MK Ambassador, AJ Linnell, describes an epic trip with his buddy Jake. AJ is a project manager with Creative Energies.
Sometimes work and passion merge on the same day, sometimes even on the same project. I am passionate about snow and recreating in it. I am lucky to have a job that benefits the environment and helps us build a sustainable future.
On Wednesday I had the opportunity to fuse these pieces of my life into one delightful day at work. My buddy Jake and I loaded up two dogs, ten gallons of distilled water, and cross-country touring gear for a day of maintenance on a rural off-grid solar electric system. We drove from sunny Victor through foggy Jackson and south into the sun once again until we were just south of Star Valley, Wyoming.
Two miles of skiing across surface hoar-laden farmers’ fields and up a bluff (each with 5 gallons of water in our packs) brought us to our client’s summer cabin. Our job for the day was to top off his batteries with water and ensure that the system was functioning properly. Watching as the batteries swallowed up 10 full gallons of distilled water was impressive, and surprising. Anticipating lighter packs for the return trip felt pretty good.
The system ultimately checked out and we shut it down for the rest of the winter, leaving it set to send just a trickle-charge from the PV modules to the batteries to maintain their viability.
Skiing down a gentle slope with my dog, surface hoar glittering under the afternoon sun, I was struck with the knowledge that I live a blessed life. And with even greater satisfaction I kicked off towards the truck and, ultimately, the love of my life waiting for me at home.
Recent Comments