Posted by Monty
What a start!
Moving from a comfortable home on land on to a boat in the dead middle of winter with no heat, no way to heat water or cook, no running water and with only a single functioning 110v light bulb, all in the middle of one of the worst "artic vortex" cold snaps in history has to make me certifiably insane. What was I thinking? (Wow, is Carol a trooper or what?)
I love it.
After a whirlwind one night scouting trip the week before, we did come somewhat prepared. A portable electric heater provides enough heat to maintain the interior of one room slightly above 40 degrees even on the coldest night (14 degrees!). A butane fired camp stove provides the means to heat soup. 110v lamps provide ample light. Most importantly, the electric blanket keeps us toasty in bed, (even though you can see your breath.)
Full disclosure: we are hardly roughing it. At the end of the dock is a clubhouse containing heat, hot showers and leather furniture in the sun. Not a bad place to spend a little time.
The three days we have so far logged have seen major progress. The 12v systems have been brought back on line, so we have lights throughout the boat as well as running water (not to mention unimportant things like depth finder and knot meter). While I was buried in the engine room working on these projects, Carol was readying the boat to be actually habitable; cleaning (no small task), organizing and stowing, as well as cooking and making sure I take the time to eat and drink.
It's starting to feel like a place we can live with. Yesterday, we finally called a temporary cease fire and formally toasted our new home and our new life together.
Back at it today--
The major project is getting our alcohol stove up and running, as we are unable to find replacement butane canisters locally. We are currently reduced to sandwiches until I can get it working.
Fortunately, the weather is moderating. As I write this, the sky warms prior to sunrise.
It strikes me there are worse places to be.
What a start!
Moving from a comfortable home on land on to a boat in the dead middle of winter with no heat, no way to heat water or cook, no running water and with only a single functioning 110v light bulb, all in the middle of one of the worst "artic vortex" cold snaps in history has to make me certifiably insane. What was I thinking? (Wow, is Carol a trooper or what?)
I love it.
After a whirlwind one night scouting trip the week before, we did come somewhat prepared. A portable electric heater provides enough heat to maintain the interior of one room slightly above 40 degrees even on the coldest night (14 degrees!). A butane fired camp stove provides the means to heat soup. 110v lamps provide ample light. Most importantly, the electric blanket keeps us toasty in bed, (even though you can see your breath.)
Full disclosure: we are hardly roughing it. At the end of the dock is a clubhouse containing heat, hot showers and leather furniture in the sun. Not a bad place to spend a little time.
The three days we have so far logged have seen major progress. The 12v systems have been brought back on line, so we have lights throughout the boat as well as running water (not to mention unimportant things like depth finder and knot meter). While I was buried in the engine room working on these projects, Carol was readying the boat to be actually habitable; cleaning (no small task), organizing and stowing, as well as cooking and making sure I take the time to eat and drink.
It's starting to feel like a place we can live with. Yesterday, we finally called a temporary cease fire and formally toasted our new home and our new life together.
Back at it today--
The major project is getting our alcohol stove up and running, as we are unable to find replacement butane canisters locally. We are currently reduced to sandwiches until I can get it working.
Fortunately, the weather is moderating. As I write this, the sky warms prior to sunrise.
It strikes me there are worse places to be.