Retirement

A morning run again today. Chose a different course, along a road past the Snell Beach School towards the Mahurangi Harbour, on the other side of the peninsula from where we are. Quite quickly got into farmland, passing a field with cows and their calves.

On top of the last high point before the road dips down to the edge of the harbour, is a retirement "village" for decrepit machinery. A munted car was there. A broken and engineless ute. Old farm machinery covered in rust with grass growing through the holes and gaps.

And an International B414 Diesel tractor. Enjoying the spring morning sunshine, protected from the wind by trees and a nearby barn. Not quite the ideal possy; a mere 90 degree turn to the right would give this old timer a great view out over the outer reaches of the Mahurangi Harbour.

The grader blade on the back is still ready for use; even if the rust would make that difficult if not impossible. There is no battery, and indeed the engine doesn't look as if there is much energy to be produced there any more. The Dunlop tyres appear in reasonable condition.

Retirement was not sought by this hard working tractor. Rather it was forced upon the B414D, when a newer smarter and altogether more brash tractor was brought to the farm (I'm guessing). I also figure that if someone wanted to provide some assistance, retirement could become partial, with a return to some purposeful activity. Anything would be preferred to just crouching in the grass, under the trees, and not even looking at the harbour.

Large is interesting.