.

.
Borrego Springs, CA

Friday, September 16, 2011

Moving on down the road

Along about 5:30 this morning, I noticed that my little fan that I have on my bed stand wasn’t working.  I rolled over to check the time, and the clock was out.  The rig was pitch black… no nightlights.  Ugh.  The electricity had gone out.  I got up, got dressed, and staggered out the door with Emma.  I took my flashlight, and found our way out of the service building.  It seemed that Brown and Brown was the only place that was dark.  Eventually, the electric came back on about 7:00.  By that time, I had gathered what I needed out of the rig, and moved out to the car as the workers began showing up.  I decided I needed a change in scenery from the parking lot today.

_MG_3392Using my GPS, I found the state park about 10 miles away.  I needed to take Emma on a hike and decompress from the stress of this week.

IMG_3400

There is a great, mostly paved, bike/hike trail that follows the Kankakee River for about 10 miles. 

IMG_3399

We started out at the Rock Creek Bridge and went a ways that direction.

IMG_3396

What a nice peaceful view from the middle of the bridge.  Rock Creek empties into the Kankakee River.  It was so peaceful walking through the woods that I nearly jumped out of my skin when I suddenly heard a male voice say, “Passing on the left!”  Two bicyclists were coming down hill upon me pretty quickly.  I must have looked like a deer caught in the headlights as I scrambled to get myself and Emma out of the way, because the cyclist said, “It’s okay, you’re alright.” 

IMG_3401

As we headed back and went the other direction down the trail, we came upon an enjoyable overlook of the river.  I later figured out this is the handicapped fishing pier.  Even though it was a cloudy and chilly morning, being here refreshed me.

62 Pioneer Campground, IN summer20119

Another discovery along the way was the Smith Cemetery (notice how the sign is misspelled) in the park.  By what I could find, the earliest grave appears to be from 1844, and the most recent marker was from the 1870’s.  Most of the markers lie flat on the ground in cement.  I don’t know if that is how they did things in those days, or the markers were later placed that way.  I tried to pick up information at the visitor’s center, but it was closed for the season. 

Robyn didn’t have any Life Vest appointments today, so we were able to meet for lunch at another one of those little hotdog places found around Chicago, and both enjoyed an Italian Beef sandwich.  At this place you stood outside to order, and then sat outside or in your car to eat.  We chose the car since it was in the 50’s today.  I’m thinking it will be quite some time before I have another Italian Beef.

I’d like to report that my moving on down the road title means that the rig is all fixed, but I’m afraid it just isn’t so.  In this continuing saga of how Murphy’s Law works, Brown and Brown RV has thrown in the towel on trying to fix my brake problem.  It seems the brake business is not of the normal type that is done on  the Workhorse Chassis.  This repair place does not have the proper equipment to read the brand that was installed.  According to Rich, this is the type of brakes that are usually installed in upper level RV’s and they don’t have the equipment to analyze it.  Sigh Sad smile

So, what does that mean?  It means they VERY carefully drove my rig out of the service bay and placed it back out in the parking lot, with lots of wheel chocks, where I now have a 50 amp hookup for the weekend.  On Monday morning, a tow truck will arrive, and I’ll be towed back to a repair facility in Indiana that has the proper equipment.  Will I ever get back on the road to Texas?  Who knows.

I’m not going to let this all get me down, but my goodness, isn’t it someone else’s turn to deal with Murphy?   Any volunteers??  Sorry this post was so long; hope you made it to THE END!

Thanks for stopping by… talk to you later,  Judy 

37 comments:

  1. Truly trying times, Judy. I loved how you made the best of it today. Thoughts are with you and wishing the best possible outcome for you. Whew!

    ReplyDelete
  2. I only have one question. Does your extended warranty insurance pay for all of this towing? It must cost a bundle.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Has this link got anything to do with the problem with your brakes?

    http://rvdailyreport.com/news/id/3767/what-rvers-need-to-know-about-the-workhorse-bosch-brake-recall

    ReplyDelete
  4. So sorry to hear about yet another delay....u'd think in this day and age of technology, it would be a simple matter. Hopefully this next place will have what is needed to fix the problem and get u on ur way. And like Merikay, I sure hope ur extended warranty pays for all this towing and the repairs. It's expensive enough, ought to handle these things. Take care and hope u and Emma enjoy some down time and whatever is close by. Judie

    ReplyDelete
  5. Wow, you have had more than enough of Murphy. Our whole summer has rather felt that way but nothing like you're going through right now. Do you know where in Indiana they're taking you to?

    ReplyDelete
  6. It sounds like you are taking this pretty well. It is really kind of annoying that they did not bother to check on what was in the coach before agreeing to work on it. I assume they could have checked that quite simply??

    Glad you had a good day out:)

    ReplyDelete
  7. Just wondering .... your last name isn't Murphy, is it? Are you sure??

    I hope you get it all back together and road-worthy soon. [big heavy sigh] Such a bummer.

    ReplyDelete
  8. that Murphy is one bad guy!!..I vote to kick him out of the bus and to the curb!!!

    ReplyDelete
  9. I don't think you will get any takers on dealing with Murphy, sorry. Keep your chin up! I'm glad you are safe and able to get out and enjoy the environment.

    ReplyDelete
  10. Thanks for the pretty pics of Kankakee St Pk. It's only an hour's drive from my house, yet I've never made it there...it's now on my list! Sorry you have to be towed yet again-- hope the next time is the charm!

    ReplyDelete
  11. In spite of the inconveniences, I think your wandering life sounds very good!

    ReplyDelete
  12. We had a 3 week problem with Ford trying to figure out a problem for us, so I know very frustrated you are. Just try to keep your chin up and keep us in the loop.

    ReplyDelete
  13. what a pleasant walk... well except for the cyclists zooming by!

    ReplyDelete
  14. We have the same Workhorse chassis you do so am assuming the same brake system. Having had the brake recall work done last summer we are anxiously waiting to see what they find out about your problem. What a bad piece of luck to have that happen to you. At least the problem manifested itself while you were stationary and not traveling down an Interstate.

    ReplyDelete
  15. Sure glad Emma took you for a nice walk at the Kankakee River State Park. It seems you needed it more then she did.

    Have patience Murphy will move on soon.

    Mac & Dianna

    ReplyDelete
  16. Oh my ... you're dealing with a doozy aren't you? And at least on paper, it sounds like you're doing it calmly. This too shall pass, though it may not seem like it right now.

    ReplyDelete
  17. Hang in there, it will soon be over. At least they were smart enough to admit they were over their head and send you down the road.

    ReplyDelete
  18. My Dear friend I am so sorry about your problems... that Murphey can just go take a hike and leave us all alone!!! We have had more then our share of meeting up with him BUT when he is not around Life is Great!!! We drive these big homes on wheels down bumpy road systems and it amazes me that they even stay together so I guess problems are bound to happen. But not all at once... Hope your up & running soon!!!
    Make the best of it and have fun!
    Donna

    ReplyDelete
  19. Good grief, being towed again so soon! Guess we would all like to know about the towing bills. We have Coach-Net and they paid a large towing bill for us...once. Now I'm wondering if they pay a second time if the first place can't fix the problem. Hang in there, you will be back on the road again...hopefully sooner than later.

    ReplyDelete
  20. I think you are a shoe in for the Murphy Award this year..big woop. I hate to say this, but when life gives you lemons...(and it has)..At least you and Emma aren't sitting in freezing temps, well, not yet..or terrible winds, rain, next to bad neighbors...or worse yet..down with the flu...Good you got outside a bit...Keep that up. This IS a glorious time of year to take some great fall walks...OK, this comment stunk, right?

    ReplyDelete
  21. We too are having probs -- we moved from Branson to Little Rock today and when we started to put down our levelers, hydraulic fluid poured out. We just went thru the very same thing 4 mos ago when we arrived in Branson. It sounds like you are taking it all in stride -- it certainly is frustrating to have these probs. Hope you get yours fixed soon & on the road again!

    ReplyDelete
  22. Rats, Rats, Rats.... Nothing you can do except be patient. I am sure the workhorse facility will get you fixed up. It will be interesting to see if it has anything to do with the brake recall.

    ReplyDelete
  23. Wow, what bad luck. I commend you for your 'chin up' attitude and calmness. I think I'd be tearing my hair out. I'm sending you my best wishes a swift resolution of the brake problem and hassle-free travels to Texas.

    ReplyDelete
  24. We feel your pain Judy, here's hoping the next place gets you on the road soon.

    ReplyDelete
  25. Sure am sorry to hear of Murphy's continued hold on you. I am glad you got out and hiked in the woods...that always calms me to being like a dish rag. Hope that resolve for your brake problems is almost there. Take care and remember that at least you weren't stuck on the side of the road in the middle of nowhere.

    ReplyDelete
  26. Oy! Murphy took a small swipe at us this week with one laptop and a new 4G Verizon mifi, but I wouldn't trade my adventure for yours, no sirree Bob!

    ReplyDelete
  27. Murphy has certainly zeroed in on you and your rig! I'm amazed at how well you seem to be handling this whole brake problem - I'd probably be going nuts about now. It was terrific that you were able to get out and go for a walk in such a nice place.

    ReplyDelete
  28. You sure are making lemons out of lemonade! Glad you got to get out for awhile....nature sure helps soothe the mind (as long as the weather cooperates!

    ReplyDelete
  29. Wow...everyone has said it all. We think you should not only kick Murphy to the curb, but stomp on him all the way that way he will not go to anyone else...just gone for good!

    I, am not sure if I could travel without Jerry under normal circumstances, let alone those in which you are encountering. Keep up the great spirit...you are a true champion.

    ReplyDelete
  30. You inspire us with your ability to go with the flow! (And to think I've been sitting here whining about our stupid fridge!)

    At the risk of asking a really stupid question, have you or your service folks talked to anybody at Winnebago Customer Service? If you get the right person (ask for Troy) they can be quite helpful.

    Good luck!!!! We're keeping our fingers crossed for you!

    ReplyDelete
  31. Judy, I can't say anything that hasn't already been said, so I'll just hope things work out soon and you're back in business again.

    ReplyDelete
  32. God is just protecting you from arriving in high temps and humidity but with no rain. Hope you are soon fixed.

    'm really looking forward to the end of watering, especially since it is still hot at midday and I have to work anyway to get done before the mosquitoes totally carry me off.

    ReplyDelete
  33. The silver lining seems to be that you are not someone who was just camping on vacation and has to worry about leaving your RV with strangers so you can get back to work. Doesn't it give you a warm feeling knowing your RV has higher class brakes than what is usually on the model? ...or maybe you would have that warm, fuzzy feeling if they actually worked. :)

    ReplyDelete
  34. I sure hope the next place gets these brakes fixed for you,how frustrating. We were in that park last year and really enjoyed it especially the bike trail.

    ReplyDelete
  35. Wishing you all the best for Monday. Murphy will soon get tired of being your companion, I'm sure.

    ReplyDelete
  36. Once this is over, you can leave Murphy at the curb where he belongs. Safe travels.

    ReplyDelete
  37. You are a saint... I would have ripped them guys all a new butt-hole!

    Haul you there, make you wait, blast you with radios and then not able to even have the right equipment to fix it>>>???????

    ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
    Karen and Steve
    (Our Blog) RVing: Small House... BIG Backyard
    http://kareninthewoods-kareninthewoods.blogspot.com/

    ReplyDelete