So are you saying that there is mobile coverage in the area? If so I'll have my bluetooth mobile wirelessly tethered to my Powerbook faster than you can say dial-up.

 

The nearest cell coverage is 20 or more minutes away in either Robbinsville NC or Maryville TN...

 

That sounds about right.

 

Micheal - I found coverage closer by leaving my cell charging in the car and pulling over whenever I heard my message chime - mostly at higher elevation - and still very spotty.

But hey - certainly an excuse for a cell free 4 days.

BTW we should warn Gabe that Maryville is pronounced much differently than it is spelled.

 

Wow, that's determination! Let me guess though you're using either Verizon or Sprint and not T-Mobile or Cingular (or some other GSM carrier).

With coverage that spotty, then the question becomes just how determined are you to make that call? And for Gabe, is there an available data connection to go along with it?

 

Murvul.....but I digress. Gabe and everyone else: part of the great Dragon Event experience is BEING OFF THE GRID! To not be tied to the 'net or to cellphones is really a wonderful experience. So go to the Dragon with the feeling of enjoying yourself without all the electronic gadgetry...other than what is part of your MINI!

 

And Laptop to download photo's from "Dig" camera

 

Well, of course, Scott! That goes without saying, doesn't it?

 

I just got Satellite Internet from wildblue.com. Maybe we can work out a deal with them to have them come and setup up a connection for the weekend.

I would say I could bring mine but to point the satellite to get the signal would be a little hard to do with out the right tools.

 

It's nice to be able to sit down and enjoy the sounds of nature and MINI's without having cell phones going off continually.

Wake up at Fontana about 6am and you hear the birds chirping, exhausts heading out to play and dew dripping from the trees. It beats the everyday cell phone ringing, horn blowing and traffic reports on the radio on the way to work.

 

Totally.......very well-put, SB!

 

birds chirp??

 

Remember the "Beer Swap" Thursday night at the MKO / OT cabin at Fontana Village. A good way to swap some brews, stories and kick the weekend off to a great start.

 

IMO, event organizers should be pressing this issue with them. It doesn't seem right to keep sending to much money to someone who's just going to lie to you like that...

If I remember correctly, the "promise" was just a way to pacify the people that wanted a connection setup for last year. Of course, this late in the game, with most of the rooms already full you've probably lost most, if not all of your bargaining power.

 

Maybe 20 minutes to the dragon if you know how to handle a MINI

In any case, it is a very FUN 20-25 minute drive!!!

 

Actually that deal was struck with Fontana a very long time before people asked any questions about connectivity for last year... However the announcement was delayed until the details were worked out...

As for pushing it for this year... well that's up to the organizers of this year's event...

 

And this issue/thread has been sent to the organizing committee for review.

 

JeffS, for those who must have internet connectivity, it is recommended that they make reservations at the Microtel, which provides internet connection. Hope that helps.

I personally find that I am more than refreshed by going into the Smokies to drive and visit with MINI friends in the beautiful forested area. I think it is relaxing to be disconnected from the electronic grid. I spend enough time online the rest of the year.

 

Edit. Never mind.

 

I used my cell phone last year...as an alarm clock. Our inn room didn't have a clock.


Another note to Gabe:
You might want to set up a meeting table. You're probably going to feel like a rock star while you're there!

 

 

 

Not sure about the table but it should be interesting

 

Now, that's the right attitude. We are taking the same approach from Pittsburgh.

 

Yup! Wut he sed!