I decided to put the kettle on and make a pot of tea and also got the headache pills out as I'm sure Brent will need some as another day commences.
We hear Brent moving around, so Joe calls out we have a pot of tea plus the additive I think you need some -- you are a life saver. Brent sits at the table just thinking, then he say's I'm going back to my room and showered and suitably dressed. Looks like it may be a hot day and dam I don't have a thin shirt, Joe say just hang on a minute heading for the bedroom and on return says wear this and return it after use as I have several -- Oh thanks Joe.
With that Brent departs and we both get dressed and head for breakfast. Once at our table John say's Joe firstly I know you would like to invite your old School Principle to the graduation in about two month time well it has been suggest that we invite him out here a couple of days ahead of when the district learning folk, now do you know if is married -- Joe says yes unless she has passed away. Well let's assume there could be the two of them and as you know we don't have an empty house so what do you think of the idea for you and I move into the bunkhouse for few days and let them use our place. Hey that's a good idea I'll go for that. Ok you make contact with him and make the offer hopefully he will except so you go to town to collect them -- so go for it I think they will be interested and at some point get Sam involved.
Now the other thing is either expand the guest house to accommodate 12 folk plus add a meeting room and a lounge area, or build a new building and of course we need it close to the Cookhouse -- your thoughts.
I suggest we go and have a look at the guest house and see what land is available and don't forget we can also move the building without much trouble.
Brent shows up looking a bit better and I smile only toast and jam plus tea he must be feeling rough.
Morning guys how are you both today? Pretty good considering all things and for your info Joe here thinks it would be great idea to have his old School Principle come a few days early and neither of us have any problems of sleeping in the bunkhouse either. Brent says well after I have eaten I'm going over to Hillside to meet up with the supers over there and do a tour of the slide situation. However I have just realized I didn't bring my small backpack can I borrow one please, no problem I'll lend you mine as Joe might need his -- thanks. With that we go our separate ways.
Joe and I have a good look at the guest house and decide it is not practical to expand so we start looking at what suitable land we have. I go to one end of the town site and Joe starts at the other end. We meet up in the middle and said lets go to the office. John says any ideas? Well I have one so let's get this on my board.
Firstly re vamp the guest house and convert it into a staff house make three bedrooms all with un-suites, however the third one a little larger so that it will take a queen size bed. Now we really should get Bob better accommodation and he could have one of the units.
Then we take out our house and move it down the far end; next build the required building and make it two stories high. This is my basic idea; ok let's see what Brent's thoughts are on this. Suddenly Brent is calling on channel 5, Joe takes the call -- Joe I'm sure you have your hiking boots, can you meet me at hillside #2 and would like to take photo's of the slide. It is about 3 miles from camp and there is no turn around however you will be able to make it on your bike. OK Brent I need to get my riding gear on and should be there about 11:45 am. OK we will meet you in the cookhouse -- sounds good and I will be on channel 6 -- out
Because it is really warm I change into my motocross gear and use my Hi-Vis aerated shirt, body amour and my usual riding coveralls. I also pack my camera in its foam box and field glasses.
DR1 to super -- hi Joe, I'm off to Hillside to meet with Brent and switching to Channel 6 -- see you on return -- OUT
DR1 to Hillside road dispatch -- go ahead Joe, I'm coming in on the short cut heading for camp #2 any traffic on the short cut -- should be nothing - thanks for the info -- out.
DR1 to dispatch I'm passing through Camp #1 -- Thanks Joe you are making good time be aware there is traffic on the road between the camps -- Thanks -- out
Hillside dispatch to all traffic on SE2, DR1 is heading for Camp #2 give him a toot guys -- out
DR1 to dispatch -- go ahead Joe -- now in camp #2 -- out
My channel 5 kicks in, hey Joe come over to Jack's office please -- on my way.
Jack tells me the slide is unstable so be dammed cautious, at the moment there two front end loaders and a cat working trying to clear the road. Jack can you lend me a hard hat I forgot to bring mine, no problem just help yourself plenty in the outer office. Jack provides me with an enlarged road map of this area and then the comment oh it appears that you have an alternative route to the log loading area. Jack says yes it is similar to River Camp in that respect, well we all have lunch and then I head out.
DR1 to Dispatch I'm heading to the slide area to get photo's etc -- thanks Joe take care they tell me there is still the odd falling rocks.
Once I get close I park the bike grab my camera and field glasses and hike up to the slide, one of the front end loader operators see me and invites me on board. This area is bad and at least you have metal roof over your head and bye the way thanks for getting my kid going on his school work; his marks have sure improved and is doing a lot better than his old man ever did when I was at school.
Well I get a lot of photo's and look across the valley and see there have been slides below the road they are hauling on. I have a closer look with my field glasses it does not look good so I take photo's using my telephoto lens.
I thank the frontend loader operator and he said any time you are hear and staying over night please take our offer of a bed, I go to shake hands but I get a big hug -- thanks see you. So I hike back to my bike and stash my gear etc back on the bike.
DR1 to Dispatch -- heading from slide area for camp -- Thanks Joe -- out
I go to channel 5
DR1 to Brent, hi Joe I need to meet up with you ASAP -- where are you now in the forestry office, go directly to Jack office we will see you there -- OK out
I get back to camp and notify dispatch and then head for Jack's office.
Jack and Brent come in and I shut the door, Brent says what up you will see, is your computer on Jack ok put this card in and let's bring up the photos and starts from the end. Joe says look at these carefully this is below the road you are hauling on. Brent says lets go though these again, the next comment is oh shit we need to get those guys out of there promptly. Jack make some phone calls and contacts the log loader and tell him to shut every thing down ASAP and then send one truck at a time and get the driver to call in when he past the slide area opposite then send the next truck on it's way. I will meet the drivers and crew when you all get back and explain what we have seen. Thanks guys
Well it took about ¾ of an hour before everyone was in the yard. Thanks for being so prompt but in my opinion this was a safety item, now I suggest you go and get clean up and I will show you series of photograph's that were taken within the last hour, and I hope you will all agree with my actions as your lives are important to us. See you all in the cookhouse in 30 minutes -- thanks guys.
Jack heads back to the office and copies all the photo's onto a R/W compact disk and then returns to the cookhouse and advises the cook there may be a run on tea and coffee in about 15 minutes.
The crew soon started coming in and I asked the loader if everyone was there, he looks around and say I think so, ok let's start. Joe here had been asked by me to get photos at the slide area, while there he noted recent slides right below the road level and these are the photo's that he took from about midway into the slide area, so after all the photos were shown twice I would like here your comments please.
One of the truckers spoke up by saying several years ago he lost one of his mates when that road gave away at least once before. However I would like to thank the management for doing what they deem necessary and fully support there action -- here, here comes from all those present.
Jack we will have to work I think around the clock on the other road to get it clear, however according to the crew working there every now and again some additional rock comes down making it hazardous. Now how long this will take I really do not know. Now you guys know this terrain better than I do, does anyone know of an alternative route where we can push through quickly.
Someone said there used to be a road into the adjoining logging company and if nothing else it might be away to clear our log loading area providing that company is willing to let us on there property. Any other thought guys, suddenly several of the crew offered to assist the road crew and were prepared even to work the night shift to help out those all ready working there.
Jack says thanks guys I will let you know what we can do but at the moment there will no work to-morrow and I'm sure you all can understand the reason, now the those that are willing to work with road crew I'll talk with you all first thing in the morning as I want to talk with our road crew when they return for the day. Brent asks, what is the company name of those next door? Crew Logging oh that is interesting I know Lyle Johns and will contact him right away.
Brent get's onto is cell phone and calls Lyle, it was his brother who answered -- hi Keith does your logging back up to Hillside #2 camp, yes we do and Lyle is in charge over there -- thanks for that info, is there anything that I can do may be firstly John the super at River Camp s going to contact both of you as I would like him to do a survey of all your equipment and housing at each camp.
By the way that old unused road that goes from Hillside over though your property is it still operational yes Keith says but has not been used for about 6 years. Thank you Keith I assume Lyle lives at that camp. What is the best way there as Hillside exits onto the mainline #2? Well you are almost there anyway, just turn right onto the mainline and then the road labeled C2 that will take you right into camp and here is Lyle's cell number -- no doubt talk to you later.
I phone Lyle and he answers, Lyle; Brent here I'm close bye and would like to meet up with you within the hour if that is possible. Why certainly do you know how to find us? Yes your brother gave me direction from Hillside -- good look forward to seeing you again -- I'm on my way. I give DR1 a call -- hi Brent, Joe make your way home please I'll be in later -- OK Brent - out
It took me about 30 minutes to get there and Lyle was sitting outside his office, Lyle gets up and greets me like an old friend and his first question was I think you have a problem I can see it in your face. Put your mind at rest I'm still planning on buying you both out, buy before that can be done I would like John the super at River Camp to come and do an assessment on what you have and also including the housing -- no problem at all will be delighted to show him anything and everything. Now we have a serious problem at Hillside #2 camp, the heavy rains caused a massive rock and mud slide and there is still rock coming down without warning.
While my senior dispatch rider - Joe was up there with road crew he spotted our alternative road also had bad slides below the road making the road unsafe in our opinion. Now I understand there is an old road that has not been used for several years is it still active and is there any chance of using it to get the rest of our logs out via your camp. Well let's go and have a look we will use my ATV because we can easily turn that around. Just hang on here why I get my machine and fuel it up. I go back to my truck and grab my field glasses and work gloves, Lyle is soon back and he also has a spare crash helmet for me.
We take off at a steady pace and enter the old road, Lyle moves ahead slowly and we find the road basically clear and we go right up to the log loading area. Lyle says you are more than welcome and I will get the grader on the road to-morrow that will clear it of any debris. I will show the slides we can go this way but stop when I tap you on your shoulder. I stop Lyle and hand him my field glasses, good grief man that is massive, well at least now you will be able to tackle it from both ends. We turn around and head to the slide but not too close, I pointed out where the road could let go at any time. Then Lyle says those cheap bastards who used to own Hillside had that road slip away a number of times you very lucky to find it out before a mishap.
We got back to Lyle's office and he says lets cement that deal on the road I'm very glad to be able to assist, lets face it we loggers are all family. Lyle gets out two shot glasses and says I assume you drink Scotch; I nod and say yes thanks. Would you like another one know thanks Lyle that was very generous but I must get back to River Camp. But I have to see Jack the super at Hillside #2 first on my way and let him know the good news so the day after to-morrow we will start hauling. Will bring Jack out here sometime to-morrow and he can get some red & blue survey tape and drive some stakes in along the left hand side if that OK -- no problem and there is no traffic thought camp it goes out another way. Well I'm off now -- Bye
I call Jack on channel 5 -- Hi Brent how did you make out wonderfully I'll fill you in roughly 30 minutes but keep it quiet. -- No problem Brent -- out
As soon as we get into camp I head into Jack's office and shut the door, Well Jack I had a great meeting with Lyle he is a true logger, oh is there a room where I can stay overnight, I have a spare room at my house you are than welcome to make use of it, thanks Jack.
Prior to me going over to crew logging I said things that you may have heard please and it is most important that information does not get out.
Ok Jack that old road is usable and in fact have travel the entire length and showed Lyle the slide area etc, to-morrow is going to run the grader over that road I travelled via Lyle's ATV as passenger.
I will advise the crew at supper to-night, we also need a number of stakes cutting and a bar and heavy hammer these stakes will be put on the left-hand side of the road guiding the-way to this road we will mark it with red & blue survey tape and will do it from camp hopefully there is enough bush on which we can attach the tapes too.
Well I don't how you pulled that off as the crew said you wouldn't get much help from old Lyle yet you have had the opposite reaction and that is great.
Jack do you have any more road equipment like front end loaders and another bulldozer, no I do not perhaps camp #1 has something actually there equipment is here working on our road. Ok we will borrow from River Camp and get it shipped by low bed it will be quicker.
So let's go and have supper, once in the cookhouse we get our grub and sit with the crew. Once we finished eating we said guys we have some news for you to share. This afternoon I meet with Lyle John's at his office and asked about the old road, Lyle got this ATV out and I travelled as a passenger and we drove the entire road and in fact I showed him our problems regarding the slides on both sides. Crew logging is going to run there grader over the road to-morrow to clean off any debris. To-morrow either Jack or his assistant will follow me then they will mark the route back to the mainline we will be using red and blue survey tape attached to the brush or stakes. This means the next day we low bed further road equipment in to work from the other side. Now this road I guess is about one mile long but there are no passing areas so if a truck is coming down nothing attempts to go up until the road is clear so radio contact is absolutely essential. So the day after to-morrow we will start log hauling. There was around of applause from all those present during that day there will be two low bed trips to bring in equipment. So guys bear with me I'm trying to do my best.
Over next couple of days things went well, most of the truck drivers were doing those extra maintenance jobs on there trucks done. Log hauling commenced and every thing went well, the extra road crew from River Camp made a hell of a difference and within three days we could get through, but until some rock scalers had assessed the rock face and cleared it of loose material that took another two days and then us switched back to our normal route.
In the mean time Joe was asked to go to town and deliver some papers to the office and also collect a package from there, also get two large bottles of Scotch, a bottle of over-proof Rum and a regular large bottle of Rum. Joe decided to go on his bike.
John was out doing an assessment as requested by Brent and wrote a detailed report. What really surprised him was that the housing in both camps was really up to standard and well built with enough space between the homes to give folks their privatize.
The equipment not new but well maintain bunkhouses were in similar condition. John also found they had a camp handyman who was a qualified carpenter and had built a number of the homes and also the community hall.
There was no internet at either camp, the kid's mail there school work in. However they did have Satellite TV.
One of the first things I would recommend we do is install wireless internet, and then later on put one or more computers in the office and also one in the cookhouse.
There were no enquiries made about a replacement super for both camp, thought this should be done by you when the time is suitable.
The report was turned in via Email and a hard copy to be given to Brent.
Channel 5 becomes active DR1 to Brent, Hi Joe; where are you as I have a large package for you and about ½ mile from camp.
Brent to DR1 I'll meet you in your office keep the goods with you -- out
Super to DR1 -- go ahead, Joe there will be a package on your desk please give that to Brent and I will be there in about one hour -- out
DR1 to super message received please lock my door after delivery -- out.
I get to camp a little dusty but who really cares, I gas my bike up and head for the office and open up my office, then get the other package and leave the liquid content locked in my carrying box. I go and get a mug of tea and sit down. Very soon Brent appears. I give John's package and then his office package and ask where do you wish the liquid contents to be put? Store the Scotch here and the Rum is for you and John. I get the Scotch and lock it away in my filing cabinet and then said to Brent I'm going to get clean up and changed. Brent says hang on a minute I want some photos of you in a nice grubby state I'll grab my camera first shot is at my desk the other shots were at my bike with my helmet and gloves on. Thanks Joe you go and get cleaned up.
30 minutes later I was washed, scrubbed and my gear was in the washing machine and soon everything was out on the clothes line. I looked at the time and decided to put on some better jeans and Hi-Vis loose fitting shirt and returned to the office.
Brent was still sitting there and saw John was with him, I made a noise and Brent looked around and said who this guy John do you know him? I must say Joe you look a lot better now. Why didn't you use the truck? Well if had been pouring with rain I would have done but I love riding -- well good for you must admit when Lyle took me on his ATV it was my first time and I think I can see why folks love those machines.
Anyway let's get down to business, John that is a very good report and I thank you for your efforts, have you seen it Joe no I have not. Go and make a copy for yourself please and then read it later.
As a matter of interest John how did you find Keith were they similar in outlook? Yes they were in fact I would think they might be twins and they both like there nip of Scotch well that is good.
Well guys it's a go, I would like to invite both brothers over here for about 4:0pm and to stay the night in the guest house, we take them to Dinner and then come over to the office where I will discuss various things with them and not forgetting if there Assistant is capable of taking over the hot seat and also is there some else that can be moved up and by that time I will have the papers ready to sign so I'm suggesting sometime next week and Joe can witness the signatures.
So let's see if we can do it for Tuesday and I will give my lawyer the OK to proceed. Oh what is the time now 4:30 pm I try and get him right now.
Hi Greg -- Brent the take over is a go how long to get the papers ready, they are already ready, and where are you meeting the owners for this change over River Camp -- oh! What is the problem Greg well I would like to be present to explain any legal jargon, that's is not a problem just pack your over night bag and stay in the guest house and return the next morning but don't come all dressed to kill, wear your jeans and a simple shirt and have good stout shoes on, if you have safety ones more the better.
I'm looking forward to coming out all ready, where are you located bye the way -- I'm at River Camp and if you cannot get me; here is my supers number and his name is John. For your info I will have him email you an assessment report that he did on both camps on my behalf. Any changes on date I will contact you ASAP thanks Greg look forward to seeing you bye.
Come on guys it is supper time, so we all head for the cookhouse to see what Kia has tonight. I spot Baron of Beef, Yorkshire pudding and veg's; we soon get to our table.
Joe said you know one thing I would like to see done but cannot think of suitable names and that is to rename the Hillside Camps so that the word Hillside does not exist any more. With Crew Camps I'm going to suggest Lyle Camp and Keith Camp in recognition to there work in the bush over many years.
Brent says you are full of ideas but I sure like the idea of getting totally rid of that name Hillside, what are your thoughts John, well I agree that name needs eliminating totally. I tell you what lets run a sort of lottery and let the folk come up an idea and the one we feel is most suitable we give them a prize of two nights in our usual motel for two. I also agree with Joe on the names he has suggest for the Crew Camp operations.
After supper Brent made contact with both brothers on a conference call inviting them over for next Tuesday to finalize a deal and to stay the night in the guest house, Lyle asked if was OK to come via the old road, yes but we will meet you before we go down the main line as there is not room for you to pass a truck coming from the other direction and you don't have our radio channel to make contact with dispatch so please give us a phone call or John to advise when you are about to start off and I will have our Senior Dispatch rider meet you till Tuesday have all the best to you both -- Bye for now.
Rest of the week went well and Brent joined us again on Saturday evening, Dad did a great BBQ with steak, mushrooms & fired onions plus a cob of sweet corn and also produces a nice bottle of white German wine. After the meal Brent said that was fantastic I could not have done better thank you. I had a very large box of liquor chocolates and put out ½ dozen of them, it sort of made the finishing touch to the great meal.
Once everything was done I cleared all the plates away and put them into the dishwasher and got that going.
Then I poured three good strong rums and brought them out, and found John and Brent talking shop. I said come on guys this is supposed to be a relaxing evening. So a question Brent have you ever ridden a dirt bike or a regular street bike? No I have not, that is a great pity you don't know what you are missing John adds his two penny worth as well and says Brent I think we are going to have teach how to ride the sooner the better.
John notices all the drink glasses are empty so he does a refill and then comes back and says to-morrow will be your first lesson and you can use my gear but we will do this out of sight up at the helicopter landing area, so you will drive up there in a truck and we two will follow on our own bikes. Brent comment is you two buggers have got me cornered well and truly, we all start laughing. Hey guys this is no laughing matter, I simply said if these young guys can do it then so can you and further more you should never ask a person to do something that you would not do yourself.
John says a toast to good friends and a forth coming bike rider -- Brent
Brent stayed with us Saturday night and we all had great sex and slept well. So the following morning after breakfast Dad & I got our bikes out and we all headed for the helicopter landing area. Once there Dad took his riding gear off and OK Brent we don't you buggered up and Dad's gear fitted well.
Joe said firstly the gear box is not automatic and you change gear with the toe part of your boot. These bikes have three gears 1st, neutral, 2nd & 3rd so with your boot up one takes to 1st gear and once you have achieved a suitable speed say 10 mph, lift your clutch and give the gear change lever two dabs and it will take you through neutral, slowly let he clutch in as you open the throttle and pick up a bit more speed.
Well Joe continued on with his instruction before Brent was allowed to actually get moving. John is watching all this and decides to go back to camp and get some sandwiches for lunch plus some ginger ale so he uses Brent's truck.
John does not rush back so as to give Brent time to get his confidence, John is listening on channel 2 so he decides to nip into the office and make sure everything is recorded. After about ½ hour John collects the sandwiches and the ginger ale and slowly makes his way back to the helicopter pad. As soon as he arrives he gets his camera out and takes photo's to the two of them riding side by side. I hear Joe say Ok Brent slow down and stop and turn your engine off.
I then cut in and say I have lunch here if you would like it now or later, Joe replies and says we will be with you in about 15 minutes.
I'm listening to the way Joe is handling this as explain there were a couple of points that need attention; so lets do it again please I assume you are OK and Brent's thumb goes up. I was close enough to observe and saw the smile on Brent's face -- I think he is enjoying himself.
Eventually Joe is satisfied and says ok let have lunch. I have already got the tailgate down for a sitting area. Brent parks the bike, Joe says make sure it is on firm ground as we don't want it falling over because any damage cost this company money!
What's for drink John -- ginger ale and he hand them out plus a large package of sandwiches to all. Of course the talk was bikes, so I asked Brent did you reach the ton yet, what the heck is the ton; Joe is laughing Dad don't scare my trainee, the ton is 100 mph. after a 1 hour break Joe asks; well Brent are you ready for further tuition sure am frankly I cannot believe what I'm doing. Get your headphone on and is comfortable before putting your helmet on and will take a ride but don't go above 25 mph -- Yes Boss.
Joe said take the truck but to camp we will see you there later -- sure thing. I'm thinking I had better be sitting outside to video tape them as they come into camp. Hence I grab a chair found a glass and got myself a ginger and drank some and then topped it with some scotch I had stashed in the office.
I had to wait almost an hour before I heard the bikes and it was obvious they gone quiet away around. I quickly get ready and catch them as they come into camp.
Joe sees me and he has good smile on his face and I point to the office. So hence they pull up and stop their engines I said keep your helmets on please and I need take still photos and I see Brent is looking really dirty.
Once I have finished, I said to Joe I guess there one more job to do. He looks at me as if saying what am I missing and I tap his tank. Joe says Brent the most important thing is on returning is to refuel just in case there is callout. Joe you both come to the house and I will get some beer out as I'm sure you need to wash the dust out.
As they show up at home Joe shows Brent where to park. Well now Brent how does it feel to be a dirty looking bugger! So did you enjoy yourself I had a great time got my arse chewed by young Joe?
You will not believe it but now I understand why Joe prefers his bike to a truck and you know I'm going to get a bike and would like advise from both of you one weekend in the very near future and that weekend I want you both to stay at my place if you would please. Look we can use the usual motel -- no way because I intend to do a nice dinner that evening and it will not be safe to drive afterwards -- well thank you very much since you insist we will accept and please come on your bikes wet or fine as I want to see your full equipment.
John says I think you pair of dirty looking buggers need to go and get a good scrub change of clothes and get what you had on into the washing machine including the body armor, now Brent I suggest you use one of the washing machines in the main laundry just use the warm water setting and 1? scoops of laundry detergent. We will see you for supper in the cookhouse in roughly one hour unless you prefer to come here first for a single nip -- I'll see you back here once I'm cleaned up.
Hey Joe want your back scrub -- please, I'll be with you in a moment. Well Joe got well scrub, so how really was it today - so I said the end result is fantastic and I actually really enjoyed myself well that is great; I think Brent did also.
Well soon got dried off and dressed and were sitting outside supping on a weak rum & ginger when Brent showed up, Joe got up and did the honors - thanks Joe.
John says that got you completely away from work and I think to-day was a reenergizing; Brent looked at me and said I never though of it that way. That is why both Joe and I will go out to some suitable point just sit there and look for the wild life, other times we take our swags and stay out over night it makes a good relaxing break although I must admit we do talk shop.
OK lets go and have supper so we all head over to the cookhouse and on entry of Brent several called out what's your DR # mate, Brent's face went as red as a beetroot why don't asked me why but it made both John and I laugh.
Tuesday is the big day and everyone showed later morning earlier than expected, this way it allowed informal talk. Joe was with us for the present and asked both Lyle and Keith how many young guys do you they have. Lyle answered first be saying he had 6 guys varying in age no ladies, where there are any young girls they stay in town with there mother's; Keith his number was basically the same but only 5 guys and one guy in each camp is working during there vacation time in the shop and get on well with the crew. All our guys hear are as a result of broken marriages. These guys all have there own room generally next to there dads with a communicating door.
So how are they doing with there school work, not too good but I hear you Joe found away how to them into there books and improve there marks and that would make both of us very happy. Joe says it a combined thing between there Dad's and there sons; so Joe tells both Lyle & Keith how he found the way because he was no different to any of these guys. That is very interesting you must have the knack or something that neither of us appear to have. So do the guys all get together on a regular basis and during the better times of the year both camps of young guy s all go for a camp out with one father from each camp, we lend then a crumby for these occasion. I don't know whether I should say this but it is a bonding weekend. Brent made comment by saying he was all in favor and it does so much for moral however we do insist on the use of condoms.
John asks if there assistant is capable of replacing you, Keith looks at Lyle and then says I believe in Lyle case yes, but mine has only been here barely 12 months but we do have a man who would be more than capable. So what is his background; he actually started off in the lousy job as a choker man and worked himself up then went to school and got a forestry degree with very high marks. So what is doing right now? Well at his choice he is working in the shop and greased up to the eyeballs but doesn't care. Any idea why he came back, yes this has been his home since was 15 yrs old as his Mum got killed in a bad road accident well you certainly give a lot of credit.
So Lyle in your case do you have anyone who can fill your assistants job in the event of the promotions. I have a forestry engineer but he has no wood experience strictly technical that is going to be difficult one to fill. John says I had a similar situation and looked everything over and then realized my master mechanic had work as choker man and came up though all the stages. He did a good job of supervising and if a mechanic got stuck he was more than willing to get his hands dirty and go and help out, he also had really good labor relations with his crew they all work as a family. You know never even though of my guy, he has similar a background.
John says you know there appears to be so much in common between our companies.
One other question before the formal gathering, what are your plans once everything is settled and where are you planning to live asks Brent; we have a nice chuck of land out of town with lots of bush along the highway well it is not really a highway but a good gravel road. We have already got a well dug but will be collecting all roof water into a 10,000 gallon tank which we plan to bury so the water remains cool. We have talked to the builders and already have the plans approved to it a go ahead. But in the mean time Keith house is the larger home and would like use this until our own home is built -- Brent says I don't see any problems do you John; no not so far; during this period Joe departed.
Well gentlemen I see our lawyer is here so let's go over to the office and do the legal things. Greg went over everything and explaining what various items meant. Now you two need to talk privately before you commit anything, so we will leave you here and we will in the second office down the hallway, so when you are ready or require further explanation Greg will try and explained any item that is unclear.
About 20 minutes later the deal was done, Brent turns to John do you know where Joe is no but will call him.
Super to DR1 where are you -- out
A few moments later DR1 to Super -- I was in the shower, ok would you come to the office please with your keys -- be there in five minutes -- out.
While we are waiting so do any of Crew Logging know you were planning on selling out -- Keith & Lyle said no, but I get the feeling they know something is going on.
There is a knock at the door, come in -- ah good its Joe -- you have a couple of items in your filing cabinet would you please them in here and please stay with us. John in the mean time has got some glasses out and is pouring shots of Scotch, would any like a shot of water or ice.
They are one there first round when when Joe returns and give Brent the packages. John asks Joe would you like a shot? Please John but make it small
Lyle & Keith I would like to introduce you the Joe this is the guy who hopefully will get all your young guys school marks up he is also our chief dispatch rider his radio call sign is DR1. Joe shakes both Lyle & Keith's hand with that little extra squeeze and gets a big smile out of them.
Brent say's gentlemen and fellow loggers I think there is time for one more drink and since you are all staying hear to-night you will not get picked up.
More general chit chat takes place, Keith says very interested in seeing how Joe makes out with our young guys and I'm going to suggest whenever he is ready he is more than welcome to come to either camp and start work with them.
Lyle also says he is interested in how this dispatch rider came about and what's main function. Brent says we ran a three month experiment and basically it was to deliver those items small items to the bush mechanic who never seemed to have to right item with him. Joe here was chosen by me for several reasons one he had his first aid ticket, two although not the senior one he had his own bike which rented off him plus giving extra insurance coverage the other guy used his Dads ATV and there was not room for a truck to pass him. After three months we had a drop in costs even with paying a suitable wage for a DR, we continued this for another three months and I decided with the lowering of maintenance costs it would be well worth expanding it to other camps. However we did draw up a set of strict requirements; I'll get Joe to give you a copy.
Now everyone no doubts would like to freshen up and before you go Lyle & Keith I have something for you both, take it and put in your room. We will meet back here in say 15 minutes and then go for supper then let see what Kia our cook has on to-night.
We all had a great supper and then adjourned to Joe's office where he showed a couple of video's including the accident one, Lyle asked for that to be played again.
Keith asked what is that tag the driver is wearing. Brent answered this by saying everyone on all our camps wears a dog tag these days. I provides medical info, the name of the person, normal work location and next if kin. These also have there photo and the tags can be read by our first aid man, ambulance and the hospital folk.
Lyle says I have heard of this but never seen it being used but it sure makes sense, Brent said also it is the bunkhouse folk door key to there room and in some cases where the wives are working we have put this type of lock on there house door. Joe says there one use the tags have, it will indicate that you have your first aid ticket and Joe takes his off and passes it around for Keith and & Lyle to see.
Expensive setup I should think, no providing you have a computer we have an attachment that plugs in and we have the blank tags and we simple print the photo and also do the bar code. We store all the information coded to our main office and they make that info available to the hospital and ambulance network.
John says I think that is enough shop talk for one day so let go to my house for a nightcap.
While there Greg was advised that cookhouse started severing breakfast from 5:30am till 8:30am as I believe you want to get back to town tomorrow ASAP, the trip take roughly 3½ hours, he says well had best to go for breakfast about 6:00am Ok we will join you says Brent.
John asks our guests there is a choice of Scotch or Rum we have several mixes that will go that and lots of ice. Lyle what will it be you know I have not had a rum for a long time and that would be nice, do you have any Coke as mix sure do, what about you Keith I think I'll have the same thing please -- coming up. Greg what about you straight Scotch on the rocks please. I assume your regular Brent yes please. Well lots of chit chat takes place and Lyle asks is it possible for Joe to come over and see if he can work his magic on the young guys, Brent looks at Greg and gets a nod. I see no problem, how is your schedule Joe for next week should be clear. So Lyle what part of the week is best to get the Dads involved when I talk and explain to the guys how we did it, I would say a Wednesday evening and we can get everyone into the community hall. Sounds good then I will come over on the Tuesday and generally look around and perhaps Lyle you can provide me with a list of the young guys names what ages etc and who is working plus there respective Dad's name. Do you show any movies in there, yes we do are they on DVD as I may show some video of what we have achieved yes they are -- good.
Lyle says we don't have a guest house Joe that is fine so long as there is a room in the bunkhouse that will be fine with me, it may take two or three nights to win them over as we have to find the simple carrot to tangle in front of them too so as to create the need to get their noses to the grindstone. That was the last of the shop talk.
It came time for a third round but Greg backed out saying he had best hit the sack for an early start in the morning. Good night Greg see you in the morning.
John poured more rum this time over-proof but kept Brent's on the light side, the reaction from Lyle and Keith this rum tastes even better what is it please? Appleton's Dark Over-Proof -- wouldn't need much of this to get totally pissed.
Keith says to those present we both would like to thank you in the way that you conduct your business and especially thank you so much for the gift of Scotch so I guess it is the time to get into the bunk -- so we also bid you farewell.
Brent said I will get your stocks of liquor replaced and if you or Joe is in town then you do it and charge it, thanks Brent. Well sorry I'm going to be a good guy tonight and sleep in the guest house. So night guys -- night Brent; well John and I loaded the dishwasher and then took a shower and got to bed. It didn't seem long and the dammed alarm was going off