Hit or miss
Our internet access while transiting the Potomac was so “hit or miss.” The lack of blog updates was definitely not due to lack of desire to post. I actually have a sprained finger from clicking “connect” so many times on the computer. Seriously though, it seems as if our Wi-fi amp must have died while in St. Clements Bay on the trip up (Rebecca killed it but we won’t blame her).
There is only one thing that I intend to purchase at the upcoming boat show, if it is available, and that is another Wi-fi system. I’m not sure which one, but that is on the MUST BUY list. Just ask Rebecca… when I don’t have web access she goes and hides in the dinghy!
This area has been a “black hole” of internet for us. Even in places like where we are now, Solomans Island, where there are free connections, we are struggling.
ZTC, meet ZYC (Zahniser’s Yacht Club).
Use of Dinghy dock = $3.00. Hollywood Shower (also $3.00) = PRICELESS!
A suggestion for marina towns… when cruisers go shopping, they don’t want to find only high-priced specialty food stores. How about a real grocery store within walking distance?
A fish hydrant? No comment.
Mike and Rebecca, how long are you going to be in Annapolis? I’m driving up on 10/07 for the boat show. If you are still in the area we can grab a beer somewhere. I went out solo sailing yesterday and tried you on the VHF, but you were probably out of range already.
We will be around for the boat show although I’m not certain where we’ll have our boat. Give us a shout (do you have our phone number?) and we’ll see if we can hook up.
We have been about a week behind you down to Annapolis, We saw your mast supports at Hop-O-Nose and have been following your blog ever since. This is our first time down the ICW also and hope to spend the winter in the Bahamas this year. If you are at the Boat show on Sat stop at the SSCA booth between noon and 3, we will be manning it.
Hey guys
That is so cool that you saw our mast supports there and then looked up our blog. 🙂
We will definitely be at the boat show. Are you heading the the SSCA Gam this weekend?
Not sure if we will be at the GAM, prior commitments. We are staying at Petrinis shipyard on Spa Creek until after the show when we will join the migration South. How far up the creek are you guys anchored? Have you been to Davis Pub at the end of Fourth St and Back Creek in Eastport, it’s a good place for a cold one.
Once I got my 64 GB iPadG3 with the smallest AT&T plan they offer, my angst and frustration about WiFi simply vanished. Normally I leave both the WiFi and the Cell Connection turned off so the poor little iPad is not straining constantly to connect when it need not. When I want to do something involving the outside world, I open up the WiFi connection switch. Nothing there that is an unlocked site? No problem, I open up the cell phone connection switch and voila, a connection. When I am done, I shut them both off again.
As you gradually learn from other cruisers the capabilities of your new Ham set, your lack of connection to the internet will fade somewhat, but not completely. Once you have explored the limitations of Ham Radio internet connections, you will find yourself with a Sat Phone for quick internet connections, when you are beyond the reach of cell towers.
Ham Radio is great for keeping loosely in touch with your cruising community. A Sat Phone with bursts of internet connection will keep you loosely in touch with the rest of the world.
Your mileage may vary.
John Foster
Blueberry, Nonsuch 22 sail #48
John… if you keep talking about that iPad you are going to make me cry. 🙁
There are some newer, cheaper sat phones coming out that may definitely fill a gap.
Glad to hear you are back on the move. While you are out there, check out Jupiter in the evening (east) or morning (west) sky. With binoculars you can see all 4 of her moons!
Will do.
Ah,on the move again. I don’t know if I will get to Annapolis or not. I’m checking out a boat in Va, and another right here in Ohio. I’ve been in communication with the broker in Va., and the boat is the same one that was for sale last year. She looks to have been seriously overloaded, and is now in the hands of a young man who is using her as a place to live, but seems not to have much interest in sailing her. Now I’m looking for financing, since I took such a loss on my house.
Good luck Helen!
Mike,
I bought an iPad on leave and LOVE it.!
I have Kuwait ZAIn internet here and pug my Cellular modem into my cradlepoint 3G/4G Router and set up a Hotspot!
Hows the cantenna been working?
The Wifi Amp?..Are you talking about your N3?
The Alfa AWUS036H is a great Wifi Adapter and cost $25 U.S. internet mail-order
Doug:
re: iPad: JEALOUS!
re: Cantenna: Yes, working, until the amp (N3) died 🙁
re: alpha: we may go that way.
When we were in Solomons this summer we anchored behind the Holiday Inn and used their WiFi. We also ate at the Four Winds Cafe one day and were told that even if they were closed we were welcome to use their WiFi (including the outlets on their side porch).
If I recall correctly I tried to use Zahnhiser’s (while at anchor) and I think I had to hold my computer up in the air, like I was offering it to the Gods, in order to get a full connection.
Life on board a boat is never boring.
I admit to having held my computer (or antenna) up in the air too when struggling for wifi.