That is nice too, just being away. But I guess I am a little paranoid that something bad will happen and no one will be able to contact me.
Grandma died one year while I was off on a vacation and they did not want to tell me because they did not want to ruin my vacation. Then dad told mom she better tell me or I would never forgive her(I would of course).
So that is the story.....I just feel better having it.
Maybe it is time I get over my paranoia
Of course mom will be with me and hubby and dad will have hotel contact number, but with hubby being a firefighter and dad just getting old, I worry about them.

 

I know the feeling. Last year I attended MOTD during the time my mother was going through cancer treatments. The day after my return I took her in for surgery. I had been taking care of her since the beginning of that year, and that was my first length of time away, especially at any sort of distance. I was worried sick as well as dealing with my own injuries and being off of work on disability at the time. Needless to say, the chances I had to use the phone and check up on her were quite welcome. I could never completely relax and enjoy myself like I would ordinarily, however, that weekend did so much for my well-being.

Things are different now. I should be able to really enjoy myself this year. Plus, to top it off, mom wants to come along. :smile:

 

Is that like when I forget to re-charge it and leave it in my purse for days and never remember that its dead?

Hugs,
PB

 

Oh sure! and for those of you who do not know Mr. Electronics Gadget himself I believe he goes to bed with his blue tooth, connected to everything, gotta have every gizmo self plugged directly into the internet!!!

But, nice try Mr. President

 

You mean like the girl I walked behind on the way home from class who felt the need to tell the whole world "OH MY GOD.. AND I WAS LIKE TALKING TO JASON LAST NIGHT.. NO.. NO..YEAH.. HIM... WELL WHATEVER... HE WAS TOTALLY..."

on second thought, this could be a good thing

 

Hi All,
Just to let you know that i have 2 sets of Radio's (2 old ish MOTO's and 2 new Midland 10mile) i will bring all of them down. so if anyone need to use them let me know....

Scott

 

I can and DO turn things off once and a while, and not just when I need to reboot something!

 

When Talking into the radio, you not have to have the radio right up to you lips for it to pick up your voice. we have dubed it "Do not eat the talk-about". hold it 6 to 12 inches away from yout mouth and speak clear (like the directions say, infact read the directions!!). its easy.

i enjoy not having a cell phone all weekend, and when i get to robinsville on the way home, my voice mail box gets full...lol i could call out from the lookout, but it was only to make fun of the people that where not with us, and the fact that i was standing on top of a mountain!

have a good day all!:smile:

 

I wonder if we'll see the whole Caravan on their cells at the same time once we get back into cell reception zone during the drive home. I can just picture 40 MINIs on the highway with people all checking their voicemail from the past four days...

 

A man who admits to being a turn-off? OMG OMG OMG!


Clover

 

A headset of some sort is recommended as well. My radios came with little ear buds with an inline microphone. The length of cord from the earbud to the microphone is about the right speaking distance. It keeps the microphone within grasp, and it is easy to do as well while driving.

Seems easier to hear as well, though it leaves your passengers in the dark.

 

Don't Panic

 

I kinda figured that my passanger would be doing all the talking. That keeps me free to drive. I have trouble talking on the cell while driving a stick shift.

But not to worry, dad bought me a headset, for my cell, for Christmas, now I can talk and drive, WOW!

 

btw: there's 2 tin cans & a wire strung between the "crossroads of time" & the "overlook" for road updates

 

Radio Shack has a very good set. It's a little expensive (~$25), but definitely worth it. Plus, they have a couple of different models, so you'll likely find one to work with your brand. Just ask the nice salesperson if you could open up a set to check compatibilty with your radio!

-Paul!

 

I bought some Cobra radios from Wal-Mart ($50 or so for the pair). They each came with headsets (ear buds with inline microphone). I actually hear better with the bud in, and I can continue to listen to the XM.

 

While you're driving, especially on and near the Dragon, it's never a good idea to be on the phone. Once you get there, you'll see what I mean. I can barely chew gum and drive the Dragon at the same time...it takes all my concentration not to fall off the mountain(s)!
Night-time's a whole different danger up there. It gets dark up there....I mean, inky black dark. There is no ambient light. I have driving lights and I consider them the bare minimum when driving at night.
Watch out for critters while zooming around, too.

 

Yeah, driving lights are a VERY good idea for night-driving at the Dragon! It is in the forested mountains of the Smokies! :smile:


Clover

 

^^^^^ Magnaflows are really good for scaring the critters off the road

 

I just picked up the set of 2 Motorola GMRS radios at Dicks Sporting Goods. on sale for 50, then a 15$ rebate. not bad at all... supports sub channels, 7 mile range, etc.

Patrick

 

I did too! Thanks to who ever posted the tip last week. ****'s are new to Chicagoland. I wouldn't have gone there if you hadn't posted the heads up.

 

cool radios, eh?

 

so wait a minute... you mean to tell me no-one has a cell tower attached to the roof otheir MINI? At the very least someone should be able to rig a repeater and make sure they stay in the middle fo the pack so our phone would work....

You mean to tell me I won't be able to stay in communication with my office?

Damn.... I guess I will have to only stay for a month instead of the planned 4 days

 

What about Direcway satellite internet? Anyone got one we could setup wifi for the weekend?

 

OK, for those of you who can't wait, the MOTDRR (Minis on the Dragon Roving Reporter) files the following report:

- The MCCI folks (Tom and Cheryl) are celebrating Cinco de Mayo. With a Gallon of Tequila. Celebrating Hard. MINITENCAN.
- Matt from AZ was showing off pics of the first MINI he ever rolled. I say first since it seems he is the kind of guy who might roll more. Sweet.
- Whalen was showing off his new "Wing" hat. Imagine a regular, discreet MINI hat, in black. With wings. Imagine that.
- Greg the Aussie is here, wearing 5 layers of clothes because he is not used to the 'cool' climate. 45 and rainy. Big whoop.
- Ryan's mom is in bed. Alone.
- Ryan is on the couch, watching the tool races on the Discovery Channel. Sober.
- Loren was re-reading the MINI service manual. In case he missed something the first time.

The rain has slowed some speeds down, fortunately. And it got dark tonite. Tomorrow is another day. I will report then. Until such time, be cool. We are Motoring for you.

JPS

Adios from the Dragon....