Did lots of online research yesterday morning because when we hit the road we won't have an unlimited source of internet any more. We'll have to make do with our cellular internet most of the time. And even though it's much cheaper than Canada, we still want to be frugal with our usage.
Another nice day here. The temperatures along the coast in southern Spain are fairly consistent daytime highs between 14C and 18C (58F to 65F) with lots of sunshine at this time of year. It's this way from November through April. Not tropical by any means, but it's pretty okay for winter!
We went out for a walk towards the marina. There's a long breakwater pier that you can walk out to.
Lots of people out enjoying a Sunday stroll.
Torrevieja coastline.
Ruth and a statue.
Kevin at the end of the pier.
On the way back, we went through the marina. I like looking at the boats, but have absolutely zero ambition to own one. What is it they say about boats? They're just a hole in the water into which you throw money. Lol. But that's not the only reason. While I like going on a boat every now and then, for the long term I like having my feet on the ground.
Most boats look like they never get used.
On a beautiful Sunday, the marina still looks pretty full.
I'd love to see the interior of one of these big expensive boats someday.
Hey, there's one we could afford!
Back at the apartment later on, we went through some of the paperwork for the motorhome. I read up on the workings of the fridge. It's a Dometic 3 way fridge...operates on propane, 240v AC electric, or 12v electric for when you're driving. Sounds pretty simple and I think it will be pretty easy to operate.
The heating system is a little different though! It has a combination furnace/hot water heater. In some ways, it's logical to have the units combined...why not use the heat from the furnace to heat the hot water at the same time? And yes, you can switch it back and forth as well as having them both operate together.
Also, there is an automatic valve that dumps the hot water tank to prevent freeze damage if the temperature drops below 4C (39F). I don't like that idea, and I've already been reading online how many people with these types of units have bypassed the system with a manual valve. Also, the valve uses a constant source of 12 volt power...not that good for those of us boondocking. It's very little, but it obviously adds up over time.
I checked the power levels. There's only one 12v deep cycle battery but it's sitting at 12.3 volts, which is about 40% discharged already. It might even need replacing, but we'll use it for a week and see how we make out before making a decision on that.
Oh, and we made a decision on Ruth's laptop charger. We have ordered the proper one from Amazon in the UK. It's being delivered to our friends Glen and Steve's daughter who will bring it with her to Spain this weekend when she visits her mom and dad. We will be seeing Glen and Steve on the 19th, so we'll just have to make do until then.
Okay...gotta get going. We're hitting the road this morning! I wonder where we'll be sleeping tonight??? So excited to start this adventure!
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Hahaha...another ridiculous item on Amazon. Some of the comments are hilarious...
Love your home for the next two months!!!!! B&C ;)
ReplyDeleteWe do too and he is so easy to drive!
DeleteSounds fun, drive careful.
ReplyDeleteWe think it is going to be a blast! :-)
DeleteAaaaaand they are off!!!! Safe travels. And by the way the tool set is being delivered early next week. Thanks for the tip.
ReplyDeleteYep, we are off! So far so good. :-)
DeleteThanks for ordering that tool set Lorne, the commission would just about be two months of travel for us, or maybe even a little more if we are careful with our expenses. ;-)
So excited for you both! I can hardly wait where your first Motorhome adventure takes you! Enjoy! Looking really forward to tomorrow's posting!
ReplyDeleteThank you for being such a dedicated follower Brigitte. I hope we don't disappoint you. :-)
DeleteWe have never had a desire to own a boat either. Smart move on the charger. Enjoy your adventure.
ReplyDeletePaul and Marsha, we have owned a small 18-foot fiberglass boat since 1980 and have determined that the expense of owning one goes up exponentially with the size of the boat and with all the bells and whistles you have on it. We live on a salt water river (Ashley) which makes it a natural thing to own one, but we've found that it will be used to its potential and used often if 1) it is a small boat to handle, 2) it has convenient storage when not in use, and 3) it does not have a lot of bells and whistles to repair or replace. AND we have had the same boat on salt water since 1980 (37 years) with minimal general maintenance. If the desire not to have one is mainly because of the large expense and overwhelming maintenance, that desire can change if you keep it simple as stated above.
DeleteGlad we are in the same boat on that Paul and Marsha! :-P
DeleteDee, it sounds like you have had a great boat and I hope you have been able to use it lots. The same can also be said with motorhomes when it comes to maintenance, smaller is usually better and not having the bells and whistles is also a benefit.
For us a boat isn't really our thing, to go out in it for a few hours would be enough and really that isn't enough time in a boat to constitute buying one.
Totally enjoying your European adventure as I know you are too. Safe travels and looking forward to the next instalment. :)
ReplyDeleteWe think the next two months will be a blast and Louis is going to do us just fine. Can't wait to explore! :-)
DeleteI like that combination water heater/furnace. Makes sense.
ReplyDeleteRe the charger...are they OK on planes? We're flying to NC in a couple weeks and hope they are. I can't find anything about it.
We will let you know how it works out!
DeleteYou will not have any problem with your charger as carry on luggage, we do it all the time and have never had an issue.
So where are you going to keep that Mammoth tool set in that tiny RV? :cP
ReplyDeleteWe gave it a miss, the shipping on it was ridiculous! ;-)
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