Did LIGHTNING just strike our HOUSEBOAT?! ⛈️⚡

[@timmorin69]

YAYYY 19K subscribers!! Headed in the right direction!! Congrats guys! Hope you had a great family vacation!!

[@MerriHaub-er6cr]

The look on Brandon’s face when he is talking about the boat cover he doesn’t like is priceless!!

[@markbutterfield2189]

Maybe consider hooking up an EMP Shield on your photovoltaic system, good for lightning and EMPs, I have them on all my off grid systems.

[@patriciamarrion6802]

We'll come and pet-sit on your boathouse, if you come and take a pet-sitting holiday in France. 😉

[@JustaHillbilly-eq9ov]

Check out EMP shield it protects from lightning strikes made by American vets

[@wjutjck1]

Due to the storm, you are lucky not to be relying on shore power.

[@KeepingAfloatWiththeJoneses]

Absolutely! off-grid has its perks

[@waderue]

I know there have been really bad storms going so stay safe and warm

[@waderue]

guys, please read I found this on Google The average lightning bolt contains about 1 billion watts of power, or 1 gigawatt. However, lightning strikes can vary in strength, with vigorous storms producing around 100,000 megawatts. A single lightning flash can produce up to 10 gigawatts of electricity, which is about a sixth of the capacity of all the rooftop solar panels in the U.S. in 2021.

[@janetf23]

My heart almost needed a reset after reading the notification!💥 I'm glad your system handled the shock as well as it did👏 Hope to hear that Iko was satisfied with her stay at the kennel🐾❣

[@KeepingAfloatWiththeJoneses]

Oh nooo apologies for the mini heart attack 🙈😆 thankfully yes it all turned out just fine, but we definitely had the same feeling upon waking up with no power after hearing that thunder/lightning! 😬 Iko was definitely ready to come home but we think she did just fine 🩷🩷

[@hallowther9735]

Today’s video reminds me not only of the power of storms but a time when I was converting a bus to a motor home. I had a neighbor doing his second bus. We were in a bus yard behind a Chinese restaurant. One evening a bunch of transformers went down and a couple towns lost power. One of the cooks from the restaurant walked out to my neighbor’s bus and knocked on the driver’s window. Bob opened his window and the cook said the power went out. Then Bob said he stopped talking and looked around and said , “You’re watching TV. “. We were plugged into power but, we had backup battery power. You had power the people on land didn’t. Stay safe! All the best , Hal

[@KeepingAfloatWiththeJoneses]

Haha love that!! It is SO nice to not rely on public infrastructure in times like these. People usually tend to assume this kind of lifestyle wouldn’t be safe for storms/inclement weather, yet we find we consistently fare better than our neighbors on land! Whether it’s power outages, tree limbs falling, flooding, fires, etc… 💪🌊

[@leonagann5161]

The lightening storms are horrible! I’m not a fan of them nor is our furbaby Angel! Thank goodness everything was ok on your house Have a wonderful vacation and will see you when you return!

[@vonheise]

I have always used lightening rods, and would assume you would too, unless you have your roof grounded however you do that on water. I carry a copper grounding rod in my camper whenever using solar on the roof or a generator. Some say that isn't necessary with trees around, however...

[@JosephPuplava]

Do you ever think about having your house grounded? A regular house panel is required by code to be grounded. Since you live on the water, I wonder if your house is grounded. You may want to install a lighting antenna on the roof to run a grounded copper wire to the bank of the shoreline.

[@jchendrix]

Someone should look after their dog for them, it seems so relaxed and sweet.

[@KeepingAfloatWiththeJoneses]

❤️ we’re biased but she’s probably the easiest dog ever to look after! whatever the opposite of needy is, she’s that 😂 plus so cute & sweet.

[@jchendrix]

@@KeepingAfloatWiththeJoneses I'm not even a dog person but you can tell she is one of the most chilled out dogs there is. I would look after her for you but I live on the other side of the world so that's no use to you.

[@melanie2846]

Welcome back! I hope y’all had a wonderful time, as well as Ms. Bear! I know that leaving the furry ones at a kennel can be stressful, but it looked like a wonderful place for Iko’s vacay! Man, that storm was scary. I’m glad it all turned out okay for y’all’s floating abode! Getting excited to see the finished project! Take care, and rest up from the trip. We’ll see ya next, next Friday……and congrats on hitting 19k! 🎉🥂🙌

[@bethgahring6676]

I am glad you chose to fix the boat cover. Brandon looked so upset! 😂 Thanks for taking us along to the lavender farm. I would have been in heaven there. I hope you enjoyed your time at the beach and Ms. Bear enjoyed her time as well. And I am ecstatic that there was no damage to the electric setup on your home. That would have sucked! Will miss you next week but will be looking forward to what you will share with us the following week!

[@renoflames]

Comment: Looking good like it should. Impressive video.

[@KeepingAfloatWiththeJoneses]

Much appreciated!! 💪

[@nadinemcgregor1354]

My friend owns a lavender farm in Canada

[@James_71]

Wow, I'm so glad you guys didn't have your batteries fried. Hope you enjoyed your vaca.

[@KeepingAfloatWiththeJoneses]

Us too! 😅 thanks so much!!

[@ericlohr6036]

We have 3 Goldens (Izzy, Nadja, and Kaya) and decided years ago not to have children so these pups are our fur babies. Izzy wasn't right, so I requested X-rays, and yep... they found a bigger than softball tumor on her spleen. It was successfully removed! BUT... blood tests came back and she has cancer in her blood stream. Only time will tell. Very hard in the mornings when we see her adorable face knowing that sometime soon it will be the last (wet eyeballs now).... BUT..... we took all 3 to the beach last week for their first sea adventure and Izzy was so happy. So I get the whole separation anxiety thing. These pups are our lives. They are wonderful. Now, I'm doing all I can for Izzy while she can "be with us" so that she has a great journey towards the beginning of her next great adventure of the rainbow ride. :(

[@brandonjones803]

Sounds like you are great dog parents. Wish Izzy well!! We took Iko to the beach and she ate sand the whole time!😂

[@andrewsimckes5748]

I am just impressed that you pronounced Yarmulke word 100% correctly and I think Brandon would look great wearing one he is selling himself short.

[@KeepingAfloatWiththeJoneses]

Haha thanks I reckon! he was just talking about the boat tho, not himself 😋

[@ptwhd]

Thanks for sharing 😊😊😊

[@julesbeeme]

Rippling Waters is the best! We don’t leave our dog often but when we do it’s with Peggy and David! Your baby will be well taken care of! I was thinking about you during that storm! It was insane!! My dog shook the whole next day! Have so much fun at the beach - we just got back and it was lovely as always ❤

[@KeepingAfloatWiththeJoneses]

So reassuring ❤️❤️ yesss love the beach! and aww your poor baby! 🐶 Thankfully Iko seems to not care one way or the other about storms 🙌

[@janeysiegrist5061]

Glad your system was okay. Glad Brandon figured it out. Id have been lost 😂.

[@KeepingAfloatWiththeJoneses]

Same! 😆

[@kimmorgano8778]

Where do you come to in Florida? I live in Stuart.I figure if your videos aren't present day. Then you're here now or have gone back already.

[@KeepingAfloatWiththeJoneses]

We didn’t go to florida for this trip but when we do, we typically visit Cayo Costa and surrounding islands! 🏝️

[@kimjones5366]

I’m glad everything was ok from the storms. I wish I could have watched Bear for you but Ky is a little ways away. I am getting ready to go to Gatlinburg this coming week on a yearly girls trip and we are going to go on The Nantahala Gorge Excursion train ride. How far is that from y’all’s area?

[@KeepingAfloatWiththeJoneses]

Aw thank you. That’s not far at all from us! The train passes by maybe 20-30 minutes away (by car). Hope you had a wonderful time!! 💙

[@bennym1956]

Lightning strikes are more likely on the lake. Can you ground your system like a house on land ?? Curious about another thing, if someone wanted to put a houseboat within 10-20' of yours, they could do it ? Correct ?

[@KeepingAfloatWiththeJoneses]

Lightning strikes are most common wherever the highest point or single protruding point in an otherwise flat area is. In our case, lightning on the lake is very uncommon because we are surrounded by mountains whose high ridges bear the brunt of all lightning strikes. On our lake, that would not be correct. A person cannot choose to put a houseboat wherever they want, they have to go thru the harbor master who decides/approves where each house is moored (based on safety). There would be no logical reason in a lake this big to anchor an entire house on an open mooring 10 feet away from another one, and create such a high risk of property damage due to collision. That wouldn’t be allowed or desirable for anyone involved lol

[@darlene4232]

Glad to see you both are ok

[@KeepingAfloatWiththeJoneses]

Thank you ❤️

[@carlapierle8623]

Your channel is growing!! Yay!! Wow, I'm so glad there wasn't any permanent damage to your solar system. These storms have been crazy EVERYWHERE. Our last two Mini Schnauzers hated riding in the car. They would pant and pace and drool the entire time and it was hard to witness. It looks like you found a great spot for Iko to stay while you're away! We found a kennel where we could see how they were doing via our phone because they put cameras everywhere. I hope you had a wonderful time on vacation!

[@KeepingAfloatWiththeJoneses]

Thanks so much Carla!! Iko is the same way, it is definitely hard to witness, we can’t help but feel like that kind of stress has to take a toll on her and time off her life. This kennel didn’t have cameras, would love to find one like that! But they did send us pictures of her each day ❤️

[@TerryFalan]

Hi S&B! So glad you avoided disaster with your electrical system! Girl, I think you need to get a covered boat! We’ve seen you out too many times in the rain! If we lived next to you we would have dog sat Miss Bear for you! Hope you had a great vacation and we’ll miss you next week! T&C!

[@KeepingAfloatWiththeJoneses]

Maybe one day!! 😋 although I will say the enclosed boats have their own downsides too, they’re quite difficult to dock even for experienced boaters if there’s any wind at all (the enclosure acts like a big sail). But sure would be nice for staying dry and a little warmer!! 🙌 Thanks so much guys, see ya Friday! 🫡

[@pamlovaas2835]

I know the perfect person to house sit/pet sit but its prob to late at this point !! You guys have the perfect set up

[@KeepingAfloatWiththeJoneses]

Would love if you could us their info for next time!! 🩷 [e-mail]

[@pamlovaas2835]

@@KeepingAfloatWiththeJoneses sure will

[@sharonoldham4374]

Wow! what a storm ! You 2 were so lucky. Have a good time on your trip.

[@KeepingAfloatWiththeJoneses]

No doubt!! Thank you, it was wonderful 💙

[@jdavis9123]

Glad y’all are ok. Somewhat daunting moment.

[@KeepingAfloatWiththeJoneses]

No doubt!! Thank you 😊

[@melindarains3130]

Enjoy your trip

[@alisinwanderland]

So glad the power at your house was okay after all. Safe travels and have loads of fun on your vacation.

[@KeepingAfloatWiththeJoneses]

Thanks so much 💙💙

[@sul3340]

I am really glad that all worked out the Video title had me concerned for you two and your electrical system.

[@KeepingAfloatWiththeJoneses]

It was definitely a scare at first! We’re lucky it all panned out just fine 🙏

[@KonTikiBea]

I hope you had a GREAT time on Vacation!!! :)

[@KeepingAfloatWiththeJoneses]

Appreciate it!! 💙

[@connietinkham9311]

We had tornadoes in middle Tennessee from all the storms Wednesday night.

[@KeepingAfloatWiththeJoneses]

It was pretty wild huh?!

[@DunstanW]

Ohhh lawrd.... 👋🏾 what a start. I'll be back

[@DunstanW]

How did bear do at the kennel, I do wish she could've stayed home and someone come and stay with her. That storm did a number for sure, thankfully it wasn't $$$ cost to repair... Hope you all had a great time with family got some good R&R. 👋🏾 See yaaa

[@KeepingAfloatWiththeJoneses]

We think she did just fine 🩷 she was ready to come home but seemed healthy and well! Hopefully we can find a sitter for next time though 🙏 thanks so much!!

[@darlene4232]

I think the whole Western N.C got hit by same storm

[@KeepingAfloatWiththeJoneses]

Sounds like it!! 🙈

[@jthompson7467]

Where did you get the refrigerator for the house?

[@KeepingAfloatWiththeJoneses]

Ordered it! amzn.to/3UQ4Px9

[@johnrayman9882]

What type of system are yall using? My wife and I are curious about it and have considered solar power in the future.

[@KeepingAfloatWiththeJoneses]

we have 4 400w panels wired in series, 1.6kw, a solar generator (lithium iron phosphate batteries + charge controller + inverter all in one unit) plus two additional LiFePO4 battery packs for storage. all from ecoflow

[@johnrayman9882]

@@KeepingAfloatWiththeJoneses thank you for the info hope you had a great time at the beach!!!

[@nopenadaOG]

Spring blossoms are the best ❤

[@KeepingAfloatWiththeJoneses]

Absolutely 🌸

[@waderue]

and found this also for you guys Lightning strikes can damage solar panels, especially if the strike is direct. The heat from a lightning bolt can melt or shatter panels, and the electrical surge that accompanies the strike can damage the photovoltaic cells. Indirect strikes are more common and less severe but can cause a high-voltage surge that damages the panels, inverter, and other system components. so I am thinking a strike that is close can set the system off like it did

[@sissylou1973]

❤️🫶🏻💪🏼😊

[@johnqpublic691]

My spouse and I said we wouldn’t mind house sitting there and after the lightening storm and needed a reset to restore power, we’d still be in the dark. Brandon’s explanation of what happened was great.

[@salscycleshop3416]

What a beautiful location for Iko!!

[@KeepingAfloatWiththeJoneses]

We think she did just fine there 💚🌲

[@audiomxr]

super interesting vlog

[@KeepingAfloatWiththeJoneses]

Glad you enjoyed!!

[@lovepickingnc9313]

I’m so glad that the lightning didn’t fry y’all’s system!

[@KeepingAfloatWiththeJoneses]

We lucked out!! 🙏

[@lovepickingnc9313]

I would suggest grounding your home, maybe y’all have. I know you move your home in summer and winter, or spring and fall. I’m farther east.

[@patriotcynthia7849]

If I’d known in advance I’d love to hang out with Aiko for s vay-cay. Compared to Lake Borman the solitude would be heavenly. Keep in mind for next year! Have fun. Remember sunscreen!!

[@patriotcynthia7849]

Lake Norman.

[@AllensAutomotiveReparations]

Given the amount of rain you all get there is there not some sort of a Dingy boat house /carport you can build of your deck to get them under to help mitigate the flooding and exposure to the elements?

[@KeepingAfloatWiththeJoneses]

No 🫤 if we covered an area outside of our dock, it would be considered additional square footage added onto the house, which is not allowed. Only way to do it is to cut that space into our existing dock, taking away from what little dock space we do currently have

[@AllensAutomotiveReparations]

@@KeepingAfloatWiththeJoneses What about an awning if it is attached to your existing structure / deck but hangs out over the water is that considered additional square footage as well?

[@KeepingAfloatWiththeJoneses]

Yep, unfortunately that would be considered additional square footage as well. Silly rules I know!

[@AllensAutomotiveReparations]

I'm sure they are there to mitigate people from building water mansions or mini islands of their own. Guess the only other choice is a bimini top for the dinghy's then LOL@@KeepingAfloatWiththeJoneses

[@KeepingAfloatWiththeJoneses]

Hahah bimini top would def not keep rain out in most of our storms! But that’s ok. Bailing water out is kind of like mowing the yard (but way less hassle and time) - just another chore you get used to & expect to need to do periodically! 👌

[@waderue]

see in the car she is taking in all the new smells and things to see so she did not stress as much as excited to go and she is with you

[@Wandering_whatsnext]

Y’all deserve a good vacation. I bet you’re happy to be back with Iko 🐾🤍🖤

[@KeepingAfloatWiththeJoneses]

it was SO hard to leave her! almost considered not going 😆 it was a happy reunion!!