That’s what was moved today using the two plastic diesel containers and the folding sack trolley. The big question was whether the trolley would be able to cope with the combination of the load and distance. It did, and so did the new ratchet tie-down straps.
Previous photo of the setup
The original plan was to transport the red diesel over two days but it was all done by 2:30pm today. The Pinnocks (fuel distributors) yard is adjacent to the canal however the entrance is on the other side of their compound. Google Earth was used to identify the route and approximate distance.
The round trip was 1.6km and I did it six times. So the total distance was just under 10km. Not very far but each return journey stretched my arm just a little longer! 
Forty years ago I’d have carried the containers on my back without any effort. Oh the joys of aging! The 3v battery powered fuel pump successfully transferred the diesel from the containers to the tanks without the need to fit replacement batteries (I’m impressed with it). Both the Hurricane and Refleks tanks are now full to the very top. The additional fuel has also had a positive affect on Waiouru’s trim.
Interestingly, a fellow “liveaboard” boater on the same moorings also started to ferry diesel from Pinnocks to his boat using jerricans and a sack trolley. Jan got chatting to him and he has given her locations in Banbury and Napton where red diesel can be purchased in jerricans. That’s handy to know and we may check them out depending upon our fuel levels when we pass both locations.
As I was filling the bow tank I noticed a hire boat approaching from the stern and it was obvious they intended to moor in front of us. The steerer misjudged the approach and bashed into the side of Waiouru. Inside Jan sprang from her chair to see what had happened and glared fiercely the the hire boat crew who were most apologetic. I was a little more relaxed about it knowing there are going to be many more instances. Some of which will probably be caused by “this novice!”
Jan went for a short walk to the local Cooperative supermarket but we are leaving the bulk of the food shopping until we reach Newbury tomorrow.
As for the weather today. Last night was the first time we had used the ‘blackout’ screen on the Houdini hatch over our bed. When it was opened this morning there was a blue sky and bright sunshine. The temperature was crisp but I warmed up quickly hauling the loaded trolley. By the afternoon it was a beautiful spring day. Tomorrow is also looking good, but Thursday is predicted to be overcast with rain and flurries of snow!
5 comments :
Please forgive a real novice type question but what is the advantage in obtaining fuel in this manner
Regards
Phil
The current 'domestic' rate p/ltr at Aldermaston is £1.07 and Froud's Bridge is £1.15. Pinnocks price is 89.9p
Our saving in purchasing 312 ltrs from Pinnocks is between £53-£78. It was more effort but the savings were probably worth it (depending upon how I feel in the morning! :-)
I see now ...... With savings like that it is definitely worth shopping around
Tom, we freaked out the first time someone hit us - and fairly hard it was too. Enough to send the microwave flying out of its slot in the wall and our framed cruising map off the wall. We've done so many scrapes ourselves now we no longer get bothered. We have decided to paint from gunwale to rubbing strake in black so we can keep touching it up! Takes a bit of the fun out if you stress too much about the scratches that you simply can't avoid.
We chatted with a fellow who knew you yesterday.. Nb No "something starting with P" pretentions??
Elly
Hi Elly,
That's why we have also painted the gunwales black. Jan was knocked off her feet inside the boat as she wasn't anticipating the impact.
Tom
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