The plugs might be smart, but not sure we are

We spent yesterday installing our second set of Smart Plugs. On this side of the boat the wires were the correct colors, but they were much too thick to connect to the new plugs. Go figure. So we had to trim all the existing wires to fit. This job that was supposed to take "minutes" (a full day for us) and require just a pliers and screwdriver-- well....

Mark was happy he was able to use his Fathers Day gift- a Hackzall- to enlarge the opening in the side of the boat so these babies would fit- which wasn't a problem on the other side of the boat. It was a 2-day ordeal to install 4 outlets and 2 power cord ends, but it will be worth it in terms of ease of use and safety- these will automatically shut off if they get too hot.

Another provisioning run to Home Depot and Target, and then a beautiful sunset to enjoy with our docktails.

It's time to get ready!

We are back on board! Mara Beel has spent the summer so far in St. Charles, MO, waiting for the Mississippi floodwaters to recede. It seems foolish to try to cruise upstream in a fast current, so we have stayed put. We will continue our Loop from here in September. 

We are busy with provisioning and organizing for the long haul. Mark is replacing our power receptacles and cord ends with "Smart Plugs." They are safer and much easier to deal with. The instructions say "installs in minutes." Haha.  Guess that doesn't apply to crazy Chinese wiring where the wire colors are all mixed up. It also doesn't help when the container of screws and special screwdriver are knocked into the river when our hero leaped after the set of installation instructions, which we're blowing away. Awesome. We have recovered nicely, so no worries. 

We also want to install a new anchor and replace our interior lighting with low energy LED's. We also want to add a water filter before we start out. There's always a project to tackle!

At any rate, it is GREAT to be back on the boat!