The day of reckoning has arrived!

So just what the heck is going on??
The topic of conversation for the past week has been the loss of derogation on our red diesel. 1st November was the magic day when strange things were going to happen. Well today is 1st November and it seems as if there is no idea whatsoever as to exactly what is supposed to be happening! I have spoken to every marina and diesel merchant I have met on my trip and have now heard of 5 TOTALLY different systems that are going to be operated. Search the internet - try and find a definitive document telling us what is happening and you simply can't! The most authoritative system I have seen seems to be so complicated and completely diddles the boater. I am an honest person. I will declare anything necessary and be completely honest about it but it seems I am being forced to lie by the 'systems' that are imposed on us. Whilst berthed my boat is going nowhere, my engine isn't being run, my propellor isn't turning - 100% of my diesel purchased is for heating the boat or hot water system but it seems as if I'm not allowed by the 'system' to declare this without council tax bills as evidence, (apparently my brick house one doesn't count!)



So what do they do in other European countries? They bend the rules to suit their system! You see Europe says 'jump' and whilst other countries are saying, 'yeah OK - I might jump at some point if it suits me but then again, if it doesn't; I'll run or walk or maybe even skip!' England says, 'OK - how high? How long do you want us to stay in the air? What surface shall I take off from and how much paperwork do you want me to keep to record the jump?'!! I predict and am willing to wager that within a year the system as present, (whatever that is,) will change to something more simple - it will have to if it's ever to become clear, manageable, useful, compliant, consistent or policable!

I ask - where are all the waterway user groups here? They seem to be conspicuous by their absence. Are they just as confused as the rest of us? I am currently not a member of the IWA or any other user group as I was evaluating which one/s to join. I had decided on the IWA but am now very disappointed that none of them seem to be kicking up an effective noise on this one. This could and hsould be a major focus perhaps of SOW but they too are silent, preferring to be a one trick pony.

Now, if I have any readers left, (and just remember this blog is primarilly designed for me to rant and document - others are welcome to eavesdrop!) on to more mundane but more exciting matters - my new sofa!

Here it is in all its glory....

Simba seems to be quite at home!

...although he is banned from it except by kind, (and rare,) invitation! Seems to work - I like it. It's not the same as my brothers as I didn't get the sofa-bed version but opted for one with separate removable cushions. This evening I shall try it our properly and report on it next time!