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Tag: solar panel

22 December 2020

Testing new solar under clouds in the winter desert

Kofa Mountaints low clouds Palm Canyon Road BLM Kofa National Wildlife Refuge ArizonaBecause I’d been staying plugged into electricity at Shady Lane RV Court I hadn’t gotten around to testing new solar on the camper.  Time to head out into the desert and off grid.

Seems there’s always town chores to do after sitting in one place for several days.  While doing laundry I added ratchet tie-downs as another way to keep the camper from sliding backwards.  I had to watch a YouTube video to learn how to thread the darn things.  Lots of strap left over so I knotted it on instead of cutting it off and thankfully, without planning, used a series of sliding knots so I can easily move it for tightening the strap later.  I’m sure you’ll see the neon orange strapping in some camper photo along the way.  Only picked up a few groceries as the three store choices in Quartzsite have limited selections and are expensive.  Fueled the truck and one propane tank that only took 2.7 gallons, what a joke for a 5 gallon tank.  Stopped at some Tyson Wells vendors and bought a flag with a long pole I’ll have to figure out how to mount and pack.  Please, get me out of town before I spend any more money.

Mesquite tree desert dust sunset Palm Canyon Road BLM Kofa National Wildlife Refuge ArizonaAh, finally, back on the Kofa National Wildlife Refuge (NWR) desert.

late light desert Palm Canyon Road BLM Kofa National Wildlife Refuge ArizonaI drove that four miles of gravel super slow but it didn’t do anything good for the camper corner separations.  Still thinking about what to do.

desert sunset Palm Canyon Road BLM Kofa National Wildlife Refuge ArizonaOne thing to do, enjoy an unobstructed desert sunset.

Mesquite tree sunset Palm Canyon Road BLM Kofa National Wildlife Refuge ArizonaThen later turned on the laptop, plugged into the inverter, and ran a few hours from the solar charged battery.  Testing new solar after dark.

desert mountain sunrise Palm Canyon Road BLM Kofa National Wildlife Refuge ArizonaI not only woke up in time for sunrise I went outside before coffee to take photos.

desert reverse sunset Kofa Mountains Palm Canyon Road BLM Kofa National Wildlife Refuge ArizonaIn fact I was up before the sun could charge the new solar panels.  That doesn’t really start happening until at least an hour or two later.  They lay flat on the roof as I’m no way crawling up there to adjust them daily.  But even with partial clouds the battery still fully charged and I used the laptop for several hours that evening.

desert mountains sunset clouds Palm Canyon Road BLM Kofa National Wildlife Refuge Arizona

desert mountains sunset clouds Palm Canyon Road BLM Kofa National Wildlife Refuge ArizonaAs per most places of boondock, people are keeping their distance at way more than six feet thank goodness.  It’s more like 100s of feet.  But when the nearest RV in sight pulled out my first morning I smiled.

desert Chocolate Mountains sunset clouds Palm Canyon Road BLM Kofa National Wildlife Refuge ArizonaSat outside in the afternoon reading in 63° hiding from a light northwest breeze.  It is often windy in the winter desert.

Saguaro desert first light Chocolate Mountains Palm Canyon Road BLM Kofa National Wildlife Refuge ArizonaThe next morning began nice and clear for charging with the new solar but most of the rest of the day was gray with heavy clouds.

desert mountain sunset clouds Palm Canyon Road BLM Kofa National Wildlife Refuge ArizonaI love clouds for photography but wondered if my battery would still get charged.  It did, just more slowly.

desert sunset clouds Palm Canyon Road BLM Kofa National Wildlife Refuge ArizonaAlso had to adjust the new flag pole because of wind banging the pole against the ladder. Noises like that drive me crazy.  I’ve wanted a flag for a while to easily read wind direction.  The pole is easily 8-10 feet long.  If I roll the flag around it and bungie it tight it’s the last thing to put into the camper and the first thing out.  I’m not usually into decorating either inside or out, best keeping things simple. And there was simply no color that night for sunset.

camper window sunrise reflection Palm Canyon Road BLM Kofa National Wildlife Refuge Arizona

desert Kofa Mountains sunrise clouds Palm Canyon Road BLM Kofa National Wildlife Refuge ArizonaHowever, the next morning sunrise put on quite a show.

Saguaro desert Kofa Mountains sunrise clouds Palm Canyon Road BLM Kofa National Wildlife Refuge Arizona

Saguaro desert Chocolate Mountains sunrise clouds Palm Canyon Road BLM Kofa National Wildlife Refuge ArizonaIn every direction.

desert mountain clouds Palm Canyon Road BLM Kofa National Wildlife Refuge ArizonaSaguaro Palo Verde tree desert clouds Palm Canyon Road BLM Kofa National Wildlife Refuge Arizona

And then the day put on a show of ever changing cloud shapes that beckoned my camera.  I get much of my exercise going in and out, up and down the camper step, to take photos as the clouds call my name.  Trust me, I do love Arizona blue skies, but they make for rather boring photos.

mountains sunset clouds Palm Canyon Road BLM Kofa National Wildlife Refuge ArizonaThe day’s excitement when the fridge started to act up by not staying lit.  Though the tank was low it still had propane, yet switching to the full tank did the trick and the fridge then lit and continued to operate.  Must be very sensitive to pressure as the stove still lit. These tanks are a true pain in the ass.  Even after replacing one that was obviously wrong from the manufacturer this new “legal” design doesn’t work well.  I should write to Manchester with a complaint. For whatever good it would do me.

desert mountains sunset clouds Palm Canyon Road BLM Kofa National Wildlife Refuge ArizonaDay three with clouds right on through sunset still charged the battery with the help of the new solar.  I took way too many photos with all those lovely clouds.

desert mountains clouds Palm Canyon Road BLM Kofa National Wildlife Refuge ArizonaClear sky at sunrise offered an early start to charging for the new solar.  The day was filled with an interesting variety of clouds.  I sat outside for a little while reading in the sunshine.  If I don’t have anything to do, I don’t do anything.

desert mountains clouds Palm Canyon Road BLM Kofa National Wildlife Refuge ArizonaBut as the clouds thickened I went back inside.  Had plenty of power to work on processing photos and writing posts, thinking it’s a good thing I’m usually 1-2 weeks behind on this story.  Otherwise all you’d get was photos of sunrise and sunset in the desert.  Oh, wait a minute.  That’s about all you get anyway.

desert mountains sunset clouds Palm Canyon Road BLM Kofa National Wildlife Refuge ArizonaThat night was predicted a 30% chance of rain and even with all the marvelous clouds, I just didn’t hold my breath.  I’d have to look up how many months it had been since rain in this area.  Yet before I went to bed I heard the almost unfamiliar tapping of soft rain on the camper roof.

Kofa Mountains sunrise clouds Palm Canyon Road Kofa National Wildlife Refuge ArizonaIn the morning, clouds hung low over the Kofa Mountains and sunrise put on a show.  I stepped outside to the outstanding aroma of petrichor, and creosote.  The air felt rich, igniting all my senses.  And though the ground was dry I swear the Saguaros stood a little taller and the bushes sparkled.  Deep breath.

desert mountains rainbow clouds Palm Canyon Road Kofa National Wildlife Refuge ArizonaThe wind blew enough to make it unpleasant to just sit outside.  So another inside day for me enjoying my desert yard view.  Like deja vu, I sat labeling photos from my January visit to Kofa.

desert mountains sunrise clouds Palm Canyon Road Kofa National Wildlife Refuge ArizonaBy day six testing new solar a pattern emerged.  Turning the phone off overnight with around 50% battery means I can use it in the morning to check stuff online, email, facebook, whatever.  After an hour or so I turn on the laptop to run on its own battery if lucky another hour.  Then I run the truck about 25 minutes, plugged in to those batteries via an inverter to the camper gives me almost 4 1/2 hours of power, plus another hour on the laptop battery depending on what I’m doing.  And by then solar has the house battery up to snuff so I can plug into it by inverter for 5-7 hours.  Adding another solar panel so I’m up to 290 watts on the roof passes my test.

Mesquite decorated Christmas tree Roadrunner BLM Quartzsite ArizonaDecorated desert Christmas tree

Almost a week out and by Friday decided to go shopping in Blythe, if they’d let me cross the border.  Surprisingly I couldn’t find any specific information about crossing into the locked down state of California.  Didn’t find anything specific about going to Mexico either as I considered Algodones for eye exam and new glasses.  But the agricultural border crossing was no different than has been for years, waving most people through.  After shopping at a good-sized chain store I felt stocked up again for a little while.

camper desert last light Roadrunner BLM Quartzsite ArizonaI returned to Arizona and drove only about four miles south of Quartzsite to the BLM short-term Roadrunner/La Paz area to camp.  Certainly a place I’ve been before but barely recognized with so few RVers.  Surely this is partly because of no Canadian, or international, visitors, and others just staying home, which is nice if they have a home to stay at.

Dome Rock Mountains sunset clouds Roadrunner BLM Quartzsite ArizonaI stayed for three days, fully charged and a good signal, a happy camper.  The wind blew and I didn’t go out much.  Did empty one propane tank.  I am perfectly content with my basic needs met.  I spend loads of time online.

peace flag desert mountains sunset clouds Roadrunner BLM Quartzsite ArizonaI spent time thinking of where to camp for Solstice, Christmas, and the next full moon.  Researched Castle Dome on the southwestern Kofa but that seems to require more rough miles than I want to drive right now.  To be honest I feel a little guilty about traveling at all.

trees mountain sunrise clouds Roadrunner BLM Quartzsite ArizonaI could hunker in around Quartzsite through the rest of the month.  If I hang here much longer I may start to call Quartzsite home.  Sadly, all of this doesn’t fix the camper coming apart at the front corners.  So, it’s back to town again.

Sierra cat Palm Canyon Road BLM Kofa National Wildlife Refuge ArizonaLazy days

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Arizona, Kofa NWR, Places I've been, Quartzsite, RV life, United States boondocking, desert, solar panel, sunrise, sunsets 17 Comments
15 December 2020

Getter done in Quartzsite

broken camper cornerWhen I got all battened down and ready to leave Plomosa Road camp I had a list of things to getter done in Quartzsite.  You can find all things RV in Quartzsite, and many things not. Top of my list and first stop would be Solar Bill to ask questions, get answers, and hopefully get more solar power added, or at least an appointment.  As I climbed into the driver’s seat I noticed the camper pulling even more apart at the front corner, the tie-down dangling, and figured it had to do with the whole camper sliding back out of the bed of the truck.  Damn it!  It’s always something isn’t it.  No matter if your house is stationary or on wheels.  I fretted the entire 30-minute drive vacillating back and forth, repair or replace.  Should I bother adding more solar if the entire camper is going to shit?  What to do?  Who to talk to?

sign Solar Bill Quartzsite ArizonaI’ve never experienced Quartzsite so quiet, but am sure it’s even more so during the high heat of summer.  I lucked out being the second customer of the day and spent over an hour sitting outside, masked, talking with Solar Bill himself.  He started solar on RVs back in the 1970s wiring a big heavy panel on his father’s RV roof with coat hangers.  The rest is history. What a kick of a guy.

Six hours (1.45 hrs labor) and $550 later I had another panel on the roof, 190 watts added to 100 watts already there, that will actually charge the house/camper battery to full over six hours on most sunny winter days.  A 12v plug can charge my phone quickly and will see how long the laptop can run/charge through an inverter.  I’ll be watching the controller as explained not to run the house/camper battery too low.  The selling point if I did have to switch RVs, Solar Bill would remove and reinstall.

While that work was going on they called a local repair man, also Bill, who came to their lot to assess the camper problem.  First issue is lift the camper enough to back the truck back under.  The camper jacks all work yet concern would be if the front corners (yes both sides) were solid enough to hold weight.  Added support would be needed.  Then to think about stopping that from happening again.

sign Shady Lane RV court Quartzsite ArizonaWe had a couple days to research that which I did while plugged in at Shady Lane, with heat for a couple nights below 40°, a long shower, dump and fill tanks.  After reading and watching videos about the front breakage I know it’s way more repair rebuilding than is going to happen.  Maybe with a combination of liquid nails, expando-foam, and silicone it might look better and not leak because that would make it worse.  To stop the camper sliding, a friend suggested bolting it to the truck bed.  I’m hoping I already blogged about setting boards between the 5th-wheel hitch brackets in the bed of the truck to make a flat surface for the camper.  If I did, I can’t find it.

Another solar employee said he knew someone who might buy it and asked how much.  When I said $3000 he laughed.  Hey the appliances work and the roof don’t leak.  I looked later at the NADA value of this 1996 Weekender with a low retail (that’s a dealer price) $4100.  REALLY??  Don’t tell anybody I didn’t pay that much six years ago.  But then I would need another RV so I have a place to live. This is a good town for selling and buying RVs, but not until January when the RV businesses roll in.  And I’m told they are hurting for merchandise.

While in the RV park I spent much time online fighting with government websites, Federal and State(s).  Surfing off into the cyber yonder and processing photos occupied more than a bit of time.  Being plugged in meant no chance to test the new solar, but its time would come.

backup jack on camper corner Quartzsite Arizonabackup jack on camper corner Quartzsite Arizona

Waking Friday morning to 32°F made me thankful the camper appointment wasn’t until noon.  Back to Solar Bill’s with the truck parked on level cement and time to crank down the jacks.  Being it was questionable if the two front camper jacks would hold in possibly rotten wood, a backup plan was used taking even longer to jack the entire camper up, moving around and around until finally lifted off the truck bed.  The rear slid piece of plywood was moved back in place and super glued to the truck bed with additional dabs between it and the camper bottom.  Ever so slowly, backed the truck about 6-8 inches and let the camper back down.  Again, round and round cranking the jacks back down.  Bill was mostly able to use a drill on the jacks instead of cranking by hand.  Took about 3 1/2 hours and doesn’t fix the front corners that are pulling apart.  To be done correctly that would require the camper off the truck, peal back the aluminum and basically rebuild by replacing all rotten wood.  The previously described fix would be purely cosmetic.  Everybody’s recommendation is to stay off rough roads.  WHAT?  I couldn’t live like I do without some gravel.  I don’t take it 4x4ing as the truck isn’t 4×4.

putty fix on fridge hinge Quartzsite ArizonaAnother little yet important fix on breaking plastic around the refrigerator door hinge.  I asked about a method Jim and Diana used and instead this was much simpler.  A putty that works soft when warmed with fingers then hardens when cool.  It may not be pretty, but, seems a lot of my little home on wheels is rather glued together.

Saguaro cactus camper Peace flag sunset Palm Canyon Road BLM Kofa National Wildlife Refuge ArizonaI spent one more night at Shady Lane then time for chores and be done in Quartzsite before testing the solar while boondocking in the desert.

Solar readout beforebefore

Solar readout afterafter

If you’re looking for solar power for your RV I’d say getter done in Quartzsite if you’re in the area look up Solar Bill, and tell him the Geogypsy sent you.

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Arizona, Places I've been, Quartzsite, RV life, United States RV Park, RV problems, RV repairs, solar panel 23 Comments
26 January 2017

Hanging out on the desert near Quartzsite Arizona

Water in Kirkland Creek Kirkland ArizonaKirkland Creek

Arrived Saturday afternoon after seeing all kinds of weather, snow on the mountains, water in the wash, and wind on the nose getting to Quartzsite Arizona.  I was the last to arrive, so far.  And the Grand Canyon Association group is smaller this year with only six people.

With not particularly nice weather everyone agreed communal dinners could wait until the next night, me making Hungarian goulash.  However after dinner we comfortably gathered in the largest RV, 32’ motor home, for John’s birthday cake.

Sunset from camp La Paz Valley Road Quartzsite ArizonaFrom camp off La Paz Valley Road and Dome Rock Mountains Quartzsite

We got lucky Sunday when the wind died down in time for us to sit out for dinner and even enjoy a little campfire for a short while.  It never actually rained but the skies continued to look rather threatening.

West view Trigo Mountainss BLM US95 Arizona

Dead saguaro BLM US95 South of Quartzsite ArizonaMonday I took a drive south on US95 to scope out the KOFA National Wildlife Refuge and made a few photo opp stops along the way.  The desert floor is hard packed and stony so easy to find a place to park on the BLM land adjacent to the road.  Plus there are numerous gravel side roads, just depending on how far you want to get off the beaten path.  But pay attention to signs that often alert to the possibility of undetonated ammunition from military operations.

KOFA Mountains clouds BLM US95 South of Quartzsite Arizona

Wildflowers BLM US95 South of Quartzsite ArizonaI never walked very far from the road or my truck as the wind blew fiercely.  Yet I just had to get away from the power lines that run along both sides of the road.  A shame to put that in a photo of such gorgeous landscapes.

 

 

 

 

 

 

US95 South Castle Dome Mountains ArizonaUS95 South Castle Dome Mountains

I drove only about a mile from pavement to the east of the Stone Cabin towards King Valley.  There are other areas in the refuge like Crystal Hill, where I’ve gathered crystals but never camped, and Palm Canyon which I’ve heard in superb.  And I wasn’t even off BLM on to the refuge yet.

Northeast Ocotillos KOFA Mountains King Road BLM ArizonaNortheast KOFA Mountains from King Road

Southwest Chocolate Mountains King Road BLM ArizonaSouthwest Chocolate Mountains from King Road

Oh my! Absolutely gorgeous!  Cloudy skies made light dance around on the land making for superb sights, and shooting.  Found a delightful place to park for lunch off the King Road not far from the plethora of saguaros, ocotillos and creosote bushes. Still windy so even at 60°F I was bundled up and hung out on the downwind side of the truck and camper soaking in the sights.  Mountains all around.

East Castle Dome Mountains King Road BLM ArizonaEast Castle Dome Mountains from King Road

Light & shadows KOFA Mountains King Road BLM ArizonaNortheast KOFA Mountains King Road

Ocotillo KOFA Mountains King Road BLM ArizonaI think the group should gather here next year where there are very few people, a much better signal, and exceedingly quite.  Only about 25 miles south of town.  I’m definitely going to stay there after Quartzsite, and believe at least two in the group will also.

 

 

Camp Dome Rock Mountains La Paz Valley Quartzsite ArizonaCamp between saguaros and Dome Rock Mountains Quartzsite

Reluctantly returned to camp for a superb dinner prepared by Greg and Karry.  All day long smoked pork roast which literally melted in my mouth, baked beans, Hawaiian sweet rolls, fruit salad, and for desert cherry cobbler backed in a Dutch oven.  We ate in their spacious and warm motorhome.

The camper was still having battery problems, or charging, or solar, or not sure so Tuesday I went to town in search of help.  Plus tanks needed dumping and water filled.  Rose’s RV Park charged $10 to dump and $1 for four gallon jugs of “filtered city water”.  Yea, I don’t use the fresh water tank or system in this old beast because of previous pipe breakage problems.  But I need 12v power for lights and to feed the brain on my fridge even running on propane.  Made an appointment for trouble shooting at Solar Bill’s for 9am the next day.

KOFA Mountains Palm Canyon Road BLM ArizonaNortheast KOFA Mountains from Palm Canyon Road

Got back to camp just in time for last night’s leftovers for lunch.  Then took another drive towards KOFA because I thought the truck would charge the house battery if the solar panel didn’t.  The meter for the panel glows red but doesn’t show it’s charging.  That night the 12v lights were so dim I gave up and read by headlamp.  And really weird is the LED lights didn’t work at all.  Internet signal is always uncertain.  Thus the quiet from me.

Campfire La Paz Valley BLM Quartzsite ArizonaThat night Paul made a dinner of black bean and ham soup with salad, bread, and cake for desert.  We do eat good in the desert.  And we sat outside around the fire for a while because the wind had dropped.  Although we still work several layers under the star studded sky.  Unfortunately, there were a few folks setting off fireworks and the candle lit bags?

Sunrise crescent moon La Paz Valley Road Quartzsite ArizonaYes I actually saw a sunrise

Truckcamper Solar Bill Quartzsite ArizonaUp early Wednesday for the Solar Bill’s appointment.  Got there a little before they opened and parked in front of a large bay door next to another rig, truck and trailer, also waiting.  Turns out that Johnny, the service man, and I have a mutual friend from Yarnell.  He tests.  The old battery bought two years ago is shot but here’s the real problem.  I had a 50 watt solar panel that puts out 1 amp/hour, the fridge that draws .6 amp/hr and there’s not enough sunlight hours to keep the battery full.  In other words, more power being used than being made.  The truck doesn’t charge the camper battery but will be rewired in the future to do that.  So I bought a 100 watt panel to replace the old one, and got $30 back on the old panel.  This panel puts out 5 amps/hr, plus I bought a bigger battery.  Wasn’t a planned expense but had to do it and spent less than expected under $400.  And I have power, lights, and a working fridge again.  Yipee!!!  That took about two hours although I was only charged for 50 minutes of labor.

Geocache La Paz Valley Quartzsite ArizonaNot in the log John

After lunch I went for a geocache walk with John, my first geocaching experience.  We may not have walked even two miles from camp.   I know some of you geocache but being totally new to this I didn’t know what to expect.  John told me the name of the cache and described it as “tiny” then kept looking at his phone for distance and direction.  When we got close I just started looking for something out of place.  We were by a barbed-wire fence line not far from the road and John said sometimes their magnetic.  So we looked at the nearby metal fence posts.  Nope.  But then I noticed that only one fence post in the line had rocks piled around the base and low and behold, under those rocks was a small plastic container with a roll of paper inside for geocachers to note date they found this.  I was amazed that some people have a custom, small, stamp to use with their “handle”.  John had me sign first as I found it then said something to his phone app about “Geogypsy” being the discoverer of her first cache.  And then we went on to discover three more nearby.  I need to learn more about this now.  I downloaded the app on my phone and am officially “geogypsy2u”.

Other than that, hung out with the folks in camp and had yet another delicious dinner made by John and Shirley of chicken alfredo, 4-bean salad, mac and cheese, and multiple choice deserts.  And I had lights in the camper to read by although not much signal to get online.

Clear, cold 31°F Thursday morning.  Only a light wind.  This morning I sit and work on the blog post, editing photos, and thinking I’ll have to drive somewhere else for a signal strong enough to actually post.  Maybe another ride to KOFA where there was four bars and a great signal.  Saturday is Blogger-Fest and then back out to the KOFA desert and mountains with solar power.  I am a happy camper.

Apologies for some not so great photos as post processing on the laptop with terrible reflections makes it difficult to see what I’m doing.  Trust me it’s gorgeous out here!

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Arizona, Quartzsite, RV living BLM, desert, KOFA NWR, mountains, Quartzsite, solar panel, wildlife refuge 9 Comments

Hi, I’m Gaelyn, the Geogypsy

I retired after 29 summer seasons as a Park Ranger, traveling solo for 40+ years. My passions include travel, connecting to nature, photography, and sharing stories.

I started exploring US National Parks in 1977 and 20 years later became a seasonal Park Ranger.  I’ve lived full-time in a RV for 30 years working summers and playing winters.  I’m still trying to figure out what I want to be when I grow old, other than grow up.

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Living nomadically & connecting to nature documentary - “What an experience you had and gave to the "crew." Sometimes I think you don't realize how unique and inspiring you are.” …Alan

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1. Prioritize the well-being of nature over photography. 2. Educate yourself about the places you photograph. 3. Reflect on the possible impact of your actions. 4. Use discretion if sharing locations. 5. Know and follow rules and regulations. 6. Always follow Leave No Trace principles and strive to leave places better than you found them. 7. Actively promote and educate others about these principles

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Sites I follow, read & recommend

  • A Full-time Life
  • A Yankee in Belgrade
  • Bob's Eyes
  • Box Canyon Blog
  • Camels and Chocolate
  • Dawns bloggy blog
  • In the Direction of Our Dreams
  • Jane in her infinite wisdom
  • Janie and Steve, Utah Trails
  • Kathie's Birds
  • Las Adventuras
  • Memorable Meanders
  • Oh, The Places They Go
  • On the Road Abode
  • Port Elizabeth Daily Photo
  • Stillhowlyntravels
  • Take to the Highway
  • Technomadia
  • the good luck Duck
  • Travel with the Bayfield Bunch
  • Wandering Earl
  • Wheeling It
  • Yogi's Den

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