When we last visited, dear reader, it was Sunday afternoon and we were on our way to Michigan City, Indiana. Let’s pick up the plot and bring you to when and where I sit in a little campground near the Indiana Dunes.
When Beth and I pulled into the campground, yesterday afternoon, we parked and went into the camp office to register, receive our site assignment and learn about amenities and checkout time. It’s just like a hotel.
Our assigned site was next to the office, so I asked Beth to meet me there. Her job is to see where the electric, septic and water hookups are located and then to help direct me, chock the wheels, level the camper, unhitch, and hookup to those services. It takes about thirty minutes.
Unfortunately, we were delayed in setting up because when I hit “Start” the truck did not. Beth said, “A little puff of smoke came out of the engine.” We were stuck…again.
Shaking our heads in disbelief, we went inside the office and explained the situation. The owners of the campground were notified and we sat down outside on a bench to wait for them and begin a discussion of options like we’ve done over and over on this trip. It always starts the same, “Okay. So, what’s next?”
Long story a bit shorter, the owners used a tractor to guide our truck to a parking spot and the same vehicle to put our camper on the site next to the office. We called USAA, our insurance company, and requested a tow to the nearest automobile mechanic.
Five hours later, the tow truck showed up and took our truck to be repaired, hopefully on Monday morning. We didn’t know whether it was a transmission issue ($3-5,000) or a starter ($5-700). Two guys staying at the campground offered both opinions.
This morning, the mechanics called and informed us that we needed a new starter and a fuse. The work would be finished by the end of the workday for about $600. Despite the continued frustration of more time and another knock on our budget, this number brought relief.
Now, it’s Monday night. I have the truck back. I’ve had a swim and some food. We’ve booked tomorrow’s campground in Archbold, Ohio. This day is done.
Let’s hope tomorrow is an easy one for a change!
