I go where I’m towed

The trip took a bit of a turn…  we were driving along - about two hours from our destination - and suddenly there was an explosive sound.  This was about 3 pm.  We pulled over to survey the damage and everything looked fine.  We tried to pull back on the highway and could only go about 20 mph.  The truck simply didn’t have any power.  We called roadside assistance from our insurance and they were able to tow the truck to the closest GMC dealer who had already closed for the day.  The campground called about our reservation and we explained our predicament.  She gave us the name of an Rv repair guy who could maybe tow the camper the two hours to our campsite.  The tow truck company was also able to get a taxi to come to the side of the highway with a minivan - so the kids and pets and I hopped in and tried to go to a rental car place at the Salinas airport.  He was cash only and the fare was $40.  I had $42 haha.  When we got there, the desks were all closed, so we asked to go to the Monterey Airport.  I asked for the fare and let him know that we would also need to stop at an atm.  Thankfully my debit card worked at that bank.  On the way there, I booked a car thru Enterprise on my phone.  Someone called me back  almost immediately and said they didn’t have any cars and to call Hertz.  I did that and the message box said they were closed.  Without any more ideas, we continued on to the airport.  The driver dropped us at the curb and gave me his card.  I raced in while the kids watched the pets and Charlie on the airport curb.  I truly think God sent an angel to me at the counter.  I got to Hertz and she said they had no cars.  A man came by and turned in keys and I said I would take his car - she said they would have to wash it and I explained that I didn’t mind if it was dirty.  I also explained that I had four kids waiting outside and that I think our transmission blew.  She was so kind and somehow found a minivan for us - the last car.  She turned the woman behind me away, again stating that they had no cars.  We hopped in the minivan and drove back to the gmc dealer because we realized the trailer power cord was still in the truck.  

Stu had waited with the rig, so he rode with the driver to GMC where we picked him up. We had drive thru for dinner and drove the two hours north to San Fran.  It was dark by the time we got there - after 9 pm and the trailer wasn’t there yet.  We scoped out our site and it was tiny!  We waited for the tow truck to arrive and guided him to the site.  He said there was no way we would fit and squeezed us in three sites down.  He was so nice and ended up giving us three baskets of strawberries.  We all fell into bed around 11.  We woke up to a gorgeous view!

I was so thankful at the for the kindness of everyone we encountered.  Stu and I worked together so well to figure out a game plan and the kids had such great attitudes.  It may have been an expensive day, but it will be a memorable story that our family will recount!  One thing I love about camping is it makes us resilient, creative and resourceful!