Large Fish Eats Duck - Sure

All, do not watch this if you are faint of heart.  I couldn't believe it.

 

Water Filtration System Update

I had installed a reverse osmosis (RO) system under the sink of Voyager about a year ago.  It is made by Watts and was a really good system making excellent water; however, there were some issues with it.  First, it was difficult to get it to stop leaking in the beginning.  I did manage that.  I also found out that the "T" fitting which is an off-shoot adapter to the main line installed at the shut off valve had to be completely off prior to putting pressure to the RV line.  The sudden surge of pressure popped the push-in plastic lines.  So, to keep this from happening, I found out I needed to open the RO faucet (has it's own), bleed the RV system of air, open the "T" valve slowly, and once the RO faucet is producing water without air, close it.  So, this may sound complicated, but it's not really.  The hard part was the trial-and-error to figure it out.  The second issue was Gina's did NOT like the loss of  under-counter space.  The RO system had a 5-gallon holding tank and it did basically render all space under the sink unusable.  The third issue we had was that it took hours for the system to filter enough water to drink and cook with.  The last issue we had with the system is that for every gallon of pure water made, there were many gallons of waste water depending on how unclean the water was.  When you've got "full hookups" (sewer), that's not an issue as all the waster water filtered by the RO system going into the sewer.  We did have a small issue with wasting so much water, but really not too much.  The real issue for us was the filling up of the Voyager's holding tanks when were not using full hookups.  Regardless, we used the RO most of last year.

This winter cinched the deal for us.  I winterized the RV by blowing out all of the lines with air, but I forgot the filter housings in the RO system were full.  A hard freeze cracked one of the filter bowls rendering it useless.  I let the issue go until now.  We do need filtered water while we travel especially considering all of the places our plans include.  I found single "standard" bowls at Lowes that were reasonable priced and made by Whirlpool.  The quality seemed very good.  The first filter is in Voyager is at the water intake.  I've got a clear bowl with a 5 micron sediment filter.  This will remove most particles, including the very small ones, and protect Voyager's Pex line and water pump.  Under the sink, in the pic below, there are 3 more filters.  The first is a 5 micron carbon block filter designed to remove most other particles, chlorine, other odors, reduce bacteria, and reduce chemicals.  The second filter is a .5 (point-five) micron filter designed to remove everthing else including 99% or better odors, chlorine, bacteria, chemicals, and metals.  The final filter is a finishing filter to improve taste.  Since I had all of these filters with the RO system, my only expense was the bowls and hardware.  Now, we get constant, clean water without waste.  And the best part is Gina gets her space.  If this system doesn't work, I'll let you know and what we decide to do about that. 

Saying Goodbye to Friends

It's tough to see good friends leave, but it's the nature of the beast when you're in the US Air Force.  This couple are two of the best C-130 pilots I've ever had the pleasure of knowing.  I will miss them bunches.  Raul and Angela are headed to DC...shhhhhh...I can't say what they'll be doing, but you can bet I'll sleep better at night because of them.

Raul and Angela, I wish you the absolute best and I know your first addition to the family has you riding high.  Gina and I love you guys.  Thanks for letting me post your family pic.  Stay in touch and when we get the opportunity to visit your area in retirement, you can bet we'll give you a buzz.

Weather Radio Time

Whew, the last week has been hell.  Tons of rain and lots of Tornado warnings.  After many nights of waking up thinking I hear a rumbling tornado and trying to look through the lightening-streaked night for a funnel cloud, Gina and I had a talk and took the plunge. 

There were 3 radios that had really good reviews.  The most well-liked brand seems to be is the Midland 300, followed by the Reecom 1630/1650.  My research found another that is gaining some great reviews--the Sangean CL-100.  Anyone can google all of these.  Found this radio fairly cheaply, $64 delivered, HERE.  There's a listing of county-by-county, state-by-state weather channels found at Weather.gov.  Also, found a young man who did a really good review of the product.  Check out the vid below.  There are 2 parts, but the first is the unpacking and overview.  If you want to check that one out, part 1 will be available at the end of the vid.

Lots of Flooding

Many miles of flooded roads around here.

Weather Conditions - We're Drowning

Currently:

Temp: 63F
Feels like: 63F
T-Storm
Humidity: 90%
Wind: N at 8 mph
Updated: 5/1/11 10:05 AM CDT

Been raining constantly! Expect it to continue for 3 more days.

It is crazy weather this year.