Well you do now!!!
There has been much talk in the waterways press about the loss of what we know as red diesel and the wider spread use of bio diesel and/or a diesel mix to improve Britain's carbon foot print. The trouble with this is that the diesel will degrade over a period of months and will need to be "cleaned" to bring it back to life. Well our supplier has offered us a couple of options and as from last Friday we now stock "Ultra low sulphur red diesel". This does not need to be cleaned and the good news is that it is the same price as the diesel we used to stock. And, remember that we allow all of our customers to declare the percentage used for propulsion on each tank that is filled.
We also sell two types of diesel additive (Marine 16 and Fuel Set), which conditions the fuel and removes moisture, which means that it prevents or kills the dreaded Diesel Bug. We treat our tanks regularly and due to our high turn-over, this is never a problem for us. But, if your boat has been standing for long periods (particularly if your diesel tank is not full, which causes condensation therefore water contaminating the diesel), or you have picked up some "dirty fuel" from a retailer, it could be for you. So that means that we strongly suggest that you use an additive.
Our diesel is currently priced at 61.9 p per litre for domestic/heating use, but it does change weekly, to allow us to remain competitive.
Well I just dashed outside to take a picture of Empress exiting the arm and disappearing off up the canal and the camera battery died... That's Simon's fault for not putting it on charge when it's not being used - well you've got to blame somebody haven't you?
An hour or so has now passed by, so I've charged the camera battery and taken some shots for you!
This is the view across the basin this morning. Here we have Sylph and Sandpiper resting for the week, moored next to the boats for sale. We are busy with customers today, who are looking over the boats and coming into the office with lots of questions. The tea room is also busy. It is full to capacity at the moment with a cycle club taking refreshments before they pedal any further.
Here's the progress on the boat that is being plated.
Although it was Willoughby's turn to be docked this morning for pressure washing, blacking and some paintwork to take place, we have docked a boat for some rudder repairs. The rudder had come lose on the shaft, meaning that it was making steering very difficult! So the two boats are currently sat in the dock whilst Paul does the repairs. Once this is done, we will flood the dock, remove the other boat and re dock Willoughby so her works can take place.
Here's a couple of pictures for you.
There's a few boats passing by today, for pump outs, coal, diesel and gas - mainly our regulars. It's lovely this time of the year when there is less traffic on the cut and the water is clear. It nearly looks good enough to drink, although I wouldn't and suggest that you don't either! I also don't think you can beat the smell of the water when the dock is filling, it's the same smell you get where water is running over a weir or when you draw the 'centres' on the Grand Union when the locks empty. Some people probably think I'm odd, but if you have ever experienced it, you know what I mean.
Now I bet your all wondering what 'centres' are. Well that's the name boatmen call the gate paddles on the top gates of locks. I suppose it's because they are in the centre of the lock?
Here's a picture of Victoria and Stanton on the recent Jam 'Ole Run re-enactment at Stockers lock on the Grand Union showing the centres raised to fill the lock.
Well, I'm going to get on with some advertising now. Back over to Simon tomorrow. See you at the weekend!
David.
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