Yesterday morning’s forecast for Hurkin was for cold and freeze thaw. I checked Sedona’s which raised a higher level of pleasure. 5 hour drive and mostly sure of a place to park for the night.
But first was and is a van health issue with engine fluid leaking. I suspected coolant which focused my exam. I saw that the lower radiator hose was leaking . I took problem solving action by googling repair shops, picked the most appealing then called Mon AM. Guy, that’s the shop name who happens to be on site owner. Sure we can look at it now as we’re not busy. I headed to his shop down near St George. A tech checked the leaks, he reported a leaking head gasket. They don’t do that repair. The leak is a seep that needs fixed. I made the decision to drive to Sedona then seek repair. Anxiety over engine issue. I rationalized that the leaks have been around for “a while” and the van still runs fine. Most of the 245 miles to Flagstaff traveled unpopulated desert with questionable cell coverage to holler for tow. The Dodge dealer is on outskirts of Flag right on my route. I stopped in and made an appointment for tomorrow for diagnosis then make a repair plan. Service advisor told me they are capable of making the repair. I will have 3 one way trips to Flag before repair. Fingers crossed.
Darkness fell while I was still on I 17 which meant that I would be locating a sleep spot in the dark for the first time this visit. I needed to learn the condition of the dirt tracks to each spot. Ah, the ace in my pocket is the paved cul d sac at the top of the hill. Empty. I chose my same spot which requires the height of 3 leveling blocks under the right front wheel. Familiarity. Wind gusts 23 degree get up, van was 56. It is what it is.
Today I started my connecting with people. I have a dentist and eye exam appointments. Checked bike and bean out, new people, the stylist who cuts my hair and beard retired, a round about has been installed in uptown which is almost empty. Stopped at Fat Tire shop which was closed but Dave was inside. As I approached the shop door he opened it and greeted me. I hung out with Dave and Chip engaging in stimulating conversation until my voice cracked and my brain said it was full. Bid adieu then drove to The Worm bookstore to check on my in town sleep spot. All good. Short walk to Whole Foods and Old Sedona for tomorrow’s Zags game, they are ranked #2 presently.
Slipping back into my Sedona lifestyle. Trail work on Thurs.
Forecast for Sunday is 61. Bring it on.
Last year I made a spread sheet to record the books I have read, present total is 41. 42 is Hemingway’s The Snows of Kilimanjaro. I ordered Gone with the Wind.
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