New Water Heater

Harsh home water is a minor inconvenience of living in my area.

When your water heater dies after only 6 years on the job, hope that you know a plumber or have access to someone with pluming skills.  As the son of a commercial plumbing contractor, I’m up for this easy fix.    $300USD will tackle the Do IT YOURSELF job vs. approx $1,000 that it will cost a reliable plumbing contractor.

Prices for water heaters certainly have increased since my last replacement at my home in Denver.  My recollection is $170 for that one.  But, that was for a natural gas heater, no liquid propane, and add to import fees for the Mexican purchase this week.  Paid $260 for this Rheem “energy efficient” model at Ensenada Home Depot.

40 gallon(152L) water heaters are standard.  Take a photo if your old tank’s info label with capacity, energy, blah blah along with you to hardware store.

5 connections for you DIY water heater replacement weekend warriors.  All threaded joints require teflon taping to the thread fitting:

1 + 2: Hot(output) and Cold(input to tank)…that’s the two hoses you see on the top of the newly installed tank.  Gotta have the right fitting sized on each end of hose.  Check with installation instructions whether you need Dielectric fittings in addition to hoses.  Easiest thing is to take your water and gas(#3 below) connections with you to hardware store when buying your new heater.

3: Gas hose input:  Typically, need a brass fitting that fits between the gas hose and the tank.  TURN OFF the gas at house end BEFORE DE-INSTALL and INSTALL!!!

4. Vent for heat exhaust through top.  If your previous water heater was installed properly, that venting pipe can simply be affixed in the same position for your new heater.

5. Pressure relief valve.  That is the shiny brass thingy on top of the new heater(or the dull brass thingy on oldy).  Due to water pressure fluctuation or other, this allows the tank to breathe, or spill out water content when pressure overloads.  Without this pressure relief valve, your tank becomes an effective bomb.

mineral content buildup in my water heater hose

I noticed several water heater connections “kits” at Home Depot.  WARNING, as these kits may not have the right size connections and you likely won’t need ALL of the parts included which waste your money. I replaced both water hoses, as they were looking pretty ugly due to my high mineral content water.

As mentioned, if you are a first timer DIY water heater replacement student, simply take ALL of your connections to your hardware store and break our your best Mr. Magoo clueless look to the 19 year old plumbing clerk.

After install a tricky thing is to get the pilot lit.  Instruction manual will teach you where to find the pilot light igniter.  If you heater does NOT come with an auto ignition lighter, have a long stem candle lighter on hand.

Set the temperature on the temp control knob(may need to experiment setting next few days to get enough/nottoomuch heat) and your off to a refreshing shower to reward your good work.

 

Punta Banda Quake

Before this week, the only earthquake that I have ever felt was here on April 4, 2010.  That was the 6.9 Mexicali Quake.

In the middle of the night this week, a huge boom shook my house and woke me.   I assumed it was an earthquake and got back to sleep quickly.  The good news for me is that I am a very accomplished sleeper.

The next morning I consulted the USGS earthquake map.   There was little activity.

At coffee cup #2, I noticed a different scene on my patio.

A forty pound potted plant that I had moved outside toppled off of a table in the wind that night.  BOOM!

It was in need of diving and replanting anyway.

Expat Technology Support

Doc’s satellite dishes, Ensenada bay background

Contemplating an expat lifestyle?  Suggestion for a priority on your LIST is locating and evaluating expat technology support.

Computer, TV, music, internet, electronic gaming, security and other technology needs are not quite so easy outside of the United States.  If you are not a geek, finding the good and reliable geeks may be a challenge in your offshore retirement paradise.

In many areas in Mexico, especially the more rural locations, you may only find one or two geeks with iffy expertise.  You will usually find the uncle of a friend’s friend who did sales presentations via Power Point and that is their major claim to understanding PCs or web design.  COUGH!

I have encountered three of approximately a dozen advertised or recommended tech guys in the Ensenada area.  My experience with the three was underwhelming.  It reminded me of the time when I was interviewing medical doctors to be my primary physician.  Any doctor who appears less healthy than me is not up for the job.  By that same standard, any geek who can’t move far beyond my tech knowledge does not get my business.

Yes, I am an uncle, have friends and did sales presentations via Power Point.  My experience in the tech industry got me a taste of geekdom that gave me enough confidence to search the internet for tutorials on just about anything.

Just finished a 1 hour session of re-pointing my satellite internet dish to maximize my signal strength.  OK, satellite pointing isn’t a huge tech challenge.  But, getting my computer configured to talk to the program in the modem to talk to the satellite telemetry and then making the micro adjustments on the big honkin’ dish is not my favorite task to go with morning coffee.

Lucky for me, I originally installed my satellite dishes on the upper deck where they are accessible with my feet on the ground instead of balancing on a ladder.  Nice to have internet back up after an iffy signal past 7-10 days.

Hey, Doc, that’s great.   I’ve got a project that is perfect for you and your tools.  COUGH!  Unless we have enjoyed a handful of beverages together, you can’t afford me.

Second thought on expat technology support:  Don’t employ technology that you can’t support yourself.  CHEERS!

Punta Banda Ensenada

By Tom Gatch, photos by Lynn Gatch Via Baja.com

Punta Banda is a narrow, mostly barren, finger of land that pokes out into the Pacific Ocean at the southern end of Bahia Todos Santos near the City of Ensenada.

Standing not far from the tip, bus loads of bug-eyed tourists regularly stare out at the myriad of sharp, guano-covered outcroppings as they munch on fish tacos and wait for the next influx of water to surge through the legendary blowhole, then spurt up in the air and dissolve into a fine, cool mist.

Shack-like concession stands line the end of the road leading to “La Bufadora.”

Eager vendors offer visitors everything from the usual array of curios, plaster deities, and metal sculptures to humble preparations of shellfish, or fried seafood.

Some of the other residents are fishermen, or charter skiff operators who make a good portion of their income catering to the needs of American anglers and scuba divers that come to this special hideaway to take advantage of the abundant marine life that still exists in the waters surrounding the rugged peninsula and its many hidden coves.

The hand of nature has carefully scooped a beautiful crescent shaped bay from the land just south of the blowhole, providing a nearly perfect anchorage that is protected from the northern wind and swells.

On a calm day, the waters around La Bufadora turn Mediterranean with cool, clear turquoise hues that anoint the eyes of the weary.

complete article

Ensenada Cam

Random thoughts from this crusty curmudgeon today before the sun jumps above my view east.

1. Do I need to reinstall a clock in my bedroom to get me rolling out of bed at 6?  The time change has me lazing in bed all the way until 6:40 past few days.  I need to get up and accomplish things…like drinking coffee, sitting on my couch, gaze at the sunrise, look at photos of cats and read political arguments.

2. No, I am not a cat fan.  They are too independent and that reminds me of someone I know.

3. No, I am not a fan of politicians.  The left vs. right arguments are simply distractions to the biggest wasters of time and money ever invented…ummm, that was before the staged and scripted dramas known as “reality tv”…ummm and that was before the smoke watch at the Italian chimney cam.  Wow, all drama queens!

4. Why the drama when I’m searching for a product or service on the intertube?  Instead of giving me a simple list of top 10 electronic components, cars, starch substitutes, bodyweight workouts, etc, I need to progress slowly through a gauntlet of frames to get the information I am seeking.  This digital “striptease” that slices up the list into individual compartments to pump advertising annoys me.

5. Why do I need to sign in to a website just to read an article?  NYT is the worst.  The article will be available elsewhere in a few hours, so I search and read it freely later without adding to their subscriber/hit rate.

6. “Doc, I don’t see you on Facebook any more.  What is new?”.  FB identifies entertainment opportunities for me.  FB itself does not entertain me.  What is new is that I’m working out my bod, drumming, reading, taking care of my money, cooking and very busy being happy.  And on my drumming, my left/weak hand is gaining quickly on my right.  [insert joke here]  What’s yours?

7. “Doc, I haven’t seen you in a while.  Where have you been?”.  I have a list of canned replies for this one including, “Do you need a map?”, but, that’s a tad harsh of a bitch slap.  I’m easy to find and the beverages flow easily at my home, IF you are interested.

8.  Back to politricks, didjaknow that I can get food stamps?  Ridiculous.  I won’t participate.  Wow, the good ole USA is promoting more victims daily.  Celebrating tragedy vs. accomplishment is the culture.  If it bleeds, it leads.  Sad.

9. “Doc, you don’t participate in the community.  Why are you so reclusive?”.  Define “participate”.  Define “community”.  I’m not going to follow or hang with the herd.  And I socialize a lot more than most see.  I just don’t post every trip for gasoline or my secret churro addiction on Trip Advisor.

10.  Thanks to my friends and neighbors who have helped me so much.  Your tolerance with me is appreciated.   CHEERS and SLAINTE!

Hometown

Ensenada Centro…view from my house

A friend asked if I was coming “home” to Cleveland.  Yes, I was born on the shores of Lake Erie.  But, I haven’t visited in over 30 years. Even if  my parents still lived in that small house in Cleveland where I grew up, I would not consider that home.

A week ago, a realtor friend asked how often I return “home” to Denver.  I lived most of my life in Colorado.  But, I have only visited once in the past 6 years.

When I let neighbors know that I was visiting my mother in Florida, they asked me how long I would be visiting back “home”.  My parents did some moving from Cleveland to Pittsburgh to Boston to Florida after I left the nest.

None of the places above are my home.  When people ask, “Where are you from?”, I answer, “Denver”.  The mile high city is also listed as my “hometown” for my Facebook page.

I rarely mention Cleveland.  Must be some sort of psychological repression on my part.  I think at about age 10, I made it my mission to escape Cle-town.  Successfully completing that task at age 18, I’m not going back there.

I suppose some consider their birthplace as “home” due to a romantic memory of mom’s apple pie or dad’s pipe.  Maybe it’s different for us single, independent types.

My home is on the south side of Ensenada bay, Baja California, Mexico.   Climate, coast, culture and cuisine are exceptionally different and more pleasing than any other place that I have lived.

Mi casa es MI casa.   I’m a true hogareño, as my car often does not move for 7 to 10 days at a time.

What’s yours?

Mi casa es MI casa.  I’m a true hogareño, as my car often does not move for 7 to 10 days at a time.

Definition of HOME

1

a : one’s place of residence : domicile

 b : house

2

: the social unit formed by a family living together

3

a : a familiar or usual setting : congenial environment; also : the focus of one’s domestic attention <home is where the heart is>

 b : habitat

4

a : a place of origin <salmon returning to their home to spawn>; also : one’s own country <having troubles at home and abroad>

 b : headquarters 2 <home of the dance company>

Día del Amor y la Amistad

Feliz Día del Amor y la Amistad!  This is a photo of my hot date for this evening’s sizzling romantic adventure.  What’s yours?

Though my disdain for the excesses of V-day has been documented, I  hope all of you coupled or singled(tripled?) adventurers find some fun today.

Enough

Successful, happy entrepreneur attends a charity auction.  His friend points out a young hedge fund star.  “See that guy?  He earns more money in one year than you will make in your entire life.  He is the envy of everyone here.”

Replied the entrepreneur, “That’s great.  But, there is likely one thing I have that he does not.”

“What’s that?”, from his friend.

“ENOUGH!”

At this point of my life I have enough of everything.  Sometimes, I slip into the “not enough” world.  But, when I see a very sick person or someone without a home or without a next meal, I get back to my humble needs…

Health, wine and a loving friend to share both are more than enough for me.

Sometimes too much to drink is barely enough.   ~ Mark Twain

To achieve great things, two things are needed; a plan, and not quite enough time.   ~ Leonard Bernstein

Poor and content is rich, and rich enough.~ William Shakespeare

Can anyone explain why, when someone dies, most of what he has saved up over a lifetime should be turned over to politicians, rather than to his heirs? ~ Thomas Sowell

Baja Off Road Adventure

One of the many things that draws people to Baja are the endless roads that lead away from civilization toward isolated beaches and coves.  Baja off road adventures can be found within minutes of Mex hwy 1.

The above photo is the south side of my neighborhood, Colonia Puerto Escondido, on the Punta Banda peninsula, 10 miles south of Ensenada.  The view is from west to east and shows 2 scars that were cut as trails in 2008 that lead down to the hidden beach.

Not much engineering went into the planning of this trail as there are actually 2 failed attempts to bulldoze the trail above the successful cut.  It is a fun hiking trail with some 30+ degree grades and soft soil sections that provide plenty of resistance for huffing and puffing uphill.

But, that soft soil also is not very kind to Baja off road adventurers attempting to climb this hill in anything other than a very strong 4 wheel drive vehicle.

 

This 1989 Ford 2 wheel/rear wheel drive pickup is likely the worst vehicle choice for this hill.  It was abandoned over a week ago.  It’s final resting place is about 80 feet above the end of the trail.  Unless someone figures out a creative tow vehicle setup, this will become part of the “yard art” of Punta Banda.  Sad news is that although it is an ’89, it is in very good condition.  Windows are open and no tags are displayed.

2013 Baja Sunrise Sunset

Amanecer(dawn), 1 Enero 2013.  Colonia Puerto Escondio, al sur de Ensenada, Baja California, Mexico.

The beautiful red reflection in the tide pools was a new discovery at sunrise for me.  This view, from my patio, changes daily.  The red and pink highlights look edited, but that’s the real scene at approx 06:30.  It MUST be a sign of …???

……….Tuesday.

As usual, got to bed before midnight on N.Y.E..  “Geez you’re boring, Doc!”.  Unfortunately, New Year’s Eve restaurant dining or public entertainment venues mimic that of Valentine’s:  triple the price, weaken food offering under the “special menu” moniker, squeezed tables,  poor service and painful hangover have not fit my ideal evening since I passed the age of 30.

Humbug, balderdash, poppycock.  “Just how is it that you’re still single???”.

Missed the 12 grape gobble thing tradition, too.  Blasphemously substituted 12 ounces of petite sirah at 9PM.  We will see if that provides the right luck for 2013.  Sure felt good to me.

My moderation last night provided a refreshed feeling this morning to greet the scenery, some terrific coffee and music.  Temperature was also a few degrees higher than the last few sunrises.  Did not need my new knit “warmer”(see 31 Dec post).

Got in a quick workout, nice hike + photos in the sun and a blueberry protein shake this morning.

Atardecer(dusk). And now that the sun is set after a fairly lazy day, a cold Pacifico is calling me.  Hope yours is grand.

N 31 43 14 , W 116 43 14

Like my friend Jose says, “Feliz Año Nuevo WITHOUT the ‘~‘ is just Happy New Asshole.”.  Salud, Amor y Paz.