June 11, 2001
Where does the time go? I blinked....and suddenly it's almost the middle of June. Right now I'm in Amarillo, Texas and by this time next week I'll be in Branson, Missouri. I spent three days camping in the Grand Canyon and took some wonderful pictures. I'd never been to the Grand Canyon before and I was absolutely stunned by the power it must have taken to create such an awesome natural wonder. (I was also surprised to find myself one of the FEW English-speaking people at most of the viewpoints.) It's nice to know the whole world appreciates the beauty of our nation.
When I left the Grand Canyon, I decided it was time for another "retreat". There is nothing like solitude, prayer and reading the Bible when you have things you need to sort out (which I do). Sometimes the activities of daily living interfere with my concentration but I always find that a few days of silence...with no radio or television...no novels or newspapers...and no one else to talk to...help me get my spirit focused on the really important things. It's easier to see the "big" pictures when the "little" picture isn't getting in the way.
Lucky (my RV) needed some work so I headed for an RV repair shop in Flagstaff, Arizona. They told me it would take 7 days to get the parts...so I asked them to recommend a place in the surrounding mountains where I could park and be "alone" while I waited. They directed me to "Elden Springs" so off I went. As I was climbing the mountain toward the springs (on a winding, narrow and extremely "washboarded" dirt road), suddenly my break warning light came on. Within minutes, I had almost no brakes at all. I was climbing up hill at the time, so it wasn't too much of a problem...but I was sure wondering how I would make it back DOWN. Twice before my break warning light has come on and both times I was simply out of break fluid. The previous two experiences had taught me where the master cylinder was located so now I carry break fluid with me. For some reason, I had a feeling it wasn't going to be quite that simple. Why? Because the last time it happened (and I had break fluid added) was only one week ago. There was no way it could be empty already; unless, of course, I had a major leak. I sure wish I knew more about engines. My sons would just pull over and take care of whatever the problem was....but not me. Oh well, I figured I'd just find a remote place to park, spend a week without driving, and then add break fluid ...hoping it would be enough to get me back down the mountain and into the repair shop. I wasn't going to let a little thing like leaky brakes ruin my retreat in the mountains!
Although I had a heck of a time finding a place to park, (boy, there's another long story) and when I did, it took every single block of wood in my storage cabinets just to get me even CLOSE to level, I finally got settled and had an absolutely wonderful week! I wrote a new poem which I believe was truly another gift. I was reading the Bible at the time (right in the middle of a page) when suddenly the first verse popped into my head. It was so strong, I immediately grabbed pen and paper and spent the next 5 hours composing the rest. I call it "The Promise" and you will now find it under "Food for Thought". (I also put a direct link on the bottom of this page.)
As always, the time flew by and before I knew it my week was up. (Just a few scary moments and a major wind storm to make things interesting.) My plan was to return to Flagstaff on Monday morning (the part should be in by then) so I planned to handle the break fluid problem on Sunday afternoon...that way it wouldn't have time to leak back out again before I got down the mountain. Unfortunately, there was one small unforeseen problem; I couldn't get the cap off the master cylinder. I tried, and tried, and tried again. I tugged, pushed, pulled and even tried to pry it off. Finally I gave up and decided to ask the Lord for help. I had been there 6 days and during that entire time I had only seen a couple of cars (you could count them on one hand)...but that was exactly what I needed now; someone to help me. (Hopefully, someone who's stronger than I am.)
Actually, I felt pretty silly asking the Lord for such a minor thing. People are starving and dying of painful illnesses and here I am...asking for someone to get the lid off my master cylinder. I had to chuckle as I prayed but I was sure the Lord knew what was in my heart and understood that I was laughing at my own ineptitude. It couldn't have been much more than an hour later when I head the sound of a vehicle pulling in right next to me...and then another...and another...and another. I rushed outside to see who my potential helpers were and boy-oh-boy, was I ever surprised! Piling out of four vehicles were at least 8 teenage boys. They were dressed in camouflage fatigues, wearing full face masks and armed with some pretty odd looking guns. Since I'm somewhat familiar with guns, it didn't take too long to figure out that what they were merely "paint guns". Apparently, they were in the woods for a paint war (and to answer my prayer). It couldn't have been more perfect. Teenage boys are usually pretty good with cars and almost always willing to help a lady in distress. Besides that, I had a great afternoon watching them running through the woods, ducking behind trees and rocks and blasting each other with paint. The Lord sure works in mysterious ways!
I have to admit, I was slightly mollified to see that these strong young men had a heck of a time trying to dislodge the cap. At least they didn't think I was totally helpless. And yes, the reservoir was bone dry. As soon as it was refilled, I had brakes again and headed back to Flagstaff. Unfortunately, my parts weren't in yet, so I drove another 10 miles to an RV park where I could wait in relative comfort. (They had shade trees and a pool - and it was record setting HOT outside!)
Three days later, my parts finally arrived so I packed up to leave the RV park. Apparently, "Lucky" had other ideas. She wouldn't start! I couldn't believe it. Now I was stuck at an RV park just 10 miles from the repair shop ...and they were waiting for me. I had no choice but to call a tow truck (thank you AAA) and eventually I did make it to the shop. It was like adding insult to injury when I found out why she wouldn't start. (Boy, what I wouldn't give for more automotive knowledge) Apparently, the choke was stuck. I guess that happens quite often at 7000 foot altitude (according to the mechanic) and if I had had even a small amount of mechanical know-how, I could have solved the problem myself. Oh well, at least NOW I know what to do. Better late than never!
After I got the repair bill (and they picked me up off the floor in complete and utter SHOCK...$) I left Flagstaff with a lot less money but some very interesting experiences. It was 100 degrees outside (very unusual for a high altitude mountain town like Flagstaff) and since I don't have air conditioning...I was sweltering! I do have a spray bottle, which I keep right next to me so I steered with one hand and sprayed myself with the other. I kept hoping it would cool off, but if anything it was even hotter in New Mexico. Now I'm in Texas (Amarillo) and it's still 100 degrees. I shouldn't complain since that's a whole lot better than a tornado...or even heavy rain (especially since I don't have windshield wipers). I'm traveling through "Tornado Alley" right now and I'm hoping I don't get to see my first one. I've been in an earthquake, a hurricane and even seen a volcano erupt (Mt. St. Helens/1980), but I've never experienced a tornado and I don't think I want to! Lucky and I might end up in the Land of Oz. (Now that would be an interesting chapter in my book!)
I'm expected in Branson one week from today, so I'll update my journal from there and tell you how it went. Tom and Mary Ann were so kind to invite me...and I am hoping to meet some people who might take an interest in some of my songs. You never know!
Wish me luck!
Abigayle
PICTURE BELOW: Me (and Lucky) at my mountain retreat near Flagstaff, Arizona. (May 27, 2001) These sure are different than the mountains on the West Coast. You can actually SEE the tops of the trees.
Return to PREVIOUS JOURNAL ENTRIES INDEX
Return to HOME PAGE
Go to new poem THE PROMISE