I'm having a strange experience with this feature right now.

First off, I'll say it really came in handy one time.  We had received no mail that, but

when I checked the site "one last time before going to bed" (do we all do that?)

It showed the book delivered that day.  Husband went down to the mail, and my much-

awaited book was there!

But right now En Route has showed my book as being about 1/2" from home

for the past week.  No change in the map or in the details the whole time.

I know the map is only a very basic representation since the trip shown is as

the crow flies; I imagine imaging the actual route would be impossible.  But why

bother with the feature if it doesn't provide useful information?  What am I missing, or is it just for fun?

Joi Cardinal 

I am pretty sure it's just for fun.  And I think someone said once that it depends on whether or not a post office scans your book, that some post offices don't do it.  Don't quote me on that, but I really don't think you can rely on the map completely.

The map IS just for fun...if you want real information, click on the "details" buttons and it will show any scans that the book has had.

The map is updated when PBS receives a scan info from the Post Office.  Then a little dot appears and you can mouse over it to see the scan info. 

If you click on the truck while your husband is sitting watching TV, you can get a worthwhile reaction....

Oh Patty!  You meanie!

Funny Patty lol.

As already mentioned, the map is best used for entertainment purposes (the little truck has been reported wandering around out in the ocean).  For actual data, click the 'details' button.

Oh yeah, I know what you mean about clicking on the truck.  Scared myself real good.

Husband wanted son to take a screenshot of the en route map and 'shop it to 

read "your book has died of dysentery" (from Oregon Trail).

Unfortunately, in this case the details show only that the book was 

scanned in Connecticut on mailing.  Thank you all for taking the 

time to answer.

Yes, totally just for fun -- the little truck driver often has 3-martini lunches and drives around in the waters of the Atlantic.  

Patty, you are my kind of evil.