Journal | May 6, 2020

Hardscrabble Journal

Rhythm in the Hollow

Sounds echo is this hollow, especially engine sounds. Nowadays there is a monotonous similarity of modern engines. Back in the 1980’s one could tell who was doing what by the tell tail sounds of individual trucks and tractors. David Herrell was the hollow’s preeminent farmer/jack of all trades. His 1960’s flatbed International would haul his Allis Chalmers tractor to different hay fields. His D2 Caterpillar built Linden’s pond and helped clear a lot of land that is now planted to vineyards.

The International always seemed to be straining while navigating its payload over steep inclines. Quick gear shifts and high RPMs sounded like an explosion was ready to happen any time.

There was a different struggle for the D2 trying to start on a cold winter morning. It was often a losing battle between the battery charge and pistons firing. The sad silence after defeat was depressing. 

The drum and rhythm of the Allis Chalmers making hay was most satisfying. Rain was surely coming if the beat continued to last light.

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Hardscrabble JournalJim LawVineyard Isolation, 2020