Well no WIFI for the past few days, result, ‘no updates.
We made nearly 70 miles yesterday. We anchored in a nice, but buggy anchorage last night. Sam and I decided to make Shepard’s pie for dinner and used TVP (Textured Vegetable Protein) with beef bullion instead of beef. We added mushrooms, carrots, peas, and of course mashed potatoes. It was really good and lo in fat as we used soymilk in the potatoes and no butter.
Today it’s motoring, motoring, motoring, YUCK! This is going to turn out to be quiet the expensive trip as far as fuel is concerned. I guess it’s just that time of year. I miss the trade winds of the South Pacific.
Sam and Guin are studying and doing word games, math, and art projects during the day. We placed a bid on a Calvert Kindergarten package on eBay. They normally run just under $600 bucks, I’m hoping we get this one for $200.. When you look at everything included in a Calvert package it’s quite impressive how comprehensive it is.
We plan on anchoring in
I’m planning on beefing up my WIFI. I have the ALPHA adapter, but check out what this guy did with it. I’m going to contact him and see if he can help me build one:
http://www.theconchhorn.com/DreamCatcher/post/More-Power-!.aspx
Cheers from the “Ditch”
Sail far and live slowly.
– Alex
Alex, take a look at this setup.
http://sea-trek.blogspot.com/search/label/WiFi%20Adapter%20For%20The%20Boat%20Revisited
It would work with you Alfa as well. I have been using the the Alfa with a 9 dbi rubber duck antenna for a year with very good success.
Barry
Hey Alex and Family,
I have been enjoying your log for a long time. Its great to see you on the move again I hope you all have a great trip.
Dean in NJ
GOOD TO HEAR OF YOUR PROGRESS—-I AM PLEASED TO KNOW ABOUT THAT TIME IS BEING SPENT ON TEACHING GUIN–AUNT JOAN IE JUST RETIRED AS A KNDERGARTEN TEACHER-SHE COULD HELP IF NEEDED–SHE WAS SO LOVED THAT HER CLASS PLANTED A TREE IN FRONT OF THE SCHOOL -A BENCH WITH A PLAQUE WITH HER NAME ON—GLAD YOUR STARTING TO MOVE NORTH–BUBBY
Alex, I was the nut waving at you at the 206 bridge just south of St. Augustine. I uploaded a pic I took to here:
http://www.jimfletcherphotography.com/images/splendid5049co.jpg
I was following you on Spot and that particular spot is very close to my home here. Wasn’t a good place for picture taking into the late afternoon sun. Anyway, hope you enjoy St. Augustine.
Fletch,
that is soooo cool!
We are going to bum around St Augustine tomorrow and show Guin the sites. Thanks for taking the picture:)
– Alex, Sam, and Guin
Alex,
We use Kolbe Academy. It’s really affordable, and they work with you in every way. They’re really great! My daughter just finished up first grade and we just got her test scores back…..the lowest she tested was in science (4th grade level), and the highest was in literature and comprehension (10 grade level). We’re beyond proud of her, and very impressed!!. Looking forward to using their program this year.
Alex,
We use Kolbe Academy. It’s really affordable, and they work with you in every way. They’re really great! My daughter just finished up first grade and we just got her test scores back…..the lowest she tested was in science (4th grade level), and the highest was in literature and comprehension (10 grade level). We’re beyond proud of her, and very impressed!!. Looking forward to using their program this year.
JFD
is it an “online school” or “offline”. Obviously we need offline as we don’t always have a connection. I’ll have Sam check it out though.
offline….search out kolbe academy and it should pop up with the link….based out of california. I would have to look back, but it’s not anymore than about two hundred or so. You can add other resources,..anything really, just let them know so they can log it. You don’t have to use all their books or anything…..you can substitute or forego certain things…all up to you….they work with you.
Hi Alex and family,
St Augustine is such a wonderful city. HIstory galore and the best thing is that it doesn’t seem like a tourist trap. Anchor by the Bridge of Lions if possible right, outside of the Fort. Alex, if you need anyhting while your there, just give me an email or ring and I will have my son, who lives there going to college, (and who has heard of you and watched your videos), pick you or anything up. You should still have my phone number.
Peace
Thanks for the offer. We are only going to stay today, maybe tomorrow and see a few things. We havent been ashore yet but the vibe seems really nice.
Cheers.
Alex
Here’s my 2 cents on WiFi. The problem usually isn’t the power of the transmitter but the fact that a) WiFi radio was engineered to suck at long distances, and b) the antenna rigs that come from the factory suck.
A legal, 1 watt amplified router (such as the one from Bountiful,) can be adapted to incorporate a parabolic antenna which should convert the rig into a directional transmitter/receiver. Most times you can literally take a used DirecTV type dish, mount the antennas on the receiver arm and get way better signal. You tube is full of videos on how to do this, just do a search for it.
Of course there may be a good reason you didn’t go this route. Either way, good luck with it.
the directional antennas don’t work so well on a boat at anchor. we tried alex’s “cantenna” in ft.myers beach and it kinda sucked because we were always moving with the wind/current. although, if you can convince a crew member to hold the antenna at a certain angle while you surf the web, you’re golden!
:-P
i have varnishing to do!
arrrgh!
Hello You beautiful people…It is Uncle Matt. I am having so much fun showing everyone I know this website. You are living the life. Miss you guys.