The consensus in Geraldton was the tire had to be replaced because the injury was in the side of the tire. How a bloody rusty small tile got there is beyond me.

I thought perhaps it’s been there for a long time…but the tire has been  manipulated by different mechanics over the last two weeks so I doubt that theory makes sense. I could have passed someone who threw it up…

First thing this morning I called a GM dealership in Thunder Bay who told me it would take several days to get that particular tire but they had others.

On a hunch, I called my dealer, Myers in Orleans, and explained the predicament. They told me it had to be the same tire and that it most definitely had to be replaced. Trevor tracked down a tire in Winnipeg for me (I will get that man a bottle of wine when I get back). I called a GMC dealer and they are expecting tomorrow with that new tire! Thank you General Motors.

So, as I am thinking about all of this, driving along, surrounded by rocks and pointy trees galore, I am wondering about chance and good luck. Why did I decide at the last moment to stop at the McD, get out of the truck and do something I never do which is lean on the bed and stretch…and notice the nail? It could have been a real problem in  bad spot had I not seen it.

Luck or a guardian angel? The GA idea will occupy my thoughts for a while.

The hotel in Dryden is on a stretch under water advisory and there was a swarm of bees at an intersection. Maybe they were Rotary bees welcoming me to the place.

Tomorrow, Winnipeg of course and then Brandon and out of Ontario!

New pictures. I chose teal to remind me of water…I don’t think it matches the truck but I don’t really care!

I called OnStar and they told me they would send assistance to change the tire not repair. I told them I would try to have it repaired.
I was right beside a GM dealership but it’s Sunday so the next stop was the Canadian Tire…repair shop is closed weekends.
So, back to OnStar and they are sending someone associated with that GM dealership.
I still have 350 km to drive to Geraldton, not too bad once the tire is changed. I hope the guy has tools because my tire tools are under the rear bench which is loaded of course.
More later.

May 14, 2017 at 19:46

Pierre, the very competent tire guy, actually works at the GM dealership next door to McD where this instalment began and he was on call.

He could not find me because OnStar gave him my Ottawa # not the mobile. Luckily, I get an email with my VM messages, thank you Rogers. The tire was changed within 10 minutes and I was off, a little upset, counting my blessings (St. Christopher??) because there is a 200 km stretch of highway without anything at all and Death Valley signs warning about no fuel for the 200 km. There was also one warning there were no McDs for 500 km. I don’t know which is worse.

Had I broken down in the middle of nowhere….moral is “inspect the tires before leaving along with the lights”!!

Anyhow, I made it to the Between the Bridges Inn in Geraldton, owned by friends of my most excellent friends, Louise and Hubert.

Tomorrow morning I will have the tire repaired before heading off to Dryden.

That’s it.

Day 1 is behind me after a rather wet drive to Hayleybury on Lake Temiskaming. It’s pretty quiet these days and I guess are hoping for warmer weather. There is a sizeable marina with only a few sailboats moored.  

It’s a beautiful lake. I had a pretty good burger and homemade slaw at a local eatery called R.U. Hungries.

After a 15 minute workout and a podcast…zzzz

I learned a couple of things yesterday. It’s best to have semis down the road in front as some of them tailgate, zooming up to me and braking. Is the guy asleep or just agressive? I just pulled over when I could and let them pass. Driving is pretty civil overall.

The other lesson is the truck is behaving wonderfully. Average fuel consumption was 7.3/100 km, 554 km for the day with an average speed in the mid 90s. The diesel exhaust brake kicked in because of the extra weight and cruise control (when on dry roads) kept the engine at low revs and proper speed. Eventually the computer may clue in to my driving habits and I cannot help wondering how towing a trailer will be.

Time to get ready for a light breakfast and then to Geraldton, 700 km. Weather is supposed to be pleasant.

Departure photo taken by my sister Susan.

Today is the big day!

I actually felt like yesterday was the big day with the packing of the truck…will ALL of it actually fit and of course “do I really need this?”!
I will just have to find out. One thing for sure is there is no room for even a teeny passenger. Had there been a passenger, she would have had superior organizational and packing skills than I could ever hope to have. There might even have been room for a dog, a small one. Certainly not a cat. I would never bring a cat on a road trip.
I spent quite a bit of time yesterday booking the last hotels for the trip with a bonus extra night in Cranbrook, just a Rocky Mountain treat for me before the last leg to Chilliwack. I also booked an earlier extra night at the Best Western there and that will give me time to see the Pacific and take it easy.

I am looking forward to the drive, even in the rain today. First leg is Hayleybury, a small town on Lake Temiskaming, just over 500 Km. Tomorrow will be a longer trek to Geraldton, close to 700 Km.

Breakfast first at my sister’s!

Le départ est prévu pour samedi matin avec mon premier coucher à Hayleybury à environ 535 km d’Ottawa. Cela n’est peut-être pas tellement loin mais pour ma première journée, c’est suffisant. Le camion sera chargé, je ne connais pas la route et je porte des nouvelles lunettes….de toute façon je cours depuis des semaines.

Dimanche, je me pointerai vers Geraldton, environ 655 km….confiance augmente! Je prévois un premier coucher à Brandon mardi soir. Les inondations en CB me préoccupent un peu car j’y serai dans une semaine. J’ai suggéré à la page Facebook Escape Trailers que les membres partagent toute information et j’ai aussi lancé un appel similaire sur le forum des propriétaires de caravanes Escape. 
I am leaving tomorrow morning with a first stop in Hayleybury, around 535 k from Ottawa. It is not that far, but for a first day on unknown roads in a loaded truck, it will do. A bit further the next day to Geraldton and Manitoba by a Tuesday.

BC Interior flood warnings could be a cause for concern and I have suggested postings on the Escape Trailers FB page as well as the Escape Owners forum keeping all Escape travellers on their way to the Osoyoos rally up to date on the situation.

To the business end of the driveway that is!

It has been a good week with the delivery date confirmed as planned (thank you ETI!!), insurance finally taken care of (no thanks to a recalcitrant AVIVA person in Toronto), plate obtained from Service Ontario in minutes and an A-OK from my optometrist after cataract surgery a month ago. I celebrated with some Ray Bans even if legally I no longer require glasses for driving…but, you know, they are Ray Bans!

I am planning on a Saturday departure and have to book a few rooms plus sundry tasks.

Here are more photos from ETI…

This beautiful shot at Lake Powell AZ from Dora and Fred.

A weekend of packing, sorting and generally controlled nervous jitters is behind me.

I am waiting for a call from Escape Trailers later today confirming a delivery date.
Is it May 23 or 24?

More to come later.

I have also been busy preparing things for the house sitters who are to move in later in the week. I think their biggest challenge will be the various remotes for the TV!

I met with friends on Saturday to map out the trip out west particularly the Northern Ontario segment.
The plan is an 8 day journey averaging 500-600 kilometres daily. This may not seem like a lot but Northern Ontario highways are two lane, through forests with lots of trucks and wildlife.
I do not know the road so I will pace myself taking regular breaks.

It’s 8 am and it’s snowing.