SAM GETS ANOTHER SHAKEDOWN

For four hours SAM & ME toured the environs and back roads of Bellingham.

It was a bit cold...just above freezing...overcast but NOT windy. Another good day to check out SAMs systems.

Before leaving SAM's Place, checked all Her batteries. GREEN Pack was at 38.8 volts. RED pack was at 38.2 volts (RED has the one-year-old batteries). AUXILIARY BATTERY checked in at 12.80 volts.

So, GREEN was selected to drive SAM's Hub Motor today.

RED was fed power from SAM's Solar Panels...for 4 hours under cloudy skies.

Was going to head for FERNDALE - 12 miles North of Bellingham - but 12 miles = 3 hours one way and had only 5 hours of daylight remaining; so, opted to stay close to home and find some steep hills for SAM to climb.

We Walked & Rolled down to Bellingham's Harbor...mostly down hill. Then we cut South by South East to Downtown Bellingham. Rolled SAM through the middle of town...causing lots of heads to turn and stare. We kept rolling along Bellingham Bay, past row after row of million dollar condominiums lining the shoreline.

Around 1:00 pm (noon), stopped in at Haggens Fairhaven Market...had to tinkle and was hungry. Thank goodness it was not Federal Way, where transients are not welcome to tinkle.
Haggens Deli Counter had some yummie HOT Chili Con Carne (Italian = With Meat) and a Tuna Wrap which set very well with Me.

SAM & ME then continued South out of Ferndale down Chuckanut Drive South. Went a couple miles down that stunning road, turned around and hung a right onto Old Samish Way Road for a few miles. Then turned North by North West towards Western Washington University...then back to SAM's Place.

The entire outing was 4 hours...with 15 minutes out for Chili & Tuna. We climbed some prodigious hills, SAM & ME. Her GREEN battery was given a real challenge. Me, however, pushed SAM probably 70 % of the time. So Me got a real challenge too.

A couple times, RED got her Solar Panel wires switched around. RED has three batteries and only two Solar Panels to charge them...EACH BATTERY MUST BE CHARGED ONE AT A TIME FROM THE 12-volt SOLAR PANELS. So, had to switch the Solar Panel wires around from time to time to get all three batteries charged somewhat equally.

Arriving at SAM's Place, discovered:

RED Pack checked in at 38.8 volts. Therefore, it received 0.6 volts per battery in 4 hours under very overcast skies...(so, 90 Watt Solar Panel put out about 0.2 volts per hour; whereas 20 Watt Solar Panel only put out about 0.15 volts per hour). I would like to check the Amperage, but that instrument costs $500.00...a bit beyond my budget.

GREEN Pack checked in at 36.8 volts. Therefore, it used up 2.0 volts during the Walk and Roll.

The Motor Controller allows electrical flow until a battery pack reaches the low of 35.5 volts. It then interrupts power to the Hub Motor to prevent low-voltage damage.

Therefore, SAM had another 2 or so hours of service remaining within GREEN Pack.

Me must then PUSH, or switch from GREEN to RED battery packs. At that point, the Solar Panels begin to recharge GREEN Pack.

Starting to get a reasonable understanding of how SAM consumes electrical power in various conditions. Also, am starting to understand Solar Panel charging under various skies.

Today confirmed that ME is not in good shape. Feet are sore, but no blisters or muscle pulls. Upper leg muscles complained when holding SAM back going down steep hills...did NOT use SAM's brakes, although should have on a few of those hills. Very easy to suffer a shin splint going down hills.

Am certainly in no condition to resume our Walk to Key West just yet. Will need a few more weeks of walking with SAM before being ready to take off.

Returned from Oklahoma just a few short weeks ago. Shocking how quickly one gets out of shape.

No new pics today.

p.s.: SAM still has a "Pull" to the left. Today, I figured out why. Simple, and quite stupid of Me to not see it long ago...but guess that is the "learning curve" for an under-educated old man. Will tackle the "fix" and report in a few days...Yes, it can be fixed, but requires "rebuilding" a good part of SAM's Superstructure...a 2-person job...but then, there is no second person hanging around...and so it goes.

MT. VERNON ARTHRITIS RUN

PICKING UP RUNNER / WALKER PACKS FROM INSIDE MOOSE LODGE...MT. VERNON

MT VERNON ARTHRITIS JINGLE BELL RUNNERS ARE OFF & RUNNING...

WAITING FOR THE BELLS TO START JINGLING...LOTS OF BARE LEGS OUT THERE...BRRRrrr

HANDSOME DOGS...DECORATED STROLLERS & WAGONS AND COLORFUL COSTUMED RUNNERS / WALKERS...NOT MUCH MINDING THE COLD MORNING

ARTHRITIS JINGLE BELL EVENT BEING WELCOMED IN MT VERNON, WASHINGTON

HIGH SCHOOL CHEER LEADERS SENT RUNNERS & WALKERS ON THEIR WAY

JINGLE BELL WALKERS GETTING STARTED...NOTE CHEER LEADERS

JINGLE BELL EVENT WINDING DOWN IN MT. VERNON

SAM'S WEATHER COVER...MAY NOT BE REAL PRETTY, BUT IS QUICK TO SET UP AND WILL KEEP SAM & ME DRY AND OUT OF THE COLD WIND...and we can cook under there.

WEATHER COVER LEFT FRONT TELESCOPING POLE AND HOLD-DOWN SNAP.

WEATHER COVER FRONT TELESCOPING RODS...NOTE CENTER SNAP

REAR OF WEATHER COVER IS HELD SECURELY IN PLACE WITH SNAP (lousy pic)

WEATHER COVER - RIGHT FRONT SIDE VIEW...Note Diagonal Telescope Rod Holding Up 20 Watt Solar Panel

WEATHER COVER - LEFT REAR VIEW..Notice Snaps Hold Down

WEATHER COVER OPEN...FROM REAR VIEW

SAM'S WEATHER COVER WITH SIDE EXTENSION FOR CHAIR (oops...me's shadow)

SAM'S WEATHER COVER IN PLACE..Note "Chair" under Extension.

About 6:30 am, gathered up my walking shoes and headed for Mt. Vernon. Was very cold - high 20s - the "5" was icy and lots of traffic this Saturday morning. Everybody behaved themselves, except for one 18 wheeler which came 10 feet of my rear bumper...I was traveling 65 mph. Simply do not understand why truckers insist on following so closely.

Was turning daylight when I pulled into the Moose Lodge Parking Lot, where the Mt. Vernon Arthritis Event was to start/finish. About 300 participants showed up to a gaily decorated room full of t-shirts, drinks, cake and croissants. Picked up my pack consisting of a long sleeve "t" and a set of "Jingle Bells" for the shoe laces.

Actually, was quite a festive mood...lots of baby strollers..lots of dogs...lots of costumes...and the local high school Pep Band played seasonal music...even some dancing before the "race" began.

Three or four folks spoke on the PA system giving appropriate greetings, thanks, and Arthritis Stories.

I decided to take pics...to follow along near the end of the Walkers. The Runners took off to the crack of a Pistol, followed by casually strolling Walkers. Lots of volunteer road guards (to be sure no one got lost en-route) and Police watching over us.

The course was from Down Town Mt. Vernon, through a residential area, and return. Everything was along the Skagit River...which has a history of flooding... next to the Dike Road.

Runners course was 4 miles. Walkers did 2 miles. Everyone finished pretty much together to more merriment and lots of "eats" waiting. First three Runner Finishers received awards (Men and Women were awarded separately).

All in all, it was a good event.

Drove back to Bellingham, stopping at SAM's place. Set up Her new Enclosure...made a couple refinements...and took the pics which I forgot yesterday...so here they are.

It is a beautiful Sunny Saturday. Was going to start our walk to the Peace Arch today, but the Washington Huskies are playing the Washington State Cougars for the "Apple Cup"...will watch the game - with a beer and chips - instead. Interesting neither Seattle (Huskies) no Pullman (Cougars) have much in the way of Apples. Apple country is along the Columbia River about half way between Seattle and Pullman.

SAM IN DETAIL

SAM - READY TO WALK and ROLL ...NOTE REAR-VIEW MIRRORS ON POSTS.

SAMs BUTANE STOVE ON OPERATING TABLE (20 w SOLAR PANEL) AND "CHAIR",,,POTS, UTENSILS, ETC. SIT IN STOVE'S OPEN BOX - ABOVE...ON SAMs LEFT SIDE IS MOUNTED THE UMBRELLA AND HIKING STICK (to fend off dogs, etc.). A PISTOL-TYPE FLARE GUN IS ON BOARD FOR EMERGENCIES (Grizzly attack, etc.); AS WELL AS A FIRE EXTINGUISHER AND PEPPER SPRAY.

SAM WITH COMPUTER ON FORWARD SOLAR PANEL..."CHAIR" BELOW...COMPUTER HAS 12v DC PLUG TO OBTAIN POWER FROM AUXILIARY BATTERY (Cigarette Lighter), AS WELL AS 120v AC PLUG (SAM has a 12v to 120v "inverter" which is located above the primary 36v motor controller. This Inverter can feed off any passing 12v vehicle, affording 36v charging from 120v power source(s) ).

SAMs ELECTRICAL CONTROL STATION FOR SOLAR-PANEL CHARGING POINTS OF INDIVIDUAL BATTERIES : GREEN = 8ah 36v; RED = 12AH 36v...SOLAR PANEL CONTROLLERS ARE IN BOXES FORWARD...CIGARETTE LIGHTER RECEPTACLE IS ON RIGHT (12v POWER FOR AUXILIARY ACCESSORIES - COMPUTER, GPS, CAMERA, FLASHLIGHT, etc.)...HANDLE IN FRONT IS FRONT WHEEL CALIPER BRAKE ACTUATOR MOUNTED ON STROLLER PRIMARY HANDLE.

SAMs 36v BATTERY TO CONTROLLER CONNECTORS. 8ah IS GREEN. 12ah IS RED. BLACK CONTROLLER BOX - CENTER - HAS A TOGGLE "ON" "OFF" SWITCH FOR QUICK DISCONNECT OF ALL POWER TO THROTTLE AND MOTOR...NOT EXACTLY A "DEAD-MAN" SWITCH, BUT CLOSE...AC-DC VOLTMETER IS IN CLEAR PLASTIC BAG (USED TO MONITOR COMPLETE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM STATUS),,,PLATE LOWER CENTER IS MOUNT FOR (very large) GOLF UMBRELLA GIVING RAIN / SUN PROTECTION WHILE WALKING.

SAMs THROTTLE...LIGHTED PORTION COMES AS PART OF THE DRIVE MOTOR CONTROLLER...THUMB SWITCH "ME" ADDED FOR PRECISE SPEED CONTROL...SPEED IS CONTROLLABLE FROM "0" TO "15 MILES PER HOUR"...SIMPLY BY TWISTING THE KNOB. QUICK DISCONNECT IS AT 36v CONNECTORS AT "MEs" RIGHT HAND. NORMAL WALKING SPEED IS 4 MPH.

SAMs CONTROL STATION...LOWER HANDLE IS BASIC "STROLLER"...ALL ELSE IS ADDED BY "ME"; BATTERY AND SOLAR PANEL CONTROLLERS; AUX. HANDLE ABOVE WITH MOTOR THROTTLE TO THE LEFT.

SAMs REAR...WHERE "ME" WALKS AND OPERATES SAMs SYSTEMS UNDERWAY...TOOL/FOOD BOX IS ORANGE; BIG TENT BAG IS WITH YELLOW BOTTOM; UNDER IS STORAGE FOR BUTANE BOTTLES AND ADDITIONAL FOOD.

SAMs INTERNAL STORAGE...8ah 36v BATTERY PACK IS FORWARD. 12ah 36v BATTERY PACK IS BEHIND...TOOL & UTENSILS BOX IS BETWEEN...LOTS OF STORAGE SPACE FOR CLOTHING, FOOD, ETC ABOVE THE BOXES.

SAM WITH STORAGE COMPARTMENT OPENED...NOTE GALLON WATER BOTTLES FLANKING FRONT DRIVE WHEEL

SAM WITH 20 WATT SOLAR PANEL OPEN FOR ACCESS TO INTERNAL STORAGE. NOTE BUTANE STOVE CONTAINER CARRIED "UNDER" 20 WATT PANEL. TOOL/FOOD BOX WITH SAILING CUSHION BECOMES THE CHAIR.

SAM READY TO ROLL..Blanket under White Panel...Protective Cover in Orange Bag...Telescoping Poles for Cover above "SAM & ME". The small wheel is reversible; i.e., is lifted out of platform and inserted from below, lifting front Electric Drive drive wheel 1" off the the ground and together with identical wheel on left side of SAM, gives a backup system for supporting and driving SAMs front end.

SAM READY TO ROLL...Air Mattress is behind white panel. NOTE GREEN TUBE ALONG SOLAR PANELS...THIS IS THE NAUGAHYDE SOLAR PANEL COVER ROLLED UP OUT OF THE WAY...ALLOWING FULL DIRECT SUNLIGHT TO THE PANELS...COVER QUICK SNAPS INTO POSITION TO COVER AND PROTECT THE SOLAR PANELS WHEN NOT IN USE.

SAM has experienced a year-long metamorphosis.

These pics show SAM as She stands today, ready to Roll.

Protective Cover will be shown shortly ... apologize; totally forgot it.

SAM TO WALK FOR ARTHRITIS

SAM & ME are signed up to participate in the Mt. Vernon, Washington Run / Walk for Arthritis on Saturday at 8:30 am.

Was considering walking SAM down to Mt. Vernon tomorrow, but as it is nearly 30 miles one way and day-light is short this time of year, decided to go fetch the trailer and drive SAM down and back. Trailer is on consignment but not yet sold...asking $1,000 (cost $1,800).

It will be SAMs first public introduction. Sure, she and I have walked over 1,000 miles in the past year in and around Bellingham...but no one has actually been introduced to SAM. This will be her big entrance.

The past two days, I have designed and built into SAM, a complete weatherproof enclosure. It is erected in less than two minutes. In the event of rain or high winds or just a rest period, I can unpack and erect SAMs protective system...which:

1. Has room for ME to sit or lie down...handy Fleece blanket covers legs and shoes for warmth.
Air mattress is also handy for lying down. Sleeping Bag is 6" away under the Solar Panel.

1.A. SAM also has a large tent - which we have used many times already - into which both SAM & I fit comfortable and safely...takes 10 minutes or so to set up the tent.

2. Has a table for SAMs Butane Stove...fully protected from wind and rain and plenty of room for ventilation and "pot handling". Two gallons of water are within 6" of the stove...also a fire extinguisher. Pots etc., are handled in the Butane Stove storage box lying on top of the Solar Panels (which are covered and protected by Mean Green Naugahyde when not in use).

3. Complete system snaps together using SAMs Solar Panels and a couple telescoping rods.

4. Packs into a neat waterproof bag only 8" long by 5" Diameter. Bag hangs on SAMs Solar Panel with Velcro (screwed into the Solar Panel Frames...NO MORE ADHESIVE VELCRO).

5. When erected, SAM & ME are both protected and comfy.

6. I sit on a heavy-duty plastic box containing tools and food, topped with a Sailing Cushion.

7. If desired, ME can take a nap sitting on the box, using SAMs "down" pillow which is stored under the Solar Panels.

8. SAMs "headlights" are INSIDE the protective enclosure, giving plenty of light.

9. SAM also has two 3-way LED lights permanently mounted under the Solar Panels for lighting SAMs internal storage areas. Sitting on the box, everything in SAMs storage area under the Solar Panels is easily within reach (both battery packs are also mounted in there).

All in all, it is kinda neat...compact...functional...looks good...and really works.

It has been a kick to design, develop, build, and drive SAM.

I look forward to her Saturday introduction.

Numerous detailed pics will accompany this Blog after the Arthritis Run / Walk.

SEEYOURIMPACT.COM

I have repeated many times in this Blog: when a program comes along that gives all or most $$ contributions to the RECIPIENT - instead of to "OVERHEAD", I will step up and support that "Cause".

Apollo Ohno recently interviewed with CNN on what Apollo said was ..."the future of philanthropy. People want to see how their money will affect families." Apollo was speaking about "SeeYourImpact.org".

I mulled over Apollo's comments for a few days and remembering my promise, I contacted SeeYourImpact.org.


I spoke with Shari Goetsch, Marketing Manager. She gave me a overview of SeeYourImpact.org and invited me to their Seattle offices. In the past few days, I have twice visited Shari in her offices in the Vance Building. Shari and her Husband, Josh, drove all the way to Bellingham a week ago, spending the better part of one day sharing SeeYourImpact.org as an organization and how SeniorsWalkingAcrossAmerica.blogspot.com might participate in their World-Wide programs.



Naturally, Shari and Josh both took SAM for a drive around Bellingham...to rave reviews.



A couple days ago, Shari created for "Seniors..", our "Fundraising Page". It is entitled:

http://seeyourimpact.org/support/sam-and-me/.


I took the opportunity to make an initial contribution, which you can see by clicking on the link.



I am not at all certain I can fully justify what seeyourimpact.org is or does, but I will try...



The Home Page of SeeYourImpact.org gives in-depth information about the origins, Founding Board of Directors, and a complete listing of over 70 World-Wide programs receiving support.



First and foremost, as emphasized by Ohno during his CNN interview, EVERY CENT CONTRIBUTED TO SeeYourImpact.org. GOES DIRECTLY TO THE RECIPIENT/PROGRAM OF THE DONER'S CHOICE.


Not one single penny is diverted to "overhead".


I agreed that this is a program that "Seniors.." can and will support.


The details of how $$ donations should be made are still to be worked out. I envision commitments based upon the miles SAM & ME walk. Minimum donation to SeeYourImpact.org (SYI.org) is $5.00. On a time-phase basis to be decided upon, our donations would be made available to SYI.org for our choice of the many programs offered. Within two weeks we will receive a reply from the recipient(s), together with photographs and details of how our $$ donation was used.


If desired, a single individual may make a contribution in the name of "Seniors.." for his/her favorite project. Alternatively, We propose to set up a "receiver" for $$ contributions which would then be given over to SYI.org to be used as we select (from the available SYI.org projects).


This project would be incorporated as a regular Blog Page for "Seniors.."


As you all already know, I am a novice at this technical computer stuff. I welcome all the help/suggestions I can get. Be assured, my ONLY interest is to help others in the most effective way.


Needless to say, "Seniors.." will NOT receive any remuneration. Our interest, SAM & ME, is to Walk and Roll. If by so doing, we can bring help to others, we are already amply rewarded.


We trust you will consider SYI.org. It seems to be a worthy and deserving organization dedicated to helping others in need.


Further details will be shared in the very near future.


If you wish to join "Seniors.." or just get further information, please click on SeeYourImpact.org. Your few minutes invested will be appreciated.

Astronomy photograph

Check out this awesome SuperCell photograph on the Astronomy Picture of the Day blog!



You may also want to open my Blog WAMSUTTER - RAWLINS. Crossing the Continental Divide, I was overwhelmed by a number of such Storm Cells. I have included a photograph of one Storm Cell forming. It later developed into a VERY LARGE cell (don't know if it was a SuperCell as it was after dark when it slammed into me), but I was very uncomfortable with extreme winds, washtubs of rain, and incessant lightning - followed by the most beautiful after-dark rainbows...not to mention 18-wheelers flashing by only 18 inches from my right shoulder.



Was a Night To Remember.

With the help of Shari, I am attempting to "LINK" this Blog to Astronomy Picture of the Day.

Please bear with me...I think you will find it worth while.

A GLIMPSE OF SEATTLE

SAM & ME WALKING TO GET THE VAN FOR MY DRIVE TO SEATTLE, PASSED THIS PEDESTRIAN / AUTO ACCIDENT ON LAKEWAY IN BELLINGHAM...NASTY !!!

REMINDED ME OF WALKING WITH SAM OVER MOUNT HOOD, OREGON..I-5 ALSO HAD TERRIFIC CROSS-WIND TODAY. VERY EXCITING DRIVING, TAKING PICS, AND SLURPING FINGER FULLS OF PEANUT BUTTER...NOT TO MENTION USING THE COMPUTER...FOR SHAME !

ON INTERSTATE 5 IT WAS RAINING CATS AND DOGS

THIS WAS A MOST DIFFICULT "SHOT". I WAS IN HEAVY TRAFFIC IN THE CENTER LANE DRIVING PAST THE SPACE NEEDLE AND COULD NOT RESIST RESTING MY CAMERA ON THE STEERING WHEEL POINTING ALMOST STRAIGHT UP...MONORAIL TRACK IS IN LOWER FOREGROUND. HAD WORSE SHOTS USING A TRIPOD. IN 1962 WHEN THE NEEDLE WAS BUILT FOR SEATTLE'S WORLD FAIR, I LIVED ON QUEEN ANNE HILL WITH A VIEW INTO THE WINDOWS OF THE REVOLVING RESTAURANT. THE SPACE NEEDLE IS 600 FEET HIGH...THAT IS TWO FOOTBALL FIELDS END TO END

PIKE PLACE MARKET BRICK PARKING...IN 1939 'TIL 1945, US KIDS WERE LEFT IN THE MODEL "T" PICKUP WHILE MOTHER AND DAD SHOPPED. THE LOCAL COP LOITERED AROUND US "BABY SITTING"..I REMEMBER THOSE MOMENTS QUITE CLEARLY

HATS ARE ALSO SOLD AT PIKE PLACE MARKET

ANOTHER SEAFOOD VIEW IN PIKE PLACE MARKET

PIKE PLACE SEAFOOD...TAKEN FROM THE SALISH SEA (PUGET SOUND)...THOSE ARE DUNGENESS CRABS...REALLY HUGE ONES

DISPLAY OF PIKE PLACE "FLYING SALMON"

SEATTLE'S FAMOUS PIKE PLACE MARKET...JUST OFF SKID ROAD (FIRST AVENUE)

CONTAINER CRANES LINING SEATTLE'S WATERFRONT. I HAD A HAND IN BUILDING (WAS CONTRACTS MANAGER) THE FIRST SEVEN SUCH CRANES IN SEATTLE...WAY BACK IN 1960s.

THIS IS THE "VIEW" SHARI HAS FROM HER OFFICE

RATHER IMPRESSIVE SEATTLE ARCHITECTURE

SEATTLE'S FIRST AVENUE. THIS STREET WAS THE "ORIGINAL" SKID ROAD" (SKID ROW). SEATTLE IS BUILT ON SEVEN HILLS (JUST LIKE ROME). THE TOPS OF THE HILLS WERE LOPPED OFF AND FILLED IN THE SHALLOW BAY WHERE THE MARINERS AND SEAHAWKS STADIUMS NOW STAND. FIRST AVENUE WAS INITALLY VERY STEEP. TALL TIMBER WAS CUT FROM THE HILL SIDES AND "SKIDDED" TO THE WATERS OF ELLIOTT BAY DOWN THE SLOPE WHICH IS NOW FIRST AVENUE...I.E., "SKID ROAD".

SEATTLE'S SMITH TOWER ON 2ND AVENUE NEAR PIONEER SQUARE. FOR MANY YEARS BEFORE, DURING AND AFTER WORLD WAR II, THE SMITH TOWER WAS THE TALLEST BUILDING "WEST" OF THE MISSISSIPPI

Today was our appointment with Shari, Marketing Director for SeeYourImpact.org in Seattle.

Shari set up a page for us, wherein we (all of us) can select programs and make donations. Her effort will be the subject of a follow-on Blog. For now, I wish to share some pics I took while driving to Seattle, driving in Seattle, and driving home from Seattle.

I know, I know...but not half as dangerous as folks chatting or texting while driving...

Not a few passing drivers looked a bit askance as I took pics as they went by...well, perhaps they should keep their eyes on the road...