It was cold this morning

[sheeny]

The forecast for last night was for scattered showers falling as snow/sleet, but unfortunately we didn't get any showers to get the snow, but I know it was cold...

I couldn't open any doors on my car this morning without assistance. I have a 2 litre jug handy that I fill with warm water to help thaw the windscreen. One litre of warm water later I get the drivers door open:P . The rest goes on the windscreen. No good - got to go for a second jug of water!

I get the windscreen and side windows clear(ish) so I'm finally off to work.

I notice the finest of ice crystal dendrites forming on the inside of the windscreen! Never seen that before. I should've stopped and taken some macro shots, but not thinking I drive on only to have the heater destroy them before I get to work and can get the camera out:doh: .

I get about 400m from home and find the diesel is showing signs of freezing, so it's drive very gingerly to work trying not to block the fuel filter with frozen diesel.

I get to an intersection and find I skimped a bit on the water for thawing the windows - I can't see out the driver's side window very well, so I go to wind it down... not a chance! After much effort trying to see through frozen sucker holes in the ice (they solidify you know!;) ) I convince myself it's safe to proceed.

The next corner is covered in ice. I've learned this trap before!;) But it's great fun when you're ready for it!:thumbsup:

I rock up to work... that's right... the window won't roll down, so I have to open the door to swipe my security card. Fortunately I managed this without having to get right out.

Park the car and get out to find the carpark is covered in black ice, so I skate across to the office... just lucky I didn't bounce off too many cars while parking!:lol:

Shame we didn't get the snow last night! It wouldd've laid well!

Al.

[Omaroo]

Are your local fuel stations running 'alpine' diesel yet Al? Do they normally in winter? It know it gets pretty cold there in Oberon but as cold as up in the Snowies? We've been getting consistent -6 to -8 temps overnight in Cooma lately and the cars hate starting in the morning, even with the right fuel.

Every time I drive to Cooma I try to use all of my fuel up and then re-fill on the alpine blend when I get there. Sticking kero in the tank along with the diesel makes a huge difference to the gel point if they don't already sell it pre-blended there :)

Cheers
Chris

[sheeny]

I think our local fuel suppliers change to winter diesel about April. I know we had a cold snap late March or early April when we were still on normal diesel, but I'm sure we're on winter diesel now.:thumbsup:

Al.