Wednesday, April 18
Las Cienegas National Conservation Area, Sonoita, Arizona
Today we move to a new camp!
The photos in today’s post show my boys as they play in the dirt and grass around our campsite in La Cieneguita Camping Area.
In the previous post I reported on the Perfect Tow Vehicle.
The ol’ gal has been having trouble shifting into “drive.”
This morning we are leaving Las Cienegas for a new camp.
Because of the shifting problem, I approach the task of hitching up the Best Little Trailer with apprehension. The process often takes several gear changes, going back and forth, until the coupler and hitch ball are aligned. If the PTV has a finite number of shifts into “drive” left in her, I don’t want to use them all up!
The hitching goes well.
Now to see if we can drive out of here!
I slide into the driver’s seat and take a deep breath.
I shift to “drive” and press my foot on the PTV’s accelerator.
“Well, thank God in heaven, we’re on our way!”
A slow, rolling drive over the blond, grassy hills and dales of Las Cienegas takes us to Route 82. Going east is a straight drive to Whetstone.
You may have guessed the location of our new camp . . .
Quail Ridge RV Resort!
“RVSue!” you ask incredulously. “What the heck are you doing camping in an RV park?”
Well, a little online research yesterday reveals that Kelly’s Transmission Service is a short distance from Quail Ridge.
There’s the solution I’ve been waiting for!
Although I suspect the seriousness of the PTV’s problem will require us to stay much longer, I only pay for two nights at Quail Ridge.
Soon we are settled into our assigned space in one of the rows of RVs.
After lunch and a quick walk-around for the crew, I shut them into the BLT so that they’ll be safe while I unhitch.
Shortly thereafter we’re at Kelly’s Transmission.
I relay the details about the transmission and answer several questions. It comes down to this: I could have the transmission serviced (drop pan, flush, new filter) but, in the words of the mechanic, “With the mileage being what it is, I’m 99% sure it wouldn’t do any good. It needs a rebuild.”
(The PTV’s odometer reads 174,000+ miles.)
Actually the transmission guy explains more thoroughly than that. I face the harsh reality and make arrangements to bring the PTV in for the rebuild.
From Kelly’s, the crew and I take off to get groceries.
Fortunately I find a shady parking space because I want to do a good job stocking up. The Perfect Tow Vehicle will be in the shop about four days and I don’t want to run out of food and supplies.
I’m telling you, it’s not fun wondering whether your vehicle is going to go into gear or instead you’re going to be stranded.
Again I’m thankful that we’re on the road again, heading for “home.”
This is our home for now.
By late afternoon, Reggie, Roger, and I are inside the Best Little Trailer relaxing in the air conditioning. I prefer cool breezes sweeping across the grassland, but this is fine, too.
rvsue
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