Reflections of our first two weeks living off the grid:

Conservation takes on a whole new meaning for us. We have 160 gallons of water on our boat (which is really pretty good for a boat); however every time you brush your teeth, take a shower or wash dishes you think about it running out. We also have power, but the solar panels or the engine must charge the batteries. So you think about how many lights you leave on at night. We are adjusting fine, but you do have to make hard choices about using the computer or ham radio or microwave. We think twice about how long to stay on these luxuries. Oh, yes and the big dilemma for the day is how much water you pump in your toilet, so you don’t let your holding tanks overflow. I know, I know, too much information! I just wanted to share what it is like living without shore power and a marina. We were pretty spoiled in St. Petersburg.

I haven’t missed the car as much as I thought I would. So far, grocery stores and the West Marine are in walking distance. Glenn takes his bike and checks out the island. I am sure I will eventually get the bike off the boat but for now I prefer walking.

We have met some really nice people along the way. Susan and Kneeland Chase are from St. Petersburg. We had a great visit with them in Key West. We also reconnected with our friends Steve and Rhonda, who are now in the Bahamas. We hope to see them again in a couple of weeks.

michele