A SUNNY DAY AND 3 BOXES OF SPARES

Drove to Chernomorsk this morning to collect parcels from the courier, our Ukrainian supplier that is still talking to us has managed to get hold of some stuff for us and I put in a big order. As usual what would be a 30 minute drive anywhere else managed to turn into something longer. First the road was blocked with sheep about 300 or so, they seemed to be waiting for a bus or something and refused to move, ended driving around them, then we were waved down by a woman who was desperate to get into town to visit her pregnant daughter, told her to get in, she said wait a second and dashed back into her house only to come out again with arms full of plastic bags. I did not ask what she had in them but managed to squeeze her and her luggage into the little lada I was in.

Eventually arrived at the courier and collected 3 parcels in total, a quick stop off at the market to buy a bone for the 2 puppies that we found abandoned a fuel stop and home, simple. No fuel at the first petrol station, only diesel at the second. Looked at the needle and decided that I could make it home, no phone with me but what the hell. 5km from home no fuel and an empty road, 1 cigarette, 2 cigarettes -----5 cigarettes later a Kamaz, (large Lorry) comes down the road but does not stop, maybe he thought I wanted his load of sand., finally a kid on a Dnepr comes towards me, I recognise him from the village, STOP I shout, he eventually comes to a halt, turns around and parks next to car. No fuel I say, nip back to my house and get a canister from the garage. No he says I will pull you back, so we get a strap from the boot of the car, and tie it to his tow hitch and the car and off we go, a slow start followed by the scariest tow I have ever had, the sheep have gone thank the Lord, and we only have a crossroads and the village, I try to slow him down at the crossroads but he waves me forward. 5 minutes later I am at home, a calming beer and this is the result.