Awesome weekend in the country at our
acreage in Bastrop County. Spent a lot of time repairing the washed
out creek crossings. We had two major crossings wash out. We started
on the more critical which consisted of rows of 80 pound bags of
concrete followed by rows of railroad ties all connected by rebar
steel. It was a lot of work and having the right tools such
as a tractor with a frontend loader
made a huge difference. Sometimes I worked in the nude, sometimes
not. I am pretty cautious so the question came to my mind, “What
tasks am I willing to perform nude and what ones do I feel are just
too unsafe? Here is a list of tasks. You decide what you would have
done in what state of dress. Shoes are assumed for all tasks.
Clearing brush by hand and chain saw
and hauling out of the way on loose gravel hill.
Gathering existing railroad ties that
washed out of the crossing (aided by tractor with a chain.)
Using tractor to pull up steel posts
that were bent by the flood with aid of chain.
Using tractor to push, pull, lift
gravel back to proper places to begin building bridge.
Using shovel to level base for walls of
bridge.
Carrying 80 lb bags of concrete and
placing on leveled area, involves loose gravel on steep grades.
Cutting rebar pieces with a saws-all
Driving rebar pieces into layers of
bags so that the wall will cure solid.
Putting railroad ties in place on top
of concrete – tractor and lifting by hand.
Cutting ties with chain saw to make
wall fit.
Drilling holes in ties so that they can
be tied together with rebar.
Driving rebar into ties.
Using tractor and shovel to fill in
behind wall to level.
Taking picture with wife after task is
done.
Did I mention we killed a copperhead
while working this weekend as well.
So starting in order by things I would
absolutely not do naked to “it depends” to why would I not be
nude, here is how I see things. Clearing brush by hand and chain saws
are both meant to be done clothed with gloves, long sleves and pants.
Too much stuff scrapes, bites, tears, trips, cuts with these
activities. I value all my parts including my skin and I would like
to keep them working and intact. Driving the tractor with no clothes
is not to big of an issue unless branches are getting caught in the
ROPS and popping back and hitting you. If I am getting on and off, I
generally at least wear shorts and a shirt. Again, too many things
that can go wrong, get caught or squeezed. Using a shovel is a
no-brainer for no clothes. It is cooler and makes the work go
smoother. Cutting steel I wear at least shorts and a shirt. Those hot
steel flakes burn. The drilling and driving of rebar, I only wore
gloves and shoes. I wore clothes while carrying heavy items because
they were rubbing next to me as I carried them.
All in all, we worked hard and had a
good weekend. I would be interested in tasks you do/did nude and
clothed and why.
