We didn’t take the guys out for a hike this morning as we figured we’d have plenty of time to do something fun once we got to Tucson. Plus the weather was taking a turn for the worse and we wanted to get going before it got too bad. The wind was already really strong and it was just starting to rain.
We hadn’t been on the road more than 45 minutes when, in addition to the pouring rain, it got so foggy that we couldn’t see more than 30 yards ahead of us. We slowed down and turned our hazard lights on as we wanted to make sure people could see us as they approached. After a while the fog let up a little bit but the rain started coming down in buckets. We could see better however so Mike sped up.
Just about that time, the road got super bumpy. I looked over at Wazzu and with each bump she was flying completely off the couch – with her eyes as big as jawbreakers. Just as she’d land she’d fly up in the air again. I was flying off my couch just as high as she was and at the same time was trying to hold onto my computer as it was flying up in the air. I looked over at Sparkie, who was on the couch with me, and at Boogie who was in a crate right next to me. While they were bouncing just as high, they were both sound asleep. I didn’t want Wazzu to worry (yea, right!) so I started laughing….actually it did look really funny.
We’d been on this road numerous times before and didn’t remember it being bouncy at all. So we pulled over to check the tires to make sure we hadn’t gotten a flat. Nope, the tires all looked just fine so off we went again. But the bumping seemed to be getting worse and we were smelling something kind of like burning rubber. About that time a warning light came on the dashboard that said “DO NOT TRAVEL.” So at the next exit (which was out in the middle of nothing – we’re not even sure why there was an exit!) we pulled off.
Mike got out to see if he could find out what was wrong….and it was easy to see. The whole front end of the RV was down near the ground. Kind of like a drag car – not everyone has a drag racing RV! The rig was rubbing against the tires – no wonder we smelled burning rubber. This was not good.
I told Mike not to worry, we’d just call the Emergency Roadside RV Service we had purchased. When I got a hold of them I found out our policy had expired four days ago! Arg! We sure didn’t remember getting a renewal notice but they normally send those out so far in advance it's possible we just didn't pay much attention to it. We won’t make that mistake again, it’s on our calendar now – we won’t be relying on them to notify us.
The most fortunate thing is that we were in an area where we could get cell phone coverage. We called around to find a place that could work on this sort of problem. Then we had to find a towing company that could haul a 40’ RV. Not an easy task.
We finally found a repair center and a towing company. But we were quite a ways north of Phoenix and both the towing company and repair company were in south Phoenix. It took the tow truck two and a half hours to reach us.
Then in the pouring down rain, it took just over an hour to get the RV on the flatbed and secured tightly.
This is a sight I never wanted to see....and don't ever want to see again.
Silly me, I stood outside the whole time just so I could get pictures. I’m not sure this was my brightest move ever. I was soaked to the bone – and had no fresh clothes as they were all in the RV.
While waiting for the tow truck to arrive we put a few things in the car that we knew we would need for the weekend. But by the time we gathered up everything we would need for the dogs, the car was pretty much full. There really wasn’t room for much of anything for us humans.
After the RV was all hooked up and ready to go, Mike and the tow operator measured the height of the RV. It was tall! So on the way to south Phoenix we had to get off the exit before every overpass and then get back on the freeway. When the driver found a tall overpass he chanced it. That was scary as it just barely cleared! From then on he didn’t chance it again.
At 7pm we finally arrived at the repair shop. What a long day – and it’s not over yet. We still had to get to Tucson for the trial. But before we could take off we had to get the RV all checked in and pay the tow truck driver – I think it would almost have been cheaper to buy a new RV! They won’t be able to even look at it until Monday, of course.
Next order of business was to call around and find a hotel that we could stay in for the weekend. I ended up finding one that had space and allowed dogs – well, they allowed one dog. So guess how many dogs we have. (Big grin).
There were Friday evening agility runs but since we didn’t arrive in Tucson until after 10pm, we missed all events. We just went straight to the hotel and carefully, one at a time, took our “one” dog into our room.
We are totally tuckered. And I’m still wet to the bone all these hours later. But most of all, we are grateful that we are all safe.
Debbie
12/6/07
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