Trek to make a NYE party

So, the RV is dead, our replacement is 14 hours away, we admitted defeat and decided to make a party out of it. Luckily for us, the liquor store is a short trek away. We crossed the highway and were off...

Apparently, this guy is walking it too. Don't know where but we followed anyway. Plus, if he crossed the street first, we were less likely to get smushed.



It took a little wandering but eventually we spotted the store in the distance.




Party here we come!



We made it (and accosted someone to take or picture)

Looks like they knew we were coming...



Lisa couldn't find a champagne that she liked, but we settled on something..



and they had my favorite.



Thank you, Rosy's!

After the liquor store, we headed to the grocery store and got some goodies!



Cheese!



Back at the RV with our stash..



Champagne is chilling...



We've got lunch..



Moose seems like he's having a good time.



Our view...a 24 hour Walgreens. Isn't it pretty?

Tranmission Corporation of America - Our Saviors

After a 5-10 minute ride in the extremely hot (apparently the driver likes it warm and had the heat cranking) tow truck, we arrived to our destination and saviors... Transmission Corporation of America.



of which, it is apparently easiest to get to by cutting across the median, into the wrong lane and oncoming traffic.



Ah, we have arrived, safely and in one piece.




It seems the manager is also one of the technicians....and although the sign said he was in the shop..



He was not.

I didn't get a picture of him checking out the RV or Moose shitting on the floor of the above Manager's nice shop (I figured Lisa might slap me if I pulled out the camera at the point - I really wanted to) or him telling us the bad news that we were stuck for the night! Luckily, he is a nice person and generously allowed us to plug our RV into their power supply..



...they even got us an extension cord!

Our mileage achievements for today: 7 miles

Tennessee here we stay! - The pictures

Apparently, leaving Knoxville was not in the cards for today. We woke up bright and early ready to hit the road, but the RV had other ideas. We may have made it about a mile and landed at a red light leaving the Wallart.

Lisa managed to force it into submission and we slowly worked our way into the Kohl's parking lot. So let's see, what that means is our list of places seen so far are now:

Walmart
Kohl's

I love tourist spots!



After unsuccessfully finding a tow truck or anyone to help us via google, Lisa did it the old fashioned way...hopped out of the RV and flagged down the guy in the "Plow Boys, Inc" truck as it was leaving Kohl's. Thank god we landed in Knoxville where the people are nice and helpful! He called some of his buddies who arranged a tow truck and found us a transmission repair center that was open. Thank you stranger!

After about 45 minutes or so, the tow truck arrived. Yay! We are saved!




The tow guy told us we weren't allowed to stay in the RV with the animals, so we had to leave them all alone and very confused! Somehow, I managed to snap this pic though so I guess it was worth it.



Yep, that is me...with a cigarette hanging out of my mouth, my computer in one hand, snapping a picture of the poor puppies. Priorities people! Look we had clear skies and no rain OR snow. Thank you weather gods!



Piled in the tow trunk and on our way. We could have gone golfing!



So yeah, it kind of sucked...and I looked a little worse for the wear but I could still manage a smile :)

-Jen

Tennessee here we come - The pictures

Some more pictures for your viewing pleasure...

Tennessee here we come -



Apparently the welcome center was closed. At least there was a big blinking sign to let us know.



It may be hard to tell but we made it to Tennessee and somehow even managed to snap a picture of the sign.



Walmart here we come. It was a perfect resting spot. Even open 24 hours. I thought we should go inside and walk around just for the heck of it, but Lisa was not so keen on the idea.



Squirt was HUNGRY.



So were we...

Pictures- Day 1 - Leg #2 - Filling up the RV

Some pictures for your enjoyment...

Day 1 - 2nd leg



Stopped and filled up the RV for the first time. We made sure to turn on the propane first!!



Moose was checking out the scene..waiting to pee.



Lisa filling up the tank.



Thankfully gas is CHEAP!



Driving the RV for the first time. I looked terrified (because I was)!

Geek Central

OK we are total nerds and now have a peer to peer network set up in the RV and are ready to have a virtual NYE party this evening. Who is coming.

We have a verdict...

Looks like we will be plugging into the Transmission centers power and settling in for the night.

The RV rental company is sending us a replacement RV direct from Texas. Estimated arrival 14 hours!

We've got a Walgreens, CVS, Long John Silver and Arby's in a direct view. A liquor store across the street and even a Tattoo parlor (just in case we drink too much champagne and decide to get a tattoo)!

Luckily I brought Yahtzee in case we get bored, plus we've got Netflix instant viewing on the computer. Thank you technology. We LOVE you!!

-Jen

Keep your fingers crossed!

Well the tow truck picked us up and safely transported us to the transmission center. Luckily we stopped close to civilization and only a few miles from the service place. Please keep your fingers crossed that it's a simple, easy fix and we can back on the road shortly.

At least we have a laptop to keep us entertained and in touch.

When the tow truck arrived, Lisa and I simultaneously pulled out the cameras so we've got plenty of pictures to share. LOL.

More to come later...

Cross those fingers and toes!

-Jen

Day 2 starts out interesting

Well we pulled out of the Walmart Parking lot this morning, got a mile down the road when what should happen????????? The FREAKING TRANSMISSION DIED!!!!!! So looks like we may just be spending NYE in Knoxville TN.

We are currently waiting for the tow truck to come retrieve us from the Kohl's parking lot. Fortunately a nice guy that runs a land scape business found us a tow.

Hoping its a quick easy fix, but if worse comes to worse we will be getting another RV from the rental company (hmm, how long do you think that will take????)

So if your board, give us a call, send us an email, whatever your heart desires. At least keep your fingers crossed that we aren't stuck to long. On a brighter note, this may put us at the Spa in Hot Springs on Jan 2 instead on Jan 1 when they are closed.

L

End of Day 1

Ok it is now a little after 3 EST, midnight Pacific. We are in Knoxville, just miles from the gold. Decided we didn't want to try and find a proper campground tonight so we are currently park at Walmart. I knew Walmart was good for something other than cat litter.

Tomorrow is Nashville and Memphis spending the night somewhere else on our way to the Grand Canyon. I am sure we will find an appropriate place to celebrate the new year, maybe even twice.

Dogs, cats, birds and even humans have been fed, thanks to cheese and crackers. Heading to lala land in a bit.

See you all on day 2

Tennessee!

I am now an experienced RV driver. Woohoo! It wasn't as scary as I thought it would be. Just took some time getting used to the mirrors. I guess I can now cross "Driving an RV" off my Do before I die list.

We just crossed over the state line into Tennessee. About time we got out of Virgina!

417 miles down! Only 3600 left to go.

According to TomTom we'll be in Nashville at 5:38 am but I'm sure we will give up and pull over by then. No idea where, we're just trucking along until we decide to do something else. The only thing we do know is we will be sleeping in TN tonight. :)

-Jen

More Pics from day 1

Thought I would take a few moments to introduce the rest of the players on this crazy west bound journey across country.



From left to right we have Squirt in the dark blue carrier in the corner (the on in front of him is an extra) next to that we have Crash and Boomer together of course because they are inseparable and then there is Stinker the smallest in the group.


Again left to right we have Sweetie in the carrier you cant see through, then Jazz (AKA Monkey) With Princess and Runt the other two cats in the carrier at the end.




This is a view of all of them. If you look down below you will see the top of the driver seat so you get the idea that they are right above us. THANK GOD!!!! they are all being very very good.




And for those that are interested we have the Audacious Inquiry Mug along for the ride as well as a black Calvin Klein T-shirt that belongs to a certain someone that also couldn't make it an well got my yoga pants instead of his shirt.


Well and of course we cant forget Aggy. He was supposed to join us for the trip, but well at 18 he opted out a couple of weeks ago. So he gets the prominent seat and gets to play navigator on his way to join Sebastian. (OK OK yes I know its a little warped but what do you expect????)

So for all

" THAT'S JUST THE WAY WE ROLL"

BTW we are currently near Blacksburg, Va. 289 miles down the road. The cats are know out of their carriers and all is well.

Day 1 - A few hours later..

Actually Dad, it's only been 4 hours since our last update. :wink:

Per my Dad's request, our first mileage/location update...

Mileage count: 140 miles
Location: New Market, VA

-Jen

Day 1

We finally got on the road. It was much later than anticipated, but preparing for a trip across country takes time I guess. All the animals are packed and so far behaving well. The birds and the cats are perched above us on the overhead bed and the dogs are resting quietly on their doggy beds.

We departed from my folks at 3:30 pm, but we haven't made it very far yet, heck, it's only been 33.4 miles. LOL.

Thank you Dad for your air card. It's working fabulously so far, and although running away to California is fun, I don't think I could do it "disconnected".

-Jen

Some highlights from today...




Leaving my house, "Bye house, I'll miss you!"




Dad and Mom checking out the RV




The electronic center



The cats and birds



Mom and Dad saying goodbye



On our way!



Going..



Going...



Gone!



Okay, not really..Lisa had to send a text..



..and I had to take a picture



...and Dad had to give us our camera back



Really gone, we swear



J.J. relaxing



Moose not so much..



We didn't get far before hitting traffic..



The last MD sunset for a few days..and more traffic.