shhQuiet

This is my old girl Oreo, my constant companion:

If you mean on the Calyx, there are no caps, it is unlimited. I have AT&T on my phone and I've been using that as a hotspot, but the idea here is that between AT&T and T-Mobile, maybe one of them will have a signal. Plus I want to have the Oliver with a more "permanent" hotspot so when I leave with my phone, it will continue to have a connection. Ultimately, I may setup a security camera and be able to use my phone to check it while I'm out and about.

Everybody has to do what they think is best for themselves, for sure. According to Calyx: The link there has a copy of the IRS determination...

I love the extra faucet and dedicated shower, that definitely has me thinking... 🤔

When I was staying at DeSoto State Park, I met a couple that were traveling in a SpaceCraft 5th wheel, pulled by a heavy-duty truck. I was talking to them about their internet provider and they told me about Calyx Institute. I have done quite a bit of research on this and thought I would provide a little info here for people that might be interested in mobile high-speed internet. Disclaimer: I have not yet received or tested the device, but I will update this thread to let everyone know my experience. I am not connected with Calyx Institute in any way. So, the interesting thing about this organization (I don't call them a "company") is that they are a non-profit. If you make a donation, you will receive a WiFi hotspot device and a SIM that operates with the T-Mobile network "for free" for 12 months. In fact, the company I work for even made a matching contribution to them when I provided my receipt. They are based in New York as a registered charity. If you are interested in learning more about their charity work, check out their website: https://calyxinstitute.org/ I joined at the "sustainer" level, which will get me a 4G/5G Hotspot device and 1 year of service for a donation of $750. Subsequent years of service require a donation of $500. There are lower levels of membership that start at $500/$400. They have been doing this since 2010, so I think they will be around for a while. You can do your own research about the organization - I haven't found anything negative about them or anything that suggests they are not 100% legitimate.

Episode 7:

Episode 6:

Episode 5:

Episode 4:

My 2023 has 2 x 320Ah for a total of 640Ah, I guess the capacity has improved very slightly. Very happy with it. If I'm boondocking and use a minimal amount I will consume about 10-12% of my capacity per day if it is overcast and I have no solar coming in. This typically includes: lights running the fan some occasional water pump running my CPAP off DC all night inverter to make coffee X 3 Inverter sometimes for a minute or two of microwave inverter to power television and DVD player to watch a 2+ hour movie at night.

I have been using what3words for a while now, and it is really high resolution, down to a 3 meter area. I have a Motorola Defy, which uses a satellite, but I'm not sure how quick the response would be vs. having cell service and using 911. But would highly recommend what3words.

I don't recall any sort of warning or different sound from the lock. I would think that if it doesn't have the juice to unlock it would refuse to lock. I haven't looked it up in the lock instructions, but I agree, it is disappointing.

There are pit toilets about a half mile from this location but no water. There are 14 campsites in the NF and they are really spread out. I learned a hard lesson here- the battery on my RVLock keyless entry apparently died when I went out for a lunch hike one day and I had to get a locksmith from Auburn, AL to come out and pick the lock. ($200). Now I'm keeping a key in my truck!

Tuskegee National Forest in Alabama. Free!

This is a great idea! Ordered some film today...

Agree about the potatoes and the microwave rice... Sometimes I'm just not hungry and I'll have some ramen noodles- reminds me of the hungry school days! Another favorite of mine is the hot dog, or "tube steak" 🤣 with a slice of cheese melted on there.

Episode 3 has been posted:

Thanks! I'm still learning, but it's fun to do!

Episode 2:

I'm keeping a video diary of my travels in the Oliver. This first episode is my trip to Hohenwald to pickup the Oliver and the first few days camping in it.

I would love to make this trip! It's on my list once I pull the trigger and retire. Please keep us updated on how well the Oliver does on the Alaska highway. I've heard it is pretty rough through Canada, especially.

Being able to pop back to the Oliver while on the road, turn on the A/C and have lunch is priceless! IMG_4316.mov

Got a nicer pin, but didn’t see the one with the red handle at the Tractor Supply in Hohenwald. Still, this one has a handle and the pin has a handle, too.

I will get one tomorrow!

I’m hunkered down in scattered showers at Camp Oliver right now. Ryan did a great job with the delivery and I’m completely overwhelmed! The big stuff I’ve got covered but the little details are just going to take time.