The Universe Ripped my Van Away

I knew when I began this journey, there would be the good, the bad, the light and the dark.  One thing I have learned in this life is that we all get our fair share of challenges.  There is no escaping it.  It is what we do with the challenges that matter.

This week I’ve experienced a very interesting challenge.  My dear “Red Raven” Minivan got sick and had to go to the hospital.  She was flying along beautifully and then I arrived at my new destination in the mountains of Colorado, found a great, safe place to camp, with all the amenities, including Wifi, laundry and showers.  The setting was incredibly beautiful as well.  My van backed right up to a small lake and beyond the lake was a river.  The people here were very friendly and it felt like a good place to stop and relax a while, so I booked a week in the campground.

As I settled into my new place I felt truly happy.  I felt that I somehow “arrived.”

The next morning, my van wouldn’t start.  I thought maybe I had drained the battery, so I went to the office and asked for a jump.  A kind gentleman came out with a charger and at first the Van wouldn’t start and then after a few tries, it finally kicked in.  Whew!  I was still concerned however, that maybe there was an issue with the battery, and so the gentleman helping me suggested I go into town to the local auto parts store and ask them to test the battery.  He also recommended a good auto mechanic, if I needed one.

The battery tested fine and so I thought maybe it was a one time thing.  I went on with my day, stopping at the little “whole foods” store and stocking up on my treats and then stopped for a pedicure.  The woman sitting next to me was very friendly, welcoming me as her new neighbor.  We struck up a conversation.  We talked the whole time, carrying on like best friends, and when it was time to go I bounced out into the parking lot with my shiny pale pink toes, feeling happy about my experience.  I went to start the “Red Raven” and she wouldn’t start.  I tried again and again until she finally kicked in and I drove directly back to my camp spot and called my warranty service.  They informed me they didn’t have anyone in my area but I could use any Certified auto mechanic and they would reimburse, if the issue was covered under the warranty.  I called the mechanic that was recommended to me and schedule an appointment for the next day.

The next day, an hour and a half before my appointment I climbed into the “Red Raven” and she wouldn’t start again.  I tried and tried and she still wouldn’t start.  I called my warranty service again and they issued a tow service to come and tow my Van to the auto mechanics.

As I sat waiting for the tow truck, it suddenly occurred to me, I was about to become homeless.  They were coming to take the Red Raven away.  I had to think fast and so I pulled the tent and tarp from my roof rack and set it up directly under the big tree in my camp site.  I then began to pull everything from the ”Red Raven” and put it in the tent.  I left the bedframe, but took the tri-fold, memory foam mattress.  Before long I had a little cozy tent cabin with all my stuff, including my fridge and the shelf unit I had in the back of my Van.  This would have to be my home until the Red Raven returned from the hospital.

No sooner did I get my tent set up, the tow truck arrived.  Gerald, the driver was very kind and offered to give me a ride back to camp, if needed.

One thing I noticed so far, was the kindness of the people around me.  The woman from the office at the campground also offered to help in anyway.  She said they were always going into town and could give me a lift for groceries or whatever I needed.  It felt I was being taken care of.

When we arrived at the mechanics, Gerald offered to wait until we could figure out if I needed a ride back or to a car rental agency.  The mechanic was also very friendly and helpful.  He took care of the warranty claim like a pro, telling me they work with warranties all the time.  He also offered me a loaner vehicle, explaining it was nothing fancy but would get me around.  On that note, I bid Gerald farewell, he gave me his card in case I needed anything and told me to call anytime.

I drove home in an old Ford Explorer with Colorado License plates.  Now I had arrived!