Frigid, snow, and another lesson learned - Day 580 (Yr 2, Day 215)

Asheville, NC

We had our first snowfall since leaving NJ (no, I am not a happy camper.  Even though it was only about 1/4", it is still a 4 letter word).

With the temp about 10 degrees this morning and a wind chill close to zero, it was not the time to run out of propane, thereby leaving us without heat.  We hoped this could be remedied quickly when Mitch got up and dressed so he could go outside and switch to the auxilliary tank.  Unfortunately, that did not happen; when he switched over, the gas still did not turn on.  He noticed that the valve had been left in the open position and though perhaps 40# of propane had escaped.  There was, however, a strong smell of gas inside the rig, so I was afraid to turn the fireplace or space heater on.  So I was sitting and shivering for about 2 hours, until the office opened and someone could come and take the tanks from me to fill them.

When they took the tanks, it was discovered that one of them was still completely full.  How was that possible, I wanted to know?  They asked if we bled the line first.  Huh?  What does that mean exactly?  They explained what you're supposed to do, and if  you don't, it causes air pockets in the line, interrupts the flow and might bring gas into the rig.  Ok, so lesson learned - you need to bleed the line when you switch over the tank.  At least I'm getting toasty again.

Right now, I'm looking out of the window and seeing the snow being blown around.  Looks like lots of flying crystals.

I really, really want to move to a warmer place already!!!  (But not during the summer when it's in the 100s)!