This day did not go like any of our plans were written. This was one of those adventures you really don’t want to have, but you know us. We like to get the most out of every trip.
This story really begins on Saturday afternoon. Just as we were getting off the interstate and pulling into Wal-Mart the “check oil” light started to blink. That’s never a good sign, but at least we were where we were going for the day. We parked and Gene let the engine cool down a little before checking the oil. We had all kinds of oil--it was up to the high mark on the dip stick. Then he started the engine and, behold, no “check oil” light and everything looked good. As a precaution, however, just in case there was a leak, he bought another quart of oil at Wal-Mart to go with the spare we always have.
This morning, we pulled out of Wal-Mart and into the Shell station for gas--filled up the motor home and the car. Ouch. More on that later.
We had decided to only drive about 60 miles toward Great Sand Dunes today. Their weather forecast was not that good so we thought we’d just get a little closer and stay at a campground with full hook-ups to wait for the weather to improve.
We got on the interstate (I-25) northbound and drove 8 miles up to the next rest area. There we called to be sure the campground we had selected was open. Back on the interstate, we drove about 10 more miles when the “check oil” light came on and the oil pressure gauge showed low. That’s never a good sign. Gene immediately pulled over onto the shoulder. After waiting a few minutes for the oil to settle, he checked the oil. Still full.
Gene called the Ford Motor Home hotline and after a few dropped calls and a lengthy conversation, they sent out a tow truck. We sat on the side of the interstate for perhaps an hour all together. During that time, two state police officers stopped to investigate about 15 minutes apart. Satisfied that it truly was an emergency and that we had things under control, they encouraged us to call if we needed anything and they returned to their job of keeping Colorado safe.
Unlike that time in Connecticut when we had a flat on the Everest 5th wheel and the emergency service sent out a mini van driven by a 12 year old equipped with a tire iron, this time we got a real tow truck and a driver/mechanic who knew what he was doing. Although it was a sad sight, he had us hitched up in no time. Then when he dropped us off at the campground, he help us get level. That’s great service. I don’t recommend needing a tow, but if you ever do and you’re in southern Colorado, Kelly is the one to call.
Wish I’d thought to make a picture of our drive shaft being disconnected. That’s never a good sign. Anyway, I didn’t, but that may be the story for tomorrow--where in the world is the drive shaft. Last we saw it was in the tow truck and who knows which truck will come for us tomorrow. We have notes stuck all over the motor home reminding us to ask about the drive shaft.
At this point, we really don’t know what the problem is. After talking with the Ford service tech, they apparently think it’s some sort of warranty issue. That’s good news, cause now Ford is happy to pay for the towing and the repairs. Since we’re probably going to have to be towed to Pueblo, which isn’t just around the corner, we’re happy for Ford to pay the bill, too.
For today, Kelly Towing Service towed the motor home back to Trinidad and we’re in not so fine a campground behind the Budget Summit Inn. It’ll do. We have a great view of the snow-capped mountains and full hook-ups. And Ford’s probably gonna pay the bill for here, too.
I’m sure you’ll agree--life doesn’t get much better. Or maybe this is one of those “box of chocolate” moments.
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