Description

I own no land, instead I have wheelestate. I’ve been a full time RVer since 1997. Working summers as a Park Ranger takes me to many beautiful places and playing during the winter takes me to many more. This blog is simply the story of my life's adventures.

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Thank you for stopping by. Just to let you know, I'm still blogging but have moved to Geogypsytraveler. Hope you'll follow my adventures. Just click here.

Thursday, July 16, 2009

Shit Happens!

My plan to camp at Locust Point at the edge of the canyon didn’t quite work out as planned.

Penstemon
I enjoyed a pleasant drive, 14 miles on Highway 67. The wild flowers brighten the roadside.

Turned west onto Forest Road 22 and stopped to photograph Deer Lake, fenced to keep the range animals out—cattle and beefalo.

Two slightly bumpy gravel miles later I turned onto Forest Road 270 south for a mile then west onto Forest Road 222.

Weidemeyer’s Admiral
Had to stop a few times for pictures.

I love the way the young Aspen trunks seem to dance. Tried a video of this Aspen grove but it’s very blurry. I’m still practicing video.

Suddenly I heard this scraping noise, like I picked up a rock in a wheel. Gee, there were plenty of rocks to choose from. I stopped hard, backed up and braked, forward and braked. Hey it worked last time to dislodge a rock. But the noise got worse. So I did a 12-point turn to head back, very disappointed. The noise would come and go and I tried the back and forth thing a few more times with no relief to the scraping sound. Then it got louder to the point of a deafening screech echoing off of the forest. That’s when I stopped as I feared further damage.

This wild Turkey feather pointed the way to an old campsite where I parked. I figured if I could get to the park’s entrance station I could call a friend for help. What help I wasn’t sure. But I didn’t know what else to do. Maybe take the wheel off which I didn’t try as there’s always at least one lug nut I can’t seem to break loose.

Wasn’t there long when I heard a rig coming and flagged them down. Two young folks from the Forest Service on a goshawk survey gave me a ride to Forest Road 22.

Then I walked two miles down to the main highway and got a ride four miles to the entrance station. FabGrandma Karen was just leaving so I rode home with her. Her sweet hubby drove me back to take a look. And of course, it only made a tiny squeak and then quiet. So he followed me home with no more incident. I have an appointment with my mechanic for next Wednesday and can only hope it gets me around until then.

11 comments:

Quiet Paths said...

Dang! I'm so glad you made it home though and didn't have to be towed to the mechanic. You had some nice observations along the way! I hope you can try again soon.

Erin said...

my gosh...what the heck is going on now!
hopefully nothing major.
sorry your weekend trip did not pan out.
hugs

Sally in WA said...

Bummer, Gaelyn. I hope its nothing serious with the truck. There's still camping to be done!

Ms. Fiddlesticks said...

You are so funny. At least you got some good pictures. When I am out and about by myself I hate to have car trouble. We depend on those vehicles. Did you have your camper or was it a tent trip?

Carol said...

why is the lake fenced? Is there other water nearby for the critters?

www.wildlifearoundus.blogspot.com

Unknown said...

If you had arrived two minutes later, I would have been gone! it really was luck that I was still there. If I hadn't stopped to empty the trash can.....

Jeannette StG said...

Oh My, it never comes at a good moment - hopefully the repairs will be minimal:)

Frank said...

Geez, what a story. Makes slipping and sliding through my rain-soaked FLAT streets here in Tampa look a bit more tame. What gorgeous scenery to have to put up with if your break down.

Rambling Woods said...

Gee whiz..what a PITA..and you can't just called the automobile club. Hope it isn't anything big....

Barb said...

Doncha just hate when this happens - esp when the noise seems gone when the help arrives! You took some great pics, though...

Louise said...

SO annoying! It's always like that.

Your butterfly is beautiful, and your "12-point-turn" made me laugh!

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