ABPA - Australian Bush Poets Association

I've heard it said that it can get very hot in the outback during Summer.

Particularly in some of them shearin' sheds.

I've been told, maybe by Outback Jack, that he heard about one where it was so hot that a shearer
went into the catching pen to relieve himself and all he could do was release - a stream of steam.

But, Jack had a reputation as being a Tall Tale Teller.

..sounds like a lot of hot..........doesn't matter....

Just curious as to why he would the catching pen when the whole of the great outdoors was just outdoors????? I'd have belted him over the head with the wool rake - but to each his own

I think you are trying to pull the wool over our eyes Mate

Mm Jim,
sounds like that might have been on the Speewah station, where they say it was that hot that freezing point was set at 90 deg, F.

Ron.

[quote="Maureen K Clifford"]Just curious as to why he would the catching pen when the whole of the great outdoors was just outdoors????? I'd have belted him over the head with the wool rake - but to each his own

Havn't been into many shearing sheds Maureen?.....catching pens have grating in them so that the sheep...or men can ablute in there!...
I doubt he would have used if if you were within bashing distance with a broom anyway!...

Yeah, it sure sounds like a woolly one.

90% freezing point ? That sounds more like a hot one.

Must 'tell' that one to bloody ol' Jack, he'd enjoy it.
Jim.

oh I've been into the odd one or two catching pens Ross and was of the opinion that the grates were there to let the sheep dung fall through not for the blokes to use as their personal relievatorium. None of our shearers ever did I am sure. Quite enough aromas in the sheds without adding to the pungency

...maybe having a female in the shed...(human variety that is) changed the rules Maureen, always common practice in sheds I worked in.

Oh well I will bow to your male experiences in that case but obviously then my presence bought some much needed refinement to the shed. I had to be good for something. They also weren't game to hit any of my sheep if they misbehaved, and were also known to jump down under the floor to rescue an upended sheep that they perhaps shoved too fast down the ramp. One look from me was enough and my wool rake was ever ready but I did always ask them very nicely if they wouldn't mind doing it