The rattle of the road
Another mini camper update from the road
All - today's short entry is far from the usual maker-related content and, instead, is a straightforward road trip update. ~JRC
In the oft-cited "EZ66 Guide for Travelers," author Jerry McClanahan comments on the paranoia that creeps in on those long lonely stretches of highway. Being stranded along the road is always a possibility. Still, after particularly lengthy and taxing spans, we start listening to our vehicles in ways a short trip to the store never manifests.
A new tick or an odd rattle demands attention. Was that sound always there? Is it getting worse? Even in a newer car, one starts to worry, if only a bit.
Pulling a home-built camper trailer along for the adventure, the worries are at least doubled. At least.
On the cross-country drive from San Diego to Ohio - a 2300-mile trip - I was in a persistent state of low-level readiness. It's an exhausting experience, far more than a long drive typically is. I constantly scanned my car's gauges and mirrors and monitored my caravan as the miles stacked on. And occasionally, I'd stop and do a walk-around safety check on everything.
Wheel lugs are still tight. Hubs are not getting hot. Even items I know are fine, I still check, like the hitch is still hitched. The cost of any of these failing is far worse than redundant checks, so I check - repeatedly. It takes time, but the peace of mind is worth the minor delay.
We finally made it to Ohio after three and a half days of travel.
We made over a thousand miles in one span on the last day. The previous two days were shorter owing to the newness of it all and the above-cited safety concerns and inspections. But once I felt comfortable, the miles were easier and easier to rack up. So on we went, across the country.
We'll be here in Ohio for about a week and a half before picking up with the whole family, this time in their RVs along with us in ours, for a group trip up north and west. Traveling with others will be a comfort, knowing that plan B will be easier to resolve if something goes sideways. But it will still be an adventure, no doubt.
JRC