Within 5 minutes lunch is served while we are drinking tea, the three of us are going to town shortly we ask Kia is there anything you need a nice bottle of scotch no problems we will be back for supper on Sunday have a good time -- Bye
Part 15
John makes contact Bob to let him know what is going on and says if you need me use Channel #5 -- thanks John
Well Joe and I makes sure we have a 5 gallon gas can for the trip to town which went as usual boring and saw no one on the road other than Brent well ahead as we didn't need to ride in his dust. He was waiting for us at the office; we parked in the compound for the present since the pub is within walking distance we went into the office, Brent is in his own office looking at some of the mail and decides to put it all into his brief case and take it home to look at later.
OK guys supper is calling lets walk to the pub so with that he locks up and sets the alarms and we walk down the road to our into local town pub. On entry the barman says would you like a private room, Brent says not to-night but we will take a booth if that is OK, well actually they are all reserved best to go private OK George thanks what would you like to drink three pints of your best bitter -- coming up and here are the menus our special to-night is baron of beef. That sound good all of us will have the same thing -- great I'll get your order in and if my memory is right you like medium -- 10 out of 10 George
A few moments later our beers are delivered, the topic of conversation is dirt bikes so Brent is told what we are recommending and the reason. Then we got onto riding gear; Brent says looks like you guys have covered everything, well there may be some else later to add. We recommend you have the same type of box fitted to the bike the same as we have done for the entire DR crew.
So what's my radio call sign going to be Joe -- DR "B" or DR "7" your choice; Brent is thinking and then says I would prefer to blend in with the other guys so DR "7"; sounds good I'll get that setup on Monday for you.
So guys is there any shopping you need while here, yes says Joe we have to get a bottle of Scotch for Kia and I need to get another pair of overalls and you are going to need two set plus raingear and that can come from the same store. They also generally have Hi-Vis raingear that will match your overalls so you need set without the fly opening. We do an extensive tour of various motorcycle shops and finally decide on a suitable bike that had real good ground clearance. This shop had body armor so this was all checked over and a suitable combination was chosen. We finally got a suitable helmet, goggles, gloves and boots, it turned out that this was the store that has supplied all the DR bikes to the company and they were advised that another two hopefully in about 6 months time will be required.
Because of the business that Woodsman Logging had given them Brent got a 20% discount on everything that he purchased today. Brent introduced Joe as the man that who would be picking up the bike once it was ready later today and would ride it back to camp. Everything was purchased and Brent looked as if he had become a young man and was all excited. We then followed Brent back to his place, but stopped on the way for some lunch of soup and sandwich. Once at Brent's all his new gear was unloaded and the first thing he did was to get it all on and he wanted photos of himself to be taken, he then asked that I got my coveralls on and helmet and joined him in a photo. These photos were taken in the yard with a suitable background.
Photo's done and suddenly Brent's phone is ringing, the caller saying everything is ready for collection. So Joe gets changed into hi-vis gear and Joe and John take off while Brent stays behind as he wanted to get things ready for this evening's dinner.
Once at the store, Joe makes contact with the salesman who gets a surprise to see Joe all dressed up in his riding gear. The salesman said we need photos of you and the bike please outside the store hope you are willing, Joe said no problem.
A question Joe what sort of riding gear do you normally wear? His answer exactly like I am right now, Joe un-zips the coverall so as to show he is wearing body armor, are so you are protected and do you always ride like this -- yes I do and so what brought on the idea of Hi-Vis overalls; well that is easy when you are riding logging roads as I do as part of my work you must be clearly seen by and any driver coming your way as most of our roads are fairly narrow.
This is most interesting and I compliment you on been seen; I said black or very dark clothing does not get seen neither do those in riding leather which may look very good and give a lot of protection providing they have the body armor built in however they do not really show up in poor light. Interesting comments must talk to some of our suppliers, I said even if they had reflective stripes on the back it would help so long as they are not carrying a backpack in which case it needs similar treatment.
Many thanks Joe you have given me some ideas to work on and please don't forget if you personal need anything we will give you a good discount
I returned to Brent's home and as soon as he hears me is out to look over his new pride and joy, once all the looking has taken place come in guys we must celebrate and Brent says since no one is going out again today we can indulge so what will it be guys. John I have most things so what would you like, G&T please; Joe same again please. So please and sit on the patio while I get the drinks. A few moments later the drinks are served plus some nibbles. Joe says John will stand up for a moment while we drink a toast to DR 7. Joe says welcome to the exclusive group of dispatch rider DR 7; Brent is blushing now as we call for a speech; Brent says a few words and thanks everyone present getting him cornered.
The conversation was this evening was about riding and the things to look out for and such like. John is giving Brent lots of advice; I slip outside for a few moments and give River Camp a call DR1 to AS, hi Joe, Bob would you send that memo out that we setup and let everyone know that DR7 is now on the list -- Sure thing that is great, so he has his bike, he sure does -- great.
Brent went back to the kitchen and proceeded with the meal which started off with a shrimp cocktail, then onto some really good steaks, corn on the cob and a small salad. Dessert was a fruit salad with clotted cream. We finished up with some really nice liquor.
After more talk about motorcycle clothing and the use of leather for the colder weather. John said that we both wore leather and made sure it was loose enough to allow the wearing of heavyweight Stanfield underwear.
That evening we all got totally relaxed especially with the number of rums that had been poured for us. Well put it this way no one felt any pain!
That night Brent insisted we shared his bed and soon we all started fucking each other, finishing up with Joe sandwiched between Brent and John; I fell asleep as John was fucking me gently and it felt great and I was doing the same to Brent. None of us woke up till about 9:00am when I really did need to go for a pee. I tell you it is not easy to break the connections when you are sandwiched so my movement roused the others.
I took a shower to smell better and was ultimately joined by John and Brent; hence we all got our backs well scrubbed.
So after Bacon & Eggs etc we got ready to head for camp, we told Brent to get dressed for riding as would be riding the bike once were about two miles into the bush then you can ride. Brent you will go ahead of us so if something goes wrong then we will soon catch you up. After Brent had made his home secure etc we all took off with me (Joe) riding the new bike, when I got to mile two I stopped and waited for John to arrive, we swapped riders and told Brent to keep his speed down for the present
Brent tool off down the road, I decided to have another pee at the road side and then we took off at a leisurely pace. Eventually we saw Brent ahead and kept well back to avoid any rocks coming off his rear tire.
About 1.5 miles out I called camp DR1 to AS -- morning Joe we are just over 1 mile out heading for camp. Thanks Joe please stop at the office before you head home -- will do Bob -- out. Just before getting into camp I told Brent to stop at the office before going to the guest house.
As we pulled up, Bob had rounded up Sam and a couple of other DR's to welcome Brent home. Everyone is shaking hands; Bob says I want everyone into Joe's office once there he shuts the door and produces some refreshments and say's to those present please welcome DR 7, and it very rare to have a Company CEO riding like this congratulations Brent. Brent goes around and gives everyone a big hug saying thanks so much for your support. All I can say is everyone who is riding play safe it is better to take a few minutes longer than rush and come off and get yourself a bad injury.
What ever camp you are working in make sure you know all the truck drivers and through your work you will soon know the bush mechanic, gentlemen we are all one family.
With that the little welcoming party broke up and Joe and Brent hit the showers; finally returning to John's home for rum and ginger before supper. I got Kia bottle out and said enjoy how much I owe you, Brent's it is on the house. We had a good supper; Brent said he was going back to the guest house to go over to read all the papers I collected from the office so I expect I will see you in the morning and thanks so much for all your help with the bike, have a great evening bye for now.
John and I finally got some father and son time, we had a few drinks had a good shower and hit the bunk and sure slept well only to woken up by the alarm going off at 5:30 am, showered, had breakfast and I went home and got the laundry done and everything onto the clothes line.
Next got my entire material ready for going to Crew Logging for this Tuesday; made sure that Sam's extra pay was put in.
I get a call from John to come over to the guest house and meet him in Brent's room. Come on in Joe, firstly I have question for you, in your opinion how do you think the young guys at crew logging received you. Well I like to think we got through to them especially after Sam came over. Interesting why not have Sam turn up on the Thursday but prime him first. Get the young guys to ask for him for some else who did what you did, get Bob to lend him a radio with all channels and use channel two.
The other thing I would like you to do is put together a report on the young guy's relating to the dispatch riders and there schooling and also the fact you were loaned to Crew Logging to assist with trying to improve there young guys school marks. Let me please have a look at what you prepare please before releasing it.
John and Joe I'm planning on a super's meeting over two days next week and at that time I will advise the super's of the forth coming expansion but at the same time the information is strictly confidential and is not to be released until after Crew Logging personnel have been told by the owners. I will send all a copy of the official notice they can duplicate for posting around the camp. John do you see any problems, nothing at the moment.
We will need to make adjustments to our radio channels to add the extra camps or setup another dispatch office and combine say Mountain and Keith Camps together.
This would reduce the cost of radio changes, the other item we need to look at getting a road link from Mountain to Keith Camp.
I like those ideas's John I think we should precede once the announcements' are made. So Joe please make yourself available for this meeting which I expect will take two days. We will use the community hall at Hillside #1 for the meetings but return here for the evenings as there is very limited accommodation there.
Joe left and meets up with Sam to discuss his forth coming trip to Crew Logging (Keith's Camp). Also let Keith know that he may have another young guy coming in on Thursday and would need a room over night; Keith said no problem at all I will let cook know, many thanks Keith. Oh bye the way I assume your brother let you know that Sam the other young guy knows nothing about what is going on. From our end nothing will be released until after you and Lyle have made your announcement at the BBQ; so I will see you around lunch time tomorrow, sounds really good say's Keith. For your information all Lyle's young guys are now up and having breakfast with there Dads.
I arrived in camp as arranged and saw Keith sitting outside on the porch off his office, I deliberately didn't get out of my riding gear, and this was to help make me be seen by others. Like Keith's brother I was invited into his office and the scotch bottle was brought out, with Keith saying Joe welcome to Crew Logging and I hope you get similar results to our camp. You know when we look back the idea is so simple yet effective and I can see why you need the support of all the Dads good luck Joe and I will take you over to meet cook and to get your room sorted out.
I finally get my riding gear off have a wash and then join Keith for lunch.
That afternoon I look around the camp and also find that radio channel 3 works fine in camp same radio channel as Mountain View.
After supper I meet all the young guys and there dads and explained what happened to myself, like the other camp they didn't really believe me so I said I can ask another member of our dispatch rider's crew to come over and explain how he made out.
One of the dads said I think that is a good idea if your company will give the OK; I said well lets try and make contact right now. I went to channel 1 and called DR1 to AS no reply tried again but from he outside but this time I was lucky -- hi Joe where are you as your signal is week, I'm at Crew Logging dealing with the young guys, would you please contact Sam and ask him to come over tomorrow he knows the way and is hoping for this call -- Thanks Bob -- out
Next morning I'm in the showers and one of the young guys asks me to join them for breakfast, I said sure thing at 6:00am. The look I got was priceless, over breakfast lots of things were discussed including the fact I was wearing a Hi-Vis shirt and had my hard hat with me, they wanted to know how come, so the reasons were all explained and I also went on the explain about dog tags. I asked if anyone had a dirt bike they all said no, however there dads had said no until there school work improved, well that should be a good incentive to get your arse in gear.
Let's go outside I think I can here a bike coming in, Sam soon was alongside of me and then they asked do you ride your bike for your company; Sam said yes. So Sam did you have a problem with your school work, I sure did was the answer so what did you do to over come the problem that we all seem to have?
Joe here said to me after the school holidays it seems I have found a way to get my marks up so I tried it out and then got my younger brother to do the same and in my case I lived with both my mum and dad and they both worked for our company. It made it much better at home as Mum had only breakfast together and for lunch we had soup and sandwich in the cookhouse.
Those guys that only had there dads it still made more of a family unit. Then between us we got the rest of the guys to try it out and after three months every ones marks were showing good sings of improvement. Your school marks will not come up overnight but it took everyone about three months to get improvement. Interesting they said so Joe how come you are visiting us? Simple I said Crew Logging had heard about how Woodsman Logging guys are had improved and could they hire us to try and assist you folk with your difficulties hence we are here.
Now if anyone wants to talk to us either privately or as a group please ask; either of us we are here to help you all and talk about the dispatch riders or such like.
Joe & Sam a question; how do you become a dispatch rider? First you must have your first aid ticket and you will need that before you can work in the shop, then you must work at least one year in the shop and have done work on small engines. By this time you are expected to have your own bike and have learnt to ride safely.
Assuming you have been excepted OK I will be taking you out testing you on radio communications using roads that are not being used, after this we will meet up with all the truck drivers and introduce you and advise them you are about to become active on the operating roads; we will also meet up with the dispatch office and who ever is on duty will explain there job.
Following this we take you out into the active logging areas during which time to start with I will do the communications with dispatch so that you can hear what is said etc; after this I will want you to do the communications with the dispatch office.
No doubt all your heads are spinning with the information you have been, now we are both going to get a shower and if anyone wishes to ask any questions please feel free to ask either of us so please join us as we both need our back scrubbing as will be leaving you all to-morrow morning. So guys please try out our recommendations, remember it will take about three months before you will see an improvement.
The only other comment we will make is always act safely whether work or play and if have sex always use condoms and keep a stock of them in your room.
Sam & I head for the showers and it is not long before the others are joining us; someone is calling out who would like there back scrubbed both of us please. Mine was finished and I ask Sam have you got your hair clipper with you, sure have says Sam, I'll get them once my back is done, Sam asks do you want the full job, sure thing mate.
Well we do each other and the young guys ask can you us as well, no problem at all so every one finished up well shaved. After completion and getting dressed we all head for supper. On entry to the cookhouse the dads almost together called out come here son saying you now look like a man, who did it for you? They said Joe & Sam well thanks guys we appreciate that and I can assure you our sons will all be up when we get up and will go to bed at our time.
Joe said thanks for your help and I hope this all works out for you all, the dads asked if they could give us all a hug as a way to say thank you; well we got this not only the dads but also there sons. We told the dads we were off in the morning and if they wanted anything then ask Keith to get hold of us.
I want to be back early so we pack tonight everything but our riding gear, Sam does the same as he would like to go fishing. I made contact with Keith and said it was a pleasure visiting his camp and hope it works out for the guys and you.
Thanks Joe where is your partner I said packing for the early start, please go and get him as you both need a couple of shots and a night-cap. I did as requested and got Sam, Keith really had some real funny stories about life in the bush; then he asked me how come I came to the bush. So I told him basically the full story ending up by saying to-day I would not live any where else and I enjoy the job I have, however I have not actually worked in the true bush although I have been covered in mud a shit but I don't care either, as it easy to get cleaned up. Joe I can see you be coming part of management in the future just mark my words and good luck to you and both of you will always be welcome at our place.
That night we both slept very well, waking up clear headed thankfully, after breakfast a visit to the toilets and then head headed back to River Camp.
Brent was still there and wanted to hear how we made out; he seemed happy with the report, so Joe you going fishing, yes and hopes to get enough for out family's supper, then to my surprise Brent says to me go on Joe give Sam a hand you need a break.
Joe unloads his paper work and get a flask of tea and fishing equipment and they as soon both on there way. Fishing was poor and they tried several spots and no success so they stripped off and went swimming, eventually they returned home.
That night after supper Sam's dad said son mother and I have a question for both of you, how would you feel about living in one of the bunkhouse having a double room? The reasons being we are both thinking of retiring or would you prefer to work in town.
Sam said no way do I want to live in town as I want to work in the bush, same goes for me says Peter. I'm proud of both of you, I believe that is the right decision and to both of you work at least four years in the shop then talk to either Bob or John about upgrading.
That night Peter and I are talking about our folks impending retirement, Peter said we have to make sure we get a double room then we can fuck each other as and when we like. Sam said to Peter you are a real sex hound good for you, I see no problem that way, we have to get dad to say he wants us to have shared rooms and further more I can ask John or Bob.
Next morning Dad says by the way what we told you last night is to be kept under your hat, we will let you know once we have advised management of our decision we will let you know.
Three days later; Sam (Senior) has talked with John giving notice of there plans to retire and move to a suitable place in the countryside. He also Indicate that young Sam and his Brother Peter want to stay here and have two rooms next to each other, preferably with a connecting door.
John's we can do better than that, there is a double room available and would make a nice bedsitting room for the two of them; please let me know if they would like that arrangement.
Sam (Senior) talks to both sons and they said you are kidding that the offer dad cannot be refused. Sam (Senior) lets John know the sons whishes.
Once the information becomes public knowledge many of the crew are asking both Sam & Peter are you staying, Peter said neither of us whish to be in town this is our home we will be in the bunkhouse. Two of crew said did you know there is a double room you two should ask for that because you both like to fuck each other and to all of us we think that sort of love between two brothers is really good. Sam is laughing, we already have that room arranged, don't forget should you need anything just ask and remember we are all one big family; with that both young guys get very big hugs from those present.
In the mean time Brent has been talking with both John and Ken from Mountain Camp asking after long discussions with John and asking him to accept the job of General Superintendent, overseeing the entire Camp sup's and aiding Brent. After some more discussions John agree to take on the job, they shake hand and then Brent digs out a contract to make every formalized. Next question who would you select for your replacement? That is easy; Ken is the only one at present to takeover -- great I agree with you, now the only problem I see we need a two bedroom house since Ken is a married man. John says that is easily solved as Sam's folks are retiring and moving out and they have a two bedroom home; that is fantastic so let us both go and see Ken right now and will make him an offer and then find out who is suitable for the Super's Job.
We arrived unannounced and after discussion he agreed to take on the job, but said there was no one at Mountain Camp suitable for the AS job but felt there should be a man at one of the other camps; how ever we need to look through the personnel files first and may be there is a suitable man at Gully Camp. At the present I do not think anyone is ready at hillside as they are still learning our ways; very good point said both Brent and John.
One other thing Ken is what has been discussed stays within these four walls. Now Ken you will however want to tell your wife, but try and keep it under wraps. Ken at present we have a two bed room house for you but at the moment it is still being lived and I'm not sure when it will be come vacant as young Sam's folk have lived there for a for many years and I would like to have the whole place re-decorated so it is nice and fresh for you and your wife. So it can be done in what ever color you folk would like.
Now next week we will make the announcements re your appointment etc also the reason for these changes will be come clear for everyone; we will leave you now and please remember this is very confidential and thanks for your time we will see you next week.
The super's meeting started off with Joe's report, after which there was a good constructive discussion.
Then came the normal general reports so everyone was updated; then Brent made the announcements about Woodman Logging taking over Crew Logging. The first comments well the owners there are a pair of crusty old loggers according various reports.
Brent and John are laughing by saying actually there are a real pair of gentlemen and are retiring. We understand they have several acres of land and already building a nice home. Lyle's home will become available right away however Keith's home will be in use by them until their new home is completed. John will give you all the low down on there new staffing. Now most important the Crew logging, info and the next two announcements will no be released until Crew Logging summer BBQ when Lyle & Keith will make there formal announcements to all there crew and John will be introduced to them together with myself.
Now like all the camps there are young guys and like the rest the school marks were very poor, however though a sheer fluke Joe found away of getting his own marks up ands tried it else where the same thing applied now all the existing camps. After Keith & Lyle came to us about a take over, they asked how we had got the young guys to improve there school marks as we would like to rent his services to see if he could get them on the right track. Brent said I will discuss this Joe and let you know in a couple of days; therefore Joe has been at both camps and was there for four days at each camp, Joe please go from there. Well I started at Lyle's camp and can tell you they didn't believe me at first and wanted to talk to another young guy that orinally had trouble so I call on Sam to help out he came over on his bike and this drew lot of attention Sam did an excellent job and it was his arrival on the bike really drew there attention. By the way Sam knew nothing about the forthcoming take over however I did know but was given the info confidentially
Two weeks later Crew Logging has is camp summer BBQ with plans for lots of beer and scotch to be flowing? Everyone brings there own swags and sleeps in the community hall. We actually meet up at Keith's place and then we all go over together to the BBQ. Once there Lyle makes sure everyone is on there second round of drinks when he speaks up and say both Keith I are going to retire and so will the name "Crew Logging".
There was stunned silence from everyone; with tears in his eyes Keith now talks and says we have been very lucky to have our neighbors' Woodsman Logging take us over; I therefore would like to introduce there CEO and owner (Brent) and there General Superintend (John) to you all and please feel free ask them any question you wish.
One question to you both is Joe here because he has been a great help in getting my son moving. In answer to your question he is here somewhere, hey Joe show yourself please, no reply, Brent pulls his radio out Brent to DR1 where are you -- out. DR1 to Brent I'm getting something for the young guys; be there in a few moments.
Joe returns to applause -- he holds his hand up and says I would like to see all the young guys outside for a few minutes.
OK guys two Hi-Vis shirts for each of you; please change into them, once you are all changed we will return. They all return and get wolf whistles from everyone present.
John then says we needed a name for both camps and I'm sure this will be easy to remember and in recognition to there service as long time loggers we will have Camp Lyle & Camp Keith.
Lyle's turn, thank you so much and the recognition, fellow loggers and wives we both feel you will find new constructive ideas with an emphasis on safety especially our young folk hence there Hi-Vis shirts which I know they will be asked to wear them at all times especially when out on the road and this will include hard hats, any child under 5yrs of age will stay in there own yards. I fully support this idea says both Keith & Lyle however they will not be allowed into the shop and similar locations as at present.
Thank you Keith & Lyle lets continue the celebrations and have a good time. Brent slipped away for a few minutes and came back with two very large bottles of Scotch plus enough beer for everyone. Brent cracked the first bottle and said to Keith and Lyle many years of happy retirement -- Cheers.
Many of the employees were also wishing then a very happy retirement, lets get the BBQ crew working says someone. Very soon the hamburgers and hot dogs are coming off the BBQ like clockwork.
The young guys invited Joe to join them for the night, thanks guys I will certainly join you it will be my pleasure where are you going to be? Our bunkhouse and don't worry about my Dad as his comment is the same as 98% of the crew everyone needs to be well bonded, I said your Dad is very sensible and further more the company I work for are not interested in what guys do after work it is there private business.
Sunday morning came and most folk cooked there own breakfasts, I spotted both Keith & Lyle talking with Brent and then some other guys were collected and moved into the office.
We finished breakfast and were joined by most of the Dad's, Joe we have question for you and some comments; firstly I think we all like the idea of our young guys wearing Hi-Vis shirts and will see they get used to wearing of hard hats as there is often chunks of wood that sometimes comes off some of the wood.
Joe said when your sons get near to the time they can work in the shop please remember that next pair of boots needs to be steel toed and at least 10" high just like you wear.
However prior to working in the shop they must have there first aid ticket; eventually this will be needed for everyone here as you never know when an accident may occur.
One of the Dads asked if had ever had to use my ticket; I said yes -- Joe tells them what happened. I was doing a small parts delivery to the bush mechanic and a truck fully loaded came passed me; the driver all ready had broadcast his brakes had failed. I report he had gone passed me at one hell of a rate. I turned around and went after the truck; the driver at first was trapped in the truck and bleeding badly. I did what I had too, the Bush Mechanic was there quickly and cut him free and by this time the ambulance was on the scene.
I delivered the items that had been requested; the drivers at the log loading area were very worried about me and there mate. I was told to sit down and have some hot sweet tea. After this I returned back to camp and got another big mug of tea, then I saw our crew taking our guy out to the helicopter to fly him to hospital -- It's was then that it hit me and I began to shake.
Almost as soon as this started, someone said to me, come on Joe lets head for home and have a good shower. I was given first two good rum's, then I stripped off and seeing all the blood on my coveralls they got dump into cold water and headed for the shower.
So how did the truck driver make out, he did really good and was back at work within 7 weeks.
So how do you know that the guy attending actually has a FA Ticket? Joe said that is easy, we all wear a dog tag that can be used for many things. It has a bar code that can be read by the hospital and also ambulance folk. This tag also has your FA Ticket attached. Here have a look at mine, while it is being passed around I'm asked do you take it off a night? I said no, it is waterproof and the chain is also rust proof since it is made out of stainless. The general reaction was very favorable, and as one guy put it; if you were in the services you wore it night and day.
So what do we have to do to get our FA Ticket? Joe says four evenings in one week the next day hopefully a Saturday you do your practical, then later that day you get your results I should add we have been getting a 98% rate for all our crew.
I get call from John to say please be ready to leave within an hour -- OK John I'll get my gear into the truck -- bye.
Well guys thanks for the interest and conversation, however I must get my gear together for my return home as I'm travelling with my super in his truck.
I promise I will see you all later