Want to follow the 2006 Capitol Christmas Tree online as it makes its 4,300 mile trek from Seattle, Washington to Washington, D.C.? Starting today, visitors can go to www.trackthetree.com
to see the exact map location of the tree, a 65- foot Pacific Silver Fir, as it motors eastward along Interstates, highways, byways, rural roads and city streets.
The location of the tree will be updated every 15 minutes while it is on the move and you will be able to click on each and every map location and view a detailed satellite photo of the area.
Tracking services are being provided by SkyBitz –a leading provider of trailer tracking technology for the trucking industry. SkyBitz has installed a GLS 200 satellite communicator on the flatbed trailer carrying the tree. The trailer is being provided by Fontaine Trailer Co. and the truck by National Van Lines. SkyBitz will send a location signal via satellite every 15 minutes and the location will be displayed online for everyone to see.
"The SkyBitz tracking will provide us with extra peace of mind knowing that this one-of-a-kind cargo is secure and running on schedule," said Glenn Chambers, president of Fontaine Trailer. "Everyone will know the exact position of this trailer at all times."
"We're honored to provide the tracking for this priceless shipment," said Roni Taylor, executive vice president of SkyBitz. "We think everyone in the country will enjoy seeing where the tree is every day on its cross-country journey."
The Capitol Christmas Tree was scheduled to leave Seattle today and travel through Boise; Salt Lake City; Cheyenne, Omaha, Chicago; Pittsburgh; and Baltimore before arriving at the U.S. Capitol Building on Nov. 27. The lighting ceremony will take place on Dec. 6.