...seriously.

I had a crazy day at work and couldn't check the "Where's the MINI" site all day -- and I'm so grateful for the distraction!! I checked the site first thing this morning (and like 7 times since then) and it looks like the kids are in the tropics!

I hope my little guy doesn't get a sunburn... Good thing I got that sunroof!

 

We haven't got the stencil thing yet, but came across this a few weeks ago and considered getting one..

http://new.minimania.com/web/Item/SI.../InvDetail.cfm

Anyway, we did get our stubby antenna yesterday, so we have our first mini-mod ready to go.

 

Oooh, what stubby antenna?

 

Maybe this? http://new.minimania.com/web/AddedFr.../InvDetail.cfm

 

We got ours from:

http://www.outmotoring.com/mini-coop...y-antenna.html

But basically the same thing. It's quite small.

 

Does it go towards the front of the roof or the back? I would have imagined it as making sense towards the back, but that photo implies otherwise. Do my eyes deceive me?

(We're getting closer!!!)

 

Does our arrival date for Panama mark the beginning of the track through the canal, or the end of it? And can somebody post as soon as they see us on AISLive or some other new site?

Thanks... :-)

-poopmonkey

 

So, after scouring the site for yet another way to track our friend Isolde, I've made a discovery. (and yes, I should be grading papers but I'm not.)

Isolde has been moving quickly, and is now scheduled to head into the canal around 2pm on the 1st. Check out the "Southbound Arrivals" a little way down this page for that info. http://www.boydsteamship.com/daily_traffic_report.htm
(WW also reflects the date change... still says the 10th for Oxnard, though)

According to the other thread, this will change frequently, so feel free to check back when you read this. Maybe we'll even show up on AIS soon!

 

Uh-oh, I've just realized that I've committed to spending the weekend (through late Monday) away from a computer. This means no active stalking through the glorious webcam-laden canal. In fact, I sadly imagine that I'll miss the entire passing. :-(

Any chance one or more of you out there is willing to take at least one screen shot per canal lock? I've been taking loads of screen shots with the intention of making an iMovie (only my second movie, so no grand promises) once I have anticipation + resolution photos and videos. Clearly, the movie wouldn't be complete without the trip down the canal!!

Ever hopeful,
poopmonkey

 

I will be near a computer off and on during the weekend (and tomorrow) and I'll be taking some screen shots - assuming I can actually time things to watch her go through any of the lockes. I just won't be near a computer from 2:30 Fri until 10pm ish (well, I do have a new blackberry - maybe I'll figure it out on there - not likely) , and if my in-laws have their wireless working then I'll be ok for Sat....my DH laughed at me when I insisted I had to bring the laptop to watch Isolde go through the lockes. Payment for that laugh is no ride in Tristan for a while (let alone drive it)!!!

 

[quote=club(wo)man;2012343]
Isolde has been moving quickly, and is now scheduled to head into the canal around 2pm on the 1st. Check out the "Southbound Arrivals" a little way down this page for that info. http://www.boydsteamship.com/daily_traffic_report.htm
(WW also reflects the date change... still says the 10th for Oxnard, though)
quote]

That looks like it means it is arriving on the 1st about 2pm, but the transit date isn't until the 2nd in the AM. (and should we freak out about the NOT BOOKED notation?!?!?!) and the 48-72 hour wait. Yikes!

Then looking further, the 2nd - 6th is Carnival holiday (who the heck lets banks get that many days off!?) and that site will be closed. We're really going to have to keep an eagle eye out on those cameras.

And yes, I'm laughing at myself for thinking I know anything about vessel shipping and how it all works. I just really, really, really want to watch the Isolde go through at least ONE locke and get a screen shot!

done ranting... thanks for listening

 

Okay, Thanks for being able to read that chart better than I did... I check again, and we're booked now, for the morning of the 2nd. We're rated number 5... maybe that means we're going through in the 5th slot? COOL!

 

I hope you can get some good pics of the ISOLDE traversing the canal. I had the advantage of the MADAME BUTTERFLY going through the canal on December 30th, a Sunday. Once it starts you can not let 15 min pass without checking on it. Best of luck. Again, my pics are in my gallery.

 

Hopefully with many of us checking the site we'll manage to get something! First one to see the Isolde get a prize! (OK - the prize is getting to see her, but hey!)

 

At 8:50 PST isolde already appears in the central america area
http://aisfree.aislive.com/Influx.as...ean%20Overview

 

Thanks for that! Appreciate everyone's efforts to keep us informed. Have to keep excitement down. It has been a 25 month wait now, almost over. Must stay healthy for OTTO.
My family is sooo tired of hearing my updates. I know they'll be pacing at the dealership on that day looking at me like I really don't need another car. Usually they blame my husband. Not his fault! I just love cars and the MINI has been a dream for many years.

 

Thanks for getting that out there. I saw it about 20 minutes ago and then have spent the time since then figuring out how to get my work laptop to create an image, then I didn't have my password to this site, then... then... it was a comedy of errors here. Luckily my boss didn't walk up during any of it!

How long do you think until we should start checking the Gatun Lock picture site???

 

Also, I know it's been posted here before somewhere, but in case you're wondering what the Isolde looks like (making it that much easier to spot it in the Panama Canal pictures), here is a photo of it.



And here is a screen shot of the AIS approach for those who don't see it if you click the link live.



Dang it - these aren't coming out. Must be because I'm on my work laptop. I'll see what I can do about it later. Sorry.

 

Oooooh, a photo of the ship would be AWESOME.

I saw the Isolde on AISLive about an hour ago, but it's since disappeared. I've been switching between AISLive, "Where's the MINI", and this site. What other sites are you guys obsessively refreshing today and tomorrow?

 

This link is the live cameras at the Panama Canal. Remember that it is Gatun locks first, then Centennial Bridge, then Miraflores Locks last (at least, that is what someone else posted somewhere and I've got it memorized that way)

http://www.pancanal.com/eng/photo/camera-java.html

Here's the link to the photo of the Isolde:

http://www.shipsandharbours.com/picture/number3262.asp

 

Has anyone done this? I have surf control stopping me at work..... sheesh, like I should be working when my Tristan is close to a camera!

 

It is back now!
http://aisfree.aislive.com/Influx.as...ama%20Overview
11:12 PST

 

Ok, i'm attaching 2 pics check the ship named NYK GALAXY at the same time it was approaching to the gatun locks in AIS It was already in the gatun locks in real time so i assume it would be good to start checking the locks when isolde appears more or less at the same distance.

 

THANK YOU for sending the link to the photo. Now I'm giggling and jumping out of my skin and the people around me are confused.

 

"They're coming to take me away ha ha. They're coming to take me away hee hee...ha ha..hee hee....."