Date: Thu, 18 Feb 2010 15:54:00 -0800 (PST)
From: Rubber Rider <rubber_rider07@yahoo.ca>
Subject: Logging Camp part 13

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