Trouble Number One: Broken Power Cord Bracket!
The ever-valiant Perfect Tow Vehicle carries us over treacherous rocks and through deep ruts, up hill and down dale, to transport me, the crew, and the Best Little Trailer to Juniper Hill Camp. Not once do I hear a complaint in spite of injury to her back end.
She can manage rocks and ruts, but when there are several of these obstacles in close proximity, it’s bound to take a toll on her. I never would’ve put our precious PTV through such an arduous journey as the one that brought us here, except it was a situation where there was no room to turn around, so one must go forward.
Fortunately, the power cord itself is not damaged. With a bit of wire, I can keep the cord in place until the bracket is replaced.
Trouble Number Two: A Big Red Ant Bites Spike!
Spike innocently patrols the campsite, unaware of the danger about to befall him. Suddenly he hits the dirt and frantically bites his back paw. I run to see what’s the matter and find the biggest red ant I’ve ever seen. I rip the thing off his paw (Actually, above his paw where the flesh is not protected by pad).
Immediately I pour cold water into a basin and place Spike in it.
My plan is to treat the area with a spray I have for stings, a kind of Solarcaine for pets. I don’t have a chance to use it on him. After soaking for a minute or two, Spike hurries over to a shady spot under a juniper. He lies down, sticking his sore paw into the cool, loose earth, effectively making a mud pack.
His natural remedy works! He’s back to normal, patrolling our campsite, an important job, what with this bull making frequent visits!
Trouble Number Three: The Toilet Breaks!
The first two troubles occurred yesterday and the day before. First thing I do upon waking this morning is light the burner under a pot of coffee. Second thing I do is visit the bathroom. I place my foot on the flush pedal and nothing happens!
I get down on hands and knees to inspect. The cable is disengaged from the pedal. Oh, this should be an easy fix. I’ll just pull the cable down and slide it where it goes in this here slot and . . . The cable doesn’t reach! Somehow it’s jammed up in the little hole in the toilet above the flush pedal. Oh darn, what a pain in the . . .
At that moment an alarm shrieks.
I jump to my feet. Carbon monoxide! I forgot I closed the ceiling vent last night! I turn off the burner and swing open the outside door. I open a window. The alarm stops. Two canine faces look out from under covers with expressions of confusion (Spike) and panic (Bridget).
“Everything’s okay. Don’t worry, little pumpkins. Time to get up and go outside.”
After coffee, the crew and I walk while I evaluate the situation.
I am NOT going to take the toilet apart. That will turn a small problem into a big problem.
Upon our return I research online.
Not far from here (about 20-25 miles) in Prescott Valley is an RV sales and repair place. The website says they have a free dump station. Wow, that’s a bonus. I call and make an appointment for tomorrow morning. Hmm . . . I need groceries. A quick online search and I learn there’s a Sam’s Club on the same road and not far from the RV place. Great!
Well, I just have to make it until tomorrow morning. This calls for a can-do attitude. Or rather a can-doo-doo attitude!
rvsue
rvsue and her canine crew 