It was 41 degrees this morning what’s wrong with Florida?
I spoke to Panama on the SSB the other day, it was good to hear some old voices and make sure the old SEA 225 was working, I’m sure its much warmer there.
Splendid now has her own WIFI system. Guin has educational things (learning games) that she uses the computer for and I’m always dealing with the website. I got a nice Linksys (B/G/N) wireless router on Craig’s list for $45. It works with our Ubiquity Bullet (http://www.ubnt.com/products/bullet.php) and now we have our own onboard WIFI system. It really is a great setup for the boat and all 12v. The funny thing is I’m always trying to get away from technology but it seems find its way into my home. I never thought I’d say this but I’d like to get an older iphone at some point. Skype makes an application for the iphone and we could have a phone on as long as we had a WIFI signal (no computer needed). I’m not so into having a phone but it’s good for Guin talking to her dad and Sam talking to her family. The cool thing about the iphone is we could also use it to check email and surf the internet without having to turn on the “power consuming” laptops. I’m also looking into wifi SKYPE phones. If any one has any comments on this technology please let me know.
I need to do some more fuel polishing. I don’t know if you guys remember but I made a mobile 170 GPH fuel polishing system a while back. I’m going to run all my fuel through a 2 micron filter before taking off. All i really have to do is install a mackpack (http://macksails.com/mackpack.htm), finish my mount for the jerry jugs, and get my weather fax working before we leave. I’m waiting for some asthma medication to come in the mail and hopefully it wont take more that 10 days.
With all this cold weather I’m thinking I may not do the northern Bahamas and head for the Exumas and George town. I’d like to be in George town for Guins birthday in March. I’m really done with the cold.
Charter tickets are still available at http://neo.projectbluesphere.com/Store.aspx. We call it a ‘Charter donation” because paypal doesn’t like the “raffle” verbiage.
Believe it or not I’ll have a video posted in a few days.
Cheers everyone.
Sail far and live slowly.
Alex
Published in Alex Dorsey
Alex,
Take a look at Google Voice. Its free and you can call anywhere at the same price as Skype but all you need is your cell phone – no computer. I’m now in San Francisco and call my mom in Canada free.
Check it out: http://www.google.com/googlevoice/about.html
our averagetemperature is 19-27 but i think it went to 30 today but predict snom again tonight. This is the coldest weather i remember and its awful.My sisters in south florida are using their heaters would love to talk to sam and guin–kisses
bubby,
post stuff for sam on sam’s log or feel free to send her an email. We don’t use a phone so email is the best.
The Skype WiFi phones are iffy at best.
You might want to look for an old PDA like an HP Ipaq Hx 4700 running windows mobile. Skype has had a working program for Windows Mobile 2003se/5 for several years now.
The Ipaq does not have a cell phone in it, but then you don’t really need that.
Bluetooth 1.1 and /B/ WiFi.
1800ma battery, and can be upgraded to a 3600ma battery.
CF & SD card readers, SDIO, 4″ touch screen, etc, etc.
A GPS can be installed through the CF card reader.
A used one should run you about $100 – $150.
I’ve had one running Windows Mobile 2003/5 since 2004 and I am extremely happy with it.
//$0.02
The iTouch works really well with the Skype app – you just need a headset, but quality is great and it does all the other things over wifi you’d like to do. If you aren’t using the cell network, then there’s no point getting the iPhone.
And S/V Koosh, the google voice thing is no use to Alex and similar cruisers because ubiquitous and cheap cellular coverage is uniquely a US thing. Where he’s going there ain’t no cell coverage and/or it’s prohibitively expensive. Skype over wifi is free wherever you can find a wifi connection, which Alex is pretty well set up for.
Cheers,
Chris
Don’t know if will be warmer in the Exumas of not. This cold front extends to T&C
Barry
Agitate your fuel tanks before you turn on the polishing system and you’ll get more of the crud out of them!
Regards,
Thomas
I’ve been using the skpe app with my Iphone for a few weeks now and it is awesome! Everyone is shocked when I tell them I am using Skype with my Iphone because the quality is just like cell service. Nice and warm in San Carlos MX…
Yea I agree with the iPod touch comment. I’m using one now and it’s great
as long as you have wifi. It doesn’t have a camera though and you
can’t see the video on skype. If the next version has a camera that would
be great. I havnt turned on my laptop but to only charge the iPod. All my
videos, music and pics right here. I even do my online banking, everything
without the monthly charges.
Don’t know if will be warmer in the Exumas of not. This cold front extends to T&C
Barry
Our high today in Tulsa is 12 degrees. Tonight it will be -2 degrees with a wind chill of minus 15 degrees. It’s cold everywhere right now, I Know. I just wanted to let you know that I CANT WAIT TO SEE YOU IN THE BAHAMAS. Not only that, I’m going to buy a raffle ticket so that maybe I can come and visit twice! I hate winter, in Tulsa. Looking forward to some winter, on Splendid, wherever you are, that is warm!
Hey Alex……. So cold here this morning I just wanted to touch base with ya. Here in Nashville Tennessee 13 degrees at 8:40 am Wind chill – 7 . Water temp 42 degrees. We live aboard but are still staying nice & warm with our marine HVAC units. These cruseairs are so great still produce heat when water temps reach 35 degrees. We are living large.
I just want it warm again. I have one pair of long pants and a sweater and a windbreaker… So now what. That’s all I needed in the past, but now, who knows. Off to Goodwill and get some sweatshirts and long socks. Glad you guys are enjoying the Garlic. It really is good stuff. So how long are you going to be by a mailing address? I should stock up the Garli Garni for you. Lol.
Stay warm!
Capt. Paul
s/v …
Capt Paul, we are all about the garlic chutny, I LOVE IT. We want the recipy so sam can make and can it?????
Stay warm and find a boat!!!1
Alex
great meeting you and family the otherday, have a cosy warm home. sailed outside to fortlauderdale sitting in lake silvia . got lucky out at 500 ft and landed 1 maui maui and 1 blackfin tuna. meat for a week . will take next window across, see you in pipe creek area on your way down exumas. have a rumm for stormy. ian on stormywheather
Hey Alex, Sam and Guin,
We’re in Vero beach right now after leaving Fernandina a couple of days ago. Did 185 offshore and tucked in at Canaveral, ICW to Vero yesterday. Making our way to the Exumas–heard it is in the 70’s, which they say is cold. HA. Got out of Fernandina just in time as they have had snow this morning.
We would like to get to the San Blas after reading all the good things you have to say about them. For now I’d settle for the Exumas. Not sure if we will try the Abacos or bag it and head south fast.
Have some repairs to do–would be nice to meet up with you and pay you for your knowledge and help. Also would like to meet you face to face, since I only know you online. Been following you since Maine–how long ago was that??
Anyway, we’ll keep in touch through your website, and hope to see you somewhere warm.
Eric and Cori
S/V Further
Islander Freeport 36
Hey Alex, Sam and Guin,
We’re in Vero beach right now after leaving Fernandina a couple of days ago. Did 185 offshore and tucked in at Canaveral, ICW to Vero yesterday. Making our way to the Exumas–heard it is in the 70’s, which they say is cold. HA. Got out of Fernandina just in time as they have had snow this morning.
We would like to get to the San Blas after reading all the good things you have to say about them. For now I’d settle for the Exumas. Not sure if we will try the Abacos or bag it and head south fast.
Have some repairs to do–would be nice to meet up with you and pay you for your knowledge and help. Also would like to meet you face to face, since I only know you online. Been following you since Maine–how long ago was that??
Anyway, we’ll keep in touch through your website, and hope to see you somewhere warm.
Eric and Cori
S/V Further
Islander Freeport 36
Ok Alex……..? Define a few days???? Winter is tough enough in the PNW without a lack of blusphere videos from the warm south. HAHA! Looks like another Freeport made it to the other side!
What isthe latest on Darrin, he’s been quite lately. Not to take anything away from you, but we got use to hearing from him, when he was working on your boat so much. Is he working on his new boat or what, Just wondered. I wish you the best in 2010, and that everything goes as planned with your up coming trip. I wish I was there, I must be the one to stay back and take care of family. I look forward to your new videos and updates, keep them coming, show us what’s out there thru the best web site on earth. Thank you Alex, your great.
We’ve been using a PSP 3000 as a Skype phone. You can get them used and they have Skype installed, wifi, a basic browser and a built in speaker and microphone. You can also use earbuds if you prefer.
…and you can play games :)
We should put a review on our blog at some point.