TROUBLE X 2!

We pulled out of our campsite at Phipps County Park at 0800 on March 17. Motoring north on I 95 at a leisurely 60 mph, we were making decent progress. We passed through Jacksonville with the usual traffic, but no delays. We were thankful for the relatively easy passage through the city.

We were looking forward to crossing the Florida/Georgia boarder while changing our target destination. We would arrive at our planned stop at about 1400 hours. The trip was going smoothly and we decided to locate a campground about 100 miles further north. That's when we ran into TROUBLE!

The F 250 abruptly lost power. We had a few minutes to find a relatively wide, safe shoulder and managed to pull over without incident. A quick check of the engine compartment revealed that the serpentine belt fell off its various pulleys. Further inspection showed that the vacuum pump pulley was missing. Last year, as we were towing M/V Sunshine home, the vacuum pulley seized. This time,   it may have seized and the spindle/axle broke off.

Our insurance company arranged for a tow to the local Ford Dealership. We phoned them to alert them to the problem. They told us they were busy and couldn't look at it for a week. We changed the plan and went to the tow operator's shop. He can secure the needed parts and get us underway tomorrow.

He even dropped us off at a safe hotel. It seems that several in the area are frequented be the local prostitutes. He offered that they wouldn't be particularly safe for travelers.

By 1300 hours, we were able hook the boat and truck together and be on our way.

The F 250 being off loaded at at the repair shop.

We stopped at the South of the Boarder Campground on the North/South Carolina boarder for the night. The trip from the repair shop to the campground was uneventful. We even managed to miss the rush hour traffic in Savannah.

We drove home from South of the Boarder without incident. We took our usual route, departing I 95 at Emporia, Va to head east toward the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel. We arrived home in time to unhitch the truck and drive to Medford to see Sandi's new house. Along the way, we picked up Geoffrey and Madi (Claire was at a soccer game) for Pizza night. With that, our cruise was officially over and we eased into home activities.

The very next day, we woke up to more trouble... wait for it... SNOW!

More trouble!