Pumping Water, Sauerkraut Taste Off

Just the usual chores with cattle this morning although now only checking two herds for births of which there was one over the river. The westerly wind stayed all day and the boss over the river asked to have some paddocks watered that he had fertilized at the weekend.

The property over the river now has underground irrigation pipes extended throughout the 80 acres. Dragged out the irrigator and set it up in paddock #1 which will require two runs od about 200 metres with a 50 metre spread. The second run will do half of paddock #2. That means only three runs in total then a relocation to do three paddocks down by the river. Each 200 metre run takes about 15-20 hours. The speed depends on how often the hose is adjusted. The irrigator drags the hose as it goes. The longer the section behind the irrigator the slower it gets. Usually an early morning start with an adjustment at midday and on dusk will get the run done in 15 hours otherwise its a slower run and more water.

Coincidently we needed to pump up some water from our dam as the holding tank was close to empty and with the winds the gardens needed a light water.

Started the oldest pump first. This ancient Honda engine is about 20 years old but still keeps working despite blowing huge amounts of smoke for the first 10 minutes. We have had another commonly known brand as the second unit but it packed it in within 5 years and was replaced by another Honda. Can't speak highly enough about this brand. Easy to start and indestructible.



The 20 year old Honda engine blowing a bit of smoke at the beginning but running well

The newer backup Honda and piston pump

As there was no rain forecast both pumps were started which will fill the 5000 gallon tank over the next 6-8 hours. We use piston pumps because of the simplicity of repair and maintenance.

Speaking of maintenance, to save walking 500 meters back up a steep hill to the workshop a small waterproof toolbox is kept with the pumps. It contains all the tools needed for these engines and pumps as well as the spare parts for maintenance and quick repairs. Usually the only repairs is a replacement of the leather cups.

A few tools, spares and a rag for clean up



Aging and rust covered toolbox but still waterproof.

The only other item needed at the dam is a mode of transport if the inlet pipes need any work. The last time it was used was about 6 years ago when new flotation drums were put on the inlets. 

Rather large but it was cheap second hand.

Flotation drums and you can see the inlet pipes vibrating which demonstrates all is as it should be

 

Used up the sauerkraut in the kitchen refrigerator this morning. It was time to taste test some of the Nourishing Traditions batches that were stored in the spare refrigerator.

Latin American:
Ok but nothing flash to distinguish it i.e. not as spicy as a Kim Chi. May need to play with this one a bit.

Japanese:
The soy sauce comes through which gives it a distinctive taste. OK but again nothing flash.

Plain with Caraway:
Good texture and the Caraway really adds good distinction. My pick of this bunch.

Korean:
Tastes like Kim Chi. Good background heat and texture. Ok.

No complaints about any of them, all acceptable. Possibly our taste buds are more attuned to stronger flavours.