Well, I have been trying to work, but to compete with the Kiwis is somewhat of a challenge. Probably I am just very unfit and unused to proper physical work.
Kitted out with new boots, tools and toolbelt...
(doesn't mean I can use them!)
On Wednesday i did my first days work for Hamish - we stripped out a bathroom; took out all the fixtures and fittings, stripped the tiles and livers off the walls and floor. Hamish worked hard - I chipped in, and melted and roasted in equal measures. It was probably around 20-25 degrees in the room, and having recently come from the low temps in the UK, I am not yet used to it here (this is my excuse anyway).
Yesterday we worked on putting up a lean-to shed for Hamish's neighbour - I learned (quickly) that banging 4" nails into timber is not the same as what I have been used to in woodworking. Also got a bit sunburned - my foolishness for not remembering to put sunscreen on EVERY TWO HOURS, MATE...
Today we went to a friend's place: he had recently felled a 30m pine tree, and this was to be cut up for firewood. Hamish worked through the trunk with his 44" chain bar, and I felt somewhat lacking being given a 16 or 18" saw... I soon became glad of the smaller saw, and then still was left for dust by Hamish and the other chap, as they ripped through this tree. I was left to cut up the rings - standing on a 45 degree slope, trying to balance 50-60kg rings on end to cut is a bit of a challenge for me...
After lunch (thank god for the break!) I was sent to work the log-splitter - possibly due to my far less-than-average rate on the hill with the saw! At least I could manage this...
Today I learned that Kiwi men are pretty tough - they do this kind of thing regularly and it is part of normal life. The women are no slouches either - on the hill carting down loads of cut timber for splitting, and feeding us, keeping us hydrated and caffeinated at all times!
I have a long way to go to even come close to matching this way of life and work...
Anyway, plenty of pics below:
ok - I didn't use this saw, but worth the pose...
Start of the day...
Clearing the smaller branches off first.
Chopping the rings down to movable sizes.
...it would have been rude not to, eh!
Heard the one about chopping the branch you're sitting on..?
Ahh... lunch!
Part-way through the day.
One Kiwi and his office...
Quality control from my niece Fiona
Full of sap.
...now this one I can manage...
A wee bit of sap on Esmerelda...
One tired, sweaty, mucky, happy man...
All in, I had a great day. Loved the work - even though I was put to shame somewhat. Now had a fabulous tea, a cuppa or three, and heading for the shower and then bed. I might just sleep like a log tonight...
I'm more than a bit jealous. you'll soon catch up with them, in a week you'll wonder why they are so slow ;)
ReplyDeleteNo, not sure about that. My brother-in-law grew up on a farm, working from the age of 11 for necessity - he runs a construction company - basically he builds loads himself; he is a volunteer firefighter (his crew regularly win the firefighting championships), and on his day off he cuts up giant trees!
ReplyDeleteWonderful! Your Swedish Grand father would have been proud of you as he started his amazing career in wood and trees as a 17-year old as a humble forest apprentice.
ReplyDelete