Monday, February 27, 2023

Time to move on!

 This morning, we had our last coffee hour as a group of nomads.  I had everything packed and ready to head into Quartzsite to load up and head to Saddleback Mountain about 2 hours east on I-10 near Phoenix, Arizona.

The morning was perfect.  Sunny, slight breeze and quite warm in the sun.  Near 10:30, Yuma and I said our goodbyes for now and jumped into the White Lion.  It started right up and we were off.


Yuma is going to miss his friends.
Jumped onto hwy 95 heading north right into Quartzsite to do our duties and then head out.  Just as I was pulling into the RV Pit Stop to take on water and propane, the WL gave up the ghost, so to speak.  The engine died and we rolled just barely into the lot before coming to a halt right at the entrance to both the propane filling entrance lines.
If I didn't know this was a very busy place, I do now.  I had to jump out and wave folks around me.  I took up most of the entrance area and with a lot of squeezing and maneuvering, the folks could get around me.  Luckily, I take blood pressure medicine, so I was cool as a cucumber.  NOT!  

It was just around noon and the place was hopping with business.  Finally, one of the employees, brought out a caution cone that alerted people to not just wait behind the WL, but go around me and into the Pit Stop.

I called a tow truck company, and the lady said someone would be out soon.  They were on their lunch hour, so be patient.  I can do that, but not so sure about the owner of the Pit Stop as people with the really big rigs just moved right along because they couldn't squeeze in.

As I was waiting, the boss sent out an employee to see if he could help.  They even tried pulling the WL with a big pick-up, but the WL was stubborn and would not budge.  The employee was living on the property in his made for RVing pickup camper and asked if I wanted to trade for his smooth running truck with solar panels.
I always laugh at the predicaments Nancy, a blogger friend of mine always has.  I won't laugh anymore.  Deb and Deb stopped by to give me sympathy and the name and phone number of someone in town that was a CAT Diesel engine expert.  Gave them a call and the woman answering the phone said to bring it on in and Diesel Dave would look at it tonight.

Finally, the MAN arrived in his $250,000 Black Beauty!
What do I do, Dad?
Rick, the tow man wanted to tow me to Phoenix for $2300, but we ended up towing it to Diesel Dave's here in downtown Quartzsite, all of three miles for a quick $575.  Can't beat a deal like that!  Thank goodness, money grows on trees, but unfortunately, not many trees here in the desert.
Where did you go, Dad?
Rick, asked me to crawl under the WL and hook a tow line to the frame, so he could pull me out of the line of traffic.  Rick is what you would call a big boy and me, not so much.

Then, he was able to properly hook it up to his Black Beauty and off we went for three quick but expensive miles, to Diesel Dave's place of business.
Both, Dave and his assistant, Gale were very nice.  They stopped by my new home to take a look at the WL and to do a CAT diagnostic test  to see if the problem can be fixed.  This was the third time a professional diesel mechanic has looked at it.  And it was a strikeout.  After his professional analysis, he suggested that I find a reasonable RV site near Quartzsite and park it there.
He ain't got no engine, Gale!!!!
I've done enough.  Me, Yuma and the White Lion gave it our all and it was not meant to be.  Personally, I think the WL wants to live out his remaining days in the warmth of the desert southwest and not the cold corn fields of Illinois.

Anyway, Diesel Dave said I could stay in the WL at his shop until I decide what to do and do it.  He even provided an electrical hook-up.

 I called Dolly and we talked.  No firm final decisions made, but I will pass along my decisions as soon as I figure out what is best for me, Yuma Dolly and Fergie!  Stay tuned.

Thanks for stopping by.

32 comments:

  1. Well, after a positive start, it looks like this could be the end of the line. At least it happened in Q and not in Texas 50 miles from the nearest town. Good luck with your search for a nice lot. I'm sure Yuma's wondering what's going on.

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    1. Thanks, Dolly. Glad I broke down in a place I'm familiar with. Yuma is going with the flow. A little nervous when left alone.

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  2. Prayers for God's wisdom and direction for your next step.

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    1. Thank you, Elva. I knew this day may come, but hoped not. Still not prepared 😕

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  3. That's terrible news! I guess it was a matter of time and on the positive you got to spend most of the winter out west doing what you enjoy with the WL. Sorry to hear. Good luck with v your decision.

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    1. Thanks, Steve. My sentiments, exactly. The WL did pretty darn good.

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  4. It was a good run this winter and you managed to have some time doing what you like but I have no doubt you will make a decision that works best for you. At least the good news is you weren’t stuck on the side of the road with no cell service.

    Deb

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    1. You are right about that, Deb. Never a dull moment in this adventure.

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  5. My heart goes out to you Doug because you sure have stuck by the White Lion these past few years. I'm glad to see you have been able to retain your sense of humor through all this but I know there is another side to that coin too. Wishing you nothing but the best in your decisions and endeavours.

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    1. Thank you, Al. I believe you have rode a similar horse in your travels. It's all just a great adventure and we take the good with the bad.

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  6. Well RATS!!!! It's a hard decision to make, but honestly, if you've been thinking about this being your last trip, it's probably in the cards. You cannot imagine the relief you will feel once it's gone and you have no more worries. I feel bad because I know how much you loved it, but I think it's telling you it wants to go peacefully over the rainbow bridge!!!

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    1. Thanks, Nancy. My first thoughts were same as yours, but the WL and I are a stubborn pair, so maybe next year will be different. :)

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  7. I am sorry to see so many negative comments. Is the chassis in good shape? no rust? What would a truck line do? Rebuild the engine, or put in a rebuilt engine. You have other options to consider. You enjoyed your winter. It is your home. If you home had a major disaster, you would rebuild. I have no idea how many miles on it, but trucks go many more miles. Think how some people spend thousands on cruises. Call Empire and see if they have a rebuilt engine with a guaranty. The WL can spend another summer in Mesa while it gets a new heart. Phil

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    1. Perfect response. Almost like you read my mind. Almost made it ths winter and just maybe, I'll make it all the way next winter next year now that I know major surgery is needed.

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  8. Empire Machiner has a shop in Blythe, CA 760-921-9500 Their web page says truck & trailers, so it might be worth a call, since you are one of their customers. Phil

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  9. Sorry to hear Doug, only you know what's best for you. Keep in touch, if you need help with anything, let us know and we'll be there to lend a hand.

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    1. Ditto to what Bill said. Not an easy decision but you have been prepared all winter to have to make one. Best of luck.

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    2. Thanks Bill and Patsy. Having friends nearby is great. Thanks for your offer.

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  10. Sorry to hear the WL has again expressed its desire to remain in the DSW. I think Phil has a decent idea of having the engine rebuilt or replaced. That's certainly expensive, but less than fitting out a replacement unit. only you can decide if it's worth it to you.

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  11. Sorry to hear this but glad it happened where it did.

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    1. You are so right. Done the highway thing and that is definitely no fun. At least I have lots of friends and support here in Q.

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  12. Good luck my friend. Always be safe 🍀

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    1. Thank you. Been a good run and hopefully, I will get a second wind.

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  13. Good luck,Doug and Yuma

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    1. Thanks A. Not the ending to February I wanted, but it is what it is. Hopefully, there are better months ahead. Who knows.

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  14. We're definitely interested in what you end up doing. So sorry, but at least you did get to enjoy your time this year in the southwest. Sure wish it was something easy.

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    1. You are so right Shirley. Not sure yet if either of us is ready to quit. I too, will be interested to see where this road leads.

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  15. sad to say I think the White Lion has seen better days a new engine or even a rebuild is costly. I hope this doesn't end your blog I have enjoyed it and would really miss you a Yuma well maybe Yuma more. Safe travels

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    1. The blog will die with the WL, so maybe I should keep the fight going. I'm trying to come up with the right answer.

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  16. Queen Of Peace Catholic Church...Last Rites Sorry Doug, but it has been a long haul for the White Lion. Dave - GoingRvWay.com

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    1. Just another adventure. Hopefully, the end is not near, but not sure at the moment

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