It has only been two days here on the ranch, called stations, and it
feels like five. We have eaten beef every meal except one I think so
far. Natalie met us at the tiny airport and took us down the road to
her cousins trucking building/shop. Her family name is all over town
and she knows everyone we pass. Get to meet her dad and brother for
the first time. Aside from the fact I can understand about 60% of
what her dad says he is the coolest guy in the whole world. Legend.
Tom and I had the pleasure of riding back to the station with him
after some work at the trucking stop. Surf boards were strapped to
the top of cattle truck also carrying 3 bulls, 2 motorcycles, and
horse lick. Tom, Mr. Curly and I all rode in the front seat. We
talked as much as we could about the area, how the mining corporations
are a bunch of cheeky bastards ruining everything in the area,
kangaroos and other wildlife, the worst drought australia has seen in
20 years, and the history of his station; 50th anniversary. This man
is one tough cowboy and always cracking jokes.
We ride the hour it takes and get to the station. Tom and I take our
room which is a screened in porch after we put the bulls in. Everyone
arrives we BBQ meet the wives have a bunch of laughs then get to bed.
Not only is the night time perfect weather for sleeping but the full
moon shines like a spot light and you barely need to put any lights
on. Good omen full moon the night we arrive. Howl.
I am woken up by the sunrise at my feet. Get up get ready eat some
Vegemite. We test some of the horses out, adjust saddles and what
not. In the afternoon Tommy and I ride around the whole station
checking all the water sources. They pull water up from wells by
wind, solar, and electric, so all the cattle have enough water. Only
problem is it hasn't rained since last June so there is no grass. It
really is the desert. We check water as set out feeds. As we are
driving around 3 in front again cause the back was full with feed I
spot a pig. Without saying a word or hesitation Mr. Curly stops takes
out is rifle walks about 10 meters and shoots him. Pigs were
introduced here and carry a lot of disease we learned because Tom
asked with every animal he sees, "can we shoot that" or "can we eat
that." We track to see where the pig is. It's still squirming around
so Mr. Curly puts him out of his misery. We didn't eat it. They
shoot pigs and dingos whenever they see them. There are also Emu,
kangaroo, wallabies, tons of birds and much more. He also calls
everything a cheeky bastard. And at lunch yesterday said. "there
would be no more wildlife left with these two fellas" in regard to us
asking what we can and cannot eat. He has many more awesome jokes but
some i cannot repeat. We BBQed again that night.
Today was the second day. In the morning we mustered about 155 cattle
into the stock holds. 4 of us were on horseback and 3 on
motorbikes/wheelers. Was awesomely dusty and a lot of fun. Had beef
shoulder for lunch then in the afternoon separated the cattle out by
big bulls, cows, teenagers, soft skins/weeners, and little ones. For
this we walked the cattle, which was even dustier. Was a very dusty
day. But a great day. My butt is already a little sore from this
morning and will probably be worse tomorrow. Tomorrow we may be
branding the young cattle that have not been branded yet. We will
also be learning to cut beef. Mr. Curly said there is no more meat so
we will need a new batch.
We had left over beef ribs for dinner.
Cheers,
Franke
PS Mustache update: I have abandoned growing out my mustache.
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