After two rather traumatic runaway-breakdowns, Jacqui and I were struggling to find any enthusiasm when word came we could pick up our van again. Even with Marcello putting 150 trouble free miles on Penny, we were simply suffering Vanagon PTSD. Another rental car, another hour drive out to Marcello's and another farewell wave later we we're cruising down the highway with churning stomachs.
Read MoreThe Curse (Aircooled Vanagon to m-TDI swap Part 3)
With seven grease-covered days behind us, Jacqui and I finally paused to proudly observe our completed motor installation. It was late in the day and we were exhausted, which added to our decision to wait until morning to start up the engine. After all, with a conversion of this magnitude, there were bound to be hiccups and I didn’t want discovering them to pollute my night’s sleep.
Little did I know, any start up issues we were about to encounter would pale in comparison to what was lurking in our near future.
The hour is upon us
As we listened to the wind humming outside, Jacqui and I mused to ourselves that every day living on the road, no matter how monotonous it could be, always seems full of adventure. Right now we have three sets of friends getting ready to pick their rigs up in Columbia, something we very well thought we’d be doing in the near future. However, no matter how much we try to force it, at least for now, our adventure is simply moving another direction, again.
Read MoreThe Texas Greeting
Somehow, despite driving nearly 1000 miles due north, Texas was greeting us with heat unlike anything Mexico had offered. Granted, in cities such as Oaxaca, we did have elevation on our side. Regardless, despite some optimistic sounding forecasts, South Padre Island did disappoint in the wind department. We spent most of our few days there hiding in cafes and breweries sipping away at the slowest possible rate to savor the available air-conditioning, then heading to the beach to take advantage of cool water and free outdoor showers.
Read MorePlans, plans, plans
Looking good on the beach.
It became rapidly apparent that for Deb and Butch to be capable of getting out of their house in time for its closing date they were going to need help. A lot of help. So somehow a one week visit to help buy and outfit their RV was stretched. Just another "plan" pushed aside as the story of our life on the road develops.
Read MoreChasing the Dream
Volcano Popocatepetl outside of Mexico City.
Expensive clothes, heads down, walking fast, face in phone. Jewelry, watches and foreign faces avoiding eye contact. My "good morning" is met with a quiet grunt. In the bathroom I'm surprised to find toilet seats and you're now allowed to flush the paper. The bar serves stronger beers than my rapidly buzzing brain is accustomed.
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