An Unexpected Event

November 7, 8, 2011

November 7

On Sunday we discovered our inverter quit working.  The inverter is one of those really important mechanical parts.  It changes 12 volt electricity from the batteries into 110 and it also charges all of the batteries that run our household when we aren’t at a dock hooked up to an electrical post.  Monday morning calls are made to the inverter company's tech support.  There’s a chance it might be a bad fuse inside the unit.  That would be great news!  Brian takes the inverter apart and does some testing only to find that is not the problem.  The inverter is shot and we need to find a new one.  This isn’t a small item that you can buy at the Wal-Mart Super Store or the local auto supply.  After checking the internet and making numerous calls one is found on the East coast.  It is being sent overnight air express and is due to arrive at the marina Tuesday afternoon. So instead of being on our merry way this morning; we hope to leave on Wednesday.  The operative word is hope….  Still, can’t be too upset.  The temperature this afternoon was 78.

November 8
While waiting for the FedEx delivery, we go the the gas dock and take on another 500 gallons of diesel.  There we meet Mary Russell from another trawler.  She and her husband, Bill, have the loaner car reserved and are going to Wal-Mart at 2:00.  They ask if I want to join them.  I'm told that we could use 10 gallons of oil, so sure!  You are beginning to see what an important part in our lives Wal-Mart plays...a source of all things necessary and a social outlet.

Fed Ex delivered our new inverter around 11:00.  It has to be delicately installed in a very tight space in the engine room.  Brian has to lie on top of the battery boxes and turn himself into ‘pretzel man’ while lifting this 70 pound box.  Of course, I am no help….  Really, no one can help.  

I know it looks like he's dead, but

he's installing the inverter.  It's the box

next to his butt with all of the gauges

on the front. 

This was my first trip into the engine room --ever.

I probably won't be down there again

in the near future.

Guys love this place with all of it's machinery and the smell of diesel -- they call it the holy place.

At 7:00 the inverter is installed and working and most of the tools are put away.  Ok, I have to admit the man is a mechanical genius.  We will be leaving Demopolis tomorrow morning.  

Gotta smile -- we're lovin the ride!