DirtyBirdNJ

DirtyBirdNJ t1_jcik92t wrote

Start by looking up what an MPPT box does. You can build a smaller setup that powers something less demanding than your house.

You could build a battery bank out of big heavy car batteries, it wouldn't be as pretty but it would work to get you started.

Getting the wiring to your house is something only a licensed electrician should do, but the short version (ha ha) is there is a kind of toggle switch they install that will let you disconnect from the grid and draw power from the bank. This is important for situations where you don't wanna be putting electricity back into the grid (power line repair for example).

Tl:Dr MPPT + inverter + batteries + solar panels. It's not rocket science but the Tesla powerwall are really nice if u can afford it

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DirtyBirdNJ t1_jci7gtn wrote

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DirtyBirdNJ t1_ja9c5vr wrote

Go to Waterbury Resivoir, the day use access area in Stowe is protected and calm, a nice spot to paddle and you can get out on the reservoir for bigger adventures.

Figure out how to strap a kayak to your roof, it will open a lot of doors. Also consider an inflatable SUP they can be lighter and easier to carry than a kayak

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DirtyBirdNJ t1_j8laqvp wrote

I grew up in NJ and moved to VT about 5 years ago.

I love the mountains, nature, and all of the seasons except for mud season. I love that winter still happens here in a way it doesn't in NJ anymore.

I came for skiing but I've fallen in love with Lake Champlain. I love boat, kayak and ice fishing. Sometimes it's actually a struggle to decide what I should do... skiing or fishing? I live in paradise and I'm super lucky. I'm starting to enjoy summer more but winter is still my favorite.

If you wanna see some of my adventures go on YouTube and search for VT2U I'm publising a new skiing video this week but my last few videos are about ice fishing for lake trout

tl;dr: Vermont sucks tell your friends... nothing to see here move along 😏

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DirtyBirdNJ OP t1_j8f2blj wrote

Dude we don't even allow land based billboards why the hell would Vermonters tolerate billboards in the sky?!?

On one hand the tech is cool but there's something about this whole experience that is not causing me to trust what's going on up there.

I love scifi, space, aerospace etc and it bums me out how cool / uncool this is. This is why we can't have nice things.

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DirtyBirdNJ OP t1_j8euz97 wrote

The first time I saw a single SpaceX satellite I thought it was cool. Now I feel more like you and others have posted about the space junk. It's like hearing a weed Wacker out in the silence of nature. Seeing a string of 50 of them in a row was SURREAL and kinda terrifying in a "is this the end?" kind of way

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DirtyBirdNJ t1_j8enkrh wrote

Cannot stress enough the way to achieve this is to be more compassionate to yourself and others when things don't go to plan.

Man we really wanted to go fishing, because we have fun together. Let's find other things to do instead can actually be a VERY hard pivot to make. Even for fun things with people you like.

Compassion for yourself and others. Accept no substitutes.

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DirtyBirdNJ t1_j8ekwbf wrote

You can go ice fishing you just have to be willing to call it off if conditions are unsafe. Always wear ice spikes, never go alone. Bring a spud bar, use and auger or drill to check ice depth. Don't drag all your shit on the ice, have a smaller setup on foot. Don't use a snowmobile or ATV unless you have to.

Use your head! It's not worth dying over but not seeing why ppl are still going for it is an empathy failure. The behavior isn't ok but shaming and hitting with the stick won't teach people to make safe choices.

ALWAYS BE READY TO ABORT FISHING EVEN IF YOU REALLY REALLY WANNA GO AND YOU JUST DROVE THREE HOURS AND THIS IS YOUR ONLY WEEKEND.

Patience is hard. Have compassion for yourself and others about this.

Find other ways to enjoy VT / go fishing till safe temp open water returns. Or drive north and use your head to find safe ice.

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DirtyBirdNJ t1_j6njkz0 wrote

I cannot over stress how important those visualizations of what's possible are. Even in the face of overwhelming facts in it's way. It's not about "it has to be exactly like this" to me it's how far can we go, how much is even possible. Any improvement in rail infrastructure will benefit VT.

We will never improve our state if we are too afraid to take bold action.

Art helps people see the vision. Art is essential.

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DirtyBirdNJ t1_j6k72ff wrote

Is there a petition I can sign? What kind of support do you need my dude this is absolutely incredible. Ive seen your posts before and it keeps getting better

Beyond the thoughtful ideas about rail travel in our state I am just geeking out at the beauty of a VT rail map.

I have a process that I use to draw maps with pens, if you were willing to send me some of your map data I would love to render it in multicolor pen ink. Send me a DM if your interested

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DirtyBirdNJ t1_j3nl6wp wrote

Haha I don't have high hopes for the taste of Lakers, it's a desire to better understand the fish, say that I've tried it etc. I just wanna try once.

I've heard really good things about the landlocked salmon and also whitefish are supposed to be tasty... those and walleye are high up on my harvest goals list

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