Just in case a couple of you were missing me, I thought I'd better check in.
It's been field bins and silos again out of Cleve to many points of the Eyre Peninsula, as far as Miltaburra, 70kms from Ceduna.
The EP farmers mostly missed getting rain, which is a good thing at this time of the year. Harvest is in full swing, and everywhere I looked across the paddocks I saw that tell-tale cloud of grain dust hovering over a very busy harvester, with associated vehicles supplying fuel and storage, day ANd night.
Viterra hasn't sold last year's grain yet, and now there are several local silos that won't even take grain this season. That's why the farmers need to store their own. This is only the second season Viterra is in control of South Australia's grain management and marketing.
It's getting very political now between the Aussis ****ies and the Canadian grain handler. Some of the farmers even feel the Canadians are trying to undermine the Aussie industry. That would be very sad.
So the grain mounds in the bunkers are probably last year's harvest waiting to be purchased and shipped.
I did more than 1800 kms last week. In nomads terms that's a big week on the road.
If ever you get to that region check it out. Support it. Travelling from Kimba to Cleve is a beautiful, panoramic drive, especially if you continue on to Arno Bay. The road from Cummins to Tumby Bay is also a lovely drive. Some of the inland, unsealed roads are also worth a look. eg from Yallunda Flat to Pt. Lincoln, through Koppio. Check it out! It's a very friendly region.
I stay at the Cleve Hotel/Motel, and the owners can't do enough for us. Late meals, early breakfasts, packed lunches - for a little cost, but this service is provided with such congeniality and ease, it's worth the extra.
Feel free to ask questions.
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20ft Roma caravan - Mercedes Benz Sprinter - SA-based at the moment. Transport has no borders.
Management makes the decisions, but is not affected by the decisions it makes.
Sounds like a lovely area, hope to get over that way in the new year and make a point of giving it all a look see. Missed you CG, knew you would be in soon with an update. As long as you are getting paid for those longs ks, not like that other mongrel you worked for at the beginning.
Well, I haven't been paid for last month's yet, but I'm confident I will be. The main person I work for is also away a lot piloting, as is her husband, and I think she's spreading herself too thin, therefore the books don't get done. I certainly put my weekly invoices and mileages in, so I'm cinfident it's just a matter of time. I fortunately, have the pension and some savings to fund my working travels. Hopefully I can recover those costs and much more in the next couple of weeks. I only started on 03/10. The back-up person I work for also hasn't paid me yet, but her drivers also tell me she's a good and prompt payer. That remains to be seen. I am enjoying it though, and meeting lots of really nice people - customers and truck drivers. There's plenty of work out there it seems, so when the farm stuff is over I hope to be getting a few more long distance jobs. It's just great getting out there!
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20ft Roma caravan - Mercedes Benz Sprinter - SA-based at the moment. Transport has no borders.
Management makes the decisions, but is not affected by the decisions it makes.
You are legend, and its nice that you keep in contact with us.Its nice to see someone our age, really looking for work. We all have saleable skills, but some don,t use them.You are never too old to learn. Good to see you back. Bill
Great to see that you are out there CG especially after waiting so long in between drinks so to speak.
Enjoy it while it's there and you have described some more beautiful countryside to see. I'll be back on the road soon as it's strange being back at home!
Great to know that you have work Chris as I know you enjoy it so much will be good to hear that you get paid for what you are doing though just take care on the road. Helena.
Good on ya Chris - sounds like you are having a ball - and working as well - keep us posted, but please make sure they pay you - you don't want to have that happen again - take care
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jules "Love is good for the human being!!" (Ben, aged 10)
Nice to hear from you, Granny. We have just been up and down the Newell Highway to Melbourne, and thought of you every time a wide load pilot passed us
The harvest landscape in NSW is also remarkable. There must be a million acres of wheat sitting like a rusty crew-cut just waiting. I'm astounded about the SA marketing arrangements, and can't believe why any logical government would let that happen.
As well as the wheat, we drove passed the amazing rice paddies around Finley- when we went down the rice was underwater, and when we came back it was green every where!
I believe the cherries are ready for harvest around Young, and pickers are being recruited there.
Good to hear from you Granny. Yes I was a bit surprised to see full grain bunkers so close to harvest, its the same in WA. Cant blame the farmers for being annoyed, they've been doing it hard for the past few years.
"If ever you get to that region check it out. Support it. Travelling from Kimba to Cleve is a beautiful, panoramic drive, especially if you continue on to Arno Bay. The road from Cummins to Tumby Bay is also a lovely drive. Some of the inland, unsealed roads are also worth a look. eg from Yallunda Flat to Pt. Lincoln, through Koppio. Check it out! It's a very friendly region."
My wife and I will be in the region next year travelling in a Fiat based Jayco conquest, front wheel drive, have looked at the inland roads on the map and wondered if they are suitable for our vehicle. Can you advise.
Thank you for sharing your travels with us, they are interesting to read.
Good that you are getting a good batch of work - as long as you are paid for it. It should all help to make you more known in that type of job and therefore more likely to get other work offers. Take care out there.
