Previously I decided on size of the system and the three main items: Two 200w panels30 amp MPPT Solar Charge Controller1,000 watt Pure Sine Inverter The panels I like are from a company that specializes in Solar for RVs and are $185 each. These are manufactured in the USA and have a 25 year warrantee, … Continue reading Solar Project, Part Two: Requirements and Costs
Author: Michael
Travel Trailer (TT) Solar Project, Part One: Defining Needs and Scope
A simple project that saw cost and function creep the more I looked into it. Warning: This essay is very pedantic on purpose; I wanted to capture my thought process. If you wanted travel and/or hiking, come back later! I needed to up my ability to “Dry Camp” with my TT for longer periods, and … Continue reading Travel Trailer (TT) Solar Project, Part One: Defining Needs and Scope
New Goals in 2019
It's a new year! 2018 saw my completion of the Pacific Crest Trail, and that was a huge bucket list item that I'm very proud of. Bad news: My left knee never really healed, so my Long Distance backpacking days are over. Day hiking is still on the list, so I will be doing lots … Continue reading New Goals in 2019
I finished the PCT…now what?
The title say it all. First, a summary. I retired in 2015 with the express purpose of hiking the whole 2,700 mile Pacific Crest Trail. And....I failed. Although I started at the Mexican border and did finish Washington State into Canada, I only completed 1,700 miles that year. After 5 1/2 months I took a … Continue reading I finished the PCT…now what?
Olallie Lake to Timberline
The final stretch. Tuesday, 8/7 Welcome stay at Olallie. Things I liked: Got rid of trash!!! It's amazing the volume I generate daily. Pit toilet! No cat hole in the morning. Table to have dinner on. Nice lake with a killer view to wake up to. However, not a good start to the day. I … Continue reading Olallie Lake to Timberline
McKenzie to Olallie Lake
Friday, 8/3 I used Lyft for a ride to the trailhead and got on trail by 8:30! Bad news: more lava rock. 😖 Met a couple of ladies who said once past Santium Pass there wasn't any more volcanic trail. Yea!!! Made it to Santium Pass and called it a night. Saturday, 8/4 The climb … Continue reading McKenzie to Olallie Lake
Weird finds on the trail
At McKenzie Pass is this weird hut at the top of a volcanic hill. It’s hand made out of pumice boulders and was built in 1927. Odd thing in the middle of a lava field.
The “Sisters” near Bend, OR
Monday, 7/30 Got food and lunch at Shelter Cove, then put some miles in. Tuesday, 7/31 Even at 6,000ft the afternoons are still in the high 80's. I try to do most of my miles before noon. At least the nights are cool... rarely more than 60 and frequently in the 40's. Wednesday, 8/1 Aruuugh! … Continue reading The “Sisters” near Bend, OR
Shelter Cove
Friday, 7/27 Leaving Crater Lake and it's a dry section. I heard there was a water cache near the northern entrance, so I planned for it. Yes, it was there! Damn, Oregon is lacking in water. Sometimes there is a lake off the trail, but adding 1-3 miles round trip to a long day isn't … Continue reading Shelter Cove
Goodbye Crater Lake
My foot is somewhat better and I'm not limping like I was. The PCT splits and the "Official" trail avoids the lake. The old route still follows around the south west side before heading north. The only catch: no camping near the crater. Big fine! So I cheated and took the shuttle from Mazama Village … Continue reading Goodbye Crater Lake
So Many Mountains, So little Time 