Thursday, November 3, 2022

The Suspense Continues

 Yuma and I had a good sleep last night with only one incident.  About 2:30 in the morning, a car alarm went off, and in my sleep stuper, I nearly killed myself getting to the window to check and make sure it wasn’t the Jeep.  When I got up around 7:30 to take Yuma for his walk, there were three cops in the parking lot talking to someone, so maybe something did happen.

It was around 8:30 when Yuma and I left to visit Deb and Riley, On a long and lonesome highway…. , in the Saddleback Mountains about 45 miles west of Phoenix.  The roads were crowded but much easier to drive in the Jeep.

It was great to get into the desert with mountains around to make me finally start relaxing.  Today was cool with only a high of 60, so we spent most of our time inside.

Yuma was happy to see Deb!

Deb, Riley and Yuma

Riley had made up some warm vegetable soup and boy did that hit the spot.  I hadn’t eaten for two days, except for cookies, so I had another bowl.  Thank you Riley!

It was about 11 o’clock when the CAT shop called with news.  Not good news, but not bad news either.  Sam, the supervisor told me there was a large amount of blow-off.  He asked how the White Lion ran going to his shop and I said other than being a little hard to start, it ran normally the 26 miles to the shop.  Only problem was the smoke. 

His suggestion, as several of my commenter’s mentioned is to put in some really good additives to the fuel and oil and spend a couple of days running it hard and see if the rings loosen up and the smoke goes away.  He said the other possibility is one or more of the rings are broken and that would be a 20 plus grand solution, so not an option.

At least I had it checked and know there is either a cheap and easy fix or it dies and then I have to make some decisions on how to sell it.  After about two days of driving around and it is still running and hopefully with less or no smoke, I will head back over to Saddleback Mountains and just go through my winter travel routines.

About 1:30, just before leaving, the sun came out and the wind dropped to a breeze, so Deb, Yuma and I took a walk up toward the mountains.  First time I’ve been able to really relax and enjoy the real reasons I come to the southwest:  The solitude of the desert and mountains.




Building in Tonopah, Arizona

Soon after getting back to the hotel we ran to Wendys and got big sandwich, fries and a coke.  Don’t want to lose any more weight.

Just at dusk, I took Yuma for a walk on the grass near the pool and as I was sitting at a chair next to several palm trees, I could hear birds making a racket above.  I looked up and finally I saw one of them and there were a couple of small parrots talking to each other and flying from tree to tree.  Won’t see that in Illinois.

It's after 8 o'clock and time for me and Yuma to relax and get ready for bed.

Thanks for stopping by.

15 comments:

  1. Glad to hear you had a relaxing day and enjoyable visit with Deb and Riley. Even though the outcome is still unknown, it's good to have some resolution with the motorhome. Have to keep fingers crossed that it keeps running.

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    1. Thanks Dolly. For some reason i feel relieved that now I've done all I can do and I just let the cards play out.

      It did feel good to relax in the desert with friends.

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  2. Has the shop recommended an additive that might improve the situation. Sure beats an engine rebuild! Sure hope that a few days of hard driving with the correct additive will have you back on the road.
    A fella in our neighborhood rents out his Airstream that's parked in his side yard.

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  3. It was nice too see you and Yuma. I’m happy that you had a chance to relax a bit, and now a decision has been made. It makes things easier when you have a plan, even if not a very detailed one. Hopefully we see you and the sidekick in a day or two. Glad to hear you got something to eat, don’t forget breakfast too.

    Deb

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  4. Where is your box of crackers? Of course I would rather have a burger, but breakfast is important too. I'm glad to hear the news. Hoping that driving works before you use up an entire tank of fuel. Good Luck my friend. Fingers crossed!

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    1. Thanks Nancy. Back on the food regimen and looking forward to some driving.

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  5. Sounds like you had a great visit with Deb and Riley! Hopefully everything goes well with your rig and you have nothing but smooth sailing going forward!

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    1. Thank you very much Barb . Been one of those rough patches we all go through.

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  6. You are a bad boy for not eating properly!! I don't mind telling you that and I know Dolly and all your other 'Moms' will agree!
    Glad you are getting close to the relaxing part of the winter journey and I hope and pray that the White Lion is okay and works well for the rest of the time.

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    1. Okay, Mom! I'll eat better. Things are slowly coming together. Looking forward to doing some driving.

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  7. Another option could be to park the Lion in an RV park in Q and use the Jeep to explore. Yearly rents there run from $1,500-$2,000/yr. I've been looking into that as that is my plan starting next winter. Not sure what your fuel costs have been driving the Lion but rent might be in the Spanish ballpark.

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  8. Sameish, not Spanish. Spell check gets me every time.

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  9. Prayers for God's wisdom for direction. And yes...please eat regular meals!

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  10. Oh...don't forget it's Gold Rush night.





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  11. I hope you are able to get the issues with your Class A sorted out. Having big worries like that sure can put a huge dent in wonderful RV traveling days. I certainly do understand your situation and feelings. Say hello to the mountains for me:))

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