20 August 2006, Sunday
Re-evaluating solar. Whew. What is it that I want? I want to be able to live in this RV for up to 6 months of the year. That means I need: lights, heat (fan), water pump. How much energy does it take to supply that? According to Backwoods, at least 250 watts, which brings the cost to some where in the neighborhood of $3,000. That does not include an external gas generator, such as a Honda 2000, another $1,000. And then I have......?

Okay, let’s start over. I have some components installed already. Perhaps my battery is okay. I have a gas generator built-in. Most likely I have a DC breaker box someplace. I have a power convertor someplace. So at minimum I may only need a meter: $200, one solar panel: $500, a charge controller: $150. Misc connectors, mounts, etc: $150. Labor: $200. If I need a battery: $200. Total to set up solar: $1,200-$1,400

I hate lead acid batteries, I really do. I must read up on the process of creating solar panels.
Yesterday Ryan and I went for a walk up on Independence Pass. I think it was Lost Man Trail and we hiked past and up above Independence Lake to Midway Pass. There we could look down on Lost Man Lake and the continuation of the trail far off into a wooded canyon. No, we will not follow it today. Getting to the pass took at least a couple of hours, perhaps 2 ½ miles or so. Not too far; just a very nice day’s hike. I hunger for that altitude, that sweet alpine air, the vegetation native to that environ, the water, clear streams, craggy rocks, clusters of healthy looking evergreens, wide-open basin covered in sky. It was wonderful to get up above tree-line.
Today will be a day at the campground. It’s cold. The sky is patchy with clouds. Everything is wet. I shall write and meditate. Perhaps I’ll make a fire today. Perhaps I’ll visit with the campers.

Later: It’s warming up nicely outside. Lots of people have packed up and gone - heading to town for a big breakfast, perhaps a soak in the hot springs, then the drive home. Some have stayed. My Heavens, may as well, after having put up with all the rain we’ve had the past few days.