Prior to this meeting in town word was sent out asking that the entire DR crew came with there bikes and in full gear plus bring there log books as if they are working. Secure parking will be made available for the bikes.
When you arrive in town come as you are directly to our offices and park behind the building, our gate keeper will be expecting you all and have a safe and enjoyable ride.
Most of the camp superintends followed their guys into town and also carried extra fuel just in case.
Once at the offices they were shown into a large meeting room where soup and sandwiches were made available and general chitchat took place.
Brent then said we are going to split up, so the Dispatch Riders will stay here with Joe who has a number of things to discuss with you all and I think he has a video that he will be showing.
Joe shows his video which deals with routine maintenance such as oil changing, chain adjustment and making sure you enter everything in your logbook.
Joe then asks how they have been received by the logging crew and especially the logging truck drivers the reply from was good they seem to like seeing us was the consensus.
Joe then sprung on them by asking please show me your dog tag. One did not have his, another it was in his pocket and the other two wearing them as requested.
Joe said you must at all times be wearing that tag and perhaps you do not know it has your basic medical info in the bar code that can be read by the hospitals, ambulances plus the company it is your lifeline.
Let us go outside and I am going to take you all on a short trip on some trails. Now how many need to top up there fuel tanks. OK let us go to the local gas station and I will do the filling and deal with the payment. It turns out that this station had an attendant that did the filling which made it easier as I said this will all be on one bill. Explained to the attendant this was all on same bill and showed them my card.
OK guys let us head out and follow me, traffic was heavy and I said keep your speed down to about 25 -- 30 Km/hr. DR1 to crew we will be making a left turn shortly onto a dirt road climb the hill to where there is a large clearing and stop there.
I said now I am going ahead of you and will ask you all to come one at a time and I will tell you when the next one is to start.
What I had done was find a washout that had a large volume of water there and wanted to see how they handle this, I call lets have the first one please and keep your speed down; he comes right up to the mud hole. Stops his bike, walks around, and sees that he can get thought by going along the left hand side after getting through safely he gets a call to take the next turning on the left and join me. DR1 call for next rider, he comes a little to fast and goes part of the way into the water and therefore has got wet and pulls his bike back out. I could see he was mad with himself but finally he finds a way around and I tell him to take the next turning on the left. The other two get the same treatment. The last one through found a long stick and checked the water depth and found if he kept to the right side there no more than 6" of water hence he came though the water.
Well once every one was together, I asked for your comments men. It was the second guy though that said I guess I screwed up, as I was going to fast. Any one else wish to make a comment. As you could see when you arrived here I video tape everything and will run this back at the office. Anyone wish for something to drink as I have some pop with me, oh please that will go down well.
After some more chitchat, we got going again and returned back to the office, parked our bikes. I asked where there jeans and alternative footwear was, one guy had his all stowed in plastic the other was in their supers pickup.
We are all staying at the motel next door and have two rooms one is a triple the other is a double so let us go and book in and get cleaned up. Bring your other gear with you. On entry to the reception, the lady there says I do not have to ask who you are Brent has arranged two adjacent rooms that have a connecting door. I said Sam and I will take the double and the others will have the triple the keys were issued and told where our rooms are, just before leaving the reception area we are told where to find he laundry should we need to use it -- oh thanks that will allow us to clean up out overalls. The machines need $1 coins and here is $10.00 in loonies for the machine and dryers. Thank you very much, we soon find the rooms and stripped off. Sam lets get all the overalls over to the laundry I suspect we will only need two machines. Once everything is going, we head back, shower, and scrub each other backs. Sam has got is jeans on and then says I will check on the laundry. He just gets there as washing machine complete, everything is now in the dryer which is very large so all overalls are all together.
Once Sam returns I ask him hope you have your DR shirt why certainly, good wear it please and I'm going to give out DR shirts to the others so lets watch here faces now you know how to use my camera so video the presentations please -- no problem Joe.
Our connecting door is open and I call out asking the others to join us as I have something for all of them. There faces were priceless and I asked them to please wear them while here they all got two shirts. Gee, thanks Joe you are a great guy. While we wait for the dryer to do, its work we talk and I ask to see the logbooks.
My general comment is I am glad to see you all are checking your chain and making suitable adjustments. One thing none of you have not been given is any instruction on is cleaning the chain and then re lubricating the chain. I will get a video done and then put it on a CD so you can watch it at home a few times before tackling that job which a dirty job however since you have all work in the mechanic shop I'm sure you will have no problem. However, do not forget if in doubt ask the small engine men.
Looking at your logbooks, I see the mileage indicated to me that you all do roughly the same monthly mileage so I am asking you to do an oil change every two months. Any questions, now if at a later date you need assistance I'm going to setup a email account strictly for all the dispatch riders and ask that if its general question then send it to all the riders your address mine will be dr1@woodsmanlogging.com in my case Sam would be DR2 and so on.
If you have a personnel question just send it directly to me -- any questions now do not forget to setup a separate account on your computer.
I am planning to visit each of you starting towards the end of the week after next and we will oversee you doing your chain job then. Cannot give a definite day until the video is done. Sam nips out and checks on the laundry drier everything was good and dry and brings all the overalls back. Hey, guys come and find your overalls and hang them up to air, Joe says as soon as you are ready we will return to the office.
On return, I show the rough video footage while doing this Brent shows up and watches the rough footage once its finish and we have a discussion on what was shown. Brent then asks other than Sam how is your schoolwork doing and have you taken Joe recommendation of starting early by getting up with your Dads, they all said yes; well my congratulations on your efforts.
For your information I am on the board of distant learning and I see all of you are well above 80/%, does anyone graduate this year? Keith says I am.
Thanks guys we are all going to have dinner together all the supers are at the motel getting showered and I believe you have all done that, am I correct; yes says Joe I got them all rather muddy, Brent laughed that does not surprise me either.
Just hang on here please as I am going to have a good wash, everyone will be meeting here in about twenty minutes, and then we will head out to the eatery. If anyone needs the washroom, it is just down the hallway.
We all traveled with our respective supers. John took Sam and I and while traveling John said there is a package on the seat between you take into your room and share its contents however remember we will all be heading home in the morning.
The meal that evening was great and the various super's were very complimentary in regards to the dispatch riders saying I think we all agree it is saving us a lot of money, with that Brent got a bunch of envelopes out of his pocket and handed them out and finally oh yes this is yours Joe.
Joe opens his envelope and reads the letter that tells him the rate for the regular DR has been raised by a $1.25 / hr and for him since he is on salary by $150 / week.
Brent says this adjustment is in recognition to cutting our costs and for that, I thank you, so guys play & ride safe.
Everyone goes then goes there own ways, John comes up to me and says well son I'm very proud of you, we are all going back to Brent's place so I will see you in the morning and I'm looking at leaving about 9:30 am please let Sam know and with a hug he says good night. We will stop on route for breakfast at the outskirts of town and I am sure you will both want to ride; dam right Sam enjoys a good ride.
We get back to River Camp and go our own way; I said to Sam I am going to fill up in case I have to make a trip. Sam then goes home and strips off all his riding gear. He then decides to go and see Joe and ask him for a haircut and says lets do it over at the bunkhouse showers. Once there Joe asks why do you want a tight haircut, Sam says I want it all off including my cock and balls because it getting much warmer and like you I will feel more comfortable.
Joe asks you sure about this, yes I will simply match my Dad as he does the same at this time of the year, Joe does as requested, some of the crew are now coming in and say nice job there Joe good for you Sam I see you really want to be one of us. Sam has a good hard on that allows Joe to complete his work so much easier.
OK Joe turn over and more shaving cream and Sam rear entry gets shaved removing all hair from that region -- all done Sam; thanks so much and I get a good hug - you are most welcome Sam.
We both head to our homes, once I get in I have a good shower and say Hi Dad how are things, good but tired have a load of work to do in the office to-morrow.
Welcome to the club John as also have a report to get out for Brent on the dispatch riders, and do some video editing associated with the trip so let us get some supper and have a quite evening.
After supper we take a long walk and eventually get home, we both strip off and Dad asks if I would a Rum and Ginger that would be nice thanks lets sit outside as it nice and warm.
Dad I am going to suggest we go bush on Sunday, take some lunch with us, and go to one of the high spots so we can look for any wild life and we can just chat about anything other than work. Dad looks at me I like your idea but I suspect you have something up your sleeve; I grin and say we will see Dad.
We both had an early to bed and slept well waking at our normal time it was very warm so I dressed in a pair of shorts and my Hi-Vis mesh vest that is very cool.
Next morning breakfast after which we both got down to our work
Buy early in the afternoon we have both finished our work and I ask Dad to look over my report and the video, after some discussion a few extra items were added to the video so everything was completed. I made two copies of the video and sent the report plus the video to Brent.
The rest of the day was ours and we did general things around the house, since it was such a good warm day I got all my riding gear laundered including my body amour and had it outside drying. Eventually I got a book and did some reading, and then I checked my emails and found one from Mum where she was telling me that her sister had passed away last weekend and the funeral took place last Thursday.
This set me thinking that she needs a complete break away for a few days. It is strange how events work out as I was thinking of asking Dad if I could bring her up here for a few days and she could stay in the Guest house providing it was not already booked and I would use some of my holiday time to show her around.
I did not reply straight away to Mum until I have discussed this with Dad as he might have objections.
I took both of our lunch boxes and flasks over to the cookhouse asking Kia if he would do some lunch for tomorrow and we would collect it after breakfast tomorrow.
We had a quiet evening watching TV, then Dad poured a good strong nightcap and we both went to bed our normal time. We slept in till about 7:30 am had a good shower, both of us dressed the same in our jeans, Hi-Vis mesh shirts and of course our boots.
We had a good breakfast collected the video and regular camera's and headed out in the truck. Dad suggested we go up to Branch 90 it is an out of use road and should be gated but I have my keys, at the gate Dad nips out unlocks the gate and signals me to go ahead and then closes and locks the gate. We climb fairly steeply and finish up at the old log loading area from where the views are really good.
We are both sitting on the tail gate and looking around and can see the active area. Joe says there is someone in there I though there was no work at the weekends going on, here Dad look at the log loader and you will see movement, I'll give Jack a call you just watch and see which direction they go.
John confirms with his assistant there should be no work taking place. Next thing that was said was bugger it sounds as if they have shot gun. OK get two trucks on the road and both carry a shot gun to shot out the tires we will work on channel 3. Joe tells me it looks like a red truck and they are heading up hill, now the only way out is valley main. Jack closed the gate on valley main if they hit that it will put them out of service. We are on our way back down branch 90 John is now driving. Joe gets the gate open and then relocked we have just moved ahead when we hear a loud noise, Joe says stop I think our culprits have got around onto this road and crashed into the gate. AS to truck 7 meet up with Super at branch 90. AS to Super I'm going to check on the equipment -- out
The young guy in this red truck had knocked himself out nothing broken and no blood. Truck 7 crew took charge of him and trussed him up; John found the shotgun and a box of cartridges but did not touch them. He took photographs on the scene.
Super to AS I have called the police and they are going to fly in so I will meet them back at camp, don't touch anything until the police have viewed everything -- OK John -- out.
John contacts the police again and advises them where to land and a white truck with flashing light will be there to meet them -- We will relay that message, may we have your cell # - Thanks bye.
I collected the police and took them to where the crash took place explaining that neither the gun or cartridges have been touch but Joe here had handle the truck to get the driver out while he was cold. A complete check up had been made and nothing appears to be broken and he spoke clearly and was put into the care of truck 7. He is not likely to escape as the crew trust him up and is lying in a basket stretcher.
Everything was checked out and then a trip to the active logging area so examine any damage, we found several cartridge casing on the ground which the police collected and bagged there were two tires shot out on the track loader, they also asked if they could leave the wreck where it was until Monday when they would get a wrecker in to remove it. John said no problem as that road is not in use my assistant will be in the office and just have them contact Jack and he will deal with them.
We then headed for Truck 7; the Guy that we apprehended and when they saw him all trussed up they laughed as one of our guys was sitting in the back of the truck with his shotgun ready for use. The police said they will take him to the hospital have him check over and then put him in the cells. They asked if they might borrow the basket stretcher as that will keep him restrained and better lying flat.
I shook hands with the police officers and they went back to there helicopter in truck seven.
Joe said to me well that has buggered up part of the day but on the other hand we at least caught someone doing damage.
Lets go up Valley Main it will be sunny up there so that's where we headed to and I called Jack to let him know.
We get to an old log loading area and pull off the road drop the tail gate of the truck and get our lunches out. Dad says I think you wanted to discuss something so spill the beans while we are private and quiet.
Joe goes silent for a few minutes and then says he has had an email from his Mother telling him that her sister has past away last weekend and the funeral was last Thursday.
Dads first reaction is we must send her a letter of condolences, I said I fully agree and I'm going to suggest that she comes out to camp for a few days as our guest that is providing the guest house is not booked. I will take some holiday time and collect her from town. We could leave her car in the company compound as I'm sure Brent would not object.
I can see no problem there at all and further more Brent is the only one who might want to come up and he has stayed before with Jack.
Joe I like that idea very much and I'm so glad you two get on well, we have a spare company truck that you can use, firstly go ahead and ask her -- thanks Dad an if she agrees I will ask all the Wives to meet my Mother and then leave them on there own to talk. John says they will most likely have them all over there one of there homes and it will be a real hen party, that will do Julie good.
Joe says I just want to show her it's been the best thing that ever happen was me moving out here I really love it, gosh how many years is it now must be four or five at least and thanks dad and who ever it was with you that dreadful Friday evening that is something I will never forget. John says I don't even remember who it was some of the senior crew, mostly likely Jack and two others.
Let's get away from that area of our lives and look on the bright side. I really hope Julie agrees and I will do a BBQ for one evening and get Kia to get the steaks ready but I will do the cooking back here.
I wonder if Julie will drink a glass of wine or sherry, if my memory is right she would have one small glass of white wine at Christmas time see if you can find out.
When we get home I Email Mum and make my offer to her, she soon replies but says would she be welcome and does John know what I am are up to.
In my reply, I said yes John is fully aware and has made a company truck available to me to collect you from town, further more your car can be parked in the company compound that is secure.
Your accommodation will be in the company guest house. Some evenings we will eat in the cookhouse as we have an excellent cook, lunchtime assuming the weather is kind we will take a picnic basket and some soft drink of your choice as we have a good variety.
I know John one evening wants to do a BBQ for us at our home, I'm sorry that we do not have a spare bedroom but that is the way it goes.
I will also mention you do need some good heavy weight shoes -- don't bring anything fancy, your slippers or sandals. A couple of pairs of jeans, and what ever you wear on top plus a warm jacket.
Should it turn out wet then we have plenty of rain gear that I'm sure we can fix you up.
I get a reply the following morning saying my offer is too good to refuse because John told her a lot about the place and would love to see it for myself also I want to meet Sam as you two guys did a really good job at the graduation function held at your old school, I love the way you two broke tradition by going in Jeans, flannel shirts and boots it was fantastic. I don't know how you got away with it but perhaps you will tell me when we meet up again.
In the mean time I Emailed Brent and requested that my Mother car to be allowed to parked for about a week in the compound and told him why.
I quick response you know perfectly well that compound is available to most employee's delighted to help out.
How long since you saw your mother and does John know. I replied saying yes John does know and in fact he is going to do a BBQ one evening while she is here I'm taking a week off to show here around and have booked a room in our guest house for her. I will come into town in a truck and collect my mother Julie the exact date as yet unknown but can bring any papers in and drop them off for you at the same time.
Brent replied almost by return saying tell her to come into the office and ask for me that way she will not be stuck outside if you get delayed.
Many thanks Brent I will give you the date ASAP.
My next Email was from Julie asking what was the best date to come out. How about this coming Wednesday and what sort of time would you be into town.
I will come the evening before as there are a couple of good friends I want to visit before we meet up.
My reply was OK see you at the company office at 11:00 am we will have some lunch and then head out. Now important when you get there go into the office and ask for Brent and tell them it is Julie, Joe's mum.
I let Brent know time and date, his reply was great I'll see you then and we are all going out to lunch together.
As arranged Julie arrives goes into the office Brent is soon out and shows Julie where to park the car as he is doing this Joe shows up. Julie does not recognize Joe at first. Hi Mum lets get your stuff into my truck, Brent leaves us and says see you in my office when you are clear Joe -- sure thing Brent.
I leave my truck here as well and collect the package for Brent, as we walk into the office Ann the receptionist say's Hi Joe how are thing good thanks that's great says Ann, this way Mum as we head down the hallway I give a gentle tap on Brent's door and walk in placing the package on his desk.
Brent says welcome to our operation so that you have the required energy I'm taking you both out to lunch before you start your trip which is roughly 3.5 hours.
Brent goes to the usual place the local pub but before leaving he says if you need the washroom its right there as excuse me I need to wash. While Brent and I are in there and I quickly mention Mother does not drink but does not worry about anyone else have a beer or such like, she will drink a soft drink -- thanks for the tip so the pub is OK sure thing says Joe.
Lets use my car as we can all get into that or would you prefer to walk as it is about half a block, lets walk says Julie.
We have a nice soup and sandwich lunch both Brent and I have a glass of beer, Mum has ginger ale, we head back to the office and I ask is there anything to go back to River Camp don't think so but lets check with Ann.
Nothing here Joe fair enough, Mother do you need the bathroom as I'm going to use it, no a bad idea I guess.
I top up the truck with fuel and we head off out of town. Mum is looking out at the scenery and then says I think you must be working for a good company they way folk seem to recognize you. This Brent what is his job, I laugh and say he owns it!
Total silence and then you are kidding me, no I am not he owns the outfit and is a very well respected Boss by all. He has four logging camps all similar to River Camp, Mountain, Eastern and Gully Camp.
Must be worth a few dollars, I said it's all tied up in equipment as he like to keep everything in tip top condition -- interesting. So have you thought of moving on, no not at the present as I have a dammed good job, it was decided by Brent that perhaps they could save some money by having a dispatch rider to transport small items out to the bush mechanics. I was still at school however a number of us were free in the afternoons. I have my own 200cc dirt bike that Dad brought me about six months before this idea came about. My school marks were well above 80% and then one day when I was on school holidays working in the mechanics' shop word came to me to get over to the office and this was the first time I meet Brent. I was pretty dirty however I had washed my hands.
I'm told to go to John's office and it was Brent who said they were looking into this dispatch rider idea and since I already had a bike would I consider this job. It would be a three month trial. My comment was I'm not the senior junior here Sam is, we have looked at this he only rides an ATV which is almost as wide as a small truck and there is not room for that type of vehicle on the road passing a loaded logging truck coming in the opposite direction.
The company will give training in the use of the radio and call points, we will supply you with Hi-Vis Orange & reflective Yellow strip Overalls. Plus you already have your first aid ticket. We will rent from you your bike and provide the required insurance and only you will ride your bike, any servicing will be done in the shop at company expense.
You did that Joey, Mum please call me Joe and that reminds me I only call Dad at home when we are on our own otherwise it is John this is done so folk do not realize I'm the camp superintendent son saves a lot of hassle.
Well Mum and I will call you Julie in camp hope that is ok was are nearly there, suddenly the radio goes Super to DR1
DR1 responding,
Super to DR1 where are you?
DR1 to Super about 5miles out heading in be there shortly -- out
Julie asks was that John? I said yes, so what is this Super? Did you not know John is the camp superintendent the most senior person on site and reports to Brent. Well that is the first time I knew that. Look like you have lots to learn as I pull up in front of the office. John sees us and comes right out, please come in Julie glad to see Joe got you here safely. I have a couple of safety items for you one safety vest and one hard hat. Glad to see you appear to have good strong shoes. Now I expect you would like to get your self sort out and you have room three in our guest house. I am sure Joe will fill you in over there and then perhaps we can all have supper together in the cookhouse. I see the time is now 3:30 pm would you like a cup of tea or get sorted out first, Julie tea would be nice OK Kia always has a pot of tea on the go so let walk over there.
The first comment Julie gets is from Kia welcome Julie to our kitchen would you like tea or coffee, tea is there and coffee over here. We all get our Tea and a plate of ginger cookies is placed on the table we are sitting at. We all sit there and just talk, Julie first comment is I can not believe how nice this cookhouse looks. John says no one is allowed in hear in dirty clothes. I believe everyone should wear clean gear every day; the crew has good laundry facilities and therefore there is no excuse.
However the only time dirty gear may come in is if there had been a bad accident then at the rear of the cookhouse is setup for first aid and has extra lighting to assist the First Aid attendant and here it is Kia so it does not take him long to scrub up since he is basically in a clean job and has radio and phone connection to call for the chopper to fly in to transport the injured to hospital promptly.
We finish our tea and I take the truck over to the guest house and unload Julie's gear, in the mean time John points out our house and tells her when she is ready to come on over and then escorts her to the Guest House and says Dinner is at 6:00 pm.
We both leave Julie to herself, while she is away both John and I have a good scrub up and I dress in my shorts, nice thin shirt socks and sandals, Dad does something similar and Dad pour me a good rum & ginger.
About 5:15 pm Julie comes over and finds us sitting out the rear of the house. Good you have found your way ok would you like a soft drink of some sort? Do you have any ginger ale we certainly do; would you like it with any ice and it is in the frig so already chilled, no then just as it comes please. Well polite chit chat and John said how sorry to hear about her sister, Julie comment was a happy release as she had been in so much pain and thanks for the letters of condolences John much appreciated. Also I must say thank you Joe for inviting me here as a complete breakaway is what I needed.
Joe say well it is time for supper lets walk over to the cookhouse as we enter many of the crew are here; Kia says there is a table at the back for the three of you - thanks Kia. When we get there, I find Kia has kindly made out a menu card so Julie what is your choice, the serving are generally fairly large.
Her comment this quite a selection and I think I rather like the roast beef, do you like salad no thanks but I would like some tea. Joe says OK you get your tea and grab tea for the both of us and we will the roast beef.
We all get back to the table and Julie is first to taste the beef and says this is good and what fantastic Yorkshire pudding it is unbelievable better that any restaurant I know. Well the main part of the meal was finished and I asked if you would like any desert, there will be ice cream or pie. No thanks I feel full and what a great meal thanks guys.
Over the next couple of days I took Julie to many parts of the operation, she appear to be very interested in everything that took place, then she reminded me about meeting up with Sam so before I forgot I gave Sam a call. DR1 to DR2 where are you?
DR2 I am heading out up the mainline with a delivery - out
DR1 to DR2 - OK just hang on there I will come up Valley Main to meet up with you, Julie my Mum wants to meet you -- out
We arrived and I am looking for Sam then I see him come into the loading area, Julie that is Sam on his bike just arriving and we watch as he hands over the required parts, I flash my lights at him and he comes over and by this time Julie is out of the truck with me.
Julie let me introduce Sam number 2 dispatch rider for this company; hello Sam nice to met you. Sam says Mum want to meet you at our house.
Sam I will tell you what why not have supper at our place as John is doing BBQ and we would like you to join us -- let us say 6:00 pm.
Sam said I must get going and look forward to this evening -- bye for now.
We next hear DR2 to shop, any more deliveries
Shop to DR2 not at the moment Sam Thanks DR2 out
Sam nips home and leaves a note for his mother saying he is invited out for supper to John's place to talk with Julie Joe's mum.
In the mean time I get on my cell to call John and let him know about Sam being invited for the BBQ, I get no answer so I go onto the radio DR2 to Super he prompt replies yes Joe, please call me on the cell.
DR1to Super - cell out of service what is up?
DR2 to super make it four for the BBQ tell you more later -- out
That evening Sam showed up, John saw him first, saying glad you could make would you like a beer go and help yourself it is all in the frig. Next to show was Julie. John says Julie I know you do not drink but would you accept a glass of light German wine, she said I would like that thank you John.
Finally, Joe shows up sorry I am late but I was in the shower and forgot the time, in the mean time Sam and Julie are in deep discussion Joe brings the steaks out.
A good meal was enjoyed by all and at the end of the meal Sam said Julie my mother has invited you come to visit to-morrow late afternoon for tea etc, so please come over about 6:0 pm.
Everyone went back there homes, Joe escorted his Mum back to the Guest House -- thanks Joe that was a great evening and thanks and I'm sure glad to Sam he is a very sincere young man. I said he was the one that gave me lots of information about camp life in my first few days here.
The next morning after breakfast I took another picnic basket all done by Kia and meet up with Julie asking if she had breakfast, her comment was I eat so well last evening all I need is a couple of mugs of tea. I said you have two choices either the cookhouse or our place; do you drink your tea black or white? Julie answer was black is fine so long as it is not to strong. So we head for our house and I make some tea, I call to Julie come, help yourself, and let us sit outside.
Julie said I found a lot about you from Sam it has made me very proud especially the way you got the other young folk to get there school marks up. It was simple but effective. It is nice that Sam's mother wishes to meet up with me and I look forward to that. So Joe what do you have planned for today, I thought we might go down to the river and see if we can catch a fish or what ever, you never know we might see some wild life like black bear or deer. When you are ready, we will take off. The bathroom is the first door on the left if you need it. While Julie is doing whatever I wash the mugs and clear things away.
Once Julie has finished in the bathroom, I head that way for a quick pee and then we head out. I call Jack to let him know where I planning on going and expect to be back by mid afternoon.
So I headed to the fishing hole only to find O'l black bear there teaching her very young cub how to fish, hence we left her alone but watched for some time, I think Julie enjoyed that from her comments.
We quietly moved off and climb the hill and I pulled over. Scouring the valley below with my field glasses I spotted some Elk grazing and pointed these out to Julie, by now we are sitting on an old log and just talking quietly.
Julie says to me; you know Joe when you moved out to River Camp my mind was so confused with my sister's problems and then to come home and walk into that situation you don't know how relieved I was to find John there with his friends. That night I hardly had any sleep as my mind was churning over at a terrible rate and what to do about your safety. Then when John suggested he should take you out here, it was like a great relief. I knew you would be safe as John was always protective but I worried about your schooling, however you did well once your life became more stable and then to be asked to make that speech at your graduation and to be dressed as you were was something else. I don't know you pulled that off.
Joe said that was easy, I had come into town with Dad as he had business to do with Brent and he dropped me off so I could go into my old school and the principle saw me and invited me into his office. He asked how I had made out with Distant Learning, and then he said he would like me to make a speech at the grad function -- that made me rather nervous I said I would think about it so he gave me his card and asked me to email him.
He then asked do I know Sam Hicks, my answer to that was I know a Sam but do not know his surname, as I would have to ask my father for his surname.
Surnames are not used at all in camp. The reason I'm asking is he is to be invited as well to the graduation function as we are combining this school and the distant learning into one affair. After some other chatting I went my own way and headed for the company office and meet up with Dad -- so Julie that is how it all started and Dad encouraged me or should I say pushed me into doing this speech well I think you know the rest.
Suddenly I get a great big hug from Julie and she says you love this place with its peacefulness free from crazy drivers.
Mum it is time for lunch lets see what Kia has put together for us. I find nicely packed is cold cuts, sliced cheese and salad and two small jelly's plus soft drink.
We both enjoyed the goodies and afterwards I said I needed some photo's of the both of us and I have my tripod so will set the camera up on the timer, Julie laughs and say's I had better grab my hard hat and I notice you are hardly ever without yours once away from camp. My comment was it is like pulling a pair of jeans on in the morning it is so instilled into you from a kid you do not go without it. One photo I would also like is you riding one of the logging roads dressed accordingly.
DR1 to DR2 where are you? DR2 to DR1 just made a delivery to the bush mechanic and on my way down the hill. DR2 please wait at the junction of the Mainline and Valley Main -- out.
We meet up with Sam and I ask are you very busy no it is slack this afternoon, well Julie want photo of me riding so I must go home and get changed and then we can go up to the helicopter landing area and I would like you to take Julie up there on your ATV perhaps dropping her off at the bottom of the hill no problem Joe.
We have returned to our home and Julie takes some more photos, suddenly my radio goes Super to DR1 where are you at present. DR1 to Super just got home -- I'll be right over.
John soon arrives and asks where Julie is? She has gone to get cleaned up and showered for this evening. OK here is the deal I have a package of papers for Brent and I need to get them to him not later than 8:30 am tomorrow now either take them right now or leave here very early to-morrow morning. I said Julie is planning on returning tomorrow to town and then head home.
This evening she is meeting up with Sam's mother and I bet some of the other ladies will also be there as she has been asked to go over for 6:00 pm.
OK you go and get showered etc ready for supper and I will go and see Julie, just hoping she is not in the shower as yet. John heads for the guest house and calls out Hi Julie are you decent, with that she opens her door and says Hi John come on in I was just getting my case packed for my return to-morrow morning.
Your return to town tomorrow is going to be an early start as Joe has to be with Brent not later than 8:30 am preferable earlier and means he has to be on the road not later than 4:30 am, I am sorry about this early start and hope you do not mind.
You know John that will work out well because I can get on the road and be home by mid afternoon. Thank you so much for your understanding and also in the way you have brought Joe up he is a real credit to you. Now please if you come my way please stop bye and I have a spare bedroom for either of you.
Here is my address and phone number thanks Julie; and if you wish to send something through the mail to either of us use this address John or Joe, River Camp c/o Woodsman Logging. I'll leave you now to carry on what you are doing and enjoy your evening with the ladies.
By the time I get home Joe is just coming back from the office, it turns out he made contact with Brent and advised him that he was leaving not later than 4:30am that meant I should be there by 8:00 am at the latest.
Hey Joe, John calls out I think it is time to relax lets have a drink before cleaning up. Why are you were in your bike gear, I laughed Julie wanted some photos of me riding my bike. Where did you go, on the road to the helicopter landing area.
Well Joe I hope you have been happy with your Mums visit, you know Dad I am glad I have been able to do it. I'm sure it has opened her eyes because I can understand her concern after that situation back in town when you were on one of your monthly visits and then you offered to look after me in what she thought was wild west rough and tumble logging camp. I think the big thing that has opened her eyes is how clean this place is plus the spotless cookhouse. Another thing she has mention in her comments was no bad language was heard either.
Well we both had couple rum and gingers and then hit the shower, we had just finished when we heard Julie call out -- anyone home? I called I will be there in a couple of minutes please take a seat on the porch. I went outside with just a towel wrapped around my waist, when I get out to the porch Julie laughs looks like I caught you with your pants down.
Joe she says I realize it is early to bed tonight so I was hoping to make my good bye's to John as he had been so kind and thoughtful by this time John is standing behind Julie and says thanks Julie I'm so glad you finally came to visit our camp.
The time now was almost 6:00pm and Julie gives John a great big hug and says see you in the morning Joe, I had better get over to Sam's folk; she throws a couple of kisses and is gone.
Joe says better get some pants on and lets go for supper, when we get there we find all the married Dads are also there having supper John calls out hey guys can we join you please, sure John you and Joe are more than welcome. We all had a great supper laughing about the hen party going on.
Next morning Dad was up as well and said want a flask, oh please better take a mug as well for Julie, OK I will use the large flask and throw a couple of chocolate bars in as well.
Take Julie for breakfast once you have made your delivery to Brent, that is my plan, and we will what happens, we are into town by 7:30am I make my delivery and I turn around and start to leave. Brent said hang on Joe please where are you going? I need to transfer Julie gear into her car and planning to take her to breakfast -- fair enough. Soon as you are clear, please come back here, as we need to talk.
I get all Julie gear into her car, invite her for breakfast, she declined, said she will stop on the way home, and email when she gets home. With that, she gives me a great big hug and says thank you I have had a wonderful time -- with that she heads of out.
I returned to Brent's office, so have you had any breakfast yet I said no, OK let us both go and eat as I have nothing more than a couple of mugs of tea. Oh I had better let Jack know where I am -- use my radio channel five DR1 to AS I am at Brent's office will be back later in the day please let John know. AS to DR1 sure thing Joe will do -- out.
Brent and I go to a local café where we had a good breakfast, on return to the office come on in Joe shut the door please now as you can understand this information I'm going to give is between you and myself. John's something is going on but does not know any details.
Joe I think you may have extra work with DR's I am almost though with buying up two more logging camps that are similar our present ones. Now here is where they are located as Brent get out the large-scale map showing the locations which actually backup to the present holdings.
Both camps have a number of young folk but none of them are doing very well with there school work so I'm thinking how could you get them going. So once the time is right would you be prepared to meet up with the young folk and pass on what you did.
This sounds like a good challenge sure I can only try, thanks Joe any questions so far. When do you expect the take over to take place? Most likely within the next month. So will you be having a super's meeting with the new guys yes that would be my plan.
Good that would be the time to explain to the new guy's how we work and I'm more than willing to be there to assist. Thanks Joe much appreciated because we can talk about the DR program and the need for a First Aid ticket and other safety issues. I sure like your comments, well that is it for present and I will keep you up to date as things progress.
We shake hands and use the radio again DR1 to AS Hi Joe, I'm about to leave town heading for river camp. AS to DR1 have a good trip -- out.
DR1 five mile out heading for River Camp. Super to DR1 I will meet you for lunch in the cookhouse -- out
I get into camp and have a wash and head for the cookhouse and find John there with two other folk who I do not recognize. John calls out hi Joe please join us as I walk over John says let me introduce Peter & Tony they are from the logging company that buts up to us. I shake hands with both saying welcome to River Camp so I'm asked what my job was. I'm the chief dispatch rider for the company and I ensure the training and safety of our dispatch riders in all this companies camps.
John says Joe has not told you but when he was 15 yrs old and he like many of the young guys did summer employment in our shop also found away of improving our young folk school marks and all the young folk now are getting not less than 85% through the distant learning education.
Peter asks what your secret Joe was, I laughed and said I had been getting up and having breakfast with my Dad and he and I went to our jobs. Once the school holidays were over I still got up at the same time, had breakfast with Dad and he went to work; I went home and got with my school work and generally completed my assignments by 1:00pm and then sent my work in via Email.
Sam another guy here was having problems and tried my idea out and his marks improved then one evening when Sam was having supper with his Mum & Dad and brother said as of tomorrow my brother Peter will also be getting up when I do so Mum, end result Peters school marks improved dramatically.
Tony said that's an interesting way of getting improved school marks, John said in fact Joe meet with all the other young folk in the other camps with there Dads and explained what he had done, I'm told there was many a chuckle from the dads; same thing happened.
Joe said please excuse me I need some lunch, sorry about that says John when you have finished would you come over to the office please, see you shortly.
Kia saw me and said I think you would like lunch yes please, OK I have some real good clam chowder, and for sandwiches I can make you beef, salad or egg.
Salad would be nice thanks Kia, here have your chowder and I will bring you your sandwich in a few moments. After my lunch I went over to the office, John called out come on in Joe.
Peter and Tony have been asking if you would be willing to visit there camps and meet up with there young folk and explain your way of getting school marks up. I'm willing to try and would suggest that the get together include the dads and it be done in the cookhouse where all will feel more comfortable however John this better be cleared through Brent first -- no problem Joe. While you talk I will get Brent on the phone to clear it.
After a few minutes John is back and says Joe, Brent wants to talk to you.
Excuse me as I head down the passage way, hi Brent Joe here -- I've told John to hold off a couple of weeks and it is interesting there two camp supers should visit like this -- I am sure you have said nothing, certainly not however I was asked how we got the school marks up and they seem very interested in my suggestion. OK thanks Joe I shall be out to visit next week with our other Supers -- Bye.
I returned to the meeting, John said I'm sorry Joe has to hold off for a couple of weeks but I'm sure down the road this will take place.
Peter and Tony asked please explain how the use of dispatch riders has cut costs, John gives the entire low down on this side of the operation -- you know John I think that idea is really and to me this company is way ahead of a number of other companies I've seen. Well I guess we should head back and thanks so much John and Joe for your time today.
The visitors leave and I ask how come they came visiting us, I really don't know Joe it is sort of strange because that does not normally happen off the cuff like that.
When John checks his Email he finds a letter from Brent saying that next week he is coming up on Wednesday and returning on Friday morning. Thursday will a supers meeting and will be inviting them to get here during the afternoon on Wednesday, that evening will a social period and supper. If Joe wants to have the dispatch riders there let me know.
John says I think you need proper office space, now we have a vacant office and as you know it is of similar size to this one and it is hardly ever used, what do you think? Well it would be better than doing my work at home plus if I have a dispatch rider meeting I think there is space for all of them. It might be an idea to paint one wall white as it would make a good video projector screen. John laughs and says I should do that also.
Lets check on exactly what furniture is actually there, checking the spare office over it has basically one long table a computer on the network. John says you need a proper desk and at least half dozen chairs and a desk chair; a radio would be nice as well with all channels