tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-55311182524505220202024-03-21T06:09:29.946-07:00Got Plug? A Mini adventureGot Plug?http://www.blogger.com/profile/05328397715575260002noreply@blogger.comBlogger18125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5531118252450522020.post-28390124484704213432010-01-13T12:55:00.001-08:002010-01-13T13:02:33.924-08:00GOT PLUG? Chapter 6 MINI E E*Tour Post 12<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLCShS6vBnLE76yRonrJRmZHpCdhvEgpXGLo2K8lxjZSABwoCDB1PEdf6F9HjFxooJQXCEh2oam7pZvLrDY6mLjvuA-DjGcprXJz-Kgn6v7InhaaWerUHJYaSKRJrEt0tOHLnogpzvppY/s1600-h/IMG_0086.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLCShS6vBnLE76yRonrJRmZHpCdhvEgpXGLo2K8lxjZSABwoCDB1PEdf6F9HjFxooJQXCEh2oam7pZvLrDY6mLjvuA-DjGcprXJz-Kgn6v7InhaaWerUHJYaSKRJrEt0tOHLnogpzvppY/s320/IMG_0086.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5426332321616270546" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj99czoAxpuPBaQo9ewaupHZ_2ZDDje7Yl8hWRxRrNU-XuCQDWn6XyBGNCNnhJ7-dJlMTnRN49BIKbN0J0bmo5WayrNYNa7XksvSgfVRLSpVNJOPZ_Zr3bmMq3GYCUZv8p7-jYAclifWr4/s1600-h/IMG_0087.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj99czoAxpuPBaQo9ewaupHZ_2ZDDje7Yl8hWRxRrNU-XuCQDWn6XyBGNCNnhJ7-dJlMTnRN49BIKbN0J0bmo5WayrNYNa7XksvSgfVRLSpVNJOPZ_Zr3bmMq3GYCUZv8p7-jYAclifWr4/s200/IMG_0087.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5426331674785677186" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiduuW4w38utnOIlO_2R4QVtnbnWHDmb-rtZ9Z9koCBC3j9JJJgVyB2PavN9-Ar7_OR5jK3y13T2w3tCGdG0lkmBwJeHWzqZxod3zd1s7RdF9VGN1Mj4ptevjszhf9ILWVEp_X47Z-4obU/s1600-h/IMG_0083.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiduuW4w38utnOIlO_2R4QVtnbnWHDmb-rtZ9Z9koCBC3j9JJJgVyB2PavN9-Ar7_OR5jK3y13T2w3tCGdG0lkmBwJeHWzqZxod3zd1s7RdF9VGN1Mj4ptevjszhf9ILWVEp_X47Z-4obU/s200/IMG_0083.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5426331446753040482" /></a><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> 2009.10.24 </span></span></p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> @ 1300 hrs. to Nauna’s</span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"></span><br /></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">We headed South and I got to thinking about my friend EF OPEC that I met few weeks ago at an “East Coast Mini E Meetup” at Nauna’s Restaurant in Montclair NJ. She let me drink 50 amp juice from her straw. Well, I guess Don got to thinking about Nauna’s whole wheat pizza. So we stopped in, said hi to Tom, who drives EF OPEC and own’s Nuauna’s, and filled up. Yum for both of us.</span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"></span><br /></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">THANKS TO EF OPEC, TOM, AND NAUNA’S</span></span></p><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Helvetica, serif;font-size:100%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:12px;"><br /></span></span></div></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Got Plug?http://www.blogger.com/profile/05328397715575260002noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5531118252450522020.post-36485043300887774302010-01-13T12:46:00.001-08:002010-01-13T12:54:19.134-08:00GOT PLUG? Chapter 6 MINI E E*Tour Post 11<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKp-yYSeYiB02AoRhQAb2VcnhKugc3wc6JJHpZDjNmzlx6hI9WVDs-E-fMm_q0AIgbNt4mGaozC70hADTr0JQa-kRFzeKVjzhxTdCNRIl2z1uogRhd0wFZtMVmLhUUuCG9_Vc5Yp_JsRE/s1600-h/IMG_0014.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKp-yYSeYiB02AoRhQAb2VcnhKugc3wc6JJHpZDjNmzlx6hI9WVDs-E-fMm_q0AIgbNt4mGaozC70hADTr0JQa-kRFzeKVjzhxTdCNRIl2z1uogRhd0wFZtMVmLhUUuCG9_Vc5Yp_JsRE/s200/IMG_0014.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5426330339776387218" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicUhQ_wXtR4bf1pG7EhE9lb-R-bEbM23CLRGvBaYAPdRJ29AlSAamtVrxEisdLiHrpzJijixYHgjqZWuVOlVXzNaK_XktAw5YQAOs57IBchqT86wkoPT6YtW4cvUUXC8qxRdJNu_eH_dM/s1600-h/IMG_0079.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicUhQ_wXtR4bf1pG7EhE9lb-R-bEbM23CLRGvBaYAPdRJ29AlSAamtVrxEisdLiHrpzJijixYHgjqZWuVOlVXzNaK_XktAw5YQAOs57IBchqT86wkoPT6YtW4cvUUXC8qxRdJNu_eH_dM/s200/IMG_0079.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5426330040352499762" /></a><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdE09PPTti_-tUPZdia6FnyhuuiYc5gxyX7x5k3txHXL0gEgpI0pTNTiZwsrP_WtaIgefp5fGDk7YN8CNAjNfM-TdjGZm5y6KEkvBiCULyA6lYxOgWDcpU8_fUQ00fIiAUkkCjoOP5mlQ/s1600-h/IMG_0009.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdE09PPTti_-tUPZdia6FnyhuuiYc5gxyX7x5k3txHXL0gEgpI0pTNTiZwsrP_WtaIgefp5fGDk7YN8CNAjNfM-TdjGZm5y6KEkvBiCULyA6lYxOgWDcpU8_fUQ00fIiAUkkCjoOP5mlQ/s320/IMG_0009.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5426328848174280018" /></a><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">2009.10.24 - @0800 hrs. to Gordon, Tracie, Lea, Aiden and Kylie’s place</span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"></span><br /></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Don and I broke camp in more pouring rain, drove to the Miller’s in Pearl River NY. No people were home but a pre-agreed passcode got me some 50 amp juice. Talk about nice people, opening their home and garage, to a pair of strangers. I did get to see Kylie; that always a bonus because humans can be hard to take after a while. They always want to be in charge - not once has Don let go of the steering wheel.</span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"></span><br /></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Anyway, the Millers are as nice as any people I have ever met, including Shawn, the kind Flying Doctor who checked me out before the trip.</span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"></span><br /></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">THANKS TO ALL THE MILLERS</span></span></p><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Helvetica, serif;font-size:100%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 12px;"><br /></span></span></div>Got Plug?http://www.blogger.com/profile/05328397715575260002noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5531118252450522020.post-52389377576088282802010-01-13T09:47:00.000-08:002010-01-13T10:02:16.457-08:00GOT PLUG? Chapter 6 MINI E E*Tour Post 10<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU_Nho4ibSJ9eX9L91k-Z51H1Qy7TNEv5LUTRj1CZW3kiIdVdYr1OzHNpKWJwImCkMUMbyOQcZGCQnNhAVa79VfcYzFovvA5R2IaYRlApxoRIGf3zybc3m2L6tr0pHYyfL2BZu5IeJJ4s/s1600-h/IMG_0069.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU_Nho4ibSJ9eX9L91k-Z51H1Qy7TNEv5LUTRj1CZW3kiIdVdYr1OzHNpKWJwImCkMUMbyOQcZGCQnNhAVa79VfcYzFovvA5R2IaYRlApxoRIGf3zybc3m2L6tr0pHYyfL2BZu5IeJJ4s/s320/IMG_0069.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5426286194394960930" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJu_vg6by5tlbupRy7rCkkBHn5LI2GL7gBRm22Wt5OS76v82oyhlFFzTlzSLaAeLBJ800GWjgNX3lcGnzeMknzuZ9x8fiSC6zasP3vZzGgZpuzFFItLLEAoBHvGBO1a7uMgaf5_ih23f0/s1600-h/IMG_0037.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJu_vg6by5tlbupRy7rCkkBHn5LI2GL7gBRm22Wt5OS76v82oyhlFFzTlzSLaAeLBJ800GWjgNX3lcGnzeMknzuZ9x8fiSC6zasP3vZzGgZpuzFFItLLEAoBHvGBO1a7uMgaf5_ih23f0/s200/IMG_0037.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5426285476782892034" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizwHMyHxC-uKYUOaH3ZRY-2rvyRPrR_o6a6sZ9iqDjjvEd9DYWd24yZ3SPvKBUspskL7T_L38ukwOWkL5VWFEBB4Xy4BJLpxQGZ0N7eTxvPwonrEEXNKomElqd1MliuM7KB-9rpp6CYZc/s1600-h/IMG_0073.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizwHMyHxC-uKYUOaH3ZRY-2rvyRPrR_o6a6sZ9iqDjjvEd9DYWd24yZ3SPvKBUspskL7T_L38ukwOWkL5VWFEBB4Xy4BJLpxQGZ0N7eTxvPwonrEEXNKomElqd1MliuM7KB-9rpp6CYZc/s200/IMG_0073.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5426284981694064786" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">2009.10.23 - Woodstock NY, Bethel Woods, and the KOA</span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"></span><br /></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">We left the campsite Friday morning and headed back to Woodstock. Don put me back on the charger and went off exploring. He told me about finding the spot where he and his pals circled five VW buses with about 20 people and camped for a week 40 years ago. He kept saying “what a long strange trip it’s been”.</span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"></span><br /></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">When we left Bethel Woods that day we stopped at Hector’s where Don went in a had a beer. I was warned about people drinking beer and then driving me but I trust Don and didn’t really have much choice in the matter. It turned out really great. Hector, whose name is Jim, is a legend. Apparently 40 years ago he heard hundred of thousands of kids were coming up his way so he wisely bought up all the been in the county, hung out a shingle, and went into business. </span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"></span><br /></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">When Don brought him out to see me; Hector said: “Pretty cool car, but can she peel out?” Don started babbling about torque but Hector wanted some action. For the first time that we have been together, Don thankfully threw the range thing out the window. He laid on my horn and my accelerator, and obliged him to the cheering of Jim and various afternoon bar sorts. Now they like electric vehicles just fine.</span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"></span><br /></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">THANKS TO HECTORS & WOODSTOCK </span></span></p><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Helvetica, serif;font-size:100%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:12px;"><br /></span></span></div>Got Plug?http://www.blogger.com/profile/05328397715575260002noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5531118252450522020.post-85793542491154743492010-01-13T09:44:00.000-08:002010-01-13T09:46:54.536-08:00GOT PLUG? Chapter 6 MINI E E*Tour Post 9<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxjGF6oBGRFtCYBr5Te6f3gwPAc0tfrGAqEP_IQMDO_7_wynKsG_GQZLXX-5RUT-o2dYAuedSy3Q4CRmEFushlfj4zSGpi8p4gjGP3kaNN4TPo5XdUCzq9_DWsSH_aCInahNrSvVt8JbU/s1600-h/IMG_0031.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxjGF6oBGRFtCYBr5Te6f3gwPAc0tfrGAqEP_IQMDO_7_wynKsG_GQZLXX-5RUT-o2dYAuedSy3Q4CRmEFushlfj4zSGpi8p4gjGP3kaNN4TPo5XdUCzq9_DWsSH_aCInahNrSvVt8JbU/s320/IMG_0031.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5426282330483036690" /></a><br /><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"></p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">2009.10.22 - Newburgh KOA - Thanks for the juice, and they even tossed in a bath.</span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"></span><br /></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">When we cruised out of Woodstock, we headed for a campground. Don had bought a Eureka Sunrise 8 Tent for the trip because staying in B & B’s just didn’t seem in line with the Pioneer spirit. Well, he got his share of pioneering done that night!. When we got to the campground it was pouring and I sat there plugged into 110 with my headlights on watching Don trying to set up his new tent. I got to admit I was proud of him, it had a nice tight floor and a warm, dry sleeping bag. I never could understand why people sometimes love being wet and sometimes do about anything to avoid it; I mean why on earth would a person pretending to be a “pioneer” carry a portable garage to sleep in?</span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"></span><br /></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">Anyway, I slept like a brand new car enjoying sips of 110v and a free wash.</span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"></span><br /></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">THANKS TO NEWBURGH KOA AND MOTHER NATURE</span></span></p><div><br /></div><p></p><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Helvetica, serif;font-size:100%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:12px;"><br /></span></span></div>Got Plug?http://www.blogger.com/profile/05328397715575260002noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5531118252450522020.post-63281251158167990412010-01-13T09:40:00.000-08:002010-01-13T09:43:49.201-08:00GOT PLUG? Chapter 6 MINI E E*Tour Post 8<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg62K09PQ3I9-dDEe_OYIXiGAvoxuF62pj0guYXldAKDQC_-kz_AvUmPqeimSFgfuczwQkaaIoNUFbqPnFDIeVHIJdNyM0AeoUUco-lJVW9ab7f2Buf5zYyvW_iIxQmJ96AzpUZjCF9VdA/s1600-h/IMG_0020.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg62K09PQ3I9-dDEe_OYIXiGAvoxuF62pj0guYXldAKDQC_-kz_AvUmPqeimSFgfuczwQkaaIoNUFbqPnFDIeVHIJdNyM0AeoUUco-lJVW9ab7f2Buf5zYyvW_iIxQmJ96AzpUZjCF9VdA/s320/IMG_0020.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5426281404322047346" /></a><br /><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">2009.10.22 - Woodstock Reunion - Thanks to Bethel Woods Center for the Arts</span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"></span><br /></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">“We are stardust, we are golden,</span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">We are billion year old carbon,</span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">And we got to get ourselves back to the garden!”</span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"></span><br /></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">What a great run this afternoon. Don had a back-up charger location at Truckstops of America in Maybrook NY, but it was a nice warm day and we had a solid 100% charge from the Miller’s, so we decided to go for it. Two hours later I exited Rte. 17 with 4 miles remaining as I passed a sign that said Bethel Woods, 10 miles ahead. Oops.</span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"></span><br /></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">I was getting pretty tired, and hoped Don realize the obvious, and slow down . Lucky for us somehow he got the message and we dropped to 40 mph. Then topography took over and saved the day on Rte. 17B. I was re-gening full bore down hills and creeping back up. I arrived at the venue with 14 miles to spare! I received a fine reception and enjoyed a 50 amp charge.</span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"></span><br /></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Don got me a great photo op and a nice newspaper article in the River Reporter available at: </span><a href="http://riverreporter.com/issues/09-10-29/news-minie.html"><span style="text-decoration: underline ; letter-spacing: 0.0px color:#000099;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">http://riverreporter.com/issues/09-10-29/news-minie.html</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> .</span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"></span><br /></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">There was a very cool tour of the Woodstock grounds, Museum, and performance areas for Don to enjoy while I rested and charged up. Although I was not part of it, I could see from my charging station Bethel Wood’s incredible solar lighting successes.</span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"></span><br /></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">THANKS TO BETHEL WOODS CENTER FOR THE ARTS, and especially Colleen Emery.</span></span></p><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Helvetica, serif;font-size:100%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:12px;"><br /></span></span></div>Got Plug?http://www.blogger.com/profile/05328397715575260002noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5531118252450522020.post-72338446417060376332010-01-13T08:50:00.000-08:002010-01-13T08:55:04.576-08:00GOT PLUG? Chapter 6 MINI E E*Tour Post 7<div><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqW5IQhv0jzNV_tsMqPbXIQGQbaopQf-vuRUMHu7NgBTGcNEiWGOJg8hSaimF561fcDwVDRDWPEV6retzpK4tXLBlEVpEgdodJUd2aa98XsVdrMazAFTKaeQrLgc1tUrD1rnmYjo-7ABo/s1600-h/IMG_0081.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqW5IQhv0jzNV_tsMqPbXIQGQbaopQf-vuRUMHu7NgBTGcNEiWGOJg8hSaimF561fcDwVDRDWPEV6retzpK4tXLBlEVpEgdodJUd2aa98XsVdrMazAFTKaeQrLgc1tUrD1rnmYjo-7ABo/s320/IMG_0081.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5426268241971024882" /></a><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">2009.10.22 @ 1000 hrs. - Solar Breakfast at the Millers, Meeting 217, Kylie, & some people.</span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"></span><br /></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Upon my arrival at Gordon Miller’s home I am welcomed by a sweet, wonderful sign on the garage door, courtesy of Lea and Gordon Miller. Tracie and Kylie are home. Tracie is very kind, helps me to get set up, and offers Don a beverage and the comfort of a people garage.</span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"></span><br /></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Kylie is a bit suspicious and stand-offish to Don, and why shouldn’t she be? After all, humans are pretty weird and you should never trust them at first sight. Maybe it’s just a boy dog thing but much to my joy, she shows no attraction to my tires.</span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"></span><br /></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">I’m all set in a couple hours, and before long Don checks on me, and off me go!</span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"></span><br /></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">THANKS TO THE GORDON MILLER FAMILY - PEARL RIVER NY</span></span></p><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Helvetica, serif;font-size:100%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 12px;"><br /></span></span></div>Got Plug?http://www.blogger.com/profile/05328397715575260002noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5531118252450522020.post-58404974089411379902010-01-13T05:03:00.000-08:002010-01-13T05:04:37.509-08:00GOT PLUG? Chapter 6 MINI E E*Tour, Post 6<p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"></p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">2009.10.22 - Morning Run Along The Hudson</span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> </span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">If you like scary movies with happy endings, do I have a drive for you! Leave Queens NY in peak rush hour, take the Cross Island Parkway North to the Whitestone Bridge (just to get warmed up), and then hop on the Cross Bronx Expressway. Shoulders are for sissies and not available here. You are surrounded by Semis and Box Trucks. The road is more potholes than pavement. Tall, unfriendly buildings lean over you threatening to collapse and crush you. You know if you exit by mistake or in an emergency, you are pretty much dead meat. Every car on the road pushes you to get closer to the truck in front of you, blocking any chance of ever seeing a sign for your exit.</span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"></span><br /></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Then here is the George Washington Bridge with a great view of the Hudson River. Sometimes I wish my side marker lights were bigger so I could really take in the view. Suddenly the sun comes out, autumn leaves are in their glory, and I am running up a beautiful clear parkway alongside the river surrounded by trees, water, sun, and an occasional friendly Ferrari or Aston Martin that zooms by with their person giving me a thumbs up! On look, there’s a gas Mini full of smiling faces right behind me.</span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"></span><br /></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">What a great way to start the day. </span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"></span><br /></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">THANKS TO THE PALISADES PARKWAY.</span></span></p><div><br /></div><p></p><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Helvetica, serif;font-size:100%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 12px; "><br /></span></span></div>Got Plug?http://www.blogger.com/profile/05328397715575260002noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5531118252450522020.post-35157757068066553412010-01-13T05:01:00.001-08:002010-01-13T05:01:48.340-08:00GOT PLUG? Chapter 6 MINI E E*Tour, Post 5<p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">2009.10.21 - Evening Run - Thanks to Holiday Inn Express</span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"></span><br /></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Leaving Islip, Don wanted to get close to NYC and recharge a bit to make sure I could make the jump through the city madness to Pearl River NY, so he called a Holiday Inn Express in Lynnbrook NY. He spoke to the manager, who was so excited about a visit from me that he stayed after work to check me out upon my late night arrival. He had me park in a reserved spot right by his office window so he could run my 110 “occasional use” 110v cord through it and into the outlet by his desk.</span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"></span><br /></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">This manager did a lot of great customer relations job for Holiday Inn Express. Some of his guests were checking me out the next morning. I attract even more attention when I’m plugged in ... everyone loves that the plug goes into the “gas cap”)</span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"></span><br /></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">THANKS TO HOLIDAY INN EXPRESS - LYNNBROOK, NY</span></span></p><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Helvetica, serif;font-size:100%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 12px;"><br /></span></span></div>Got Plug?http://www.blogger.com/profile/05328397715575260002noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5531118252450522020.post-13873351628553535052010-01-13T04:55:00.000-08:002010-01-13T05:00:02.675-08:00GOT PLUG? Chapter 6 MINI E E*Tour, Post 4<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqum0spNvd_-el7YHZxaqng88FeVEA1g7a0OpCGAWySawIHMajD7PUhiXy0dzjdt9XGnD384DvtfZps9sIat_C6Avis8vQTt2X2-v-yemJFrexOoIRMZBbotjfJUYTixXri3XBb0G-M2k/s1600-h/IMG_0027.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqum0spNvd_-el7YHZxaqng88FeVEA1g7a0OpCGAWySawIHMajD7PUhiXy0dzjdt9XGnD384DvtfZps9sIat_C6Avis8vQTt2X2-v-yemJFrexOoIRMZBbotjfJUYTixXri3XBb0G-M2k/s320/IMG_0027.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5426208060091084498" /></a><br /><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"></p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">2009.10.20 - Tuesday, departure day - Thanks to Islip Animal Hospital</span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"></span><br /></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">The weather had been cooling and Don had been told that I wouldn’t feel my oats as much as it gets colder and that the temperature could effect my range. Don decided we would leave the Tuesday night instead of Wednesday morning. At 1900 hrs. on Tues we drove from home on Shelter Island to Islip Aniimal Hospital in Islip, NY. The temperature was still in the mid-50’s, I had 100% charge, and just 55 miles to go. We arrived at the hospital at 2015 hours with a 20% charge and got plugged in to a 50 amp charger, my favorite cause a like a nice strong belt of juice after a run. Lucky for Don a new Greek Restaurant had opened right across the street from Jo’s hospital so Don had diner and hung out with me until I was full and all set to move on.</span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"></span><br /></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Dr. Jon Fisher owns Islip Animal Hospital. He is a car guy who had, in his stable, and Olds 442 convertible and a De Lorean. Until I showed up, Dr. Jon was nor particularly Green or EV minded. I fixed that. I let him drive me, and that was all it took for him to install a charger at his hospital.</span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"></span><br /></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">THANK YOU DR. JON FISHER and ISLIP ANIMAL HOSPITAL!</span></span></p><div><br /></div><p></p>Got Plug?http://www.blogger.com/profile/05328397715575260002noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5531118252450522020.post-30138754198595622192010-01-13T04:53:00.000-08:002010-01-13T04:54:24.067-08:00GOT PLUG? Chapter 6 MINI E E*Tour, Post 3<p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">2009.10.16 - Trip Preparation</span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"></span><br /></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Don got a call from Billy at MINI E saying he had received Don’s email regarding one of my minor charging issues and had noticed that we were planning a lengthy trip soon. He said a Flying Doctor would be at MINI of the Hamptons on Monday to give me a sound physical prior to the trip. Don did not ask for a Flying Doctor and the MINI of the Hamptons Service Department is closed on Mondays. MINI USA did not let that get in the way of checking me out. </span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"></span><br /></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Shawn, an FD from MINI , was there at 9AM on the dot. He proceeded to palpate me, drive me, put me through all sorts of scenarios to see if he could find even a hiccup. For four hours he examined and tested me, then patted me on the bonnet and pronounced me ready for the trip.</span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"></span><br /></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Pardon me for sounding a bit snooty, but can you think of any other car family where the upity-ups would volunteer and initiate a special trip to check out one lowly little car that might or might not need some attention, and one that was clearing planning on leaving the prescribed 60 mile radius comfort range of the dealership.</span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"></span><br /></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">So, THANKS TO MINI E for encouraging Don and giving me a thorough physical before the trip.</span></span></p><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Helvetica, serif;font-size:100%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 12px;"><br /></span></span></div>Got Plug?http://www.blogger.com/profile/05328397715575260002noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5531118252450522020.post-37524273291079132872010-01-13T04:35:00.000-08:002010-01-13T05:06:45.643-08:00GOT PLUG? Chapter 6 MINI E E*Tour, Post 2<p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">2009.10.16 - Trip Inspiration</span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"></span><br /></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">Don decided that he wanted to show me off, a lot. He also wanted me to see as many of my siblings as possible. So, in his infinite wisdom, he devised a plan. </span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"></span><br /></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">He next step was to contact some folks in the Facebook MINI E group to secure charging locations. He is a big fan of this group, it gives a community spirit to what could well be a rather lonely endeavor; to drive and spread the word about how cool I am those unfortunate souls that are not currently driving and EV. Using David Fliegler’s Charger Sharing website complete with google maps and contact information, Don laid out a route visiting the most Northern, Southern, Western and Eastern points of the East Coast MINI E Range.</span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"></span><br /></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">I have a range of about 100 miles and being a very special car I have a very special 220v plug; one you can’t pick up anywhere. I can get a boost from a standard 110v plug but it takes way longer than 220v. </span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"></span><br /></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">The plan came together, and off we went. I was loaded with a tent, camping equipment, souvenir t-shirts for our “Power Support Team”, and love and good wishes from Jo Young, Don’s wife.</span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"></span><br /></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">Now we’re back home after 1019.8 miles of charger sharing cruising. I’ve got lots of thanks and stories to tell, so here we go. Buckle up and Motor on!</span></span></p><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Helvetica, serif;font-size:100%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:12px;"><br /></span></span></div>Got Plug?http://www.blogger.com/profile/05328397715575260002noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5531118252450522020.post-6426354294704669162010-01-13T04:32:00.000-08:002010-01-13T05:08:08.245-08:00GOT PLUG? Chapter 6 MINI E E*Tour Post 1<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">A Series of posts (Chapter 6) tell the story of my epic adventure on the MINI E E*Tour. The reason for the trip was to have fun. Oops, maybe I was supposed to say something more dignified like... "this adventure was dedicated to proving to the world that the MINI E can provide a clean, fulfilling adventure, not necessarily limited by the range of an EV. Rather, that very quality could be employed as a social advantage allowing an interchange of friendship and ideas from like-minded people." Well, that's true too. </span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">Anyway, here goes! Buckle Up and Motor On with Don and me!</span></div>Got Plug?http://www.blogger.com/profile/05328397715575260002noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5531118252450522020.post-59748698002612776732009-08-04T18:09:00.000-07:002009-08-04T18:11:10.566-07:00GOT PLUG? Chapter 5<p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 14.0px Verdana"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Need a new UH-OH? Try this...Don did. While I was rolling back on a mild incline he put the shifter into P instead of going to all the work of moving his foot to my brake peddle. BAD IDEA!!! Wow, that hurt!. I screamed, it sounded like a guard running a steel black jack across jail cell bars. His foot jumped to the brake pedal and I could tell Don was really ashamed. I know he’s just a human and his central computer hasn’t been significantly updated since the Neanderthal days, so I forgave me immediately and off we went in motoring bliss.</span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 14.0px Verdana; min-height: 17.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"></span><br /></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 14.0px Verdana"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Don then began showing me off to other people. He invited them to take me for a spin, which I quite enjoyed. It’s really neat that I have a secret video eye in the center of my steering column so I can check out the driver’s expressions. I made a lot of people really happy. I love seeing those smiling faces.</span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 14.0px Verdana; min-height: 17.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"></span><br /></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 14.0px Verdana"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">I’m going to tell you about some of my new guest people.</span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 14.0px Verdana; min-height: 17.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"></span><br /></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 14.0px Verdana"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">John Fisher was the first guest. He Jo’s employer and a tall man who likes cars. In fact, he has a Oldsmobile 442, and a De Lorean. But he never had a electric ride before. He had a real good time with me and guess what! Since I get tired sometimes and probably won’t have as much energy in the winter and in the summer, John is going to help me and Jo by putting in a 220v cocktail machine just for me at his hospital. That way Jo can count on me every day. I’m pretty excited about this. I mean, a one mile commute daily for a little rocket like me... I don’t think so! </span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 14.0px Verdana; min-height: 17.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"></span><br /></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 14.0px Verdana"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">My next guests were a couple of young folks from New York City. This couple have a BRG Mini Cooper that was pretty cute. They were admiring me, but who doesn’t? Don saw them and tossed them the remote. Wow, were they ever thrilled. I’m going to let them do the talking:</span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 14.0px Verdana; min-height: 17.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"></span><br /></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 14.0px Verdana"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">This is from the male person, named Jay: “The pick-up on this car is absolutely tremendous, out of control. I did not expect any sort of boost like this in an fully-electric car. The re-generative braking is also an incredible feature, and I was able to adjust to the pedal sensitivity quickly.” His female mate, Flora, said: “I also liked how the wheel was very tight, like how our mini's wheel feels when in sport mode. It's just so exciting to see this car on the road, and I have faith that there will come a point when all petroleum powered cars will be phased out. Pumping gas will be a story you tell your kids...Thanks again, the experience really opened our eyes.”</span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 14.0px Lucida Grande; min-height: 17.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"></span><br /></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 14.0px Lucida Grande"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">I’ll leave you for this thought from Flora: “Pumping gas will be a story you tell your kids...”. That’s about the sweetest thing I’ve ever heard. </span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 14.0px Lucida Grande; min-height: 17.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"></span><br /></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 14.0px Lucida Grande"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Buckle Up and Motor On!</span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 14.0px Lucida Grande; min-height: 17.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"></span><br /></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 14.0px Lucida Grande"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">GP-</span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 11.0px Lucida Grande; min-height: 13.0px"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"></span><br /></p>Got Plug?http://www.blogger.com/profile/05328397715575260002noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5531118252450522020.post-66655263914833495512009-07-20T07:30:00.000-07:002009-07-20T07:41:23.712-07:00Got Plug? Chapter 4<p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 12.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">I got my present, and wow, is it hot! I got home the other day and a 220 40 Amp special charger box, dedicated just for me, was mounted right by my bed in the garage!</span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 12.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">It’s source is solar power and I can drink in the solar juice and be stuffed to the gills in just 4 1/2 hours. I used to have to suck on 110v electricity for about 30 hours before I could manage a decent belch.</span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 12.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Well, enough about the present, I had a big week. </span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 12.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">I passed my Commuting 101 exam, with 6 miles to spare. The commute was quite a challenge, over a hundred miles of varying conditions with mostly highway miles. At the half way point Jo (my female person) had to go work so Don (who doesn’t work nearly as much as Jo) gave me some 110v to sip. Nine hours later we headed back to Shelter Island. I had a one hour sprint at like 70 mph and car, was I sacked. When we got off the Expressway we had about 30 miles to my garage, but I swear I could only make 14 miles at this rate; and I told Don that in my display window.. My display window translates the obvious into squiggly lines that people can somehow comprehend. So, Don ditched the highway and headed for the through-town route. I may be a mini bit conceited, but somehow parading through local streets and stopping at lights to bask in the adoring gaze of admirers really energizes me. After about 10 miles, I told Don I was good for at least 26 more miles. We made it home with 6 miles to spare, no problem.</span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 12.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">My people were so proud of me. It felt real good to know I could help them out. I think I’m starting to like them.</span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 12.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">That’s it for now. See ya soon!</span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 12.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Happy Motoring,</span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 12.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">GP-</span></span></p><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Helvetica, fantasy;font-size:100%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:12px;"><br /></span></span></div>Got Plug?http://www.blogger.com/profile/05328397715575260002noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5531118252450522020.post-87942221142039190552009-07-09T04:30:00.000-07:002009-07-09T05:40:18.593-07:00Got Plug? Chapter 3<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Hi Readers -<br /></span></div></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">My male person, Don, began really showing me off this week. Down at the ferry company, where he's a captain, there are people called engineers. Now, these guys don't drive trains like Casey Jones. They sometimes call themselves gearheads; one of them even has an email address that is: "ferrywrench@..." Anyway, they all tend to dig engines, big engines like the Twin Detroit Series 60 Diesels that power our boats.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Don took me down to the docks to show me off. As you may know, I'm a little small, so at first I didn't cause much of a stir. There were plenty of "I like the smell of diesel..." and "There's nothing like the sound of horsepower..." comments. Then it was mentioned that </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">The Electric Boat Corporation</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> is the premiere designer and builder of nuclear submarines for the United States Navy; and is located just across the Sound on the Connecticut River. So, maybe electric and quiet is cool after all.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">With that in mind, Don easily convinced two of them, Brian and Gene, to take runs with me.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Brian had a blast with me and thought I was a rocket. Gene, who is retired from the ferry and now spends his time moving big things (like trees, boulders, and houses) said I was awesome. The next night he even brought a friend down to the docks to take a ride with me.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">It all goes to show that it's easy to make friends is you're smart, good looking, thrifty, fast, regal, elegant, and polite. Of course, it also helps to be humble.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Since I was so good to my guest drivers, my people promised me a surprise. I hope I get it soon so I can tell you about it next week!</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Happy Motoring,</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">GP-</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div></div>Got Plug?http://www.blogger.com/profile/05328397715575260002noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5531118252450522020.post-48216593530140787542009-07-03T08:38:00.000-07:002009-07-09T05:35:43.255-07:00Got Plug? Chapter 2<p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 12.0px 0.0px; font: 11.0px Verdana"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Boredom; I’m talking apathy, frustration, dullness, and monotony. My people had to leave me for a week! I guess they didn’t want to, but still, I’m just a kid and need to play. But don’t worry, this has a happy ending, I promise.</span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 12.0px 0.0px; font: 11.0px Verdana"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">So here’s what happened. Don, the male person, had to got help some really cool Bands do concerts at Jones Beach. Man, did I want to go. There was Kenny Chesney, ZZ Top, Aerosmith, The Fray, No Doubt, Bad Company, and the Doobie Brothers. And that’s not to mention parking lots full of sexy European sports cars that would certainly thought I was the cutest thing in the world (because I am). But, my people said it was just too far for me to go, that I wasn’t strong enough to get there and back.</span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 12.0px 0.0px; font: 11.0px Verdana"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">So, to give me something to do, they devised a “Charge Sustainability Test” for me to take while they were gone. They checked my charge level and range before they left. I had a 92% charge and a range of 89 miles. At first I thought the heck with them. If they’re gonna leave me I teach them a lesson and let them look at 0% and a 0 mile range when they come home. Then I realized that I was here to help the people, and it was up to me to do them proud. So, I did some exercises before nodding off and when they came home they woke me to find a 94% charge with a range of 91 miles. </span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 12.0px 0.0px; font: 11.0px Verdana"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">They were so proud they even posted the results on Facebook and gave me an A+ grade! How cool is that?</span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 12.0px 0.0px; font: 11.0px Verdana"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Thanks for stopping by, see you next week!</span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 12.0px 0.0px; font: 11.0px Verdana"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">GP- </span></span></p>Got Plug?http://www.blogger.com/profile/05328397715575260002noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5531118252450522020.post-59994429099314274112009-06-25T09:49:00.000-07:002009-07-09T05:41:26.026-07:00Got Plug? Chapter 1<p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 12.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Hi, Got Plug? here, I’m back. It’s been quite a week getting settled in the USA and meeting my people. One of my people, an older male, read my first blog and I thought he was going to boil over. He said although I am a German immigrant my forefathers were from Oxford, England. My German heritage does make me smart, good looking, thrifty, and fast; but he wanted me to know that, through my English ancestory, I am also regal, elegant, proper, and polite. Well, I couldn’t argue with that, it wouldn’t be polite.<br /></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 12.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">The first couple of days were real easy, but kind of boring. People mostly just admired me, although some even looked at my butt for an exhaust pipe. How rude, I wouldn’t ever produce any carbon. </span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 12.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">I got driven just a little bit to show me off, and never really got turned loose. </span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 12.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">On day three Don, that’s what my male person likes to be called, took me across the bay on the ferry to Long Island and we began to play. He gave me a start when he pushed my throttle all the way to my floor. I ran like the wind and he had a big exhaust eating grin on his face, even though there was no exhaust of course. They don’t have kilometers over here, but I heard Don bragging about “85 miles per hour”. </span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 12.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">After the ferry sailed back to our island, Don made a big mistake and tried to start me without pressing my brake. So, naturally, I didn’t respond and even ignored his next few attempts. That brakeless starting could be dangerous and I knew I had to train Don then and there. So, he was plenty embarrassed as we rode backward to Long Island again. I figured he learned his lesson so when we returned to Shelter Island I let him start me up and home we went.</span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 12.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Don’s mate is named Jo, and she is apparently hoping to spend a lot of time with me. It seems she want to take me to work with her three days a week. She’s a Veterinarian and knows a lot about how animals work, at least thats what her cats say. The cats are Dudley, who walks funny after busting his leg. The other one is a one-eyed Orange boycat called Georgie. </span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 12.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Anyway, Jo works about 60 miles away and her Hospital will let her plug me in while she works. Don is a bit of a wimp and wanted to test me before he let me carry Jo off. He was thinking maybe I wouldn’t, or couldn’t, bring her back. So, he devised a test for me. </span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 12.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">On day four we left my garage with a 100% charge. We drove on four lane roads and twisting two lanes roads for 30 miles. Then we made a u-turn and retraced our rolls back to the garage. When we got in, I admit I was a bit tired. I had never worked my charge down to 40% before. So Don plugged me to sip a solar cocktail for exactly 9 hours. Then he stopped in, took the straw out of my filler plug, patted me “Good Night” and went back into the house. I slept well until morning.</span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 12.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">In the morning Don came back and off we went. When we got off the ferry we headed East until we ran out of land. Being electric, of course this was upsetting because I was trained from birth not to go into the water. </span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 12.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">We turned around are headed back West for a few miles, Don eyeing my trip odometer the whole way. We we hit 50 miles he had guided me back to the Ferry. I was getting pretty darned tire by this time. Last night’s sleepy time cocktail wasn’t really enough and I was pooped. I wanted to head straight for the garage but Don kept urging me around the block until I literally had no charge left. Whew!</span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 12.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">So, starting with 100% charge and with a 9 hour 110v break in the middle, I staggered home with 117.6 miles. Thankfully, Don plugged me in right away and let me be for a long time, 36 hours. By then I was raring to go again.</span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 12.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">I’ll be back next week to let you know how it’s going. Hope you can stop back. Thanks!</span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 12.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">GP- </span></span></p>Got Plug?http://www.blogger.com/profile/05328397715575260002noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5531118252450522020.post-86650070217431826442009-06-17T16:10:00.000-07:002009-07-09T05:42:17.551-07:00Got Plug?, who/what is that? A Preview...HI - I'm Got Plug? I'm a 4 day old Mini E. That's an electric car being field tested by Mini. I have a few hundred siblings in the United States. We mostly reside on the left and right coasts where brave volunteers are pioneering with us. The volunteers are, for the most part, humans. You know; feet instead of tires, eyes instead of headlamps, pretty weird but they seem likable enough.<div><br /></div><div>So, I am going to try to keep you interested with a diary of my activities here in the USA. I come from Germany which, of course, means I am very smart, good looking, fast, and thrifty. </div><div><br /></div><div>I hope you visit often and enjoy my adventures. I plan on having a lot of fun here.</div>Got Plug?http://www.blogger.com/profile/05328397715575260002noreply@blogger.com0