Monday, July 9, 2007 ;
3:55 AM
7 July (backdated)
Sat
9am
We set off from home in our Dodge Neon (which had been in the garage for over 10 days while we were in NYC and Boston). It was packed full of camping stuff, including 4 sleeping bags, stove, gas fuel, bedding and food supplies in a Coleman huge cooler.
Within the car itself, ds1 was in front, under his legs were tons of stuff too, and behind were ds2 and me, squashed up with bedding and other bags. Cos the boot was way full already.
Went onto the I-15, did maybe 75-80 mph almost at once, since our hse is beside the I-15.
48 miles into the journey, we noticed the needle inching towards the HOT line. It didn't let off, despite cutting the aircon and driving slower. So we pulled to the side. Waited for half hour. OPened the bonnet. Engine looked ok, fluid levels all ok.
Turned on engine, not so hot anymore, so set off again, without air con on, and driving at 45mph. But heard gurgling sound from engine area. And suddenly a mini-explosion from the engine area. Pulled over immediately, gush of fluid flowed out from under the car. Something had burst.
Ok, after that, there's long story of how kind passer by stopped, how dh examined engine, then called friends. then called tow truck. throughout the 2hr of waiting, the temp was around 100+ fahrenheit, super hot, and having kids in the car was impossible. Yet outside the car meant being beside the road, where cars and semis were whizzing past at high speeds. So I walked them to a gate beside a cow farm to look at cows. However, it was still very sunny and hot. These are the nice cows who accompanied kids and I while dh tried to solve the car problem.
Ok, kind friend came in his huge car, transferred all the camp stuff to his car, and kids' car seats and then he brought us home. Because it was on highway, we travelled to the next exit then U-turned back. So when we passed by the car spot again on the other side, I noticed the tow truck has the car already, and dh was in the tow truck, so I quickly snapped this pic (below left).
Below right: when tow truck just arrived and dh was still discussing with tow truck driver about possible options. Because towing costs US$3 per mile and we were 50 miles away from home. They were talking about towing to nearest mechanic, but since it was Sat, the mechanics they called were all not open, and if they left the car at mechanics till Mon, there'd be a garage charge. So in the end it was decided, 50 miles back home it was. Good thing we didn;t have a breakdown in the mountains, it'd cost much more then! So the cost was $200, cos of a $20 tip.
ALong the way, saw "high fire risk" danger signs. And also saw fire airplanes trying to put out some fires.
Finally back home, we transferred all the stuff to the church van, then settled old car, and set off again, it was about 3pm.
At 9pm, we reached Jackson, this lovely old town south of Teton NP. The park had entrances made entirely of elk antlers. See below.
Finally reached campsit within Teton at 11pm. Slept at 2am after making the beds and settling in.
rainbows every day, do not worry for the morrow
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Finally back home, we transferred all the stuff to the church van, then settled old car, and set off again, it was about 3pm.
