Dec 16th – Technology Hell!

It was an early start to the day as both Kevin and Theresa had early meetings at the same time that required reliable power, internet and phone connections. Connectivity has been spotty on this trip with various alternatives that have been tried in the last few weeks. Campgrounds generally have some access to wifi with a code you enter. The reliability varies depending on how far you are from the router and how many folks are using the same access to download, check email, facebook, or use the web for video. The second level of wifi is to use a 4g Verizon Mifi that Theresa got from her employer to use on the trip. This was very generous, but has not been very reliable for more than one device and frequently drops the connection without warning (typically in the middle of a emeeting with screen share). The last resource is a Verizon 3G mifi that has been tried and true for many trips in the past few years but on this trip it has had trouble with emeetings as well as Google Hangouts. Last Monday Theresa had a similar issue with emeetings and connectivity, she is wandering if this is a Monday thing or something with Verizon. Back to the day as it unfolds...., Kevin is up early ready for his early calls on his new assignments for Asponte Technologies (same Co as Theresa). Theresa is soon to follow and starts the day by preparing some coffee, toast and yogurt. She happened to have the toaster, coffee pot and microwave on at the same time that the furnace kicked in and then yes … you guessed it …. everything quit! Kevin scurried about the RV checking the plugs for a GFI (while cursing at the timing). Theresa quickly pulled out the 12 inch – 25lb file of manuals for the RV systems. She was able to page thru the Owners manual to the Electrical Systems section and began to read about the GFI locations as well as the fuses and circuits. The circuit breakers were located adjacent to the battery compartment, so the team marched outside in the dark (this was before 7am) with a flashlight in hand determined to find the failing power point. Admittedly Kevin was heard to say he was 'ready to give up and go home if something else was broken on the $%*#@*%& RV!' Thank goodness the circuit breaker was easily identified and one of the 3 breakers had been thrown off. A simple flip to the ON position was all it took to restore full power to the coach. Both Kevin and Theresa thought Ron Clayton would be proud that RFM (Reading the Frecking Manual) did indeed work in this particular situation! With all power resumed, Theresa was careful to use no more than 2 kitchen appliances at once to avoid further outages. As the meeting times approached Kevin attached the PC to the campground wifi and the MAC to the 4g mifi. Theresa connected her MAC to the campground first as it had proved fairly reliable the previous night. The meetings began and so did the challenges. Theresa not only had the emeeting crash several times but also had a very poor connection on the phone line as well (not related to her issues, thank goodness). She ended up connecting to the 3g Mifi to finish out her meeting. Several other meetings were unsuccessful due to connectivity so it was time to give up for the day and go for a stress relief walk. Figuring out a reliable connection will be top priority when we get settled into a campsite in CA. On another front Kevin had a very positive discussion with a person from Medicaid to get his sister on several waiting list for some much needed assistance. Exhausted from the frustrations of the day, Zin was taken for a much needed walk and then the couple made several calls to family to inform them of the days accomplishments and the next days plans. Tomorrow is our arrival in CA! Only 280 miles left! Reservations have been made at an RV Resort (they call them resorts if they have a pool) 2 blocks from Theresa's Mom's place. This will be very convenient and we were able to get a discount on the camp fee with Passport America.