tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-87217036122634016652024-03-21T07:57:06.804-07:00Off Grid ResearchResearch and Planning for an Off Grid Retirement in West TexasOff Grid R and Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01821743428401112697noreply@blogger.comBlogger28125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8721703612263401665.post-29705202153178243562018-04-18T05:32:00.000-07:002019-07-01T14:06:58.925-07:00<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="color: red; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">Wow, A long time again since my last post. Work always gets in
the way of posting and t</span><span style="color: red; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">his is strictly a
business plug.</span></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">See <a href="https://www.uvairpurifiers.com/">UvAirPurifiers.com</a> for UV,</span><span style="color: red; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"> Photocatalytic Oxidation, PCO, air purification</span></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">technology. The best to eliminate bacteria, viruses, molds, odors,
and volatile organic compounds.<br />
No ionic electronic air cleaner or HEPA air purifier on the market can compete
in effectiveness.</span></div>
Off Grid R and Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01821743428401112697noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8721703612263401665.post-33464121372760196252015-07-20T13:04:00.000-07:002019-07-01T14:22:19.272-07:00<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">A lot has happened since my last post almost 3 years ago. I haven't intended to ignore this endeavor... just been to busy!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I am still researching and planning to move to my beloved Terlingua property in roughly 3 years and am still doing research on of grid living and sustainability.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The place I worked for for over a decade closed last year and I was able to keep the air purification sales database and have started my own business and incorporated last year to <a href="http://peacockenterprisesinc.com/" target="_blank">Peacock Enterprises Inc</a>.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I am managing and running an internet air purification sales business with several web sites; the main ones being </span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.peakpureair.net/">http://www.peakpureair.net</a>; </span><a href="http://www.uv-air-purifiers.com/"><span style="font-family: helvetica neue, arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">http://www.uv-air-purifiers.c</span><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">om</span></a><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> and </span><a href="http://www.uv-air-purifiers.info/bio-fighter-uvl.htm" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">http://www.uv-air-purifiers.info</a><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Working for yourself isn't all it is made up to be especially when your boss is an A Hole Hard Azz! :)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I am still working on my Black Peacock BBQ sauce project but need to get it trademarked before I do any more major promoting but do keep making small batches and created a web page; <a href="http://www.northshorediscgolf.com/BlackPeacock.html" target="_blank">Black Peacock BBQ Sauce</a>.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Special thanks to Anna Oakley of mercury graphics promo for the design work.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I sold my 92 Jeep Cherokee to Ring Huggins who sold it a week later for a profit. I got and fixed up a 99 </span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Jeep Cherokee 4x4 and sold for a profit. I just bought another 92 Jeep Cherokee 4x4 and am fixin it up to sell. </span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I have a 2000 Jeep Cherokee 4x4 that I am prepin as my Terlingua vehicle.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">What does all of this have to do with off grid research, nothing, but it gets my businesses linked back to my sites so possibly... <i>possibly</i>... I can make a living and be able to keep my head above water so I can retire to Terlingua someday.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Peace and Love Ya'll! :)</span>Off Grid R and Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01821743428401112697noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8721703612263401665.post-39526129612303745832012-08-03T11:17:00.000-07:002012-08-03T11:17:10.576-07:00Solar Water Heating / Simple Solar H2O Heater<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="color: red;">In researching and studying I decided it was time I tinkered with some simple solar water heating. I wanted it cheap and easy so gathered up some boxes, other materials, bought some containers of water, and a can of flat black paint for plastics. I kinda used the solar oven concept to help try and capture the sun to hold in the heat. Of course one gallon or 2 ½ gallons isn’t a lot of water but enough for some dishes or a quick wash off shower and a lot better than no hot water.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="color: red;">My testing was done July 28th 2012 in central <st1:state w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Texas</st1:place></st1:state>. I put them out full of about 80 degree tap water at 11 am with the ambient temp at 88. I checked them at 1 pm testing the water temp with a digital thermometer. The 1 gallon and the 2 ½ gallon were at 118 with air at 91. At 3 pm the 1 gallon was 137 and the 2 ½ was 122 air temp 99. At 5 pm the 1 gallon was still 137 and the 2 ½ gallon was 134 with air temp at 99. Throughout this time I rotated them to keep them in the peak sun and adjust the tilt a little.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="color: red;">The paint stuck a lot better to the clear stiffer 1 gallon jug than the 2 ½ gallon which is more like a plastic milk jug plastic. Having the containers black allows for the absorption of the heat.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="color: red;">I'll get back to Ya with the true test which would be in the winter with a lot cooler air temps. This is fairly simple with minimal cost. I also plan on testing the 1 gallon in a collapsible reflector solar oven. If the hot water is put into a small cooler the water will stay warm for many hours.</span></span></div>Off Grid R and Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01821743428401112697noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8721703612263401665.post-80305307556931800412012-07-18T07:59:00.002-07:002012-07-18T08:10:44.814-07:00Great Off Grid Info Web Site<span style="color: red; font-family: Arial;">I know there are a ton of web sites with off grid info and products. I found one that has a ton of useful information and would like to pass it on anyone interested. See <a href="http://www.off-grid.net/">http://www.off-grid.net/</a><br />From their site “</span>Off-Grid reports on the people, technologies, events and influences throughout the global off-grid community.<span style="color: red; font-family: Arial;">”<br />They have an Off-Grid 101 section, a forum, along with other helpful links.</span>Off Grid R and Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01821743428401112697noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8721703612263401665.post-80581118389764692172012-07-16T08:56:00.002-07:002012-07-16T08:56:21.996-07:00Cactus Juice in your eye<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: red; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt;">Here goes another unrelated off grid story but wanted to pass it on.</span></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt;">I have several Euphorbia Grandicornis, Big Horn cactus, that I have grown from buying cuttings years ago. They grow like crazy in the summer, I am talkin about a few inches a week. So yesterday I decided it was time to take a new cutting. I had a hard time with my old pruners but got through it. I have been told several times any cactus that has a white sap make sure and wash it off and never get it in your eyes. Well of course I had the sticky white sap on my hands and the pruners. I went over to the faucet and did a quick rinse on both. I then quickly patted dry the pruners and worked on them a bit to reshape the pulled apart blades. I went on about my morning and all of sudden my left eye was burning. I put in eye drops and it just burned more. The pain got intense so the first thing I did was wash my hands with soap and water like I should have done earlier. I then flushed it with more eye drops and washed around my eye. The pain got worse and worse. I have had jalapeño juice, cajun spices, gasoline, hot slag, and all kind of other crap in my eye but nothing that burned like this. <city w:st="on"><place w:st="on">Sandy</place></city> ended up flushing the eye with 2 shot glasses of purified water and it did not help. It was the most excruciating pain ever. I got the shakes and erratic breathing thinking I was going to pass out. I was all but going into shock. After about an hour the pain was down to tolerable and another thirty minutes later I could actually open the eye and use it. It really felt like a mini cutting torch trying to cut through my eye. </span><span style="color: red; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt;">Today is feels swollen and sore and is really red.</span><span style="color: red;"></span></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt;">So; If working with cactus and any sap gets on you wash it off thoroughly with soap and water and don't stick you finger in your eye. Lesson Learned!</span><span style="color: red;"></span></div>Off Grid R and Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01821743428401112697noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8721703612263401665.post-86056399866119326692012-06-25T12:20:00.000-07:002012-06-25T12:30:28.957-07:00Solar Cooking Weekend<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: red; font-family: Arial;">With tons o <state w:st="on"><place w:st="on">Texas</place></state> sun I decided to do all cooking over the weekend with solar. I got off early Friday and did my first solar meatloaf which was as good as my energy using house heating oven would have done. Saturday I did solar turkey thighs. I decided to try a potatoe dish. So into the black painted jar and late afternoon I drained them, put them in a small loaf pan with bacon, ranch dip, and cheese. I covered it in foil and back into the solar oven. It was served with the turkey thighs and it was Mighty Tasty! Sunday was solar <city w:st="on"><place w:st="on">St. Louis</place></city> style pork ribs. <em>Hmmm.. Ribs..!!</em> With not as much solar heat with it being cloudy I ended up topping them off on my little gas grill for about 10 minutes per side. This added some bark char and after adding some sauce they were good to go. </span></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: Arial;"></span><span style="color: red; font-family: Arial;">Of course each morning forecast was for full day of sun but every day some clouds rolled in by mid afternoon. I have added a few more floor tiles painted black which seemed to hold in the heat as clouds rolled by. </span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: red; font-family: Arial;">Picture is of a previous cooking. The oven know has tiles bottom, sides, back, and front with a lot thicker polycarbonate window. It hasn't melted yet with some temps up to 260.</span></td></tr>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: Arial;">I am proud of and enjoy my solar endeavors. I know <city w:st="on"><place w:st="on">Sandy</place></city> is pretty happy about it cause she gets to eat all the good food. At least in her eyes I am her Master Chef / BBQ Pit Master!</span></div>Off Grid R and Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01821743428401112697noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8721703612263401665.post-69705694485574817712012-06-04T11:51:00.002-07:002012-06-04T12:13:10.659-07:00<br />
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 16pt;"><span style="color: #783f04;">Wind Turbine Generator</span><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="color: red;">I
purchased a cheap wind turbine generator on Ebay that is supposed to produce 250
watts max. The blades are 15” aluminum on an aluminum frame. Specs say the best
wind speed is 7.6 to 15 mph for best running conditions. Maximum wind speed
approximately 30 to 40 mph survival conditions. This is probably when it gets its max 250
watts is right when it is coming apart! So it sure wouldn’t stand up very long in
Terlingua or high gusty wind areas.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="color: red;">I
have given it to my friend <st1:personname w:st="on">Mark MacDonald</st1:personname>
of Home Concentrated Solar Power<span class="yiv2068901612828530921-23042012">,
Home CSP;</span><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><a href="http://homecsp.com/">http://homecsp.com</a>, to do some playing around testing
with it. Mark has a lot of knowledge and gadgets for getting some test
information. One problem is Mark’s house doesn’t have decent wind so he is
looking to mounting it higher off his roof. Hopefully he will have some test
numbers soon. With so much varied and inaccurate data on wind turbine output out
there I am waiting on some test results before I leave buyer feedback. I
imagine it will end up being a $149 learning experience but will post testing results
as they come in.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: red;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">On
another topic I sold my Cadillac SRX. I didn't get what I wanted to for it but
got what I expected to. Finally I am down to the Tahoe, Motorcycle, and side x side
4x4 buggy.</span></span><span style="font-family: Arial;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br />Off Grid R and Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01821743428401112697noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8721703612263401665.post-3202894228839585002012-04-24T07:32:00.000-07:002012-04-24T07:32:45.209-07:00Concentrated Solar Power<span class="yiv2068901612828530921-23042012">
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I have an old friend, Mark MacDonald, who has
started up a business of solar tracking devices; Home Concentrated Solar Power<span class="yiv2068901612828530921-23042012">, Home CSP;</span><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>http://homecsp.com.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">He is offering a lot of stuff including single
and dual axis tracking controllers as well as temperature-differential
controllers, linear actuators, <span class="yiv2068901612828530921-23042012">and</span><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>motor drives.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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</span></span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt;"><img alt="SolarMEGA1A - Single Axis Tracker" height="300" id="yiv2068901612bigpic" src="http://homecsp.com/store/img/p/11-68-large.jpg" title="SolarMEGA1A - Single Axis Tracker" width="300" /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">SolarMEGA1A<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><span class="yiv2068901612828530921-23042012">single axis controller</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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From his site “Recent developments in
microprocessors and embedded software technology have allowed the creation
low-cost specialized controllers capable of the sophisticated analysis needed
to make CSP convenient, practical, and affordable. By combining the latest
micro-electronics technology with physics, and astronomy, and applying results
to the needs of the home, a truly new paradigm of energy usage is possible.”<o:p></o:p></div>
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There is also info on Solar Boiler Hydronics,
Heat Exchangers, Temperature Differential Controllers, and one of his latest
endeavor compound parabolic trough project. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="http://homecsp.com/" target="_blank" title="http://homecsp.com/">http://homecsp.com</a><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>has information guides on projects
plus a blog. He has some new stuff on a bicycle frame tracker.<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><span class="yiv2068901612828530921-23042012">Although most stuff is too technical for
me to totally understand Home Concentrated Solar Power is on the right track
for affordable embedded software and electronics products for controlling all
aspects of home solar systems.</span><o:p></o:p></div>
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So check out the solar tracking info and
available products at<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><a href="http://homecsp.com/" target="_blank" title="http://homecsp.com/">http://homecsp.com</a>.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>Off Grid R and Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01821743428401112697noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8721703612263401665.post-28045077928548718592012-04-20T08:41:00.000-07:002012-04-20T08:41:03.573-07:00SOLD 99 Jeep Cherokee XJ<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt;">I got a good cash offer on the Jeep and took it. Not what I was asking for it but enough for me to get what I had into it back. Actually have enough profit to take <city w:st="on"><place w:st="on">Sandy</place></city> out to eat, Nice! But not enough for drinks, : (</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt;">Sorry to see it go but how many vehicle does one guy need? HAPPY but SAD it is gone.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt;"></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt;">Now to sell the Caddy then I can get back to <place w:st="on"><placename w:st="on">Davis</placename> <placetype w:st="on">Mountains</placetype></place> property search and reviewing studying off grid living.</span></div>Off Grid R and Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01821743428401112697noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8721703612263401665.post-88200809437283931552012-04-18T08:13:00.000-07:002012-04-18T08:13:43.156-07:00Selling the 99 Cherokee XJ<span style="font-family: Arial;">Well I got slammed a little last post about being off topic. Well to me having a good vehicle is part of living off grid. It may not be solar wind energy info but even living off grid most people need a vehicle.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">After much thought I am selling the 99 Jeep Cherokee XJ Sport. If it were super cherry with cruise control and no major rust I would probably keep. Being from NY and having 7 owners it is pretty beat for bein in such good shape. What an oxy moron! Note that you shouldn’t look over a vehicle at night in a badly lit parking lot and commit to buy.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">I think I can get what I got into it which is a good thing. Sales info and pictures are at <a href="http://www.northshorediscgolf.com/1999JC.html"><span style="color: purple;">http://www.northshorediscgolf.com/1999JC.html</span></a>.</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw5U_3il4Ulrhm4PcOY7SbM1p8Q-qG_Mie76ZOIr_TfESYpR-x3mHj9SD9Q-t4KANeDpJ7NP38acVF_WPq9ezmtP9gvkuzCaABrjQXztiTq30PbiGbIotSsZGbs_acMneZdCLlTJmRKMpJ/s1600/IMG_3079c.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="260px" qda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw5U_3il4Ulrhm4PcOY7SbM1p8Q-qG_Mie76ZOIr_TfESYpR-x3mHj9SD9Q-t4KANeDpJ7NP38acVF_WPq9ezmtP9gvkuzCaABrjQXztiTq30PbiGbIotSsZGbs_acMneZdCLlTJmRKMpJ/s400/IMG_3079c.JPG" width="400px" /></a></div><div align="center"><br />
</div><span style="font-family: Arial;">I am also trying to sell my Cadillac SRX which is just gonna cost to much to maintain, <a href="http://www.northshorediscgolf.com/2005SRX.html"><span style="color: purple;">http://www.northshorediscgolf.com/2005SRX.html</span></a>.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">That will leave me with gas suckin Chevy Tahoe. Even with over 200,000 miles I like it, it is comfortable, and can tow my toys whether the 4x4 Buggy or my bike.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">To try an please everyone I might start another blog maybe call it Jon’s Bull Shic then it would be hard to get off topic. :)</span>Off Grid R and Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01821743428401112697noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8721703612263401665.post-21755466501581861752012-03-19T13:47:00.000-07:002012-03-19T13:47:51.008-07:00Jeep Cherokee Gremlins<span style="font-family: Arial;">Went out last week and the key fob remote did not work on the 99 Jeep Cherokee. After investigating when pushing the unlock / lock buttons their was clicking under dash meaning the remote was working. I started the Jeep for a few seconds and tried again, Nothing! A couple of days later I went back out and the keyless entry still wasn’t working. The power lock switch on the driver’s side did the same thing, click but no movement on the lock switches. I went around to the passenger’s side to listen for the clicking and track down the relays and the switch on the passenger’s door worked. I then tested the remote entry and it worked along with the driver’s side switch. Figured I would start it and let a run and test again. Well it started but the fan belt was really screaming not turning at all, Bummer! I spent a while trying to find which pulley was the one to loosen to get the belt off with no luck. Checkin out the web I found some info and a diagram for the serpentine belt. The diagram did not match my engine so I drew my own. I got the belt loose enough to determine the alternator was seized up. I guess that is better than the AC compressor, power steering pump, or the water pump. It took lookin for a lot tools, (who the hell has and uses a 15mm wrench, Jeep owners obviously), a lot of cussin, and one busted knuckle and I had the bad one out.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Shoppin around I found a rebuilt alternator for $125 with core exchange.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">With all this goin on my 05 Cadillac SRX’s battery needed replacing. Callin around all batteries for that are $169 plus tax. Damnit Jim! That’s a lot o money for a car battery.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Anywho after a trip to <place w:st="on"><placename w:st="on">Cedar</placename> <placetype w:st="on">Park</placetype></place> and spending $320 plus I had a new Caddy battery and Cherokee alternator. The alternator is a tight fit to get into place but I got it in, the belt put back on, and it running again. Yeah!!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">I also have done a ton o research on the web about the ‘airbag’ light being on. After hours of reading I determined it was probably the clock spring. I purchased a used clock spring on ebay and printed out steps with images from cherokeeforum. I spent about an hour, there again a lot of time lookin for tools, I had the old one out and the new one. Started her up and the airbag light went off, Yeah!!, but then it came back on. SOB!!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Now I have another few hours reading forums and internet info and nothing definite on diagnosis and repair. I sure don’t want to pay the dealer.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Well I’m the one that wanted a Jeep Cherokee!</span>Off Grid R and Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01821743428401112697noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8721703612263401665.post-63207150681113218272012-03-15T10:02:00.001-07:002012-03-15T10:07:10.051-07:00Terlingua Visit / New Old Tahoe<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">From my last post and comment I did not buy the gold jeep in <city w:st="on"><place w:st="on">Dallas</place></city>. It has some major front end noise, a constant same pitched hum probably in the front drive.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Work has kept me real busy but pays the bills so a delay in posting.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Since then I bought a 2002 Chevy Tahoe for towing the buggy.</span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><img alt="image 0" height="300px" id="_x0000_i1025" nosend="1" src="http://images.craigslist.org/5L75G25Je3Jb3N93Hec2af9114a7130871e52.jpg" width="400px" /></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">While lookin at at the Tahoe at a small time car dealer in <city w:st="on"><place w:st="on">Waco</place></city> he said I should have no problem getting my money back on the 99 Jeep we drove up there. <span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;"><span style="color: red;">While there the sales guy got a phone call and said "You a bettin Man? I bet this is a call from <city w:st="on"><place w:st="on">Austin</place></city> on one of my Tahoes". It was a call asking how much our Jeep Cherokee, parked on the street, was sellin for. Funny!</span></span></span><br />
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</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We took the Tahoe on our Spring Terlingua week long trip and it ran great suckin the gas like a 350 does. Sure a lot of them on the highways suckin down the fuel. <span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-ascii-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We enjoyed out trip although a little cool at night and of course the almost never ending wind of west <state w:st="on"><place w:st="on">Texas</place></state>. Just hangin at our place in the evenings was nice.</span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img alt="" class="img" height="300px" src="http://sphotos.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash4/s320x320/419503_256486081105526_100002324086376_572257_600766575_n.jpg" width="400px" /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Sunrise over the Chisos last week.</span></div><div align="center"><span class="hasCaption"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img alt="" class="img" height="300px" src="http://sphotos.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash4/s320x320/426368_256490797771721_100002324086376_572263_537062817_n.jpg" width="400px" /></span></span></div><span class="hasCaption"></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span> <br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Moon rise sunset over Big Big National Park.</span></div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We did some buggy riding exploring in the Solitario. Sure a lot of nothin for miles and miles but we sure enjoyed it.</span><br />
<div align="center"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img alt="" class="img" height="300px" src="http://sphotos.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash4/s320x320/422677_256488021105332_100002324086376_572260_1661118591_n.jpg" width="400px" /></span></div><span class="messageBody" data-ft="{"type":3}"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I ended up selling the Terlingua 1992 Jeep Cherokee to Ring Huggins of <a href="http://www.manystonesgifts.com/" target="_blank">Many Stones</a></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">. He got a good deal for $1,200.</span></span><br />
<div align="center" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span class="messageBody" data-ft="{"type":3}"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img alt="" class="img" height="300px" src="http://sphotos.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash4/s320x320/430682_256489451105189_100002324086376_572262_1019674884_n.jpg" width="400px" /></span></span></div><span class="messageBody" data-ft="{"type":3}"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Wow know I only have 5 vehicles counting the buggy and the bike.</span></span><br />
<div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Is that to many?! <span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-ascii-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span></span></span></div></div>Off Grid R and Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01821743428401112697noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8721703612263401665.post-87914533696278780062012-02-14T07:57:00.000-08:002012-02-14T08:04:48.740-08:00Possible Dream Late Model Cherokee<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">I have located a 2000 JEEP Cherokee Sport XJ 4x4 with only 120,000 miles in <city w:st="on"><place w:st="on">Dallas</place></city>. In doing a vehicle report it was recently sold at an auto auction to a dealer that runs a truck rental company. Before that it had only one owner in the DFW area. The new seller said it was a trade in and then sold at auction. With one owner for 11 years you would think they took care of it. I will see. Everything else on the report looked good too. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> <img alt="image 1" src="http://images.craigslist.org/5Ic5Gd5Ka3G43I23l2c285ba18c55a5f81de0.jpg" /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Going to drive up and look at it Thursday with a <em>long list</em> of things to check out. If it checks out I will try and make a deal on it.</span><span style="font-family: Arial;"></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Wish Me Luck!</span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;"><table summary="craigslist hosted images"><tbody>
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</div>Off Grid R and Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01821743428401112697noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8721703612263401665.post-11393517030289860292012-02-10T08:10:00.000-08:002012-02-10T08:16:48.931-08:00New Old Jeep Cherokee Update<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Well I had already paid a little down on the Jeep before picking it up and before gettin a vehicle report done. It turns out it was originally sold in Seneca Falls, NY and was there until 6/02 when it went to Culpeper, VA. In 12/01 there is a reported ‘COLLISION WITH A FIXED OBJECT (GUARDRAIL)’ and was then sold at auction 5/02. It finally made it to <state w:st="on"><place w:st="on">Texas</place></state> in 5/09.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">The previous owner had put on new shocks and nice Goodyear Wrangler tires along with new plugs, plug wires, and cap. Upon future inspection the RR shock was not connected on top. One of the bolts had been sheared off. I assume this was done when installing the new shocks and they figured one bolt would hold it. One hour at my local repair shop and they drilled it out and replaced the bolt. The mechanic said he figured it was from the coast or up north. The chassis looks good but other things show rust and I know most nuts and bolts are rusted shut.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">It has a clunk over bumps in the front so I am figuring ball joints and wheel bearings. Estimate on upper and lower ball joints is $1,600. Ouch! Not sure I wanna spend that yet if I might be sellin it. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">I am going to still piddle around with fixin it up without trying to spendin to much money, Yeah Right! In the mean time I will continue to look for the dream late model Cherokee; 1 owner with less than a 100K from southern <state w:st="on"><place w:st="on">Arizona</place></state> or NM. A guy can dream right? You never know it might happen</span><span style="color: #666666; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 10.5pt;">. <span style="color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: small;">At least I am learnin what to look for in a Jeep Cherokee XJ 4x4.</span></span></div>Off Grid R and Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01821743428401112697noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8721703612263401665.post-27861507828990954842012-01-30T12:35:00.000-08:002012-01-30T12:35:42.618-08:00Jeep Cherokee XJ 4x4 / Solar Turkey<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; margin-top: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none;"><span style="font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 10pt;"></span><img border="0" gda="true" height="300px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCYdWikYi8VdfjSd4dKto6gHmbrKUk5EwvKeEHCDFsZRrrF-_OSkaFvky4hlPDlfITE3nEwRDuiZ3TZvasoRYqG3maUhFm-9tOCja4fx_7Vx3s1E0HEWe_tG3bkhSaoNuTuZMNUvpFbtD8/s400/IMG_2948.JPG" width="400px" /></div><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none;"><span style="font-family: 'Courier New';"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Saturday Sandy and I went and picked up our new 1999 Jeep Cherokee XJ 4x4 with 144k. It has its share of scratches and little dents but I think it is in great shape for 13 years old. Time will tell. I spent Sunday cleaning the inside and just checkin it out. Gonna take my time and go through it and repair replace update as the budget allows. </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">This spring I will be selling my 92 Cherokee XJ 4x4 that I have in Terlingua. There are a few things I want to do it first. Any Takers?</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPXftXoBZoONx93Jgk3W_yPshmqoB9YIJmCsDWunZAmVR0AkdQ91BJlXXr0ybYK379_JM7VnLfFiJw1PfMLwzc_NZeT0g1WCqW6_7wbHm6v7EXBHNcUcTVeS5AC_7x88Y6_8VrQSr0PAGl/s1600/IMG_2185.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" gda="true" height="300px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPXftXoBZoONx93Jgk3W_yPshmqoB9YIJmCsDWunZAmVR0AkdQ91BJlXXr0ybYK379_JM7VnLfFiJw1PfMLwzc_NZeT0g1WCqW6_7wbHm6v7EXBHNcUcTVeS5AC_7x88Y6_8VrQSr0PAGl/s400/IMG_2185.JPG" width="400px" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none;"><span style="font-family: 'Courier New';"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Yesterday I also did 2 turkey thighs in the solar oven. With 4 hour until supper I actually turned it away from the sun at 2:30 because it was 255 in the oven and the juices were boiling pretty darn good. Upon serving it fell off the bone, was juice, tender, and very flavorful, plus affordable.</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvn8yHCAu08mavNtlp6YuBDDC07KvssvGs7tC4VzrT_hT_3NFa4_lajPKsFXtXkhDsBMaSZJBcYKBPL-DyasIKBT8DyonlZG7TjlgI6ikj_lOcllOeLnoDcBTYd9GtoZ4SndOVNNcvt-6e/s1600/IMG_2943.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" gda="true" height="300px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvn8yHCAu08mavNtlp6YuBDDC07KvssvGs7tC4VzrT_hT_3NFa4_lajPKsFXtXkhDsBMaSZJBcYKBPL-DyasIKBT8DyonlZG7TjlgI6ikj_lOcllOeLnoDcBTYd9GtoZ4SndOVNNcvt-6e/s400/IMG_2943.JPG" width="400px" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none;"><br />
</div>Off Grid R and Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01821743428401112697noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8721703612263401665.post-56674392738093178292012-01-19T06:51:00.000-08:002012-01-19T06:51:52.907-08:00Alternative Building / Terlingua Home Tour Jan. 29<span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="color: red;">The Terlingua Home Tour is Jan. 29 and features earthbag building, mixed construction of adobe to straw bale to cement block, 2X6 framed home built in stages, and off grid construction.</span></span><br />
<div align="center"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="color: red;"><img alt="Drinkard" border="0" class="asset asset-image at-xid-6a0133f2e9fdbf970b0168e5b322a0970c image-full" height="240px" src="http://alpinedailyplanet.typepad.com/.a/6a0133f2e9fdbf970b0168e5b322a0970c-800wi" title="Drinkard" width="320px" /></span></span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="color: red; font-size: x-small;">Thomas and Carmen Drinkard's Earthbag Building</span></span></div><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="color: red;">See http://alpinedailyplanet.typepad.com/alpine-daily-planet/2012/01/terlingua-home-tour-is-jan-29.html</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="color: red;">Not cheap at $25 but looks like some good learning and insight. Anybody going take pictures and or videos and send me please.</span></span>Off Grid R and Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01821743428401112697noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8721703612263401665.post-16575869105849175212012-01-12T06:38:00.000-08:002012-01-12T06:38:29.032-08:00Jeep XJ Towing Capabilities?<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="color: red; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt;">Kinda having second thoughts after researching the XJ's towing capabilities. I have a 12’ single axle trailer and a side by side UTV that we tow from <city w:st="on"><place w:st="on">Austin</place></city> to Terlingua; out in the fall and back in the spring. I am researching forums on how reliable the XJ is at towing. It has the torque of my current vehicle but not the horsepower and it is not the best tow vehicle anyway. Don't want to wear it out before retiring. </span></div><span style="color: red; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="color: red; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt;">Any experienced XJ owners that tow with it let me know your thoughts.</span></div></span>Off Grid R and Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01821743428401112697noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8721703612263401665.post-53914254327351741282012-01-10T12:55:00.000-08:002012-01-10T12:55:37.072-08:00Retirement Jeep!<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt;"><span class="yiv673475753640101919-10012012"><span style="color: black;"></span></span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt;"><span style="color: red;"> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: red; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt;">Even though it is a few years before retirement I keep thinkin bout getting a 2000 or 2001 Jeep Cherokee XJ 4x4, <span class="yiv673475753640101919-10012012">2001 is the last year of the Cherokee XJ. I called and talked with a couple of Austin Jeep repair places comparing the Cherokee XJ and Grand Cherokee for remote wet <state u2:st="on"><place u2:st="on"><personname u2:st="on"><state w:st="on"><place w:st="on"><personname w:st="on">Tex</personname>as</place></state> and both said absolutely the XJ. If I wait there will be less good Cherokees, and less clean body Cherokees, and probably tuff miles. I take care of my stuff especially vehicles. I owned a Datsun 260Z for over 17 years. If I purchase now I will know how it is taken care of in the future and be able to R&R as I go. I own a 92 Jeep Cherokee but storing it in Terlingua is taking its toll. A field rat moved in and chewed up all kinds of wires it runs but not well. Anybody in the S Brewster Co. area know of a good Jeep Mechanic? If retiring in the <place u2:st="on"><placename u2:st="on"><place w:st="on"><placename w:st="on">Davis</placename> <placetype u2:st="on"><placetype w:st="on">Mountains</placetype></placetype></place> or Terlingua I think a 4x4 XJ is the vehicle for me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I prefer the XJ over the Wrangler CJ models because it is a little smoother on the highway and more room for the dog and stuff with the longer wheel base. Anybody got any XJ experience or comments let me hear from you!</placename></place></personname></place></state></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div></span></span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt;"><span class="yiv673475753640101919-10012012"><span style="color: black;"></span></span></span></span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt;"><img alt="" height="240px" id="main-media-console-img" nodeindex="2" src="http://images.autotrader.com/scaler/544/408/images/2011/8/13/305/000/21732659589.305000881.IM1.05.565x421_A.562x421.jpg" width="320px" /></span></div>Off Grid R and Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01821743428401112697noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8721703612263401665.post-13794639707274737712012-01-03T13:27:00.000-08:002012-01-03T13:27:02.926-08:00A New Year, 2012!<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Although I have been doin some off grid research nothing really to blog about so just figured I would wish the world a Happy 2012. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">I still have Kelly Williams with Davis Mountain Realty looking for a tract of land suitable for my solar passive cabin design.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">I tried getting some information on a vertical axis wind generator I saw on ebay but no reply. Not mentioning the company but they advertise 500 watts for $500 but with limited specs. From research it seems the vertical axis with impeller instead of blades are more durable against strong winds.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sUvEzzEtCws/TwNrYe9AfII/AAAAAAAAAEI/tOgPr6-HFlA/s1600/Vertical+Wind+Turbine.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320px" rea="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sUvEzzEtCws/TwNrYe9AfII/AAAAAAAAAEI/tOgPr6-HFlA/s320/Vertical+Wind+Turbine.jpg" width="77px" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Looking forward to our March Terlingua trip and hopin we might have to go check out property in the <place w:st="on"><placename w:st="on">Davis</placename> <placetype w:st="on">Mountains</placetype></place> again soon.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">I hope we get through another year with all the political BS, US and world problems.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">For 2012 in the words of Spock, 'Live Long and Prosper'</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Hopin Anyway!</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"></span></span></div>Off Grid R and Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01821743428401112697noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8721703612263401665.post-71262331276423078772011-12-09T08:13:00.000-08:002011-12-09T08:25:10.469-08:00Terlingua Vacation In Review<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt;">It has been almost a month since our Terlingua vacation and <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">work sucks so bad</i> and I have been so busy I have not had time to post. Dammit Jim!</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt;">We had a great time and enjoyed the nothingness of no phones, tv, computers, or radio. Here is a picture of our place with the added 12 x 20 carport completed last spring.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfSTcP0vWoSEACr6lG7VSuxnje81Vzjez9NDMGIaGMwFMBmO3B3ZuzijTyKabiP3CHlcInO0ciMZBYskCv_OoWreVBBevXylq1LVr1jM6C-x9yDlNfFjIxb1o54oc7c8kp_HjnUHyqXyhx/s1600/IMG_2864c.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="235px" mda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfSTcP0vWoSEACr6lG7VSuxnje81Vzjez9NDMGIaGMwFMBmO3B3ZuzijTyKabiP3CHlcInO0ciMZBYskCv_OoWreVBBevXylq1LVr1jM6C-x9yDlNfFjIxb1o54oc7c8kp_HjnUHyqXyhx/s400/IMG_2864c.JPG" width="400px" /></a></div><div align="center"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt;">On Monday we went to go meet and visit Frann and Denese. Very impressed with all the work done on Frann’s place and flat can not fathom how they worked through the hot azz summer. Learned a lot more about of earthbag building and hands on experience. You Go Girls !!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggL8q3C8r84BI9ofiIMnvPKkJcTJDIt2jOVqWLwqHiSeJi90ajo9npLi4upPWGcrhRGMT1yQTgW9LURJYVCnpSdMk4lol0tzpm9u8oq0V9b4vX75NBdB3F1ACI0Mp3rQSPK4BJKJIs4Siz/s1600/IMG_2832.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150px" mda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggL8q3C8r84BI9ofiIMnvPKkJcTJDIt2jOVqWLwqHiSeJi90ajo9npLi4upPWGcrhRGMT1yQTgW9LURJYVCnpSdMk4lol0tzpm9u8oq0V9b4vX75NBdB3F1ACI0Mp3rQSPK4BJKJIs4Siz/s200/IMG_2832.JPG" width="200px" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH2XRQ-SvgaJ_VtlfE2Jz3D6aaKmVoBA89CGkTFCfmsuKvRJH7XEoxzXovOqm7qwbRibmDXUvGml9aD-edI96WeAblBj2ZiBcXLDFGCuyCf7dX0JO7rcsPZ9lJAUJCKV_q7LevXbgte9w6/s1600/IMG_2834.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150px" mda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH2XRQ-SvgaJ_VtlfE2Jz3D6aaKmVoBA89CGkTFCfmsuKvRJH7XEoxzXovOqm7qwbRibmDXUvGml9aD-edI96WeAblBj2ZiBcXLDFGCuyCf7dX0JO7rcsPZ9lJAUJCKV_q7LevXbgte9w6/s200/IMG_2834.JPG" width="200px" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt;">We needed an inspection on the Terlingua Jeep, expired 3/11, and decided to take it to Beechie’s. <city w:st="on"><place w:st="on">Sandy</place></city> had never been out Terlingua Ranch Rd so it was a new experience for her. We headed out to Beechie's Auto which was about a 40 minute drive from the highway with about 5 miles of dirt road. The next closest inspection place is 70 miles away in Alpine beyond the BP check point. Once there we meet Beechie who is an older gentleman and is in no hurry. It was cold and windy and he hates the cold so even slower. It took around 45 minutes to get it done. A reminder of no reason to get in a hurry in the desert. Of course he said I needed wiper blades at $10 a piece. I know I should have taken some out. Good thing we like site seeing.</span></div><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt;"></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLy-g0Ml-rwei0KzPzVNF8hLtXqas3Sd23wxieuPVg5vC8LUW61kWhspnruk6DuuvLlZkzwhriRveAO2FS9Ch25lgL991Ck1XL4UPEZHNcC7j6cLJUnMVXLAe2avR0MOZ7SDL6ON-ilmDD/s1600/IMG_2851.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150px" mda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLy-g0Ml-rwei0KzPzVNF8hLtXqas3Sd23wxieuPVg5vC8LUW61kWhspnruk6DuuvLlZkzwhriRveAO2FS9Ch25lgL991Ck1XL4UPEZHNcC7j6cLJUnMVXLAe2avR0MOZ7SDL6ON-ilmDD/s200/IMG_2851.JPG" width="200px" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSsgw4BWaN1AG2_QCapmevFXlLsANL9pGv37z8gM2p8nC2foTQnMv_ASP4l6KRstqhmY33NQfYbyturPakpoPeKXK0mycj-Sz0ExS00y1sJX4u-n-xG7SENPOjEo_JZU7n8JQs2_gm8_V-/s1600/IMG_2855.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150px" mda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSsgw4BWaN1AG2_QCapmevFXlLsANL9pGv37z8gM2p8nC2foTQnMv_ASP4l6KRstqhmY33NQfYbyturPakpoPeKXK0mycj-Sz0ExS00y1sJX4u-n-xG7SENPOjEo_JZU7n8JQs2_gm8_V-/s200/IMG_2855.JPG" width="200px" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt;">While out that we way we went to meet John Wells and Benita plus got a tour of ‘The Field Lab’, (See <a href="http://thefieldlab.blogspot.com/">http://thefieldlab.blogspot.com/</a>. We took gifts of a block of ice, a 6 pac, and a baby bottle of JD Tennessee Honey. Benita was out with the visiting longhorns so we did not get to meet or pet her. We did see Dennis Hoper, a cotton tail rabbit, in the building. Amazing the work one person can do. More inspiration for doin it yourself but just lookin at all that work made my back hurt! :)</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1QOTvaR0GLynhUD-ZEHcC7laVQ96urA4b-nhu7f7YEWGqW6VD6e_Oqi0dj9soOoKAQ9OUDMJJBUgaAk9Ac5BTAA4cvBLNwXoIfvXzimI443oQ7zhLfLRGZmtdA9RhceT1ZKld2YnbmiyK/s1600/IMG_2862.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150px" mda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1QOTvaR0GLynhUD-ZEHcC7laVQ96urA4b-nhu7f7YEWGqW6VD6e_Oqi0dj9soOoKAQ9OUDMJJBUgaAk9Ac5BTAA4cvBLNwXoIfvXzimI443oQ7zhLfLRGZmtdA9RhceT1ZKld2YnbmiyK/s200/IMG_2862.JPG" width="200px" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjpGYRXHURN4Bj-iwrdnVJAlfZx99z96WnvnrXThW3powq0lQVTQg6naSn7teGpYKs2VkUI_fug3hQQAOrDzrahY7hTGJrm1k7qS91e8KQGosxzLn5mXfyuTB-_j4IvWxE28pqguMu3o87/s1600/IMG_2857.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150px" mda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjpGYRXHURN4Bj-iwrdnVJAlfZx99z96WnvnrXThW3powq0lQVTQg6naSn7teGpYKs2VkUI_fug3hQQAOrDzrahY7hTGJrm1k7qS91e8KQGosxzLn5mXfyuTB-_j4IvWxE28pqguMu3o87/s200/IMG_2857.JPG" width="200px" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Benita Denese</div><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt;"></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt;">On Friday we went out River Road lookin for <place w:st="on"><placename w:st="on">Crow</placename> <placetype w:st="on">Town</placetype></place> movie set. I was told there was a sign for it but we never found it. We road back an forth from the HooDoo’s to <place w:st="on">Redford</place>. With the Jeep runnin on 5 cylinders, thanks to a f’n field Rat, and a worn out steering box it was a stressful ride for me. I was highly pizzed we did not find it. Dammit Jim!</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt;">We normally go to La Kiva on Friday night but after talking it over decide to save our money and party at our place. I figured I would just cuss the new menu anyway. Well I mixed Gumby strength drinks, never ate supper, and stayed up late. I said 'F'k the Burn Ban' and we had an outdoor fire. :) We got a major buzz on!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh9qK76Oq2BPD_eSldm2MHzQVkYcLdm-H2EbO-FiegfaH2Isnu7HxHgTN3uLZm_JCQx1IyVe2z9tmT4xMceQB0SIKoRxDk_s12nj94wKX0RHZEsMUaL9ZjPqbwsfZ02GQPX3tjYzkcu8gl/s1600/IMG_2893.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150px" mda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh9qK76Oq2BPD_eSldm2MHzQVkYcLdm-H2EbO-FiegfaH2Isnu7HxHgTN3uLZm_JCQx1IyVe2z9tmT4xMceQB0SIKoRxDk_s12nj94wKX0RHZEsMUaL9ZjPqbwsfZ02GQPX3tjYzkcu8gl/s200/IMG_2893.JPG" width="200px" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_Ne2t9BoqTiGkiYjxFGeX59an3SwCSuHR-JWBl2KwvgdtrTEZizkLnXpLb6uKegTNMAB0No_MR6J97LFQq1QUecDmjZKkCejt09JiDra3zJi_XwsnwnpcnQRwd4pZDI0BIrWaxQR9xkrk/s1600/IMG_2902.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150px" mda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_Ne2t9BoqTiGkiYjxFGeX59an3SwCSuHR-JWBl2KwvgdtrTEZizkLnXpLb6uKegTNMAB0No_MR6J97LFQq1QUecDmjZKkCejt09JiDra3zJi_XwsnwnpcnQRwd4pZDI0BIrWaxQR9xkrk/s200/IMG_2902.JPG" width="200px" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt;">We spent a lot of the week riding the buggy in the Solitario, hikin canyons, lookin for fossils and rocks. <place w:st="on">Sandy</place> usually drives S County Rd and she loves haulin azz. I told her with some more practice should do well in a race. :) We did more hikin on Terlingua Creek off the County Rd where I did find some pieces of worked flint. Not sure where S County turns into N County? I guess it is at Terlingua Creek Crossing!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPzZP2IDQFWVufXmj_owxTsaLuzykuIcTbV5roonxyP4An9uNx91iq2UDLAKzxOh5gyKzr6GK_aa2V3PdOVfw4mno62vRbt-ND2GbFCnZ80MSiC5toI3-d-gn9Mj_xvivqpglR87YNrXOh/s1600/IMG_2848.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150px" mda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPzZP2IDQFWVufXmj_owxTsaLuzykuIcTbV5roonxyP4An9uNx91iq2UDLAKzxOh5gyKzr6GK_aa2V3PdOVfw4mno62vRbt-ND2GbFCnZ80MSiC5toI3-d-gn9Mj_xvivqpglR87YNrXOh/s200/IMG_2848.JPG" width="200px" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL6GIV-Trs43u8lEbv2p9UISxpd6k1VqX5r3nd8EolYiwBR_6WQb4_NL-HKqdOGcSmRmBXkKj7PXoZDk9eVn2L-lfesU3AHsq-lchg-Y0yBhiBMyrV1iK6SwWQxDe1Y2GYGvidFdefi9e6/s1600/IMG_2886.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150px" mda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL6GIV-Trs43u8lEbv2p9UISxpd6k1VqX5r3nd8EolYiwBR_6WQb4_NL-HKqdOGcSmRmBXkKj7PXoZDk9eVn2L-lfesU3AHsq-lchg-Y0yBhiBMyrV1iK6SwWQxDe1Y2GYGvidFdefi9e6/s200/IMG_2886.JPG" width="200px" /></a></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt;">All in all as usual the week was to short and I consumed a ton of Jack. Isn't that what vacations are for? :)</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt;">Did a lot of thinking bout wanting to retire in the better climate of the <place w:st="on"><placename w:st="on">Davis</placename> <placetype w:st="on">Mountains</placetype></place> but not sure how to swing that and keep my place in Terlingua. I sure love the solitude, the desert, and our view of the Chisos!</span></div><br />
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</div>Off Grid R and Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01821743428401112697noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8721703612263401665.post-18297520218589836642011-11-01T12:37:00.000-07:002011-11-01T12:37:47.206-07:00Road Trip / VacationTerlingua Road Trip / Vacation<br />
Now the weather is nice <city w:st="on"><place w:st="on">Sandy</place></city>, Wally Dog, and I are headin to Terlingua for a week vacation. Hopin to meet Frann, Denese, John Wells, Benita, and check out their awesome work. Need to get over to Beechie’s for an inspection on the Jeep. Gonna be hard to find the time while doin nothing! Nice!Off Grid R and Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01821743428401112697noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8721703612263401665.post-83472028640672034692011-10-18T06:56:00.000-07:002011-10-18T06:56:52.191-07:00Terlingua Fall VacationPlannin our fall trip to our Terlingua place. <personname w:st="on">Sandy</personname>, Wally dog, and I will arrive Saturday Nov. 5<sup>th </sup>for a week. Not even goin near the cookoff. The time changes that night and it always really messes with my body clock. Not being on my regular schedule usually allows me to acclimate better.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>No big projects this trip so a lot of ridden the UTV and hopefully visiting new Terlingua friends that I have not meet personally. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVdqnG0M7EpGDjuAiIGZU8DtUSvoGS8sHrvp1mNZIb6EQy7wSOvLnwvhe13B8bVbMns01YkoivZyDIqEL7iXBlAhVLNHfWSRZ3URsMbdzPDs2fT8NPrBlox4E0gSMzI7nkU5QmjIPjzWKa/s1600/IMG_2556t.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="215px" oda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVdqnG0M7EpGDjuAiIGZU8DtUSvoGS8sHrvp1mNZIb6EQy7wSOvLnwvhe13B8bVbMns01YkoivZyDIqEL7iXBlAhVLNHfWSRZ3URsMbdzPDs2fT8NPrBlox4E0gSMzI7nkU5QmjIPjzWKa/s320/IMG_2556t.JPG" width="320px" /></a></div>Even with no plans the week goes by awfully fast. Sure lookin forward to bein in the tranquil desert doin nothing!Off Grid R and Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01821743428401112697noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8721703612263401665.post-6935905187214683742011-10-10T12:53:00.000-07:002011-10-10T12:53:26.268-07:00Solar Cookin Ribs<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmMCsa6FgbTKIzXO3EEYCR9uh2tZlRpto7owmMzXWKbXrfHhw67_EFEwq8dBLwOuiV6xW13_vrpReKzds0GOS_2wSJT5WPNzoujz0sagBsCnC-LYuV5NeMvsHZNcIfEXctwcLcBwMH6y8p/s1600/IMG_2802.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240px" kca="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmMCsa6FgbTKIzXO3EEYCR9uh2tZlRpto7owmMzXWKbXrfHhw67_EFEwq8dBLwOuiV6xW13_vrpReKzds0GOS_2wSJT5WPNzoujz0sagBsCnC-LYuV5NeMvsHZNcIfEXctwcLcBwMH6y8p/s320/IMG_2802.JPG" width="320px" /></a></div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">My latest home made solar oven. I used two thin lexan sheets for the window. They have already warped and wrinkled loosing my tight air seal. I have been doin more solar cookin and gettin pretty good with ribs. I got <city w:st="on"><place w:st="on">St. Louis</place></city> style pork rib marinated and rubbed then cool chilled for 30 hours. Solar oven cooked 5 hours and topped off 12 min. on the gas grill. </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaPQhmplPdEkILYPua0dofqliJxIR4ma4-QHJURwG-k0fLauKqCt0YwKpztt4biKnFNUslHBCy1zyhvJa0KfJDgSChVcIDT2CgMcrdHTj5y1nwdUPTmqrduTyIJh8WzN99NA3Nl5T521Jt/s1600/IMG_2801.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240px" kca="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaPQhmplPdEkILYPua0dofqliJxIR4ma4-QHJURwG-k0fLauKqCt0YwKpztt4biKnFNUslHBCy1zyhvJa0KfJDgSChVcIDT2CgMcrdHTj5y1nwdUPTmqrduTyIJh8WzN99NA3Nl5T521Jt/s320/IMG_2801.JPG" width="320px" /></a></div><span style="font-family: Arial;">Didn't do so good on the beans. I soaked less than 1/2 cup of pinto beans overnight which swelled to almost fill my 28 oz. jar. Even after soaking overnight with that much volume they never got soft. Early this summer I was successful with unsoaked beans but it wasn't very many and I cooked them all day.</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2VaoS0zGB5y7bISVtLKBClqht4-19qj4nqvMQmH4iC8oLlrXlFrS_QcECLVcQ43p0wwTNzY_riXjka605yvd2ckgAlkTmIOU02M8g_dGWIk5Cs1DtBfSyQLhT6O5QOJg_9H01ElllJwMB/s1600/IMG_2805.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240px" kca="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2VaoS0zGB5y7bISVtLKBClqht4-19qj4nqvMQmH4iC8oLlrXlFrS_QcECLVcQ43p0wwTNzY_riXjka605yvd2ckgAlkTmIOU02M8g_dGWIk5Cs1DtBfSyQLhT6O5QOJg_9H01ElllJwMB/s320/IMG_2805.JPG" width="320px" /></a></div><span style="font-family: Arial;">Check out these solar ribs. I went ahead and put them on the gas grill on high a few minutes each side to get a little char goin and added some sauce.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">They were tender juicy and tasted really good. :)</span><br />
</span>Off Grid R and Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01821743428401112697noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8721703612263401665.post-82875607377325299962011-09-19T11:09:00.000-07:002011-09-19T11:09:36.211-07:00Davis Mnts. Driveway Work Estimate<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">I got an estimate from a guy in the Davis Mountains Resort to cut me in a driveway and culvert install on the tract of land for sale that I like; davismountainsrealty.com/dmrhlrd.html.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">An 18” x 20’ culvert itself is around $500 and to install it and cut a 200’ plus driveway is another $600, so a minimum of $1100 for a driveway. I thought it would be lot less but didn’t really think about cost and delivery of the culvert. I have another suppose to look at it and get back to me.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">He did say the tract had an area of better soil than most tracts and a septic would be $6500 to $7500. It still sounds like composting is the way to go plus saves precious water.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">I like the tract I found but for 5.5 acres only about 1 acre is buildable which makes it kinda tight for what I want to do. Wanting to be able to build with a partial passive solar design has been a major concern in looking at <place w:st="on"><placename w:st="on">Davis</placename> <placetype w:st="on">Mountains</placetype></place> property.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">I am really stugglin with trying to like the <placename w:st="on"><placename u2:st="on">Davis</placename> <placetype u2:st="on"><placetype w:st="on">Mountains</placetype></placetype> comparatively to Terlingua / <place u2:st="on"><place w:st="on">Big Bend</place></place>. Although it is beautiful in the mountains with trees and grass it doesn’t have that awe inspiring feelin or character of the desert. You Terlingua residences know what I mean. I guess a silhouette of the Chisos is etched upon my heart.</placename></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">I am still considering the tract and lookin at others but not overwhelmed or convinced on anything yet. Hopefully I will find an excellent <place w:st="on"><placename w:st="on">Davis</placename> <placetype w:st="on">Mountains</placetype></place> retirement property.</div>Off Grid R and Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01821743428401112697noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8721703612263401665.post-28881935447075724192011-09-08T08:45:00.000-07:002011-09-08T08:47:53.793-07:00Davis Mountains Resort Visit<span lang="EN"><span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;">Sandy, Wally, and I enjoyed our trip to the <place w:st="on"><placename w:st="on">Davis</placename> <placetype w:st="on">Mountains</placetype></place>. Goin Saturday comin home Monday was kinda quick. Know I need time off to recuperate. :)</span><br />
<span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;">Saw a lot of property in the Davis Mountains Resort. The roads are all dirt and mostly single lane 4x4 roads. Terlingua’s Solitario roads are good compared to some of them. We did find one tract that we like for having good views, blocking the summer afternoon sun, protected on the north, and getting some winter sun, elevation 5800’. Photo is a view from building site lookin south.</span></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwe7VIWz7AcMsuqoJ5ZuzxdaQa6d8HmYItFjTJ1q2gtmwnYllOgz3XNuD50YqbBfy5m6tiF7w5N-qmV9PayQnMpxQvLGM0B5nYAYZ04EMjWUQ7CUPp9dH_obIZMUhYoox5BAh_qYlVb-m1/s1600/IMG_2796.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240px" nba="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwe7VIWz7AcMsuqoJ5ZuzxdaQa6d8HmYItFjTJ1q2gtmwnYllOgz3XNuD50YqbBfy5m6tiF7w5N-qmV9PayQnMpxQvLGM0B5nYAYZ04EMjWUQ7CUPp9dH_obIZMUhYoox5BAh_qYlVb-m1/s320/IMG_2796.JPG" width="320px" /></a></div><span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;">We stopped at the Davis Mountains Resort Country Store and everything was 50% off everything. It was their last day to be open. So now to even get ice or beer it is 10 miles plus of dirt roads then another 11 miles to <place w:st="on"><placetype w:st="on">Fort</placetype> <placename w:st="on">Davis</placename></place>. Bummer.</span><br />
<span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;">Although I gotta have the cooler retirement weather than BB it is hard for me to justify 5 acres in the <place w:st="on"><placename w:st="on">Davis</placename> <placetype w:st="on">Mountains</placetype></place> costing more than my 40 acres north of the Ghost town. With the trees and elevation changes you can be pretty isolated on 5 acres.</span><br />
<span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;">To run electric it is around $14 a foot so unless building right on the road that adds up real quick. Sure wish batteries for off grid had a longer life.</span><br />
<span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;">I have a local guy going to do an estimate to cut in a driveway and do a septic install. Code is 750 gallon minimum septic tank. Ouch! I just got my copy of the ‘Humanure Handbook’. $7,000 to 9,000 for a septic system makes me think I can sure do humanure composting. Now I gotta sell the idea to Sandy or she better start saving for septic. I know humanure composting would save big time on water usage.</span><br />
<span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;">I am trying to look at all angles and costs before buying property but am still leanin towards the Davis Mountains for retirement.</span>Off Grid R and Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01821743428401112697noreply@blogger.com3