FIFTY YEARS ON:

Stepping back in time from my prime:

To witness life rituals that all the same.

THE CAMP DRAFT CALLED "COSTELLO"

AT VICTORIA RIVER NORTHERN TERRITORY.

Life chances come around without you knowing when or why.

This time in the form of a camp draft scene under northern sky.

Answering the call for help of family in need of a helping hand.

Saw me driving from NSW through QLD to Northern Territory land.

Set the scene among horses, goosenecks, cattle under escarpment sunset.

Dusk brilliant glow of orange red, is as awesome sight as you can ever get.

Also In the mix every age group mate, mums and dads and of babies too.

Dust encrusted toddlers, running wild and free just like we all used to do.

The safe environment for young and old is an envy to the urban crowds.

Out bush has many watchful eyes everywhere for danger signs all around.

At times plumbing goes astray, unisex showers and toilets are deemed ok.

This a family scene of trust, please hope while in the bush, remains that way.

Just in time for local draft, all ‘Farcombe Contracting’ crew on hand.

Chance to display riding skills, socialise in the dust to DJ music band.

To catch up with new friends and old, from all stations near and far.

Relaxing with casting eyes, prospects for the night, life around the bar.

CHANCE CATCH UP OF BILLY'S MATES IS ALWAYS GREAT

Standard is Buckles Belts Boots Spurs and jeans, topped off by broad brim hat.

Except in relaxed mode and after dark you can add Crocs of many colours to that.

Little kids, beneath the dirt, you will find exactly the miniature same cowboy garb.

As they run and play, not clean for long, dirt arrives, the instant you drop your guard.

There is a common theme of these camp draft folk, that is their love for their nags.

All walks of life you meet, be they the ones in comfy van and trucks or dusty swags .

Split between two breeds of dog you will find, either ‘Jack Russell’ or a ‘Sausage Dog’

Either led around or carried high, it might surprise you, not dissimilar to the city snobs

As darkness falls, and music starts, the young step into gear, the way it used to be so.

The ritual mating game with smokes in hand replayed the same, as it was fifty years ago.

As for me, the focus changed, I find myself chasing something else, a task not too bad.

Two little ‘Grandies’ soaking up their time, ‘Can we have an ice cream, please Grandad’ 

All the while ‘Farcombe Crew’ include me in their youthful friendly chat.

Just a vibrant bunch of young adults just doing best what they really should.

Living life to the full, while they bloody can, because no one knows tomorrow.

Now back at work to earn some pay to fill bank accounts emptied yesterday.

They too, play the same game of ‘work hard’ to ‘play hard’ to ‘work hard again’

Back to yards at work again before a creek crossing stroll 

For a well deserved smoko break of biscuits smokes and tea.

MEET THE TEAM:

A bunch of sheilas when the temps drop below 15 degrees.

Morning slopping around in hoodies as if it is snowing outside.

1.      Boss Woman ‘Raine’.

Knows her stuff and knows no fear.

Loves the camp and working scene.

Takes a major hit to make her leave.

When she does, she leaves in style.

2.      Frog:

She hails from the ‘Snowy Mountains’

Leader of the camp team by example.

Keeps her body close to the ground.

Short in stature, double tall in talent.

3.      Yas:

From Corryong near Tumut.

Has head for detail to learn.

Has a body full of enthusiasm.

Cheery team member to the full.

4.      Henry:

Hails from chilly Melbourne.

A natural leader in the bush.

Has big picture job in his head.

To be done before cool ‘Emu Export’

5.      Tia

Product of NSW SA QLD, Camerons Corner.

What you see is what you get, when you meet.

With an open face of living life and working stock.

Skills enthusiasm just bursting to get out and about.

6.      Baylee:

Clermont girl reads stock with handy eye.

Quietly guiding beasts through the plan.

Beneath face dust a wicked laugh and smile.

Transforms easily to the task of ‘beer o’clock’

7.      Sam

Arrived late to join the mustering team.

Sporting a bull ride buckle on his belt

From Rocky Queensland is home place.

Travelling always with his beloved dogs.

·         

8.      Lacklan

Lackie is a farmer cropper from Victoria south.

Keen to expand his sphere out of comfort zone.

Never been on a horse but has the balls to try.

His inquiring mind fills a space to zoom ahead

9.      Jess

From Kilkivan QLD her home town.

Adventure had her Territory bound.

Employed as nanny, cattle yards too.

Add camp draft stunt rides to her skills.