The Wheelbarrow part 2




Last weekend saw the inaugural use of the new wheelbarrow,  It was pronounced a rousing success, although it was very squeaky and squeally at first.  A neighbor loaned us some of her spinning wheel oil and that resolved the issue.  It helped haul firewood and straw from the far side of the encampment and also carted personal belongings with ease.  A couple of fixes had to be made at home - the axle was greased and the pins capped so they didn't work their way out.





Some details for those who wished further information.  The wheel came from Amishwares.com

http://www.amishwares.com/site/1504461/product/189-WBW


As for more information on blindfold wheelbarrow races

From Games and Sports, by Donald Walker, published in 1837 by Thomas Hurst, London

"Each candidate for the prize in this race appears on the ground with a wheelbarrow.  The ground selected for the race is generally an uneven surface, limited by ditches on each side, and concluding by going over a small bridge without railings on either side, the water below being of the depth of from two to three feet.  Along this course, over the bridge, and up to the goal, the candidates must drive their barrows blindfolded - if they can: we say if they can, for very few ever attain that enviable distinction.

"When they are all in line and the signal given, off they start at any pace they choose; but any impetuosity in this sport is in general severely punished; for if the fleet bumpkin should escape the Scylla and Charybdis on each side of him, he is almost certain to be soused head over heels in the turbid stream below the treacherous bridge."

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