Spring, Fuel, Wind Power
We are enjoying spring. Florida spring starts at the end of February and after living there for so long, we vividly feel and see the change when traveling thru other States. The Florida spring change is more subtle, so most winter visitors hardly notice. When we left Florida the temperatures were into the 90’s. As we traveled north, we found Georgia to be already very warm with temperatures in the high 80’s. Reaching Tennessee, the temperatures began to lower to the 70’s so as to really enjoy spring. Wildflower, freshly mowed grass, leafed out trees and the smell of spring were in the air. The trip through Ohio and Indiana just got better as spring commences later. We enjoyed new spring annuals being planted and warm breezes. Cool nights and warm days; it just doesn’t get any better. It feels so good that we will make an effort to get our future trips underway early enough to fully enjoy this season more fully in each State.
It has been interesting to see so many wind generators. In our past travels we had seen some, however, there is clearly a large increase. These generators are huge and cost 1 to 3 Million dollars per copy. They have an expected lifespan of 20 years plus. It is interesting to think about what’s next and how much progress is being made. Our own solar collectors have yet to be tested as we usually don’t find very many opportunities in the eastern part of the US to boondock.
Usually, our F-350 + added fuel tank allows us to travel two days without refueling. However, we noticed the gauge was going down too quickly and had to make an unscheduled stop for fuel. We have an auxiliary 90-gallon fuel tank and it feeds the trucks 30-gallon tank. The valve that controls the flow got stuck and did not allow fuel to flow. So with 90 gallons in the tank, the truck tank on ¼, it was time to refuel. It is difficult to take a 40-foot trailer and a 20 foot truck into a fuel stop. Truck stops are usually the way to go as there is room to turn. But, sometimes the space is still small. This was a Loves truck stop. It was small and full of trucks lined up. It was clear to me that getting in the truck line was a bad idea at best. I parked to the side of the entrance, got out and had a look around. We figured if I went slowly everyone would get out of my way so I could fuel at the front pumps. We went slow and waited, blocking the front of the store, until I could ease my way up to the end pump. It all worked out, but it is a slow-moving effort to navigate thru and around vehicles and people, not breaking anything. Oh, we were able to clean the fuel valve at the next stop. Once again, we absolutely appreciate our auxiliary tank.
We are into the second week of travel so are just getting adjusted to moving, setting up, taking down and fixing stuff as we go along. The time goes by so fast and we are happy to be enjoying ourselves and the people we meet along the way. It is freedom.
It is not the destination, it is the journey.
