Sous Vide status

In the box of goodies I got from my mail forwarder, in it was a kit from Adafruit containing stuff to make a Sous Vide cooker, the electronics anyways.

The install went ok, but had to replace my soldering iron part way through as it wasn't cooperating anymore.  The one I was using is from Harbor Freight.  This particular soldering iron is very difficult to use for small electronics, such as this kit.  It was like trying to drive a large RV on a go-cart course.  It could do it, but was all over the place, constantly going places where things shouldn't go.  At least was able to use the solder sucker to do some cleanup.

So, on Black Friday, headed to Radio Shack and picked up their 40 watt soldering iron.  This is truly meant for this task but is little powerful so a ginger, and experienced, hand must wield it.

Prior to starting, laid out all the little baggies of electronics.  Was a great sight to behold!

Top of LCD shield

The assembly of these kits is pretty easy, in that there are step by step instructions which list most everything we need to do.  After do some of these kits it's a pretty standard process, and it's kinda fun, even the solder fumes.  As always do in a well ventilated area.

Bottom of LCD shield before soldering

There are several components to this kit, among them are a genuine Arduino (from Italy), a breakout shield (makes it easy to hook up wires, and then an Adafruit designed shield for the LCD display, which stacks on top of everything.  These few pictures show the general process, at an early stage, that goes into assembling the kits.

Hard to solder area.

This one picture is of a hard to solder area, that was done with the Harbor Freight soldering iron initially.  Can see how it's all dorky and ugly and such.  Had to use the solder sucker here as quite a few of the contacts were touching, which is bad juju.  These are actually for the directional buttons (on other side).  Touched these contacts up with the new soldering iron after picture was taken.

While in Surprise, AZ, where went to Radio Shack, stopped by Trader Joe's to pick up some natural cellulose sponges.  Put one of them into a tray of water, and use it to clean off tip of the soldering iron.  Someone on Vashon Island told me about this trick to keep the tip clean and pretty and hot.

Oops, Upside down, completed unit

Rest of the assembly went fairly smooth.  Nothing major to report other than there was a glob of solder, on the front side, between two directional buttons (the up and right ones) that was causing a short, and hence made the menu navigation somewhat difficult, near impossible.  Frustrating, but this was one of the items soldered with the Harbor Freight iron.  Lesson learned.

Have two problems..
1.  The crock pot I was using somehow has a crack in the ceramic liner right now.  Not sure how it happened, but really liked this crock pot.  Got it from my Mother many years ago and don't think there's a way to fix the crack.

2.  The auto-tuning software for this is somewhat buggy, from what have seen on the Adafruit forums.  For me, and the crock pot, it really doesn't get it tuned in well at all.  Not sure if this is due to crock pot, me, the software, or what.  Saw someone had posted update to the software but haven't tried it yet.  Will after get another crock pot, or rice cooker.  Prefer crock pot.

Plugged in and somewhat working, plus clean dishes!!!

Congress, AZ for Thanksgiving

While in Congress, AZ stayed at the Escapees park, which is really quite nice.  They call it the North Ranch, and everyone up there, the locals, know it as such.  The parking area for RV's left a lot to be desired.  However, this place has a uniqueness in that Escapee members can have a plot here and put a house on it if they want, or just a place to park their RV during the chillier months.  At this park there were quite a few very nice houses and some very nice lots too.  They keep everything up quite nice, and this is on my short list of places to return to.  The people were amazing, very friendly.

Was here during Thanksgiving, and as a single traveler it was nice to be around some people for this holiday.  We had a full three days of food at the park.

Day one (Thanksgiving): Potluck with assigned tables.  Was quite great, our table had four desserts, was quite full by end.

Day two (Day after Thanksgiving):  This is where all the leftovers came out, and it was also a potluck.

Day three (Saturday):  Not much of a feast, but they had a nice breakfast with pancakes and sausage.  As I generally don't care for the sausage patties just had some pancakes.  While was in the Cottonwood, AZ area I also picked up some Prickly Pear syrup.

I brought a homemade pie to the first Potluck, and to the second also (same pie).  It was a lemon meringue pie , which is among my favorites, and one of my dad's favorites (probably where I got it from).  The pie was very good and got it from a Mother/Daughter duo who makes pies and sells them.  It is another way in which I can help support local people in my travels.  Found out about the pie from a local store in Congress, it's not really a store per se, but a collection of booths from people looking to make some money and where there is one central person (or couple people) who watch over everything and keep track of sales to pay to the booth owners.  It is like what I saw in Oregon (can't recall where).

While was in Apache Junction, when headed to the ghost town and stopped at the restaurant on the way, they had a little trinket area.  In this trinket area they had all sorts of touristy things, then I spotted this....

This is another part of the meaning, not the total thing by far, but something am only now figuring out how to do.  The first part is laugh, or have fun.  We generally make life too serious most times, or don't live life.

Just hung it up, attached with some RV silicone.  Seems to be staying for now, will see what happens when hit the road again.

Almost squishy....

This afternoon was an afternoon I wish to not repeat.  Nothing overly bad happened as everything turned out pretty much ok.

Went for a late lunch/dinner, and was passing the Marine Corps Air Station in Yuma, AZ.  At the north-western corner of the base there is a large intersection.  While at this intersection, stopped, saw this sport motorcycle, which is important to what happened to me, approach the intersection going fairly fast.  At the last minute he stomped on the brakes, lifting the rear wheel off the ground, stopped, tried to recover, and went down in a flurry (slo-mo to him am sure).

Couple people immediately went to help him.  I tried to get up there but couldn't as some cars were right behind him and blocked it, so turned my hazards on.  The sport bike driver (no passenger) could be seen limping for a bit and everyone pushed his bike off to the side.

Now, I was in the lane going straight (north), the crash happened in one of the lanes going west (turning left).  I was in the left most (out of two) lanes going straight, and off to left of the lane.  The vehicle in front of me (a nice looking Jeep), immediately got on the phone and called someone, assuming 911. Heard him give location and other details of what just happened.

The driver of the Jeep suddenly started backing up, for an unknown reason.  He didn't see me in his left side view mirror (could clearly see him) and I was in shock (think he checked rear view and I wasn't there).  Soon as recovered from the shock, banged on the horn and he finally realized and stopped.  At this point was leaning the bike to the left to keep it upright until he pulled forward.  Was actually pushed off to the side, didn't lean it on myself.

The plastic part scraped against his bumper and left some marks on my plastic, but nothing was broken, just scratched and scuffed.  I was still in disbelief when he asked me if everything was alright..  So wanted to lash out with some, umm, choice words, but kept cool and just said yup, was more concerned about the sport bike.

Anyways, long story short he took off when light changed and I didn't pursue anything, nor get his license plate.  His good'ish deed was negated by the almost squishy, but I wasn't hurt, no major damage done, so it's all good.

So, please be very aware of things no matter where you are..  Be it people on one, two, three, or more wheels, always be aware.  OF EVERYTHING!!!!

This, inattentive people (I'm to blame sometimes too), is one reason why I ALWAYS wear safety gear.  Not as much as I should, but the very basics imho.  Helmet, gloves, and padded/armored jacket.  Never ever leave without it, ever.

Minor Curtain track repair and Scooter goodness!

Today I hopped on the scooter and took off to Yarnell, Arizona.  This is where a tragedy occurred this past summer where many fire fighters unexpectedly perished while fighting a blaze.  Here is one article which found, haven't read, but it's for those curious.  Many more out there.

Was a great day for a ride and a great day for the Scooter!  Today I surpassed 45,000 miles on the odometer!  YAY.  Surpassed this on way back to Congress, AZ.

Have also seen some other neat milestones.  Probably of no significance to anyone but wanted to post.

Mileage on 11/2/2013

Mileage on 11/9/2013

Had lunch someplace on 11/8/2013 and noticed this pickle

 

Curtain Repair

This is a repair to the track for the privacy curtain which closes around the drivers cab on a Class A RV.  Shortly after took to the road I somehow snagged the curtain on the drivers side (while it was in traveling position) and popped screw out.  This fix should keep it secure as there is now a little "give" due to how did the repair.

Prior it was screwed into the cheap sawdust board by a tiny little screw.  Now there is a longish bolt that goes through the floor of the little cabinet above the drivers door.  The nut rests on floor of that compartment, which is suspended somehow over the bottom of the cabinet itself (i.e. it's a false floor of sorts).  While this is not foolproof, it was an easier way to fix it compared to some other methods.  I think the false floor also gives it some flex, some give, so it won't be apt to break again.

Wonderful hardware store!

This is the reason I chose to go to Yarnell, one of the reasons anyways.  There is a hardware store there and I really enjoy supporting small, local businesses.  The hardware store was an awesome one too!  This picture can't describe the joy I had going into the store.  Little bit of everything all crammed into the small store.  Shelves upon shelves of stuff.

In here they helped me find a proper bolt (based on sample I had).  Was able to pick up another set of drill bits (couldn't seem to find the two sets that pretty sure I have with me someplace).

Again, felt good to support local stores, even more so after the tragedy they had!

Tools of the trade

Step 1:  Gather together all materials.  These included a thin bladed slotted screwdriver, a phillips headed screwdriver (never used), the bolt and nut (from hardware store), and two washers (had on hand), along with some thread locker (had on hand also).

Pre fixing

Step 2:  Examine area and drill out hole to support the longer fastening device.  This picture can show the how it was broken and can barely make out where the hole is for the screw.  Can also tell how long the existing screw was, which is a primary reason it didn't last long, with my clumsiness.

Washer and sealant

Step 3: Insert bolt and fasten.  I was either very lucky, or very skilled (prefer skilled) in estimation of length of bolt I would need as didn't have a clue.  Brought a sample bolt from my old MakerBot CupCake #1670 with me to the hardware store and told the guy who helped me...  Something like this about twice as long.  And it worked, barely.  When got it through, put the washer on (washer already on below), and then squirted a drop or two of the red thread sealant, which can barely tell here.  Notice how not much of the bolt sticks up, hence being lucky or skilled.

With bolt on

The thread sealant will help lessen the chances of the bolt loosening and falling off end of the bolt.  This stuff is commonly used in areas of high vibrations, or where really don't want it to fall off.

 Step 3A: Just picture of nut on.  Notice how none of the bolt protrudes above the nut.

 

 

All done!  YAY

First box of Goodies!!!!

And some mail too, but this is about the goodies..

This is the first box of stuff received from my mail forwarder.  It included some stuff from projects have backed on Kickstarter, and also some items from AdaFruit, which will be shown in later posts.

Nutritionals

First to point out is some nutritionals. Not much to say here, got some anti-oxidants, and lots of other good stuff in Ciaga (not Viagra I must say).  Also have some Kenzen Vital Balance (a meal replacement), which is chock full of Organic goodness, including lots of MCT's (Medium Chain Triglycerides), probiotics, lots of good enzymes, and even some chlorella to help detoxify.  If I was diabetic, this has the potential (varies by person) to help regulate blood sugar.  And some more filters for my shower head to give me better water for a smoother skin (aaaw), cleaner shower, using less soap, and vastly reduced chlorine and other nasties.

Practical Meter

This is one of the things backed on Kickstarter.  It is a handy tool to know how fast items are charging.  I backed it at a level where could get the meter and a handy-dandy cable

 It has 3 power connectors, one each of Micro USB, Mini USB, and Apple Dock.  While I personally don't own apple products currently who knows what tomorrow will bring.  It is possible to power more than one device at a time.  So, if use this pig-tail connector, I could charge an apple product, and also two more, one with a Micro and one with a Mini connector.  It reduces how fast things charge, as the USB port will only output so much juice, but it's possible if in a crunch.

The lights, 5 of them, light up depending on how much current is drawn.  This allows us to identify what USB connection will charge the fastest.  The cables themselves are fast charging cables in that there's only power and ground wires and no data transfer (xfer) wires.  If use a different cable it is still possible to transfer data even when have this product in place, but charging might be slowed down, sometimes significantly.

This project was a little late in comparison to when they projected it would be done by, but that's alright as am quite happy with the product!

Now, for some reason, and will be checking with the project creators, I received two of these when only backed one.  Due to number of projects I've backed am not quite sure if this one has doubled my rewards.  Think there were one or two that have.  So, will be a good person and verify.

Adafruit goodies

Not related to Kickstarter, and forgot exactly what I ordered, but they have a Sous-Vide kit (in the box) and also picked up a temperature measuring device.  Maybe a couple other things too.  Will detail it later.

ThriftyVac

Will post a full review of this later, but the project creator, Tom Cannon, actually carried the olympic torch one year.  He posted a picture of it in one of his updates, Update 24.  I thought was very neat as not many people get the opportunity.

Travel to Congress.. Arizona that is.

It's unusual for me to leave so early.  Packed up in Apache Junction and hit the road well before 10 am.

Started along with intention of going to Camping World to look at an electric add-on to make my water heater both electric and gas, then off to Congress.  There have been times where it's been couple days between showers, and adding this is one step in remedying that..  No more Pepe LePew time...

The add-on is called Hott Rod, and it's a fairly simple and straight forward install.  It plugs right into an outlet, utilizing normal electricity and has it's own thermostat.  Will be posting about the install, complete with pictures.

While at Camping World also picked up a replacement exhaust fan.  Have two in the roof, one is almost brand new and the other one is an original, which doesn't work.  The doesn't work part is the fan motor and not sure where to get one.  Will be posting about this install too.

Wonderful people we meet

While at Camping World, in Mesa, AZ, there was an RV there with a satellite internet dish setup and they were dry camping.  This was neat, so approached and looked around Satellite dish, and heard some rustling and tools moving on other side of RV.

When walked around there was a gentleman getting up after rummaging around underneath.  I had to ask him about his satellite dish and then the conversation blossomed from there.

While I forgot his name (sorry), I will never forget his story.

He, and his wife, had a beautiful 4,000 square foot house in Northern Idaho.  They started looking around at RV's, talking with people, and exploring the lifestyle.  This process, for them, lasted about three years, and they had only one condition..  They must sell their home.  Then they can continue with their dream.

Once their home was sold, they chose an RV, and paid for it with proceeds from the house (which they built).  At the time, the price difference between a New RV and one less than five years old, was about $15,000.  For them, it was best to buy new.  This was about 7 years ago.

Now, it's just him, roaming around, writing (not blogging) his adventures, and enjoying life.  He has taken up a new interest in music.  Knows how to play the guitar and is learning three (yes three) new instruments.  He also dry camps (outside of a campground) almost exclusively and doesn't hang around the rallies, yet has a good network of friends.  He is also an avid photographer!

Reason it's just him is his wife passed away after their RV journey started.  Didn't inquire on circumstances or timing, didn't really care to as he would've mentioned if it was important for me to know.

Reason I bring him up, is that everyone has their own story to share, about life, about what they're doing, and what keeps them ticking.  This is one of the things I was thinking about when wrote The Meaning.  I want to create my story.  I will create my story, maybe our story, who knows what life will spring forth.  The story will be part of The Meaning.

One thing he commended me on (li'l ole me) is my decision to pursue this and also the decision to get a diesel RV.

He also reinforced my belief, not that I know his past, but it is what we do today with our life that defines who we are.  Not what will happen in the future, or in the past, it's all about how we're living our lives today.

Solar Install

Of particular note for this one, after looking at his satellite dish setup, was the solar system, which I couldn't even see.  There is a lot which goes into it, and he described in good detail, here are the items which he went with.

• Large battery storage (he has 8 deep cycle batteries total, 2 banks of 4 linked together)
• Has 3 large panels on roof (don't recall watts), and can fit 5 more (wow)
• Make sure panels fit your roof layout, paying attention to access paths
• Charge Controller, he specifically chose Blue Sky, due to being able to "boost" the amps going into battery during heavy charging (when batteries are depleted)
• Installed it himself when purchased RV
• Has a 2000W inverter/charger with pure sine wave to supply 120V power throughout RV when using batteries (I don't have this currently)

All in all, spent 45 minutes talking with this wonderful person.  Everyone I have met so far (knock on wood) is very willing to talk and help and talk some more.  It's very very refreshing!  There is so much more we covered and it's hard not to jot everything down.

Powerful support

Turned off I-10 enroute to camping world, sitting at the stoplight waiting to take my left, looking down and seeing all the little people in their cars (and a sport motorcycle), when all of a sudden my phone rang.  Odd...  But pleasant!

Person on the other end is a wonderfully successful business builder, who wanted to spend time with me (yes me) to help me out (another surprise)!  This is one of the few times where I was quite happy and content and sure of everything in life!

This couple, Mary Lou and Larry, are very successful in couple of businesses.  While very successful in their prior business, it came at a cost of 60 to 80 hour work weeks with no time for pause.  They chose to switch gears, and priorities, and are now very successful in another business, with a totally different lifestyle, where work isn't really work, it's helping ordinary people live their dreams.

We spent over 90 minutes talking about everything, hopes, dreams, their life, and my fledgling life.  They provided me with several insights into how they're able to live the dream, and how everyone can live their own dream.  It is really a very simple formula. The only stumbling blocks are ourselves.

Am still processing what we talked about, but the couple things I can share now are:

• Listen to everyone, hear their dreams and desires and focus on those, and they'll enable yours
• All the hurdles we face we put upon ourselves

I used to think, with mostly disdain, that life is all about who you know, and who you step on to get ahead.  While it's helped me sometimes, most of the time it's due to my detriment (think big government).

However, it's because of people like Mary Lou and Larry, and the ideas they represent, that am now swinging my view around.  There are many many other people I will meet in this journey who will exude the same qualities that these two do.  Am only now experiencing the tip of a great iceberg, a wonderful iceberg, that will propel my coming dream to new heights!

Life is not all about who you know, life is what you do with the people you know.

Finally, reliable internet!

Phew, what a week it was, and have quite a few choice words to say about the internet connection had in Apache Junction, AZ.  I am sure the locals would disagree with my sentiment, but this is a suburb of the Greater Phoenix area, in that it's part of the same big "cluster" as Phoenix.  While I really enjoyed my week in the area, until the rain hit and temperatures nose dived, the internet provider at the campground, Jabba Communications, left ALOT to be desired in terms of speed, connectivity, and reliability.  While I didn't call their customer service line, out of fear of being sent overseas, didn't seem like it was a problem on my end.  And now it's working fine at the new campground.

Anyways, long story short, never ever ever again.  If am forced to use them again might as well chop off the cajones far as I'm concerned.  Would much rather beebop around to McD's and coffee joints, in freezing weather, than deal with their network again.....
On to happier thoughts now that I got that out of the way!

Left Cottonwood, AZ 11/17/2013 (a Sunday) and took the relatively short trip to Apache Junction, to meet with a new Comrade who was staying at this particular campground, which is part of the Encore system.  While this park is nice and the residents were great, I must say would be hard pressed to stay in this park again, not only because of the internet access problems I had, but that it's a "typical" RV experience, with concrete pads, tall dainty palm trees, and not much else.  It was also a little pricey for what get, but had Passport America so that helped.  Am very happy that was limited to a stay of 7 days at 50% off.

Am sure if the internet was reliable (not necessarily fast) it would've been a far better experience.

So, it was with mixed feelings that I had to leave.  While there met quite a few people, saw a couple arrive (from Michigan I think).  He was 81 and still getting about darn good. Not sure how old his wife was, nor do they typically volunteer that information.  Everyone I met there was excellent, even talked a little bit about our current political system, and seems like everyone is in agreement about how "wonderful" it is.....  No matter political affiliation.

Pulled Pork

While enroute to the Ghost town NorthEast of Apache Junction, saw a sign for a restaurant.  At the time thought it was part of the Ghost town, but apparently it isn't.  The restaurant, Mining Camp Restaurant, was actually quite nice.  They have a lunch/dinner show that is supposedly pretty popular.  Heard them talking about a large number of reservations for that evening.

The one thing which is making me write about this restaurant is the pulled pork sandwich I had.  A little on the pricey side, and it wouldn't have been as good without the sauce on it, but it was really awesome!  Have had better pulled pork on Vashon Island (at a pizza place no less), and even better at AS220 (in Providence, RI).  This was piled quite high with yumminess.  The presentation was quite good.  The fries were also good, for being fries.

Superstition mountain in background

Ghost Town

Entrance (looking from inside

I didn't snap many pictures here as it was a little chilly, I was full and ready for a nap, and there was too much to look at.  Think will be back in the area to take a look around again.  Really wanted to check out Washington Dam, but it was little chilly and getting late.

View of superstition mountain

 This was actually quite interesting.  Took a tour of the mine, or a recreation of parts of it, and was surprised at what the main shaft looked like.  While it was quite comfortable down there this time (not far below the surface, the real mine back then it was over 100 degrees and quite humid.

This was a real working mine town for about 4 or 5 years until they went into the aquifer, pumped all the water to a dam higher up, and then the dam burst after several days of heavy heavy rain.

Overall it is a very interesting place, and as mentioned already, will be back to take a deeper look, in warmer weather.

Main street of mining town