I suppose it is always better to start at the beginning. The lead sentence, " at least we made it home safely," makes it sound a bit more dramatic than it really was. But, I suppose, for a couple of "aging" travelers it was a trip that did not have to have quite as many "moments" to make us wonder if we had made the right decision to make our trip to visit Roxanne in Cheyenne, Wyoming.
So, let's back up a bit. Roxanne was a bit surprised that when I suggested I would help her install a router to give her wireless access for her laptop, I would be doing it in person.
After a bit of discussion, Joyce and I decided the Buick was the car of choice for the trip. It can hold more stuff and it is more comfortable than the pickup would have been.
In the end we did need space and we did need the slumber comfort since it turns out 800 miles seems longer than it used to in the past.
Our trip west was quite uneventful. Our original plan was to drive about eight hours and find a place for the night.
It turns out that Rosebud, South Dakota was the place to stay over night. It just happens to have a casino with a motel attached.
Our room was quite comfortable and Gary's luck in the casino garnered a $45 profit.
Our next stop was Fort Collins, Colorado. I know, you may be thinking, "I thought you were only going to Cheyenne." Yes, that was the plan. There were no good reviews for the motels in Cheyenne. As it turned out, it was a blessing in disguise (more on that later). We booked the Cambria Suites for our stay. It had the best reviews and was relatively affordable.
Our first day visiting Roxanne went well. We visited with her church group and from there went to her house.
I was able to install her router without too many issues. Mission accomplished and knowing Roxanne had to get to bed for her work shift, we headed out for the rest of the afternoon.
We decided to visit was the flower displays at The Gardens at Spring Park.
We decided to visit was the flower displays at The Gardens at Spring Park.
It was alive with innovative displays.
And here our adventure really begins. As we were taking our self guided tour the person in charge approached and informed us that we were almost locked in for the evening. They had done the security check moments before we arrived and thought that the area we were in was empty of visitors. She was very nice about it and we were invited to return the next day for a more complete tour.
Well, as it turned out that was not going to happen. In an empty parking lot, our car would not start. "No problem," I thought. In the past it was just a case of a vapor lock in the fuel line. 45 minutes later, I was guessing a bad fuel pump.
We altered our schedule a bit and made the decision that after our 2nd visit with Roxanne, from there we would head home. during our visit we had a nice time chatting. I was able to get her new printer up and running as well. And when it was time to head out Joyce and I agreed that we might just try to drive straight through and only stop if both of us were too tired to drive.
Our luck ran positive in Rosebud again. We pulled in there to get gas and we were informed that they were celebrating their 20 year anniversary. Gas was being discounted to $3 a gallon. Did I mention that we were going to try to drive straight through? That means, of course, that there would be some night driving. Of course that means that we were relying on our car to have headlights that stay on in the dark. I am sure you get the drift of where I am going here. 3:30 am is not a good time to lose the lights.
Luckily, Clara City has a cozy little rest area where one can park and sleep until daylight.
I am of the opinion that the trip was very successful. First and foremost, we were able to visit with Roxanne. We were able to get her technologically updated a bit. We met some wonderful, helpful people. We saw a lot of beautiful scenery. I got to drive a lot. The Buick averaged 30 mpg throughout the trip. We discovered that Fort Collins is a very friendly place to visit with many things to do.
Oh, did I mention we discovered that the rear wheel wells had rusted through and now we know how the pool of water was able to form in the trunk when we drove in the rain?
Well, as it turned out that was not going to happen. In an empty parking lot, our car would not start. "No problem," I thought. In the past it was just a case of a vapor lock in the fuel line. 45 minutes later, I was guessing a bad fuel pump.
1 1/2 hours later we were being towed to Houska Automotive where the car would rest until the next day. Oh, by the way, did I mention this occurred on a Sunday evening when no garages were open? Our tow truck driver was very helpful and even went out of his way to take us back to our motel. And that was it for our "adventure" of the day.
Monday started out a bit iffy. I called the garage to see if they had looked at our car and was told there were already 25 cars that already had appointments to be looked at, but they would see if they could free up a mechanic to see what was wrong with it. Yes, it was a fuel pump. The good news was that they would be able to work on it. The discouraging news was that it would not be ready for at least 8 hours. So, what does a couple do stranded in an unfamiliar town waiting? Of course the answer is always go shopping.
We were also able to catch up on our reading, take a nap, watch television, read the newspaper, take a two mile hike.........
The other good news is that the Buick did get fixed.
Monday started out a bit iffy. I called the garage to see if they had looked at our car and was told there were already 25 cars that already had appointments to be looked at, but they would see if they could free up a mechanic to see what was wrong with it. Yes, it was a fuel pump. The good news was that they would be able to work on it. The discouraging news was that it would not be ready for at least 8 hours. So, what does a couple do stranded in an unfamiliar town waiting? Of course the answer is always go shopping.
We were also able to catch up on our reading, take a nap, watch television, read the newspaper, take a two mile hike.........
The other good news is that the Buick did get fixed.
I highly recommend Houska Automotive if you are ever in need of service in Fort Collins.
We altered our schedule a bit and made the decision that after our 2nd visit with Roxanne, from there we would head home. during our visit we had a nice time chatting. I was able to get her new printer up and running as well. And when it was time to head out Joyce and I agreed that we might just try to drive straight through and only stop if both of us were too tired to drive.
Our luck ran positive in Rosebud again. We pulled in there to get gas and we were informed that they were celebrating their 20 year anniversary. Gas was being discounted to $3 a gallon. Did I mention that we were going to try to drive straight through? That means, of course, that there would be some night driving. Of course that means that we were relying on our car to have headlights that stay on in the dark. I am sure you get the drift of where I am going here. 3:30 am is not a good time to lose the lights.
I am of the opinion that the trip was very successful. First and foremost, we were able to visit with Roxanne. We were able to get her technologically updated a bit. We met some wonderful, helpful people. We saw a lot of beautiful scenery. I got to drive a lot. The Buick averaged 30 mpg throughout the trip. We discovered that Fort Collins is a very friendly place to visit with many things to do.
And, in the end, the dysfunctional Buick is being set aside for a newer ride. While it has served us well, Joyce is okay with finding it a new owner.
Oh, did I mention we discovered that the rear wheel wells had rusted through and now we know how the pool of water was able to form in the trunk when we drove in the rain?
