Ed & Kay have arrived!

"Ed Says" - A summary of our cross country marathon

     We were able to leave on our journey to rendezvous with Darrell and Kathy on Friday June 3 about noon.  Our plan was to drive, eat and sleep until we met them, no touring.  And that is mostly what we did for 5 days, averaging 500+ miles per day and eating out except for breakfast.  One day we drove 660 miles!  Never again!  Ed had vertigo for the next two days (car sickness we think).   Another objective was to stay at no cost camp sites the entire way.  This we accomplished by staying in Walmart and Cabela's parking lots, and one Dodge dealer parking lot (more on that experience later).

     We arrived in Great Falls, Montana on Tuesday June 7 for an early start the next day for the run up to Glacier National Park for our rendezvous.  Well, we got the early start.  That's the good news.  Kay started driving first and quickly noticed the MIL light was on.  Not a good sign--this stands for Malfunction Indicator Light, like in engine problem.  We have had this experience with this truck before, none of it with a good outcome.  So we headed to the Dodge dealership right down the road.  The problem was diagnosed and was a relatively quick and inexpensive fix.  I have learned that "inexpensive fix" for a diesel is a relative term and does not mean low cost, as everything about a diesel cost more that any other auto repair or service.

     Having had significant problems with this truck before and now coupled with this problem,  we lost all confidence for this truck to get us to Alaska, let alone to get us back.  So, while at the dealership we began discussions to trade this truck in for another.  And we did.  We now have a gas 2015 Ram 1500 4x4 with trailer towing package, and an extended warranty!!  Comfort and confidence at last!  My one and only diesel experience has been a complete nightmare! 

     With repair work on the diesel, haggling for the new truck, installing trailer hitch, and adjustments to trailer part of the hitch, it was going to be Friday June 10 before we could leave for the rendezvous.  And this is how it came to be for us to spend the night in our camper in the dealers parking lot.  We can not say that was a no cost stay.  Let's just say it was included with the truck!

RENDEZVOUS AT LAST!   We arrived in Glacier early afternoon.  What a joyous sight to see Darrell and Kathy.  Now the fun part of the trip begins.  Tomorrow, we cross into Canada.