Our Story

Thursday. 7/2/2008

Was up with the possums as we are still not adapted fully to the time zone change. Lyn was straight off to do the washing again while I sorted out the van. Zebbie went into her box, expecting to travel. It took the sound of a can of her favorite tentacle food being opened to get her out. Got out the empty gas bottle and found that the park do refills for $29, so just got it done. While Lyn played with her washing and ironing, I drove into Busselton and found a Woollies for groceries and cash. The checkout lady was a dedicated greenie, and spent forever arranging my items to fit the most into each of the few bags she condescended to let me have. What a looser. By doing that, the bags were all damaged and no good for our reuse, not to mention the time wasted and agro inflicted on me. I must be getting old and crotchety or maybe people are getting stupider. On the way back, filled up with “Gull” diesel, and asked how much their gas bottle refills were - $33

The park is really quite nice. We like the animals and surrounds so I asked how much for the week. No discount at all - $175.

Noticed there was a squeaking noise from the front of the van as someone moved around inside. Originally I thought the noise was coming from some of the luggage in the hold, but found it was coming from the left side front strut. I moved the leg down a bit, and the noise stopped. Going to investigate on the net if lubrication is needed inside the struts.

After lunch, we went out looking at some grape picking contacts. The ones that had advertised in the van park were not so great, so after also checking a couple of other van parks, which were not much, we went to see Vine Power in Margaret River township. After filling out their form, they offered a start tomorrow morning. Bit of a panic, but why not.

Back at the van park, asked them about staying on, and there are some hassles because they have bookings for this site for next week, and Easter. Anyhow, they gave us another week for $150, and we will sort it out later.

Set the phone for a wake-up alarm for tomorrow, and got our dinner packs and water bottles ready.

Friday. 8/2/2008

Up before the alarm. Got ourselves ready, and Zebbie, thinking we were moving, hopped into her nest ready to be put in the truck. Poor cat. She will eventually work out the difference. She did not stay in there too long today though.

Then it was off to Vine power in Margaret River. Got there half hour early, at 6.15pm, but they were open and signed us in and issued us with the orange safety vest with “Vinepower, Margaret River” printed on the back (will make a great souvenir), and the snips we needed to use. The vests cost $9 and the snips $10 which is to be deducted from our first pay.

We had to wait while the other team members arrived, and finally it was off to ‘drop some cab sav’. This apparently meant that we were going to work on some cabinet sauvignon vines that were going to be machine picked in the future. Our task was to remove any unripe grapes so that they would not taint the pick. Since the cab sav’s were a dark blue, any unripe grapes (caused mainly by a double flowering) were green. We just had to remove the green bunches and leave them on the ground. Not too hard.

We followed the supervisor to the site, which was quite near where we are staying, and he showed us what to do. It was not difficult, as you worked at standing height, and just had to spot and cut off the offending bunches.

Lyn took to the vines like a native. Her previous experience stood her in great stead, and she was in her element. She really looked the part in one of my old white long-sleaved taxi shirts, and the fluro orange overcoat. I hadn’t taken the camera, which was a great pity. She had the benefit of being just the right height for the work, while I had to bend down a bit for a lot of it.

We worked until 10.00, when there was morning smoko. We were still in good form by then, so all was well. Most of the others were foreigners, and they had no real interest in the work, just there for the money. It was pretty obvious as they left so much that should have been taken off, and removed heaps of really good grapes.

One Aussie couple was from the same park as us. This was their last day as they are heading to Tassie next week. The lady offered to introduce Lyn to some others at the park who work in the vines too, and also told us of some that work in a cheese factory alongside the park. I think she wants to have a look thru our van too.

After the break, it was back to work until 12.30pm. We were both getting into the swing now and did some good work. We had not taken our fly nets as we thought there would not be too many around, but we were wrong.

After lunch we continued again until 3.00pm. We were certainly looking forward to finishing as the sun and flies were really getting to us, and we were really starting to get pretty tired.

We were told there was another 5 days work here, and then we would start contract picking. They tend to only work Monday to Friday, and we were to be back at this vineyard at 6.50am Monday.

When we finished, we had to go back to Margaret River office to give them our tax file number, so we went there in our dirty clothes, only to find they needed heaps of paperwork done. It took us nearly ¾ hour to get it all done. All this government forms, health and safety rubbish, superanuation and tax tripe. Then finally it was back home.

Lyn pulled up with a sore knee and sore feet, and I had a sore back. We were both tired and dirty, but not too bad really. I think we can stand it. Just consider it as a paid exercise and get fit program. We hadn’t actually ever asked what the pay was, but from what I gather, for this work, it is just the min wage, so we get a bit over $100 each per day. With the two of us there, it is over $1000 per week, which is not too bad. The picking is paid by the bucket. Again, not sure how much, but we’ll find out. Our wages are put into our banks weekly.

Zebbie the cat was pleased to see us home. No doubt because it was her feed time. We had a good feed ourselves, and are looking forward to a shower. In fact a spa would be better - if we had one! It will be an early night tonight.

One disadvantage with working the vines is the sulphur sprays used. It is really harmless to us, but leaves sulphur on the leaves. Its smell is also very persistent, and it is still with me, even after a shower. We hit the sack a bit after 9.00, and must have went straight to sleep.

Saturday. 9/2/2008

We both slept very well, and were not up early at all. I had to get up about 4 as the cat had just done poo. Normally it is Lyn telling me to get up and clean it out, but this morning, she was still sleeping like a baby.

The aches had nearly all gone, and Lyn was getting around more sprightly than she usually does at this time of the day. This work is really going to be good for us if we keep it up.

Set off for Busselton to get some bits for the van sullage lines, and some work clothes. Found the van spare parts shop, and it was closed. Went to Bunnings and bought some bits that would make it work, and then found a work ware shop just opposite. The owner was very helpful, and we bought a couple of tops each, and he also had some work boots for Lyn that she could get into. They weren’t cheap, but they did fit. We left there fully kitted out.

The store owner filled us in about town names. We are staying near Cowaramup (pronounced like cow-were-a-mup) which the locals call Cow Town. Margaret River is known as Margs or Margie.

Got some groceries at Woollies, and then a Subway and ate it on the beach. It’s a very nice place, so we tried to find the tourist office for a map. After driving the main streets to no avail, we gave up and headed homeward.

Back at the park, the owners have found us a new site we can stay at and not be moved. We go there after the long weekend, but for that weekend, we are out on the lawn for the three days, as they are fully booked. They also had a street map of Busselton for us too. While Lyn washed the new work clothes we had bought, I started on the changes to use the smaller sullage hose. Found one of the bits I had got would not fit correctly, so went into Margaret River to see if they had something. They actually had some fittings that I could use, so went home and got it all done. Driving through the town in the afternoon, it was full of people. Lots of coffee shops and trendy type shops open to cater to the tourists.

Fixed the hose connection, and started to empty the tanks. Got about half through and the sullage dump pipe blocked. Just can’t win. Went to the park office, and they said they knew it was in need of attention, and would look at it. Still waiting.

Sunday. 10/2/2008

Had a quiet day. Lyn tidied the van and finished the ironing, while I cleaned the truck inside, and cleaned and polished the kitchen slide on the van.

Monday. 11/2/2008

Up early, put on our new fluorescent work gear and went off to work. Waited at the vineyard for the others, and when they arrived quite a few were missing. Apparently they had decided not to turn up, so we started with 5 workers.

The day went very much like Friday. Started at 7.00am and finished at 3.30pm. having half hour for lunch. We had our fly nets today, and they worked Ok too. Lyn survived very well, but was not too keen on the heat, for once the overcast had cleared, it came out quite hot. I had a sore back within the first hour, but we both survived the day.

A man we met at the van park had been trying to get work for three weeks on the vines. We had told him to go to Vinepower early in the morning, which he did, and was given a job straight away applying bird netting to the vines. They were very short of workers today.

When we got home, the sullage drain had still not been fixed, so we ended up joining all our hose and managed to reach another drain point, and emptied the tanks.

Tuesday. 12/2/2008

Another early start. Got a surprise when I put on my trousers - had to tighten the belt one notch. Seems this enforced excercise is working! Today, there were more workers on the team, including a couple from the UK. We started a new block of grapes in the same vinevard. Still just cutting off any green grapes.

The day started quite overcast and cool. In fact we thought it might rain, but after about 10.00am, the sky cleared and sun came out in full force. Throughout the day there was some quite strong wind gusts, but the sun did keep up its attack. The UK couple did not have hats or really suitable clothes for the weather.

When we finished for the day, I dropped Lyn off home, and went to get some provisions for our lunches in Margaret River. Rang my sister as well to get the details of any mail. Seems like the census department want, no demand our assistance in filling out pages of details of our truck use. We have the truck registered as a commercial truck, as it was about the same cost as if we had derated it to a private vehicle and we still have the advantage of leaving it with its full load carrying capacity. Now we have to give details of loads carried and such. Many pages of questions to be answered! Oh, I just love government paperwork.

Found tonight, to our surprise, that we both have built up our stomach muscles in this short time. we can both do much better sit-ups.

Wednesday. 13/2/2008

Another day at the vines. Was very overcast, and then just as we started, there was a brief sun-shower. the wind was quite strong too, but the pleasant working conditions did not last. The sun came out and it was HOT. We had been taking plenty of drinks,and bringing some back each night, but not today. It was hard work in the heat. Our feet were burning, but we got through the day, and finished the work at this vineyard.

We start at a different vineyard tomorrow, but will have to wait to find out where, and what we will be doing there.

We headed straight home after work and found a cool van (we set the Air Conditioner to come on if it gets too hot for the cat). Definitely a quiet night, with lots of foot rest. They had told us to ring the office to find out where we would be working tomorrow, so we kept trying, and finally got through. There had been an hour long power failure in Margaret River, and they said they would SMS us when they had worked it out.

Just before 8pm, we got the SMS. It said we would be in group 4, and to be at the office at 5.45am. At first we thougt it was a mistake, so went over to Barry's van, who also works for Vine Power, and he had got the same. He said it was no mistake, and that it ment we would be picking tomorrow, and should finish before mid day.

We set the alarm early, got our lunchboxes ready, filled the water bottles in the fridge, and went to bed as the sun was setting.

Thursday. 14/2/2008

Up and into the office. Not such a crowd there at this early hour. There were 18 in group 4, and we were told we would be picking chardonnay grapes at an hourly rate as there were not a lot of grapes on these bushes. We followed the leader's car for miles to the vineyard which was quite close to the sea. It was still dark, and just starting to get light as we were briefed, and then it was into the vines and out with the snippers.

Within half an hour I was the one in pain for a change. Stomach mussles and back. Lyn was fine. The vines were at quite a good height for her, but definately not for me. Together we actually made good progress, and seemed to be up with those that had done this sort of thing before. For the first half of the morning the weather was not too bad, but the heat started after about ten. Originally we were told we would most likely be finished by half past ten, but that was not so. There were more grapes than expected and we were still going at noon. We were both dying for a break, but they were trying to get the crop off before it got too hot. I had news for them - it WAS hot already.

The last grapes were cut at quarter to two. We signed our time form, and headed home. After a bit of a rest, I had a shower to try to sooth the aches, and Lyn did a load of washing. I checked the internet banking, and found that last week's pay had been put in. We each had $90.25 clear from Fridays work. It was good to finally see some money for all this effort.

I headed into Margeret River to get some more provisions. Where we are staying is 16km from town. It is a bit of a problem for errends, but it is a very safe place to stay. You can't have everything. Went to the IGA store rather than Coles, and it is where we will be going in the future. Plenty of stock of what we wanted at reasonable prices. Coles have a bigger store, but it is full of their own brands, and we don't want them. The IGA mainly stock local WA fruit and veggies, and their prices are much better than Coles too.

We got our SMS message at six. We have been promoted to team 3, and have to be at the office at 5.45am to start. Seems like we will be picking again, Washed the grape juice off our gloves and lubricated our snips. Nigel and Lesley who were also staying in the park, came for a goodby chat. They are heading a little further north tomorrow, and we expect to catch up with them again somewhere up the WA coast. Zebbie the car really surprised us. Normally with any visotors, she runs and hides, but this time she just stayed around.

Friday. 15/2/2008

As before, we went to the Margaret River office of Vinepower and ticked our name off the board. Team 3 was to be thirty people, and we gathered we would be contract picking for the first time. Again, we followed the team leader's car to the site, whick seemed to be right at the other end of the area. On the way, the leader's car hit a kangaroo. When we finally stopped, the damage was quite extensive. The car's front was very damaged.

We were issued our tickets to put in each bucket so we could be paid for it, and given our instructions. We would be paid $2.50 for each 10kg bucket. Then it was off to the vines. We walked and we walked. Up and down hills. Just as we were about to drop, the group stopped. We were there! No quick trip back to the truck for a drink from here. As we started to find ourselves a row to start, the superviser called to everyone to to come forward and only work on the first four rows. Thirty people tried to find a spot on 4 rows of vines. Well 28 people anyhow, because we had seen enough. We found the supervisor and told him to take us off the list for today. We were not working under those conditions. The smart ones were just running along the rows, cutting the big easy bunches to get a good tally, leaving the harder grapes for people like us.

We returned to the van park and changed into some clean clothes, then drove back to Vinepower's office. We told them about this morning and asked to be taken off this kind of work, and only given hourly rate work, or work with a mature team. Now we wait to see what happens with them. During the week, we had been offered 3 days work for another private vineyard. It was piece work too, but maybe without the backpacker crowd.

After that we drove to Busselton to do the shopping we had planned on doing on Saturday. Got more gloves, socks for Lyn, and extra sullage pipe so we could drain the black tank easily. We tried to find a hairdresser too, but those we tried were just a fair bit too exensive. Lyn will ask her contacts at the park to see if they know any. We had fish and chips on the beach at Busselton

I have refrained from commenting much about the area, but having been here more than a week now, I must say I'm not very impressed at all. The area is very well promoted with a great tourist office, but unless you are interested in highly priced wine and yuppie eateries, there is not too much else. Went to see the beach, but all you can see is snake infested scrub with the odd house stuck in it. The scrub comes right up to Margaret River township itself with no real buffer. One good bushfire would destroy it all. The whole area is not at all like I expected. Having said that, it is not bad, and we will see what another couple of weeks does to our outlook.

Around six, we got the usual SMS from vinepower. I texted them back asking what the work was. Still waiting for a reply.

Had a chat with Barry and his wife when he got home. He had been netting vines today, and was very happy with it. Nice farm and farmer. He's going back there Monday.

Saturday. 16/2/2008

Have noticed two little things about this part of WA so far. The loaves of sliced bread are much smaller. Same weight, but smaller size, and there are very few places that print digital photos. This comes up because we have accumulated quite a few photos to print. The closest place I know that does them for a reasonable price is Harvey Norman in Busselton. We might have to take the cat for a drive over there and get the photos done. Zebbie keeps getting into her travel nest when she sees us getting ready to leave, so we might have to give her an outing once Lyn has finished her washing and ironing.

We loaded Zebbie in the truck and went into Busselton and got 55 photos printed. Lyn got talking to a lady taxi driver who was in the shop too, and she told us of another crowd, MRV, were looking for vine workers with work at night. Looked them up on the net when we got home and gave them a call, but they were machine harvesters and were looking for machine operators.

Later we got a call from Ashgrove Estate saying we could work for them starting 6.30 Tuesday morning for three days, so we said "yes". It's a chance to try to get into the private operators circuit and see what thaqt is like. Just after this, a plumber came to work on the sullage drain near our van. Was talking to him and he said that some of the private operators were pretty light on the pay, so we will have to be very careful.

Sunday. 17/2/2008

We went to the Margaret River market this morning. Like the rest of the town, it was quite expensive. We had planned to go on to an animal farm, but the light rain seemed to have no intention of stopping, and not wanting to be patting wet animals, we decided to just look around the shops instead. Lyn bought some souvenirs, and then we went on to Cow Town to visit the Candy Cow. It was nice, but expensive. Then we went to Moon Haven shop where Lyn found some cat ornaments she did not already have, and we got some very nice smelling handmade soap.

Monday. 18/2/2008

We had been thinking about what we should do for work. The internet listed some hourly paid work in Mangimup, and after checking the distance (180km) we put the cat in the truck, and set off to have a look. Went through Pemberton and finally arrived in Mangimup. Actually found the office we were looking for, and went in. Turned out their internet add was not quite right (what a surprise.) As well as not liking liers we were not grabbed by the area. It would be much hotter than where we are, and the quantity of work did not seem to be there anyhow.

We then went on to Bridgetown and had lunch. They had an all-year Christmas shop there. Different and unusual Christmas decorations. Next stop was Donnibrook where there was a Bendigo Bank branch for lyn to sort out some banking. Then it was back home via Busselton.

Made some more phone calls and finally found another contractor that was offering better rates on contract picking, and also had work until April if we wanted. They sounded much better run that where we were, so we will give them a try. They may have vacancies Wednesday, and if not, then Friday.

Tuesday. 19/2/2008

It was quite cold overnight. We even had to put the furnace on. We got to Ashbrook Estate, the new Vineyard, early. It was still quite cool, and the forcast was for a cool day. Very nice for grape picking. Within a few minutes others started to arrive. People from Beenleigh parked alongside us - Malcolm and Deslie. It's such a small world. They had been traveling for two and a half months so far and said they had got sick of just sightseeing and wanted to do something. Later we also found a couple from Gatton, just out of Brisbane too.

One of the owners came to collect us and took us into a shed for the introduction. He actually seemed quite nice. This was their thirtieth vintage here, and all their grapes were hand picked. They led us to the vines as it was getting daylight, and gave us positions along the row and each a number to write on our buckets. It was chardoney grapes again. Small, hidden bunches of very sweet fruit. These vines had been trained onto two rows about two feet apart. We were to work one each side, and if needed, get in between the rows to get any hard to get bunches.

We set to work. It was quite slow in the first few rows. Not a lot of big bunches, but we just worked on steadily. After an hour or so, a bell could be heard ringing. I thought it was morning lunch time, but no one else was moving. We later learnt that it was a special bell that was rung only twice a year. Once at the start of vintage (today) and once at the end.

About ten, they bought around muesley bars and water for snacks. All in all, it was a very well organised operation. Whenever we had finished a section, someone would be there to lead us to the next bit to be picked. They kept bringing around water, and asking if we were OK. The pick was finished about twelve thirty, and we headed home to clean up. Like our last day of picking, Lyn ended with just sore feet, but I had a very sore back and chest. I'm just too tall for this. We both had showers and got into clean clothes. We found that the couple from near where we were in Brisbane were in a van just the other side of the ablution block. We can see their van from our window.

While on the net, got an email from Nigel and Leslie who had moved a bit closer to Bussleton. We decided to go and see them rather than just reply and we could take the cat for an outing too. We found them quite easily. The park they were in was very nice. There are a group of church run holiday parks all along the beach. The park actually has beach front, and they are quite cheap to stay at, for the moment. Developers have been after the land,and it seems most of the parks will not be there for much longer.

We left their place about six and headed into Busleton to get some bread and cat food at Woolies, but when we got there the shops were closed, and it wasn't even late.

Wednesday. 20/2/2008

Our second day at Ashbrook Estate. Many more turned up today. Far too many. Unlike yesterday, the atmosphere was not very good. The Vineyard resounded with the rudeness of non-English chatter. The picking was much easier, but with people fighting for grapes it was not as pleasant as yesterday. The work was finished by half past eleven, and we waited to see the manager about pay. It was $4 per bucket for yesterday, and most likely will be less today. With the unpleasant work day, early finish, and not huge income, we are about ready to say goodbye. The manager said there would be ten less pickers tomorrow, so we would do better. We agreed to return, but are going to explore the idea of leaving this area and heading way up north earlier than expected to get better work there.

Thursday. 21/2/2008

Back to Ashbrook Estate this morning for some more picking. Finished about 1.30 today. We decided that this will be our last day and we will head north tomorrow in search of better paying work. Went into Vinepower and told them of our decision too. They told us when there would be continuous hourly work later in the year, and said we would be able to get straight into it if we wanted. Something to keep in the files.

Graham and Caress came by for a chat and gave us some information on good paying jobs just up the road at Rockingham. Adds to the choices.

Friday. 22/2/2008

The results of our last 2 weeks came in. Our last four days work with Vinepower gave us $461.23 each, and the 3 days picking for Ashbrook Estate came to $209.80 each clear.