> From: Will Stiefel <will.stiefel@AUTODESK.COM>
> Finding a power source ?  Have a nice long, heavy-duty extension cord
>...and one of those adapters that let you turn a light-bulb socket into a
power outlet..

"Mommy, why won't our Christmas lights work?"

 "I don't know, honey, but it started when that van parked in front of our
house...."

;-)

> From: pensioner <al_knoll@PACBELL.NET>
>Use the Coleman Catalytic until bedtime and again in the morning.
>No need for a heater  whilst you sleep.  You're asleep.

Ah, doesn't work for me.  My bed has a sheepskin pad and my quilt is good
to -30F.  But:

I know when the van gets below 60F because the cat wants to get under the
covers, with his head out next to mine on the pillow;
I know when it is below 50F, because Cat wants to get under the covers and
curl up next to my abdomen;
and I know when it is below 40F because my nose that is peeking out from
the warm and toasty covers IS TOO DARN COLD AND WAKES ME UP. :-\  And I
start to suffocate with it under the covers...have tried silk nose mittens
(balaclava dealie), but it's the temp of the air going into my nostrils
that keeps me awake.

I only sleep in the van in winter for more than roadside naps if I have a
place to plug into AC, so I can use my little (10"x8") ceramic
heater...it's the sort Home Depot sells for extra heat in the bathrooms and
wet areas, and has a tip-over auto shut-off.  Oil-filled radiator is too
big to pack around, but they make basboard models that could be
do-able...but I like the fact that the fan in the ceramic heater makes a
little 'white noise' that helps me sleep (if I'm near AC I'm near
people/noise), and it dries the air a bit-- which cuts down condensation
considerably. I haven't noticed feeling oxygen deprived. There's enough air
leaking in through the vents I think.

When I have to nap and it's freezing out and no AC, I have a hot water
bottle. (I boil water while the van's running in a 12 volt thermos
thing)...put that on pillow near my nose...helps, but it ain't my 1st
choice!

--Patrice
85 GL "VanaBlue"