Florida!

 In these times of covid, we opted to drive from New Hampshire to Florida. Plus with two big lithium batteries, neither airlines nor Amtrak would entertain the idea of allowing us aboard. 

One can cover the distance in two long days but we spent five. Which included time on the Outer Banks and four ferry rides. We camped along the way, chasing the 45F isotherm south. 



The Purple Gallinule looked good as we approached, but inside was a different story. Over the long hot humid summer, critters had moved in a rat and countless cockroaches. First task: buy a can of insecticide and bomb it. Then sweep up lots of dead bugs. Yuck. Instead of getting to work with the motor, we spent the first two days cleaning. 

Within a week we had the motor installed, two batteries, and six, 100-watt solar panels ready to go. Installing the two BMSs, EVCC, charger, solar charger, motor controller, throttle, key switch, and all the wiring took several more days. 

The 15 gallon fuel tank also came out, and we gained a huge space for a pantry. 

But twas not all work, we took a day off to hike the sand hills at Tiger Creek preserve. What a diverse and vibrant ecosystem!



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