Tuesday, February 25, 2020

Shopping Day

Location:  BLM near Winterhaven, California

Woke up with the Sun this morning around 7:30.  Slept very good last night.  Laid in bed for awhile reading blogs and making comments and then around 8:15, Yuma and I were starting our day with a nice long walk.  Warm out but the wind is picking up considerably.

By 10:30 I was battening everything down and bringing in the slide.  The wind was at a constant 20 mph and gusts over 30.  I have fine sand everywhere.  Will have to figure out how to get rid of it.

Around 11 o'clock, I left Yuma home and headed into Yuma to do some shopping.  I stopped first at the RV Connections to see if my solar controller had arrived and it hadn't.  They assured me they would let me know when it arrived.

They weren't very busy so I had them give me a rough estimate on solar panels for the White Lion.  I was pleasantly surprised to find their prices including installation was in the $3000 range for a 1000 watt system.  Much better than the $7500 quote I got previously for 600 watts.  I may sit down and have a serious discussion with them when I go to pick up the controller.   May be able to stay with a residential fridge if this works out.

Next, I went to Wally's World General Store, a discount store that has everything for RVs.


I went there because Ken had mentioned they had good solid stakes for staking down RV carpets.  Sure enough, I found them and a few more items too.  Will be going back there again, I'm sure.

Then I stopped at Lowes looking for a Weber Q grill.  Specifically, the model 1000 or 1200 propane grill that is small and sits on a table.  These are easy to store in the MH when traveling.  Couldn't find one, but I can order online and pick-up at the store.  Guess I'll do that.

Lastly, I went to the Walmart and picked up groceries.  I'm being careful not to get more meat than I can eat in a few days since I only have an ice chest for keeping things cool.  It doesn't freeze anything.

I gave up on using the freezer compartment of the fridge for storage because I have no easy way to remove the water from the melting ice.  No problem with the ice chest.

I had a quick sandwich, chips and dip along with a coke and at 3 o'clock Yuma and I went to Ken and Kim's for Happy Hour.  A couple of friends of theirs, Bob and Jo-Anne showed up with their cute little dog named Higgins.
Yuma, Bob, Bill, Higgins, Jo-Anne, Patsy, Kim, Ken

We again had lively discussions and I learned some more things about handling a big diesel pusher.  Ken has lots of great tips he's learned over the past few years and I'm glad he enjoys sharing what he has learned.  I had a great time.
Sweet Higgins


The ladies were having a great time torturing their husbands!
Now time for my dinner and blog.  Another great steak on the stove.  Soon I'll be grilling outside.  The wind has finally died to a bearable level for the evening.  

It was another warm upper 70s day even with the wind.  They are starting to put out warnings to watch for rattlesnakes now the temperature is getting warmer.  I'll have to watch Yuma more closely on our hikes into the desert.


Lights out!  See you later.

18 comments:

  1. Don't you love sand in every nook and cranny?? 😁 You accomplished a lot while you were in town. Hope you can find a small grill. Yuma looked happy to have a friend at HH.

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    1. I'll never get all this gritty stuff out of here. I'll be going on another search for a grill again today. Wish me luck.

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  2. Personally, I would rather have my residential fridge if I could add the solar panels to support it. It was windy here all day too. I'm NOT a fan of wind. I have a small Weber Q and love it. So lightweight and easy to carry around. The best part about a new rig is shopping!!!!

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    1. I agree about the shopping. I don't know what there is about spending money, but it's fun. I'll be on the search again today for that illusive WeberQ.

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  3. Glad Yuma & Higgins got to have Fun at happy hour. 😎

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    1. Thanks moo. It was nice that Yuma had a friend too at Happy Hour.

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  4. If you are going to add a 1,000 Watt Solar Panel System the Controller you just ordered will be way to small. You will need at least an 85 Amp or larger Controller.
    Good Luck finding your Weber Q.
    Nice visiting with Friends at HH.
    Be Safe and Enjoy!

    It's about time.

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    1. I bought the 40 amp controller for my two 100 watt panels I already have. If I go with the roof panels I'll have another one for those panels. I guess I'll use the 200 watt panels for early and late day boosters. I'll be on the hunt again today for my WeberQ. Wish me luck.

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  5. A commercial fridge is likely superior to the 3-way alternative ... but for one who likes to camp off the grid not as practical. I'm interested in the decision process you go thru on this one.

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    1. I think rather than decision process, it is more stumbling from one idea to another. :)) Sooner or later it will just come together I hope. I always liked the solar panel solution but need to get a more reasonable price for them. May be getting close.

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  6. I know it is quite addicting going to Wally World as the boys always get lost in there. :) I like the kitchen gadget area.
    You'll find a Weber and you will enjoy it very much.
    Happy hour was windy but warm.

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  7. I'm glad you guys told me where it is. I will be going back with a list of stuff I need. I'm also going back to Lowes again today to see if I can find that illusive Weber Q. Had fun at HH yesterday.

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  8. Glad to see you and Yuma are having such a good time. A much better price for sure. I think you will enjoy having panels on the rood. If you add a couple extra you can keep those small panels for a back up if need be instead of using them every day.
    I bought my Weber Q at Lowe's or Home Depot. I can't recall which one. Don't forget to get a hose as well. With a quick connect you could probably attach it to the motor home and use the big propane tank instead of small canisters or carrying a second smaller tank.
    The dust, you can collect most with a DAMP (not wet) cloth, mop and a vacuum. Do you know that with even a few panels on the roof you can use a vacuum cleaner? We do.

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    1. Thanks Deb. I will need to check out the quick disconnect hose because that's what I want. I'll be buying a small vacuum cleaner soon too. Glad to know I can use it on solar.

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  9. Check Target in Yuma for grill. Many in stock, if not order on line and pick up in store in 2 days.

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    1. Thanks Phil. Never even thought of Target. Did order online and waiting now. :))

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  10. Living in Texas, I'm familiar with a vaccine for dogs that helps them handle rattlesnake bites. It helps neutralize the toxin, but doesn't rule out a trip to the vet. Might save you a little worry to ask the vet about it for Yuma.

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    1. Thanks Judy. I worry about Yuma and have heard about the vaccine. I should visit a vet while here in Yuma.

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