Lesson 17 Beef and Beer Muster

The 4 wheel drive bumped along the dusty track heading for town fifty kilometres away. Jess and Mick continued the lighthearted banter that often filled their working hours. Mick was the lead station hand at Cross Over Station and Jess, a jillaroo on six months’ work experience as part of her agricultural studies. Jess was enjoying her time in the outback and although she was a city girl it was in the country where she wanted to further her career. The cattle were penned and branded so along with everyone in the district it was time to celebrate at the Beef and Beer Muster.

Initially Mick felt threatened by Jess. She had the latest scientific knowledge and was also skilled at hands-on jobs. He never saw her shirk a task. And she was a looker even with her face streaked with sweat and dust. Her long hair was usually pinned under the broad blue Akubra she wore. Jess certainly didn’t worry about her fingernails. But those green eyes sparkled and her laughter could be heard around the evening camp fires. Today he felt he’d won the jackpot. He’d hesitated then plucked up courage to ask if she’d like to ride into town with him. Here she was beside him looking like the belle of a country ball and he was going to make sure the local lads knew she had arrived with him. Hands off guys.

‘We call it a Muster,’ Merry, the station owner, explained. ‘This is our chance to dress up and most of the boys will scrub up too. You’ll be surprised. The girls all wear skirts or dresses. It’s line dancing so everyone joins in from toddlers to grannies. You can borrow a pair of my fancy boots if you like. No one wears high heels in the dust.’

When they pulled in an array of cattle trucks, battered utes and dust covered 4WDs were parked across the oval. The deep beat of the music reverberated around the field as everyone headed towards the huge marquee set up at the far end.

Jess was excited. This would be a night to remember. She’d chosen a green chiffon dress knowing it would swish and swirl as they danced the routines. She was tall and her long dark hair bounced on her shoulders. The boys looked amazing. They were outnumbering the ladies three to one.  It seemed checked shirts were the uniform. Some still wore their hats and occasionally there was a red or blue neck scarf. Boots had been polished. Guitars were being tuned as the band set up on the back of a long loader. Someone fiddled with the crackling microphone.

In the west the sun was sinking, lighting up the clear sky with vivid shades of red and gold.  I’ll miss these sunsets. She watched as families gathered in groups with camp chairs and full eskies. Children jumped and giggled.

‘I’m off to the Bar for a beer. Can I get you one Jess?’

‘I’m not ready yet. Thanks. I’ll walk around and check it all out. I had no idea there would be such a crowd.’

‘No one’s going to miss it. We’ve had a cracker season after the years of drought. Everyone’s celebrating. I’ll see you shortly.’ Mick disappeared into the crowd.

Jess smelt BBQ’d food. Those steaks would be mouthwatering.  She’d thought Mick had approached her as a date but now she wondered if she’d been mistaken. He was her boss so perhaps he was just being friendly. When she first arrived at the Station she felt he was standoffish but when he suggested she learn how to help muster from the chopper she knew he trusted her skills. It had been a turn in their working relationship.

The men stood around the wooden barrels resting their beers and elbows on the top. Conversations drifted, slow country drawls discussing cattle prices, stock food and prize stud punctuated with colourful swearing that she’d soon adjusted to. Friendly whistles increased as she walked by. Time for a little flirting. She flicked her hair and headed towards a group where she recognized a couple of jackeroos.

Suddenly Mick was at her side. Strobe lights pierced the dark and the MC took the microphone welcoming the crowd. Foot tapping and clapping was about to begin. Mick grabbed her hand.

‘Come up the front or we’ll choke in the dust. The lines are forming. You look gorgeous Jess.  I’m a lucky guy to have you here with me.’ Jess was surprised. Maybe it was a date. Either way he was good looking and ready for fun. There was a new moon rising and stars twinkled above in the vast black dome. Perhaps there’d be a little romantic interlude.

‘Thanks Mick. I can’t believe how different you guys look. The atmosphere’s great. I hope I get the hang of this dancing. Not my usual Saturday night style.’ Jess thought of the cocktail bars in the city and the crowded dance floors.

Mick could see curious heads turning their way. Sorry guys she’s all mine tonight. If he turned his back for a moment he’d lose her.

The caller had their attention. The band struck up and the dancers started to stamp out the rhythm. Jess concentrated.