Saturday--New Mexico--Uneventful
Sunday-NM, Ok, TX,AR--Even more uneventful
Last time we were in OK (26 years ago) we were driving home with the bun in the oven in Jen's POS Subaru and driving so fast that a fish and wildlife cop started flashing his spot light on and off (he did not have real lights). We decided to pull over and he asked me if I knew how fast I was going and I said, "no, the speedometer only goes to 85 and it was buried." (I was only 20 at the time). He then said, well I can assure you that you were going over the speed limit (he had no radar). Let me off with a warning.
Ok, we got up early to put some miles on so we can get home. We were going to stay in Santa Fay but decided to just stop there and talk Jen for a walk and then go on. On our way, I saw a really cool firetruck with a huge American flag flying at a local Veterans park. Had to get a picture of the Flag in front of this Flag for my Veterans Day post. After circling the small parking lots 4 times, I traversed a speed bump (remember the last one that got me good and killed all my wine glasses) and heard a huge crash. Looked behind me and the Jeep was not there or at least not tailgating me like usual. I stopped immediately and got out (Jen did not even spill her soda). Holy Shit. The Jeep was off the hitch, bikes under the jeep and everything mangled. I was just looking and assessing the situation while Jen was asking what we do. My silence of thought led her back into RV as I was trying to figure out what happened, a solution and thanking my lucky stars this happened while driving in a town and not at 75 MPH on a highway or it would have been game over.
I have been towing shit for 30 years and in my time doing so I have never seen a hitch pin snap, until now. I bought some really expensive, locking hitch pins because Jake said people may have stolen the jeep or bikes and I should lock them). Thanks Jake! Here is the amazing part, Started dismantling the mess, piece by piece and layout my options. My bike was ok, kaseyb bike mangled, one receiver mangled, damaged bumper, bent ladder but for what this could have been we were very fortunate (only one small tear in tx on the wrap). 30 minutes later and black handed from all the diesel fuel, we were up and running with bikes in jeep hooked up. Glad I brought my tools and extra parts. We literally lost about 30 minutes (Jen was impressed).
Onto our trail in NM which was not quite 5 miles but a strong uphill. Had to find or make other trails for Jen to get the full 5 miles which ended up being 6 miles and back to Flag right at dark. Lights helped us travel a little further and we got to a Walmart at about 10 pm. This RV thing is so awesome. We pull into a Walmart, put our legs down, slides out, close curtains and we literally could be in the middle of our own land wherever. We were exhaled but still went inside to buy stuff (that is why it is a good thing for Walmart to allow parking). Bought a new hitch receiver and we are back in business. We were exhausted so went to bed and woke up at 9 AM--CRAZY (We did lose an hour on time).
Steaming home we pushed hard through Oklahoma City (our target stop), and moved on to make up time. Had my cheese platter for breakfast and once again, Jen tried to sneak in a summer sausage heel like she always does. She does this with bread as well (like I am a kid and just won't notice). The dogs don't even like the heel.
Anyone ever see Rain Man? Remember the part where they had to stop to watch The Peoples Court or Dustin Hoffman would have a breakdown? That is what I was reminded of when trying to find a place to walk on our way to our campground. Guess what? WE DID NOT WALK! First time in a very long time and I had to talk Jen off the ledge a bit. I convinced her she could dance later to make up for the steps.
Sorry to miss Sully's Christening but heard he was an Angel. Also, shout out to Roberto for his birthday. We wish we could visit you guys in Atlanta but it is impossible on this trip.
Oh, by the way, I think Julian is now reading the blog! Apparently, Tyler told him NOT to read it and that was the trigger. Go figure.
Passed all the cotton picken' fields and to our campground. It was still Light out (YEA). Took showers and went to town. Stopped by local grocery to pick up some beer but unfortunately we landed in a dry county (or Jen is a mastermind planner). Off to dinner where we drinks, steaks, apps, and anything we wanted for the price of $44.00. We tipped $20 to the cute (Jens word) waitress. My only regret was that I did not have my cowboy Oil money outfit to wear while I was here.
Last thought before our dance party--Jen always puts things on the counter while we are driving that makes no sense at all. If a fan was blowing, it would fall over but she leaves with all the confidence that it will stay there while driving 75 MPH in a 60' missile.
Onto Memphis!
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