Spike

[plonq]

I got my on-site training today, and aside from being issued steel-toed boots that were a size too small, it went well (though not so well for my poor feet). I learned the ancient art of pulling and driving spikes, and also took a few steps down the road of self-discovery. Apparently my enthusiasm is only tempered by my lack of coordination. I put so many dents in the rail from missing the spike entirely that they had to come along behind me with a hydraulic grinder to undo some of the damage I left in my wake. I think they'd been looking for an excuse to show off the grinder anyway, so it was all good in the end.

After we'd spent a couple of hours pulling and spiking, they hauled out the hydraulic equipment to show us how it was done properly. At this point I think it would be fitting for me to express appreciation at how much easier our lives have become through prudent use of technology and automation. I managed to pull and drive in a new spike with the machines in less time than it took me to figure out the proper grip on the manual spike-puller. Still not sure if I'll have to put any of these new-found skills to the test, but it does not sound like it will be as back-breaking as I had first feared.

Though ask me again if I have to do this for a full eight hours...