We hit up the Royal Easter Show yesterday. It was exactly the same as last year - daisy dukes (now with added Vans sneakers!), fairy floss and... no wood chopping.
No wood chopping.
Wood chopping finished on Sunday and we were there Monday. I can't even begin to describe my disappointment when we bounded over to the Wood chop Stadium and it was empty of both wood and the men that chop it. I am not at all embarrassed to admit that I actually had tears my eyes and was very grateful when LOML bought me a Bertie Beetle bag to try to make up for it.
Bertie Beetle is good, but he's not a patch on my axemen.
Wood chop and I go way back. My dad used to take us to stand-alone events down the south coast. You know you're hardcore when the chopping isn't even attached to an agricultural show. This was back in the day when Big Dave Foster was in his prime and a man his size had somewhere to go. A bunch of burly blokes, a ridiculous amount of hard wood and shiny axes kept in worn leather-with-gaffer-tape-detailing cases.
At yesterday's Show, I missed sitting in the sun listening to the calm, crackling voice announce the next event; both voice and words from another time with an accent all their own. The rhythm of the axe beats a steady tune that the axemen waltz to - one side of the wood and turn, the other side of the wood and done.
The heat of the sun makes me woozy, but the fairness of the handicap system and the championing of the underdog makes me positively delirious. We clap home the last place getters and stand and cheer when the little lads get in and have a go. Grandfather to father, father to son, son to us. Under the spell of the toughest of men fighting it out to stand gentle in victory and steady in defeat.
Standing block, tree felling, underhand, double buck. White pants baggy and smeared with god knows what, but the singlet is neatly tucked and the hand that shakes his opponents is clean and honest. Big, calloused hands that can fell a tree with eight sharp blows. Respectful, timeless, quiet.
Yes, I missed the wood chop yesterday for it's a place and a time I don't get the chance to visit often enough. Life at the pace of a heart beat with more beating heart than anything else I know.
Do you like the wood chop?
What other activities give you that sense of timelessness and connection?
[Image by Michael Janik]
.jpg)
19 comments:
awwwwwwwwwwwwww maxabella!! HUUUUUUUGS!!!!
p.s. I always get the bertie beetle showbag too.
Oh Bron. I am so sorry we couldn't make it to this year's Royal Hobart Regatta so I could report back to you on the wood chopping. I remember your interest in it last year! J x
Woodchop ROCKS. It is definately my favourite part of the show and we did spend a good 1 1/2 hours in the ring this year. Stooge was mesmerized and can't wait to don the singlet and get his hands on an axe! (remembering of course he's only 4 bring me back to reality) Our favourite is the (not actually sure of real name) tall post where they have to climb it and then chop the block on top in half......nothing like a challenge!!
I haven't been to the Easter Show in years, but the woodchop was DEFINITELY top of the list!! Showbags... cool. Fireworks... cool. Holden Precision Driving... cool. Woodchop... awesome!
There's always next year.
Echos of how I've been feeling lately. That step back in time.
Dignity, respect, honesty.
So sorry you missed it.
for some reason I'm singing "rip rip wood chip turn it into paper, throw it in the bin no news today!" but I'm glad you went the burtle beetle! that's the only one worth getting!
I've never seen the woodchop before Bron, but your words had me right there imagining all that I've missed. Sorry you missed it this year. x
Feeling you.
Only I would have cried (at high pitch) if the Bertie Beetle showbag wasnt available, x
I didn't get to the Easter Show this year which is a shame. Yes, I love the wood chopping - that must have been a huge disappointment to have arrived only to find out you'd missed it. I ALWAYS buy the Bertie Beetle bag. So glad it still exists. Where do all the Bertie Beetles go after the Show? xx
Bertie Beetle is certainly no match for David Foster
You really must make a trip to Latrobe one day...there's a whole David Foster museum...and I'm sure they could arrange a wood chop!
The wood chop is definitely a highlight for me. I remember watching David Foster chop at the Royal Melbourne show when I was a kid and being absolutely mesmerized.
Who ever thought the wood chop could create such amazing emotion. I will have to take more notice next time.
I missed out on the Bertie Beetle show bag at our local show last year. Man was I pissed!
I LOVE a good wood chop, it's one of my favourite things at the show. Sorry you missed it this year.
I so remember Big Dave Foster. I'm sure he came to Bega Show in the 80's??? I would never have picked you as a woodchoppin' girl, Bron:) Love your memories of it all x
I love the woodchop!
We still have the woodchop at our local show which is on in a few weeks.
The woodchop and the poultry pavilion are my favourites. There's something about people grooming chooks that fascinates me.
i am always intrigued by the wood chop and the absolute strength. there is nothing worse then that feeling of looking forward to something and then left with utter disappointment.
Total sucks :( xx
I totally know how you feel. I love the chop wood, sitting there in the afternoon in the sun. I live in Sweden so I missed it this year, the whole show. Not even a good CWA scone in sight!
How devasting! I love me a good woodchop.
One of the three reasons I bother going to the show.
The other two are the animal pavillions and yes, the bertie beetle bag.
Mind you, the last time I went to the show, the bertie beetle bag was $2. I dare say it isn't anymore.
Post a Comment
Thank you for talking to me.x