If there's one thing I'm learning whilst living on Norfolk, it's to always expect the unexpected. Certainly one should never take anything for granted. And certainly never just assume, that because one is stopping by a petrol station with the expectation of filling up, that there will actually be fuel available. Because folks...there's NONE LEFT. That's right. NO PETROL!!!!!
So how does Norfolk find itself in this situation I hear you ask? Well no one is to blame, as far as I can ascertain. The tanker that regularly visits our island home to deliver gas, diesel and petrol anchored patiently offshore for 2 whole weeks, waiting to pump off it's precious cargo into the islands storage facilities at Ball Bay. But unfortunately the seas wouldn't cooperate and the huge swells washing into Ball Bay didn't abate, no, not even for one day! So eventually the tanker had to leave and continue on to other places in the South Pacific, who were also anxiously awaiting delivery. Apparently their energy supplies were depleting also. To help confirm the tankers decision to leave were weather reports predicting the continuation of rough seas for a duration.
Whilst it's easy to get a bit down when things like this happen, it's best to think of all the positives. Firstly, our van currently has a reasonable amount of fuel in the tank. During normal times, we use a full tank every two and a half weeks or so. If we are really frugal, and walk to work etc, we should be able to make our reserves last for a good few weeks. Our intention is to restrict car outings to a minimum. A direct trip to the supermarket once or twice a week should suffice! And if we get really stuck, we can always ride our bikes. And believe it or not, this problem could be so much worse...imagine if we ran out of diesel too. Being that diesel powers our electricity supply, that would be a far greater inconvenience.
Some of you may be wondering if our island is indeed big enough to warrant reliance on cars. Unfortunately it is. Norfolk is an 8 by 5 kilometre land mass which is covered in over 150 kilometres of roads. The terrain is very hilly. The bumpy narrow roads wind up and down hills, and in and out of valleys. Drivers have to have their wits about them, always watching out for unexpected sharp turns, blind corners and cows that have right of way! Due to these conditions, riding a bike around Norfolk is hard work. But not impossible! I've been riding a lot lately, but when I head out I plan a route with the least amount of hills!!!!!
Ben and I often wonder what life will be like when petrol reserves run
out world wide. I guess we are getting a tiny taste first hand. The best thing to come out of this 'petrol' predicament is to witness how resourceful people become. There are notably less cars on the road, so it's quieter. Looking around you'll see many people on foot or riding push bikes. The school will be running a school bus service over the next few weeks, an option not normally available (obviously the buses run on diesel). Families are car pooling also.
Help is on it's way however. Our supply ship The Guardian was due to offload food and other supplies to Norfolk last week. Rather than stop here The Guardian passed by, making it's way towards New Zealand. It's mission is to collect one hundred thousand litres of petrol in barrels. The Guardian should arrive back here in a week or so, weather permitting. Obviously this limited supply won't go far but it may just tie us over until the tanker returns! Imagine how much fitter we will all be by then.
Did I mention we have also run out of potatoes?
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