THE NIGHTS ARE DRAWING IN!
Since we last spoke, I have been flat out on the fence line, pushing on to maximize productivity before the shorter days descend. Soon, we’ll be met with sunsets and the aromas of coal fires—all before 5 PM.
So, where to begin? The challenging hill job has been completed, and it’s looking good. Thankfully, there were no more challenges, other than those mentioned in the last article, which included mainly wet ground conditions and a track failure on the post driver. But it all came good in the end. Result!
Moving on from the hill, I tackled a hill park for the strip out and replacement of 730m of stock fence, complete with a top barb. This turned out to be a good job, although nearly every post hole required the rock spike. That being said, with the machinery and tackle we have nowadays, I dare say this is a damn sight easier than what the older generation of fencers faced in their day. In my opinion, the old boys were the best and had a true understanding of what a good hill fence should be. It’s all about taking the time to get the foundations right, ensuring strainers are correct with T-bars and pressured leans, and placing the tie downs in the right spot. You know the score!
Proper legends, those old boys. Although, given the choice between the maul and the tracked chapper, the automated version wins every time. Oh, how times have changed.
After completing the hill park, I packed up my tools and headed down to an old 19th-century church in Rogart that is currently being converted into a house. I installed a post-and-rail fence around the church, complete with a 4ft pedestrian gate and a 12ft timber-dressed driveway gate, set onto a pair of 8″ pyramid top square strainers. With so many underground services around, I opted to do the job by hand, using the petrol auger and breaker where needed. All was good, and the end result was a tidy-looking fence around a historic church. Happy days!
The church was built in 1906, so it’s great that the new owners are putting in the work to maintain its condition. I’m sure the walls of that place could tell a story or two.
On the crofting side, there isn’t much happening at this time of year other than the usual daily checks of livestock, getting lambs to a good weight in preparation for sale, and gearing up for the tup (ram) sales in October. There’s still plenty of grass, but I suspect it won’t be long until a hard frost sets in, as it’s getting more wintry by the day. The frost signals the end of the midgie season. The venom I could spill about those annoying wee critters would surely get me into trouble!
This year is flying by.