Park Life

Caught between the longing for tar and the struggle for the legal tender

You know, I’ve never talked about how this journey is being financed, apart from the initial burst of enthusiastic fruit picking nearly 12 months ago, you haven’t really been privy to the day to day finances that make this all possible. Well, for a start, I’m not one of those self-funded men of leisure. I have a house, mortgaged and rented, and what you see on the home page. The government has been supporting my job seeking efforts, (no, no experience in microsurgery, but willing to learn). So it’s a rather frugal existence, but with the experiences and locations I’ve had, you don’t mind…really.

Sometimes, however Peter simply has no money to pay Paul. Maintenance on the van and car is periodical and never cheap. And occasionally, something just comes out of left field that you just have to have. Now, you know my absolute preference is free camping. HOWEVER an opportunity of a months work for debt clearing and nest-egging has forced me off-road into the clammy embrace of the local caravan park. I mean…….

Sure there’s the electricity, hot showers, dump points, free wi-fi, level sites, laundries, security, manicured lawns and easy access to the bling of suburbia. But there’s also a Hotel California vibe any free camper would pick up on. Gotta be careful, otherwise could end up comfortably numb…. like ‘them’. I’ve set myself an exit strategy and a gone by date, so I guess I’ll allow myself to at least try to enjoy the alleged benefits while I’m here.

Now you know the agricultural industry is desperate for workers when crocks like me get head hunted. Every vacancy I applied for was replied to and the disappointment of the employers who missed out on this “opportunity” was palpable. The winner(?) got me with their modern, air-conditioned packing facility. After the ‘Black Hole of Calcutta” packing shed experience of last year, I had stars in my eyes when I turned up for my interview. As it turned out, turning up for the interview was the only criteria ….that and walking upright on two legs. Ten hours a day, five days a week…I mean, how hard could it be?

Oh the pain, the pain…. actually, not nearly as much as I thought. Sure it’s very repetitive but the hi-tech shed means almost no lifting. The work is constant, after all, process workers are mere cannon fodder for the capitalist juggernaut. Still, my fellow industrial slaves are always in good spirits and willing to jump in to help out in a crisis. Most are Xi Jinping fruit warriors supplied by a contractor, most are female (note to self, must try that “Old is Gold” pick-up line LOL). At the time of posting, it’s four days down sixteen to go. It’s definitely a case of mind over matter…..soooo tired but willing myself. There’s more at stake than I can say right now but it will be worth it.