I'm into the six month of solo driving in my long-haul trucking
"adventure"... this 32,000-lb. Freightliner tractor and 53-foot
refrigerated trailer combination isn't anything like a sailboat .. but the
aspects of "skippering" this beast across the United States loaded with up
to 23 tons of freight are every bit as challenging.
Staying in touch has been an exercise in frustration. I've continued my
local ISP service in Boise so both the Potter web site and my personal web
site could stay intact. I also subscribed to ATT Worldnet so I would have a
multitude of "local" access numbers around the U.S. available to me as I
travel.
Additionally, I subscribed to a trucker's service called "Park and View"
which is carried at some 125 truck stops around the U.S. The service has
installed cable TV and telephone connections in dome-shaped cast iron
"bollards" bolted into the pavement of the truck parking stalls.
This service costs $30 a month. The idea is to provide cable TV and
telephone service into one's truck cab, by hooking into the bollard
connectors.
It seems like a good idea, but there are many problems. First, the stress
and rush of delivery deadlines imposed on the long-haul trucker prevents
staying at one's preferred stop ... too frequently I must bypass a PNV site
and run further down the road before I can stop.
Often, when I am able to stop at a PNV facility, the connection will be
damaged or out of service. Or there will be too much noise on the line for
good modem connection.
As far as getting modem access from inside the truck stop .. it generally
is not available. Virtually no phone or restaurant booth phone has
provision for a modem connection. Those few truck stops that have installed
"internet kiosks" charge upwards of 25c a minute for access, and the
service is browser-based and very, very slow.
The result has been that I've been able to find an email connection only a
few times a month, if that often. Tonight is one of those rare times.
So.. to the many good friends and kind souls who have sent email, I'm sorry
that I haven't been able to answer quickly, or at all .. be assured that
I've tried, and have been frustrated with poor connections and long delays.
We're still looking, and trying ..
In the meanwhile, may everyone have a joyous holiday season, a warm and
productive season of armchair sailing, and great comraderie among all.
Best regards...
Allen
WWP-15 "Poteet" @ Boise
Signet 20 "Rigel" @ Whidbey Island
Personal: http://www.lesbois.com/members/graybyrd/
Webmaster: http://www.lesbois.com/wwpotter/