Yes, that's right folks, yours truly has spent the past five days admitted to Katherine Hospital. 'Why?' I hear you ask. Well that's a tale in itself...
It's mustering season, which is when all the cattle are pushed into the yards to be processed. Cows down one race, calves down another, weaners another etc etc. I was working on the calf cradle, which is a mechanism for catching the little buggers and clamps them in so we can brand and tag and and castrate and worm and, importantly, vaccinate them against botulism.
There is a needle on a gun for this vaccination, and after getting bollocked by my evil boss I was a bit flustered and somehow managed to jab myself with this needle. I thought nothing of it at the time. I had, in fact, jabbed myself the day before and I was fine. However, this particular jab must have gone deeper then the other, seen as that night my hand started to throb with pain and Lionel had to give me two nurofen to dull the pain and let me sleep. The next morning I told my boss that my wrist was the most painful thing I've had since I dislocated my knee and how it just couldn't move. She put me on anti-biotics and painkillers, hoping that would end the matter.
However, by lunchtime that day, it became apparent that the anti-biotics weren't working, and so she said that if tomorrow it was no better I would hitch a lift with Lionel (who was going into Katherine that day anyway) and go to hospital. Fun times.
So I get to hospital and go to A+E and they begin to think that it's septic arthritis and even called the infectious diseases doctor in Darwin for an opinion. I get admitted and put on a drip for the anti-biotics. The first day the Doctor said I was to get transferred to Darwin to have an operation, but they decided against that and kept me in for observation as it seemed apparent that it might not be septic arthritis. 24 more hours of observation turned out to be a lot longer, as I stayed in for a further three days. Then yesterday, the Doctor said that my wrist was a lot better and that I could be discharged. I was so happy to hear that. There's nothing worse then being on your own in hospital with the threat of an operation hanging on you then being on the other side of the world and being on your own in hospital and having the threat of an operation hanging on you.
It was better at times, I had lots of phone calls - some from the expected and some from the unexpected (thank you Grandma, Georgina and Tracey :D) I spoke to Lionel for more then two hours a day, and generally really wanted to get back to work.
Unfortunately, I've not been able to do so. The Australian hospital system is very different to the one in England, and I wasn't told how to handle the Australian one. Before I went to Katherine, I was told by my boss that I can claim the bill onto Worker's Compensation, which is a well known thing here, since it's a injury sustained in the workplace. Apparently, when I was discharged I was meant to be given a form to give to my boss claiming that I am fit to work again but I wasn't given this. So now, I have to chase it up and ask them to fax it over, otherwise I'm 'unfit' for working.
It's a load of annoying things. Hmph.
Anyway, I'm on oral anti-biotics now and painkillers for the next week, and am counting down the days until I leave here (14 today) and start travelling! xD
Your arthritic buddy,
Nic
xxx
Sunday, 26 April 2009
Monday, 13 April 2009
Gordons, Five Mile, Paradise, Schuberts and North, South and West Buchanan.
I last posted ages ago - right? I bet people, well one person (mentioning no names, Father) who is probably getting annoyed that I haven't. There is one simple reason for this. TIME.
I have almost none for myself, since the work here is getting intense in the lead up to mustering. It's really tiring, and most of the time I just want to sleep or get wired from caffeine so I can keep working. Today is my first day off after seven days solid physical work in the tropical sun, and if you can give me a buck for how many times I have overheated I'd be a millionaire by now.
However, we've done some fantastic work recently.
In one of the paddocks, we've placed in another trough for the cattle to drink from which is a hefty job which requires a lot of poly pipe, vehicles and muscle. On the first day when we were taking everything we needed out to the paddock (called Gordons) we had two utes with trailers, the front end loader and the truck all moving out there. A few days later the Grader was out there too. It took four people to plumb in the trough from the Turkey's Nest in Five Mile (which is a big mound with a dip in the middle for a pool of water in the next paddock. There are several of these on the station) Anyway, poly pipe fitting is the easiest thing in the world. If you played with Lego as a child, then you'll be able to do it like that *snaps fingers*
The title of this blog is all the paddock's names of which myself and two other new pommy backpackers have been sent round to check the fence lines of. One of which - North Buchanan - was where I perfected my 4x4 driving skills. The roads around the fence line were simply eroded during the wet season. It was all sand, and had produces dry canals that swooped from side to side. Checking the fence line was meant to take us three hours, we got back nearly five and a half hours later, and my hand prints are still on the steering wheel of Eric. Poor sod.
This was very similar when myself and Dan drove around Schuberts. Again, eroded fence lines and very hilly. Took us six and a half hours. And we did see a dead cow on the Northern Side with a frilled-necked lizard on top. That was a pleasant sight.
The two new backpackers are lovely guys and have made me feel better about being just a backpacker ho is here for experience, as they are too. Dan and Mark make me laugh and even help out with the cooking, and sometimes offer to do it all. They even let me watch movies on their laptop and Jeff Dunham's stand up. Makes me happy. (Ant - buy Jeff Dunham's Spark of Insanity. He's the guy who does Achmed the Terrorist)
It's strange how settled you can become. I remember my first day here, but it feels like a year ago instead of two months. I am really beginning to enjoy myself here, and that's what I intend to do, enjoy it whilst it lasts. I've given in my notice to the boss, and I leave Buchanan Downs on the morning of the 11th May, to go and meet up with Jenny in Sydney for some fun times. But part of me doesn't want it to end. I can see myself doing this for a much longer time. Then again, I have had some of the worst homesickness recently - so I know I couldn't stay out here forever. Plus, I simply just LOVE Marmite far too much.
I've got to love you and leave you now.
Nic
xxx
I have almost none for myself, since the work here is getting intense in the lead up to mustering. It's really tiring, and most of the time I just want to sleep or get wired from caffeine so I can keep working. Today is my first day off after seven days solid physical work in the tropical sun, and if you can give me a buck for how many times I have overheated I'd be a millionaire by now.
However, we've done some fantastic work recently.
In one of the paddocks, we've placed in another trough for the cattle to drink from which is a hefty job which requires a lot of poly pipe, vehicles and muscle. On the first day when we were taking everything we needed out to the paddock (called Gordons) we had two utes with trailers, the front end loader and the truck all moving out there. A few days later the Grader was out there too. It took four people to plumb in the trough from the Turkey's Nest in Five Mile (which is a big mound with a dip in the middle for a pool of water in the next paddock. There are several of these on the station) Anyway, poly pipe fitting is the easiest thing in the world. If you played with Lego as a child, then you'll be able to do it like that *snaps fingers*
The title of this blog is all the paddock's names of which myself and two other new pommy backpackers have been sent round to check the fence lines of. One of which - North Buchanan - was where I perfected my 4x4 driving skills. The roads around the fence line were simply eroded during the wet season. It was all sand, and had produces dry canals that swooped from side to side. Checking the fence line was meant to take us three hours, we got back nearly five and a half hours later, and my hand prints are still on the steering wheel of Eric. Poor sod.
This was very similar when myself and Dan drove around Schuberts. Again, eroded fence lines and very hilly. Took us six and a half hours. And we did see a dead cow on the Northern Side with a frilled-necked lizard on top. That was a pleasant sight.
The two new backpackers are lovely guys and have made me feel better about being just a backpacker ho is here for experience, as they are too. Dan and Mark make me laugh and even help out with the cooking, and sometimes offer to do it all. They even let me watch movies on their laptop and Jeff Dunham's stand up. Makes me happy. (Ant - buy Jeff Dunham's Spark of Insanity. He's the guy who does Achmed the Terrorist)
It's strange how settled you can become. I remember my first day here, but it feels like a year ago instead of two months. I am really beginning to enjoy myself here, and that's what I intend to do, enjoy it whilst it lasts. I've given in my notice to the boss, and I leave Buchanan Downs on the morning of the 11th May, to go and meet up with Jenny in Sydney for some fun times. But part of me doesn't want it to end. I can see myself doing this for a much longer time. Then again, I have had some of the worst homesickness recently - so I know I couldn't stay out here forever. Plus, I simply just LOVE Marmite far too much.
I've got to love you and leave you now.
Nic
xxx
Tuesday, 31 March 2009
Katherine, NT
It was my day off yesterday, and so I joined Lionel on a trip to the local town, Katherine, as a lot of stuff was needed for the station to be picked up from various shops and stores. This meant an early start, one I haven't ever seen i my life before. 2.30am. I think I actually groaned as my alarm went off.
Anywho, by 3.30am we were on the red and dusty road listening to some weird Australian music on the tape player. Lionel was driving, as of course I can't, with a trailer, which meant we went slower then usual. By 8ish I think it was, we hit Makarankah and got some toasted sarnies for brekkie and kept moving onwards towards the town.
Our time in Katherine was limited, and with a trailer and an open ute back meant that only one of us could leave the car at a time to protect the goods from being stolen, which meant that more time was being used if we both needed to go into the same shop etc etc. Anyway, we managed good and obtained everything we needed, but here comes the best part...
I needed to buy another pair of jeans since my working pair had gotten covered in battery acid which eats your clothes (there was a growing hole in the crotch) and I as trying on my normal size. These were too big for me. Strange, I thought, I knew I had lost weight, but I didn't think a lot. So then, I go and try on the size smaller, and bloody hell - they fit perfectly!
I was on such a natural high after this, and even bought a salad for lunch. :)
Lionel was laughing at me because I was grinning so much.
Anywho, a bit of dietary advice for the rest of you - eat beef! It works wonders.
I've got to go to bed now. Night y'all.
xxx
Anywho, by 3.30am we were on the red and dusty road listening to some weird Australian music on the tape player. Lionel was driving, as of course I can't, with a trailer, which meant we went slower then usual. By 8ish I think it was, we hit Makarankah and got some toasted sarnies for brekkie and kept moving onwards towards the town.
Our time in Katherine was limited, and with a trailer and an open ute back meant that only one of us could leave the car at a time to protect the goods from being stolen, which meant that more time was being used if we both needed to go into the same shop etc etc. Anyway, we managed good and obtained everything we needed, but here comes the best part...
I needed to buy another pair of jeans since my working pair had gotten covered in battery acid which eats your clothes (there was a growing hole in the crotch) and I as trying on my normal size. These were too big for me. Strange, I thought, I knew I had lost weight, but I didn't think a lot. So then, I go and try on the size smaller, and bloody hell - they fit perfectly!
I was on such a natural high after this, and even bought a salad for lunch. :)
Lionel was laughing at me because I was grinning so much.
Anywho, a bit of dietary advice for the rest of you - eat beef! It works wonders.
I've got to go to bed now. Night y'all.
xxx
Thursday, 26 March 2009
The Kitchen Sink
I cannot believe it has taken me this long to investigate the world wide phenomenon of which way does the water turn when you flush the toilet. Here I was on my day off happily talking to a bunch of lovely people on MSN Messanger and all of a sudden a crazy welsh lady asks me to find out.
And GUESS WHAT!
It goes ANTI-CLOCKWISE!
I first tried out the toilet, which was fairly annoying and goes straight down because that's how toilets work here. So then I was at the bathroom sink, which wasn't very clear. But then the kitchen sink. It went the other way around!
Blimey - I'm amused by the smallest of things.
xD
And GUESS WHAT!
It goes ANTI-CLOCKWISE!
I first tried out the toilet, which was fairly annoying and goes straight down because that's how toilets work here. So then I was at the bathroom sink, which wasn't very clear. But then the kitchen sink. It went the other way around!
Blimey - I'm amused by the smallest of things.
xD
Buchanan Love
It's strange here how you can adjust to the life. Getting up at five thirty am when in England - sod off. Australia - bring it on, as long as there is a hot billy and coffee available fairly soon. I'm finding things a lot easier now then I did before, despite the fact that I am still terrified of my boss. But I've gotten used to the life, the hard work. My body has toughened up. I've lost weight and gained muscle (seriously, you should see my guns - I think they put my rowing captain sister to shame :P)
I remember I used to complain at the burns and scorches I used to recieve from a milk steam wand and panini grill at Starbucks, saying how my hands hurt and were dry from the work. I think if I met that person who was doing that I would say 'Go build and strain four kilometres of barbed wire fence, then see what your hands look like' - mine, at the moment, are calice and feel like sandpaper. Furthermore, the barbed wire cuts like a *censored word* and then I cook and clean with these hands (because, as I have explained, I have breasts) which means washing up liquid, washing powder, potato juice and salt etc etc all land in them, as well as the dirt from the jobs I do in the day.
But then again, I wouldn't give up this experience for anything. For me, the glass is half full. I help build a four kilometre fence (which actually isn't that long in comparison the some of the others) and tear my hands, and clothes, apart - but I built a fence with barbed wire and strainers and everything. I know how to do it. Isn't that cool?
The people here I've grown close to as well (apart from my frightening boss) and Gordon makes a joke about us being like a family unit. We have the poms, who are brother - Paul - and sister - Me - as all aussies think England is inbred (I rolls my eyes everytime) and then Uncle Ray, which is what we actually call him behind his back. There's Gordon himself, who is like a grandad, and then Lionel, who is the 'alpha male' of us as it were. It's a strange collection of people, but I've grown to love it. They've also found out the fact that I'm easily cranked up, which they exploit every moment of my working life.
It's weird to think that I've settled, considering I haven't actually been here very long. I sort of know my place, know my way around and understand what were doing and why we're doing it. The fence, or example, was to enclose a paddock properly so when the mustering begins the cattle can go in that paddock as it's closer to the yards. I'm shovelling sand into the middle of the newly grown lawn to make it level and presentable. I'm killing weeds with poison because otherwise the plants the cattle do not eat will overgrow within the paddocks. It's all hard work, but that's what I am hired to do and what I'm paid for.
I'm grateful for the experiences I am collecting whilst I'm here. I cannot imagine a better place to learn all of this. Who else can say that they learned to drive in a twenty-one year old yellow ute in the Australian Bush?
I'm slightly worried though that I'm beginning to enjoy it too much. But never fear, my chumleys, the Nicholin Man will be back...she just might consider emigrating in the far future...
Lovage
xxx
I remember I used to complain at the burns and scorches I used to recieve from a milk steam wand and panini grill at Starbucks, saying how my hands hurt and were dry from the work. I think if I met that person who was doing that I would say 'Go build and strain four kilometres of barbed wire fence, then see what your hands look like' - mine, at the moment, are calice and feel like sandpaper. Furthermore, the barbed wire cuts like a *censored word* and then I cook and clean with these hands (because, as I have explained, I have breasts) which means washing up liquid, washing powder, potato juice and salt etc etc all land in them, as well as the dirt from the jobs I do in the day.
But then again, I wouldn't give up this experience for anything. For me, the glass is half full. I help build a four kilometre fence (which actually isn't that long in comparison the some of the others) and tear my hands, and clothes, apart - but I built a fence with barbed wire and strainers and everything. I know how to do it. Isn't that cool?
The people here I've grown close to as well (apart from my frightening boss) and Gordon makes a joke about us being like a family unit. We have the poms, who are brother - Paul - and sister - Me - as all aussies think England is inbred (I rolls my eyes everytime) and then Uncle Ray, which is what we actually call him behind his back. There's Gordon himself, who is like a grandad, and then Lionel, who is the 'alpha male' of us as it were. It's a strange collection of people, but I've grown to love it. They've also found out the fact that I'm easily cranked up, which they exploit every moment of my working life.
It's weird to think that I've settled, considering I haven't actually been here very long. I sort of know my place, know my way around and understand what were doing and why we're doing it. The fence, or example, was to enclose a paddock properly so when the mustering begins the cattle can go in that paddock as it's closer to the yards. I'm shovelling sand into the middle of the newly grown lawn to make it level and presentable. I'm killing weeds with poison because otherwise the plants the cattle do not eat will overgrow within the paddocks. It's all hard work, but that's what I am hired to do and what I'm paid for.
I'm grateful for the experiences I am collecting whilst I'm here. I cannot imagine a better place to learn all of this. Who else can say that they learned to drive in a twenty-one year old yellow ute in the Australian Bush?
I'm slightly worried though that I'm beginning to enjoy it too much. But never fear, my chumleys, the Nicholin Man will be back...she just might consider emigrating in the far future...
Lovage
xxx
Thursday, 19 March 2009
Buchanan Downs Station #3
Hello there, my fellow chums.
Now this piece is going to be for my Father, who keeps nagging me about doing more blogs, when I blog when I have something to say he wants a daily update I think. So, as not a lot has happened in my daily routine I have found this to satisfy my father's blog-tastebuds.
Now this piece is going to be for my Father, who keeps nagging me about doing more blogs, when I blog when I have something to say he wants a daily update I think. So, as not a lot has happened in my daily routine I have found this to satisfy my father's blog-tastebuds.
1. My uncle once: had a go at clay pigeon shooting with me at the Kent County Fair.
2. Never in my life: will I become a vegetarian. It's true, I have become a beefaholic. I think it's the taste of steak which you killed, skinned and sliced up on the afternoon before you eat it that does it to you. (Apologies to my friends who are veggies/vegans)
3. When I was five: I drank watered down wine in a resturant in France.
4. High school was: an interesting experience. Especially as I think half the school didn't know my name but knew me as 'Mr Martin's Daughter' or 'Big T's lil' sis'
5. I will never forget: how to ride a motorbke, as I am definitley getting the license when I come back to Pommyland.
6. Once I met: Billy Ocean, my biggest claim to fame. He shook me by the hand and said "Hello Nichola," after my Dad introduced me.
7. There’s this boy I know: who is too pretty.
8. Once, at a bar: I put my bleeding toe on top to show the barman.
9. By noon, I’m usually: just going off for my three hour lunch break, since it just gets too hot during those hours.
10. Last night: I dreamed a fabulous dream.
11. If only I had: more strength, and previous mechanical knowledge.
12. Next time I go to church: will probably be Christmas - unless someone wants to get married?
13. What worries me most: is the thought of something serious happening back home, because it'll take me at least six days to get back.
14. When I turn my head left I see: sliding doors, the veranda, the house lawn and a gate.
15. When I turn my head right I see: a dining table, with plastic garden chairs on top with bedsheets drying.
16. You know I’m lying when: my stories don't match.
17. What I miss most about the Eighties is: being in the womb??
18. If I were a character in Shakespeare I’d be: Horatio, he doesn't get murdered.
19. By this time next year: I will have grown up so much, and be a student again.
20. A better name for me would be: Nicole the Uppity Pom, at least that's what I'm called here.
21. I have a hard time understanding: fencing.
22. If I ever go back to school, I’ll: play some rugby with the team.
23. You know I like you if: I want to talk to you all the time.
24. If I ever won an award, the first person I would thank would be: my Mum.
25. Take my advice, never: think that the British summer is hot. It's postively lukewarm.
26. My ideal breakfast is: Grandma's Christmas breakfast, but in bed with someone I love.
27. A song I love but do not have is: Jackson - Johnny Cash and June Carter.
28. If you visit my hometown, I suggest you: go punting, proper Cambridge style.
29. Why won’t people: stop buying and selling other human beings.
30. If you spend a night at my house: you'll be on the sofa. Fact. But it's a very comfortable one.
31. I’d stop my wedding for: David Tennant?
32. The world could do without: wars.
33. I’d rather lick the belly of a cockroach than: drive in the bush in the dark by myself.
34. My favourite blonde(s) is/are: *smirks* Now that's one I'm no answering at the moment.
35. Paper clips are more useful than: banks.
36. If I do anything well it’s: driving beautiful Eric around the station.
37. I can’t help but: be easily cranked up. Sadly, everyone else here has realised this.
38. I usually cry: at reality TV shows. Nicole winning Aussie Ladette to Lady!
39. My advice to my child/nephew/niece: 'Look to the future. The past will sort itself out'
40. And by the way: if you've read this far, you must really be bored.
Happy now Father?
xD
Thursday, 12 March 2009
Darwin and Buchanan Downs Station #2
I had four days off after ten straight days of work, so I went to Darwin avec Paul, who is another backpacker at the station. We had only two full days there, as it takes nine and a half hours on a coach (which also costs a lot of money) to get there. Long time. Thank God for James (for those not in the know, James is my iPod. Yes, I am that weird) It was lots of fun, it was good to get out of the station for a while and actually lie in past 6am. We went to the Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory for a bit of culture, and then the pub, for a lot of drink. Speakng of which, can you, whoever is reading this, source out Coopers Beer in England for me. It's simply superb, and I am currently addicted. We did normal things, like shopping and going to the cinema and eating takeaway (that isn't beef)
Darwin is an awesome city, I highly recommend people to go there and see it. The crocodiles and the military history is so interesting. I advise you to visit.
So, now I've been back at work for five days now. Fun times have occured. Along with the general cooking and cleaning and basically doing the little jobs I have learned how to use an ancient front end loader, a grader and a Hino, which is a small truck. I've - I wonder how many people are going to laugh at this point - greased nipples on the grader and the front end loader as well. (Technical term - go here to see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grease_fitting) I laughed a lot, don't worry.
Furthermore, I've moved up in the world! To make room for the builders in the worker's quarters I've moved out of my room there and moved into the guest house, which is lovely with double beds, air conditioning and (this is the best part) no mosquitos!
[[For those not in the know, go to my facebook and see my mozzie bites. I had to go on anti-biotics to rid of the infection.]]
I live with Lionel, who is an awesome guy and my boss (sort of) He's really good because he understands that myself and Paul are just two pommy backbackers with no experience in this cattle station shizz and so explains and teaches, and doesn't get annoyed when you don't know what to do. It's rather cool. He also appreciates my 'I'll try anything' attitude.
A big shout out to my Mum, who is wonderful and lovely, because she posted a parcel containing two Cadbury chocolate bars (one Bournville - yum) because Cadburys does not taste the same here, a pot of Marmite because Vegemite is truly disgusting, and 80 PG Tips tea bags so I can have my builders tea! THANKS MUM!
Anyway, it's nearing 3pm, when I have to get back to work.
From your friend in the Southern Hemisphere,
Nic
xxx
Darwin is an awesome city, I highly recommend people to go there and see it. The crocodiles and the military history is so interesting. I advise you to visit.
So, now I've been back at work for five days now. Fun times have occured. Along with the general cooking and cleaning and basically doing the little jobs I have learned how to use an ancient front end loader, a grader and a Hino, which is a small truck. I've - I wonder how many people are going to laugh at this point - greased nipples on the grader and the front end loader as well. (Technical term - go here to see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grease_fitting) I laughed a lot, don't worry.
Furthermore, I've moved up in the world! To make room for the builders in the worker's quarters I've moved out of my room there and moved into the guest house, which is lovely with double beds, air conditioning and (this is the best part) no mosquitos!
[[For those not in the know, go to my facebook and see my mozzie bites. I had to go on anti-biotics to rid of the infection.]]
I live with Lionel, who is an awesome guy and my boss (sort of) He's really good because he understands that myself and Paul are just two pommy backbackers with no experience in this cattle station shizz and so explains and teaches, and doesn't get annoyed when you don't know what to do. It's rather cool. He also appreciates my 'I'll try anything' attitude.
A big shout out to my Mum, who is wonderful and lovely, because she posted a parcel containing two Cadbury chocolate bars (one Bournville - yum) because Cadburys does not taste the same here, a pot of Marmite because Vegemite is truly disgusting, and 80 PG Tips tea bags so I can have my builders tea! THANKS MUM!
Anyway, it's nearing 3pm, when I have to get back to work.
From your friend in the Southern Hemisphere,
Nic
xxx
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