The one where we leave and don't return (until after Baja!)
I so appreciate you sticking with us through all our trials and tribulations. Our house has some sort of extra gravity + we struggled to leave orbit. This magnetism held us fast for a few more days before we were able to break free.
Here we are, on the side of route 40, still within shouting distance of our starting point, broken down and disheartened.All 5 lugs completely sheared off and the tire went flying. Thank heavens we were in the right lane and it was able to dramatically eject without intervolving any other cars in its escapades. (And thankfully we found the tire up in the tree line!)
At first we were frustrated that we couldn't find a tow company willing and able to deal with a 7,000 lb trailer on a Saturday night. But then we were happy to save the money and just limp up to the exit which had a Hilton property. The front desk woman was super kind, whether through Max's charms or through the fact that he's been a diamond member for years, and we were able to camp in their lot for free until we fixed our broken hub.
It was ridiculously cold and sleety during our travails. Max went 4 hrs round trip to get us new hubs and 4 new brake assemblies and, as a team, we actually made pretty quick work of it. We truly appreciate all the offers of help from family + friends! So much love.
Luca entertained himself by using his laser thermometer to take the temp of absolutely everything. Days on this. It got silly. ;)
We also did some sketching together.
And math homework.
Toby was so unimpressed with the situation that he chose to sit and stare at the blank walls rather than hang out with us.
We finally broke the spell and got everything fixed and our second stop along our long trip cross country was a rest area in Alabama! Woot! Woot! We truly got it in gear + covered some miles!









Classic start to your trip! Whew, glad to know all is as planned for moving on regardless of wheels flying.
ReplyDeleteIt makes one wonder if we are just working out the kinks or if this is a sign of how the trip itself will be! 5,000 miles is a lotta miles! :)
DeleteI'm glad you guys are okay but this is such a fantastically Max way to start the trip.
ReplyDeleteSo well put, Cullen :) He was such a trooper through it all. This was not our first rodeo lol.
DeleteGlad you are safe and warm and moving towards the sun
ReplyDeleteYes! The promise of sunshine and warmth are very motivating factors these days!
DeleteI've been thinking of you all, but hadn't imagined quite this much going on for your first leg on the road. So thankful you were safe upon the incident and are on your way! Enjoy the next stretch!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Sue! We've been just rolling with it, but it does start to mess with your head. Especially after we were supposed to come down last summer and that fell through, too. But leaving superstition behind we carry on with excitement! We will get there! Thanks for coming along on the journey with us!
DeleteHEY you guys. I am glad that you are taking this adventure together and that you are sharing it with the rest of us. Your cat is absolutely adorable, what a trooper. AND Luca has the right idea - what a COOL device a laser thermometer !!! WHOA!
ReplyDeleteHis friend gave him the thermometer as a gift and I think its main use is somehow involved in ghost and spirit hunting in the woods lol. All I know is he is having a ton of fun with it as we travel!
DeleteI did not realize my comments have been coming through as 'unknown'
ReplyDeleteIt's Elisa!!!
Max and I each let out a little cheer when we read this! It is really so joyous to know that you are sharing this adventure with us. We love and miss you, beautiful! Thank you for commenting!
DeleteHelloooo Lovies!! I am sooo very happy to get up with this tale of adventure, ingenuity, laughter, purring and loveliness! And so thrilled to know that you are doing this (both the blog and the reno in MX)! Golly, I will be living vicariously through you for a while, at which point I hope to be "making the rounds" and just plain enjoying my as well as EVERYONE's adventures! Sending you all so much love!,
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