It began when I started to go blind.

The laptop screen was not as bright, the cabin light seemed dim, and I figured that along with everything else I was now starting to go blind.
Then the microwave failed: it would take cook times but then revert to zero time when I pushed the cook button. The refrigerator shut off. But the computer and lights still worked.

I began trouble shooting by plugging the microwave into all the different sockets - no joy. So I figured maybe I had to replace a dead microwave. Then the space heater came on but gave no heat, Great, I have to replace that, too.

I decided to turn off all the power switches and abandon the boat and go to dinner and spend time reading at Barnes & Noble to escape my troubles. Returning to sleep in a cold, leaking boat cabin was not a cheery thought.

When I got back it was clear from lack of lights that several docks, including mine were without power. More fun for me!

Screw it. Flashlight-aided, I settled in to sleep.

About 0600 I wakened to notice light from outside. A peek outside suggested power was restored.

I turned on all the power switches. The cabin light was bright again. The heater worked! The refrigerator came on! The microwave began cooking last night's dinner! And the laptop screen was no longer dim!

So, I was not going blind after all. I guess the power failed gradually and a localized brownout was happening that later became a blackout.

I like being warm and eating hot food!

Edit: Deploying one of the many camp stoves was an option but a hassle.


Edited by dweste (10/14/09 12:36 PM)