First break between contracts tree planting

I got a bunch done over the break but also spent far too much money, I bought my bike and most of the extras needed for me to start my trip cycling across Canada that I'm beginning in a few months – cant wait! I was lucky to get a ride with my bike to Coles place in Kamloops where I spent two days chilling with Cole an his folks. One evening we went out for dinner where Clayton and Valerie were kind enough to pay for my meal and also where Cole was given the number of the hostess of the restaurant who by the way was absolutely stunning, this put a big smile on Coles face but for whatever reason he managed to fuck things up by messaging her telling her that he had a girlfriend which he doesn't, this is beyond me and I really can not comprehend his reasoning for doing this.

Anyways the following night I offered to cook a meal for his family and friends, I made bacon wrapped scallops with a spicy prawn dish as a starter followed by a Thai red chicken curry with stirfry veg and rice, needless to say everyone was well impressed.
Cole and I left early on Sunday morning to make our way to Banff to meet with some of the others from our crew. We arrived mid afternoon sank back a few beers and went off on a short hike seeing some 'hoodoos' that are unusual rock formations surrounded by the beauty of the rocky mountains.
The evening in Banff was exactly what I expected with more alcohol, loud club music and dancing - well not me cause I just go outside to socialize with randoms. I did bump into Nathan who I worked with in Big White over 2 years ago and so i caught up with him over a few drinks.
Camille, Ben, Tom, Cole and myself should have left earlier than we did to meet to our new camp in Alberta but left later because of some issues with hangoverness and women (Camille) taking too long to pack her things, Even forgetting her Laptop after we had driven away.
It was a long 6+ hour drive to camp quite cramped in the back of Coles car but with a few issues like Cole forgetting to screw back the cap for the engine oil spraying oil all over the engine bay and Camille forgetting her laptop we made it late enough to avoid unloading the reefer (refrigerated semi that transports the trees).
We all set up our tents said hi to the rest of the camp with some new additions. I cooked up some noodles and crashed out before night fell.

 

My New Bike, Audrey and Andre

In and around Banff

 

Making our way through the Ice fields Between Banff and Jasper, Canada 2011

 

Banff!

23/05/2011

Its been three weeks since I started tree planting again in Canada and things didn’t start out too well because after the first day I started feeling the beginnings of tendonitis or as other planters refer to as 'tendo'.
I managed to make a makeshift splint using a stick and some duct tape and even after three weeks it still has not healed completely. The good thing is that this injury hasn’t hindered my planting too much and I have been able to make some decent money so far this year and although we are planting whats called a fill plant where we have to respect the naturally growing trees meaning more dead walking and always having to keep an eye on where we plant the prices for this contract are excellent and thankfully the weather thus far has been pretty much perfect – not having rained much at all.
Its still not easy having to get up so early but the later you wake the less options you have to make your lunch, I typically make 2 ham and veg sandwiches, 2 PB and J sandwiches, Oranges, cookies and a bag full of uncooked vegetables. Even with all this food its still not enough for the day but it makes us all look forward to the dinner that is made for us by our camp chef Judy.
The night off after the four day shift is a time to relax, buy beer and get pretty drunk only to wake up on the day off with a splitting headache and all day lasting hangover.
I hit my personal best (PB) for the season yesterday at 1815 trees making just under $300 – not bad for a days work eh?.
Babs our crew foreman, like everyone else is always so surprised how in the world I manage to get free food wherever I go. I managed to get free onion rings from a fast food place last night and the other week I was able to get a doggy bag at an all you can eat chinese buffet – Only I can pull that one off, some say its the gift of the gab but I honestly think its my dreadlocks making me look like one in need, either way free food is the best food.
Last night a bunch of us from camp went of to see a concert in Williams Lake where apparently it was $10 entry but I evaded the pay desk and got in for free.
Beers were cheap, meaning I got pretty hammered and I met a Irish girl named Louise. Williams Lake isn’t in any way a touristy destination and to meet an Irish girl and hooking up with her was all pretty random, but am I complaining? Of course not!
Anyways not much more to say about these three weeks, so if anything worth mentioning happens ill be sure to post it to this new website.

Pictures around Camp

Night off Campfire and my Tendonitis

    

Camille, Ben and Toms Pealing Sunburn

On the block – Left to right – Pic of block; Camille; Tom; Cole; Theo, her dog and Paul; Another Picture of Block; JF, Babs and Ben; Easy (Babs’ dog); Block; The Van (where we spend a lot of time cramped inside getting to the block); and another pic of Easy