earth on its axis. The phases of the moon correspond with and
describe the ever-changing visible portions of its surface. The moon rises in
the east and sets in the west, about 50 minutes later each day. It takes 29.5
days for the moon to orbit Earth and complete all its phases, moving gradually
eastward at a rate imperceptible to the naked eye. Together the phases of the
moon are known as a "lunar cycle" or, to astronomers, a "lunation". The first
phase of each lunation is the new moon.

New Moon
During this phase, also called the "dark of the moon", the moon is almost
directly between the Earth and the sun. The moon is nearly invisible, with its
lit half facing almost entirely away from Earth. A new moon, like all moon
phases, occurs about once a month. On rare occasions, a solar eclipse may occur
during a new moon, if the moon is positioned exactly between the sun and Earth.
A new moon rises and sets with the sun, and shadows it across the daytime sky.

During a new moon, soil moisture levels are high and plants and seeds absorb
water very well. The result is that the new moon phase of the lunar cycle is a
time of balanced leaf and root growth. According to lunar folklore, new moons
are a good time to plant above-ground crops and crops that bear their seeds
outside the fruit. Examples include grains, beans, cucumbers, lettuce, spinach,
cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower, corn, and celery. Plants that are transplanted
or repotted during a new moon tend to do well because of the soil moisture
available in this phase.

Waxing Crescent Moon
A waxing moon occurs when the lit portion of the moon appears to be growing
successively larger each evening as it progresses from a new moon to a full
moon and back to a new moon. Waxing crescent moons can be seen between one and
several days following the new moon. Waxing crescent moons are called
"right-hand moons", because they appear similar to the curved edge of a right
hand. Some also call them "young moons". Waxing crescent moons are always seen
in the west after sunset. They rise from one to several hours after sunset and
set a few hours after sunrise.

First Quarter Moon
A first quarter moon occurs about a week after a new moon. It appears as a
semicircle, like the letter "D" - half of the side of the moon facing Earth is
illuminated, and half is in shadow. This moon phase takes its name from the
fact that the moon has now completed 1/4 of its orbit around Earth (as measured
from new moon to new moon). Because half the moon's face is lit, some people
call this a "half moon". First quarter moons rise at noon and set at midnight.

The first quarter is a good time for general planting - especially two days
prior to the full moon. A first quarter moon is considered to be a very
fruitful period and a time of vigorous leaf growth. It is also supposed to be
the absolute best time to plant corn. If you want your lawn to grow faster, mow
it during this phase. Crops that do well when sown during a first quarter moon
include above-ground annuals with seeds that grow inside fruit, like tomatoes,
beans, melons, peppers, squash, and peas.

Waxing Gibbous Moon
"Gibbous" refers to those phases where more than one-half of the moon's visible
surface is illuminated - in between the last quarter and new moon or the first
quarter and full moon. A waxing gibbous moon appears in the eastern sky after
sunset and looks nearly full. It occurs between one and two weeks after a new
moon. Waxing gibbous moons are often visible during the day.

Full Moon
Full moons rise around sunset and set in the morning at about sunrise. They
occur about two weeks following the new moon and mark the completion of half
the lunar cycle (1/2 a lunation). During the full moon phase, the moon is on
the opposite of the Earth from the sun and is positioned in such a way as to
reflect sunlight across its entire Earth-facing side. Needless to say, a full
moon is the brightest, longest-lasting phase of the lunar cycle.

Lunar planting guides say that the full moon is a good time to transplant and
repot plants, and that root crops harvested during a full moon will keep
longer. Because of increased soil moisture and uptake of water by plant tissues
and seeds, full moons are also a very good time for general planting and sowing
of seeds.

Waning Gibbous Moon
"Waning" describes any phase where the visible part of the moon's illuminated
surface is growing smaller, from a full moon to a crescent moon, eventually
passing into the new moon phase. This visible portion is smaller each night,
moving from right to left. Waning moons are called "left-hand moons", because
they appear similar to the curved edge of a left hand. Waning gibbous moons
rise several hours after sunset, often appearing orange or red and abnormally
large when near the horizon, both of which are optical illusions. Waning
gibbous moons set hours after sunrise and therefore can usually be seen well
into the morning hours in the western sky.

Last Quarter Moon
When one-half of the moon's face is lit, it is called a "quarter moon". A last
quarter moon occurs approximately three weeks after a new moon and one week
after a full moon, when the moon has completed about three-fourths if its
journey around Earth. A last quarter moon rises around midnight and sets
around noon. It appears in the sky as a backward "D".

According to lunar folklore, timber should be cut during the quarter moon,
because it will dry and cure better and be more resistant to insects, mold, and
fungus. The lessened gravitational pull of the moon and decreasing moonlight
suggest that this is a period of rest, which continues until the next new moon.
This is a great time to clear brush, cut trees, kill weeds or pests, harvest,
and prune.

Waning Crescent Moon
A waning crescent moon is the final moon phase before the new moon - the lunar
cycle is nearly complete. Waning crescent moons rise in the east a few hours
before sunrise - if you are not an early riser yourself, you may never see one.
Waning crescent moons stay in the sky all day, but are not visible against the
glare of the sun. They set a few hours (or less) before the sun.

Waning crescent moons mark the most dormant time of the month in terms of plant
growth. Like a last quarter moon, activities like weeding, pruning, harvesting,
and so forth should be conducted during a waning crescent moon. This is the
best time to till soil, in part because it is easier due to the fact that soil
moisture is lower during this phase. If you would like to reduce your lawn's
growing rate, this is the time to mow it.

Hair Moon
One final non-agricultural, yet extremely important, note is that unbeknownst
to most of us, the phases of the moon can also affect our hair. Although
researchers have not yet been able to prove this, we at EagleStar.net feel that
it is only a matter of time before they do. Just as the moon's gravity causes
increases or decreases in plant and soil moisture, so it does to our hair. What
this means is that if you normally have frizzy hair, expect it to be frizzier
during new and full moons. On the other hand, if you have dry, flyaway hair,
expect these to be your best hair days. Just like mowing your lawn, cut your
hair during a last quarter or waning crescent moon to retard its growth and
during the first quarter to encourage it. Even though this may be slightly
off-topic, we thought it important to impart to you this crucial information.

Increasing crop yields by planning agricultural and gardening activities around
the lunar calendar is certainly more than an old wives' tale. Scientific
studies and experiments have shown this procedure to be highly effective and a
very useful tool for farmers and gardeners alike. We know that the effects of
the moon on plants are due to its gravity, which pulls on the water and other
fluids of Earth. What we don't know is why the position of the moon relative to
signs and constellations of the Zodiac affects certain kinds of plants in
different - and often amazing - ways.

In Parts 3 and 4 of this series, we'll explore these effects and offer some
more general tips on planting by the moon. Also in the next several issues,
we'll finish our investigation of water and forests - at least as far as it
concerns the southwestern U.S. Watch for them in your inbox in the coming
weeks.


SPONSOR'S CORNER
The Land and Property Review would like to thank this week's sponsor, Blue
Heron Woods.
Blue Heron Woods - PA Land for Sale
Lackawaxen, Pike County, Pennsylvania
Located only 2 miles from Lake Wallenpaupack, this 2+/- acre property in PA at
Blue Heron Woods is in the heart of the Pocono Mountains and its 4 seasons of
recreation.
Rent a slip for your boat on Lake Wallenpaupack and go water-skiing, fishing,
or just enjoy a warm sunny day on the lake. If you're a sportsman you'll have
thousands of acres of state land near our property in PA to hunt on, or go
fishing on the Lackawaxen or Delaware Rivers only minutes away. Listing ID:
22121. Photos and more information can be found at
http://www.eaglestar.net/Detailed/22121.html


THIS WEEK'S TOP SEARCHES
Recent popular and interesting searches by visitors to EagleStar.net:
"Kentucky farm auctions"
"Wichita Falls TX"
"beach front property"
"Belize land buyers"
"San Blas"
"1 acre livestock"
"Whiteriver AZ"
"13 lot waterfront subdivision on Hunting Creek"
"acreage in Monument Oregon for sale"
"horse properties with log home in Tennessee"
"California lakefront"
"MO hunting property"
"Michigan log homes"
"Queen Creek AZ cheap land mobile homes"
"Pennsylvania mountain land"


AUCTION NEWS
Browse thumbnail photos and short property descriptions at
http://www.eaglestar.net/Land_Auction_Calendar/index.html

Spectacular Puget Sound Views, 4 BR Luxury Home
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
Camano Island, Island County, Washington
Elger Bay area luxury home with magnificent views of Puget Sound. 4 bedrooms, 6
baths, 4,972+/- square feet, built in 2003. Magnificent stucco two-story home
with luxurious upgrades and fine details. Three-car attached garage, large
driveway and a secluded, wooded lot. Backyard has an inground pool and spa with
a beautiful stamped concrete surround, a perfect area to entertain and enjoy
the sunsets over the Puget Sound. The property is located on Camano Island,
near Possession Sound and the Sarasota Passage. 90 minutes from Seattle, WA.
Listing ID: 21818. View the property web page at
http://www.eaglestar.net/ww5.html

Charming 3 Bedroom Home Auction
Friday, December 19, 2008
Sapulpa, Creek County, Oklahoma
Very cute 3 bedroom, 2 bath home one block off Dewey. Breezy front porch and
fenced yard. A great property for use as residence or an investment. Sapulpa,
OK, which bills itself as "The Heart of Route 66", is the home of the Creek
City Speedway. Enjoy fishing at one of the town lakes. Sapulpa also features a
community theater troupe, two golf courses, three fitness centers, two bowling
alleys, and an 8-screen movie theater. Located 20 minutes from Tulsa, OK. 1
hour, 20 minutes from Oklahoma City, OK. Listing ID: 22193. Photos and more
information at http://www.eaglestar.net/ww3.html

Cozy 3 BR Home For Sale
Friday, December 19, 2008
Milwaukee, Milwaukee County, Wisconsin
Adorable 3 bedroom, 1 bath brick and wood home in Milwaukee, WI for sale.
Auction Dec. 19.
3 bedroom, 1 bath 942+/- square feet, single-family home for sale. Built in
1958. Approximately .17 acre lot. Taxes approximately $2956 ('07). Located in
the Menomonee River Hills subdivision. Great investment or rental property.
Listing ID: 22195. View photos and additional information at
http://www.eaglestar.net/ww1.html

Home and Lot in Upscale Neighborhood
Friday, December 19, 2008
Tulsa, Tulsa County, Oklahoma
0.38+/- acre lot for sale in a desirable part of Tulsa, OK. This property is
surrounded by luxury estates and within walking distance to Philbrook Museum of
Art and Woodward Park. Convenient to St. John's Medical Center, Utica Square
and Cascia Hall. Prime midtown location in exclusive Terwilleger Heights area,
adjacent to historic Maple Ridge. The 3,285+/- square foot home was built in
1979 and needs major renovation. Property interior will be available for
inspection on sale day 2 hours prior to auction. Listing ID: 21813. Photos and
more information can be found at http://www.eaglestar.net/ww7.html

Tahlequah Plantation Georgia Hunting Land
Saturday, January 24, 2009
Thomasville, Thomas County, Georgia
520 +/- acre quail hunting plantation in the heart of plantation country
offered high bidder's choice. 35+/- acre floodable pond. Fenced property.
Bank-ordered real estate foreclosure auction. Excellent hunting potential:
quail, deer, turkey, plus duck ponds. Day house for hunting trip headquarters.
Tahlequah Plantation has numerous home and building sites and would be an
excellent location for a lodge or private estate. Property has timber, road
frontage, and water from a 12" well. Listing ID: 21812. Photos and contact
information are at http://www.eaglestar.net/ddsn.html


LANDTERMS.COM TERM OF THE WEEK
http://landterms.com
Each issue we feature a real estate, forestry, natural sciences or other
land-related term from our partner site, LandTerms.com.

This week's term: Thalweg
The deepest point in any cross-section of a river or stream channel; the
imaginary line that connects the deepest points of all possible cross-sections
of a stream or river.

Find thousands of land-related terms at Landterms.com! Click on the
"Categories" button at the top of each page to see the list of over 35
categories of terms.


SUGGESTIONS
We welcome reader suggestions, comments, and questions.
Email: newsletter@eaglestar.net

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http://eaglestar.net/newsletter.

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