Before I left Yukon I bought a new GPS to replace the one that was stolen out of my last weekend. On the new one, I decided to use the security PIN option. Every time I turn on the unit on it asks me for a four-digit code. The unit also allows you to set a “reset point” which is a GPS coordinate that you can drive to and reset your unit’s code. I suspect a lot of people use their driveway — I didn’t, since that’s where mine was stolen from — but I did use one in Yukon.

This morning I hit the road around 4am. I flipped on the GPS, groggily punched in my code and got “Invalid Pin!” and that was it. I waited for a second chance. Nothing. I turned it off and back on. “Invalid Pin!” I searched the unit for a reset button. I shook it. I cursed it. “Invalid Pin!” I’m ~800 miles from Yukon; driving back to my GPS unlock coordinate is out of the option, at least today.

After the cobwebs cleared, I realized that the unit was not turning off while it was still connected to power. After disconnecting the power cord I was at least given a second chance to enter my pin, which I did. VERY. CAREFULLY.

Back in business, and rolling east. Should hit Cleveland between 8 and 9am.

PS: Forgot to mention … bought a new FM Transmitter (for connecting the laptop to the radio in the car) and boy does it suck. I’ll be buying a-NOTHER during the trip, fo sho.