We pulled out of Mountain Family RV this morning. Staying with the crew there was fun but we are heading northwest toward our eventual rendezvous with friends at the International Rally. So it was time to start moving again.

I forgot to mention that practically next door to Mountain Family RV is a famous old hot springs resort, called Steamboat Springs. This part of Nevada is riddled with hot springs, and this resort is a great example of the old-time style that went with “taking the waters.” I can imagine dropping off an Airstream for service at the dealership and then riding over to the mineral baths for a relaxing soak. We didn’t do it only because we were busy … although I have to admit a $16 bath seemed a bit expensive.

A blog reader asked today to tell a bit more about our wi-fi range extender. I’m using the Linksys WRE54G. It’s about $90, and I’ve seen them at Staples, OfficeMax, and Wal-Mart. It needs AC power, which is a shame, but otherwise I love it. You just take it within range of the wi-fi hotspot you want to extend, press one button, and it locks onto that network. Blue lights on the top tell you when it is locked on. That’s it. The wi-fi hotspot will appear exactly as it should, only with a strong signal. With this, I can easily get onto networks that would otherwise be out of range in my trailer.

The only catch other than the need for AC power is that it doesn’t work very well with encrypted networks. It can be done, but it’s a pain. I recommend it only for extending networks that are “open” (unencrypted). I’m using the repeater today, since my Sprint cellular Internet system doesn’t work here, and Rich’s Verizon Internet system is working.

Where is “here”, you ask? We are in a very nice campground at about 5,000 feet on the north shore of Lake Almanor, under towering ponderosa pine trees. The lake is a striking blue (from a distance), ringed by green mountains with snowy caps. The water in the lake is frigid, of course, but who cares? It’s beautiful. We were going to stay one night, but since we have Internet and phone, we’ll probably stay longer. I’ve got work to do but at least Eleanor, Emma, and Rich C can have fun. Right now they are at the water launching boats made of driftwood. I’ll join up tonight for the cookout.