For over 30 years now, each holiday season finds Ray Hoxit working long grueling hours harvesting Christmas trees alongside his brother, Bob. Together, they own and operate two local Christmas tree farms – Flat Creek Tree Farm in Lake Toxaway and Mount Hardy Christmas Tree Farm in Jackson County. For Ray, it’s a life passion that combines his love for the outdoors and nature, with the love of the hard work of growing, nurturing, harvesting and transporting trees to be sold – this year to the WNC Farmer’s Market in Asheville.
During the rest of the year, his “regular” full-time job – decidedly less festive — is that of private weather consultant and meteorologist, specializing in forensic investigation of airplane accidents. From his home office in Brevard, he conducts detailed post-accident analyses of crashes for pending litigation.
This week, I caught up with him as he wrapped up this year’s Christmas tree harvest to learn more about his career as a consulting meteorologist, as well as his part-time job of Christmas tree grower.
Do you and your wife put up a real tree — or fake tree — at Christmas?
No tree, but we put up a few wreaths.
Why no Christmas tree?
Our kids are grown now and by the time we get done selling Christmas trees — and cleaning up pine needles everywhere — we’re temporarily tired of them. (laughing)
I hear Christmas trees were more expensive this year due to COVID-19. Is that true?
Yes, they’re more expensive, but the main reason is a national shortage of trees, not COVID. Also, fertilizers, chemicals, and diesel fuel cost more this year. A 7 to 8-foot Frazier fir sold for $80-$100 this year. and larger 10 to 11-foot trees sold for $150-$250.
Why was there a shortage of trees this year?
Not as many trees were planted in the last 10-12 years. During the recession of 2008/2009, there was an oversupply of Christmas trees and, as a result, many growers lost money and got out of the business.
How many trees do you harvest each year?
This year we harvested approximately 350 trees. Fifteen to twenty 20 ago, we harvested around 2,500 per year.
In your meteorology work, how many legal cases have you worked on?
Over 250. and over 200 plane accidents. Probably 85% or more of those settle before going to trial.
Have you worked on any high profile airplane accident cases?
Yes, the Delta 191 crash in Dallas, Texas. Also, the American Airlines crash in Charlotte, the Korean Airline crash in Guam, the 1996 Airline Crash in Dubrovnik, Croatia, and the accident involving John Kennedy Jr.
What was the final cause of John Kennedy Jr.’s crash determined to be? Consensus opinion is he became spatially disoriented over open water and very hazy conditions.
Has your work made you afraid of flying?
No, but it did change my mind about trying to become a general aviation pilot.
Is weather usually the contributing cause in most airplane accidents?
It’s deemed a contributing factor in about 25% of accidents. The most common cause is pilot error.
What’s the most challenging aspect of your job?
Finding ways to explain meteorological terms in ways that are easily understood when testifying as an expert witness. For example: What is a microburst, what causes it, and how does it affect an aircraft flying through it?
What’s your favorite way to spend free time today?
Fly fishing. I started fly fishing as a teenager and have loved it ever since. My most thrilling moment came about seven years ago on the Beaverhead River in Montana on a cold rainy afternoon. For about an hour, there were big trout rising everywhere and not another fisherman in sight.
What’s your favorite fly fishing location?
I frequently fish the French Broad River, but the exact location of my favorite streams is classified top secret.
What are you most proud of in your life?
I was very proud to finish my PhD in atmospheric science. I’m also proud to have the reputation of as one of the top forensic meteorologists in aviation weather in the U.S. today.
Do you ever go by “Dr. Hoxit?”
Yes, especially when being deposed and testifying in court.
As a meteorologist, how worried are you about climate change?
I’m concerned, but somewhat frustrated with the political simplification of the causes and solutions.
Why does it seem the “tipping point” (and devastating consequences) always keeps getting moved our further and further?
Because, in many cases, tipping point dates are exaggerations. When we reach that date and nothing dramatic happens, we create a new tipping point typically about 10 years in the future.
Where did you grow up?
Lake Toxaway. I went to school at Quebec Elementary (a two-room schoolhouse) and Rosman High School.
Who believed in you when you were young?
Mrs. McCall, my teacher from fourth through seventh grades in that two-room schoolhouse.
What was your first job ever?
Picking beans and cucumbers in the Penrose and Etowah area.
Have you ever been chased by an animal?
Yes, a mountain lion that probably thought I was a deer. I killed it with a bow and arrow when it was about 5 yards away.
Are you into the fall football season?
Yes, definitely. College football and my favorite team is University of Georgia.
Are you a good dancer?
No, I failed miserably trying to waltz at my daughter’s wedding.
Where’s the one place you can go, no matter what, and always feel relaxed?
My tree farm. It’s in an unbelievably beautiful location. I typically go there about twice a month, much more often when we’re actually working in the trees.
What’s the nicest thing that has happened to you in the past three months?
My brother and I were able to go elk hunting in Wyoming.
If you could be President for a day and decide which issue is given top legislative priority, what one issue would you want addressed first?
All the illegal activities along our southern border.
Have you ever risked your life?
I tried to go ice fishing in Colorado. Once out on the ice, I realized it was dangerously thin, but fortunately was able to crawl back to shore. If the ice had broken, I probably would have died.
What’s a skill you have that would surprise most people?
The ability to identify the inconsistencies in both written and spoken arguments. I acquired this skill working on legal cases and reviewing thousands of pages of reports, legal documents, etc.
Where did you go to university?
I earned my B.S. and my M.S. in meteorology from Florida State University. My Ph.D in atmospheric science is from Colorado State University.
What’s been the most challenging time of your life?
Resigning from a secure government job at the age of 42, with two children in school, in order to become a private weather consultant.
What’s your favorite holiday of the year?
New Year’s, because it’s the most optimistic time of year.
Have you made any New Year’s resolutions?
No, I don’t make resolutions. I make New Year’s goals.
Some of my goals for 2023 include simplifying my life, and throwing away all the paper I’ve accumulate over the years. Also, to finally retire from my work as a consulting meteorologist. And, to enjoy my family and all that.
And, you’ll also keep up with the Christmas trees, right?
Oh yes! And, take care of our Christmas trees! (laughing).
Credit: Source link
