Breaking out of a rut or changing the cycle, or breaking out of your old habits can also be good for us. Since the CDC recommended not touching your face, I have broken the lifelong habit of biting my fingernails! Habit. Broken. Mindfulness has been a big part of staying safe out there "in the jungle" as it were. It's important to stay present, make decisions and manage them as time goes by. Breaking out of work season and making the decision to head for FL with a stop or two along the way was not an easy choice. Leaving NY meant a lot of things. One thing that I don't want to give too much power to... When I left home, it may be that the pandemic could take my loved ones before I return. Are they being smart, playing it safe, and being mindful of their surroundings? Sure. And my mother continues to pray daily. All good things but it doesn't change the fact that we live in a hot spot of trouble when it comes to this virus. Anyway, breaking out was something I had to do. Summer is here and it's time to continue living life on my terms. Everyone has that right. Jack lived his way, he died his way too. We don't have to love people's choices even if we love those people. We can only hope that they decide to make better choices on their own.
Last summer I tried to write a few blogs but the spirit wasn't there. This writer knows he could have done better. "No! Try not! Do or do not. There is no try." Here we are again. Broken out of the funk!
We spent a few weeks preparing and gathering gear and loading the van and upgrading and installing parts and making space and figuring where does everything belong. What is this space for and where do we store this or that. New interior lights, new charging ports, interior decorating and new upholstery. Replaced the broken sink pump, replaced the old fiberglass insulation with wool and even purchased a new cutting board.
Hopping in the van I questioned bringing the bike and bringing my climbing rope and harness. Why wouldn't you take it all? There's room for it. Always better to be safe than sorry. Most everything proves to be useful at one point. Even decided to bring the electric heater and for that I am grateful too. The nights have been cold here but having access to electricity is also a game changer. Yes, we have battery powered fans and an inverter that can power the laptop for movie night if the weather is horrible. Yes, there really isn't a need for a laptop, there are always books to read; there are several stashed in the library. Sometimes the little luxuries are nice to have in life though.
So, it's time to leave and after I hug my mother for the first time in months, we head west a little then south along the familiar route. Before long, with very little traffic on the highways and byways we're making good time when the daylight begins to fade. We were just about to hit Maryland and I take notice that the fuel tank needs replenished. After hopping off the exit, stopping at a Sheetz, turning off the van to pump the gas, making a call and taking a leak, Wilson starts right back up and we're off. A few minutes later, I notice that the fan for the AC seems to have quit so I make a decision to pull over and see if it's a fuse or relay, or maybe it's a worn out motor? After I shut the van down again I reach for my voltmeter and check for volts at the motor. 9.4v. Oh no. Is the battery dead? Try to start the van back up... Nothing. Shit! Best guess is after a couple years of a diode giving up, the alternator finally broke. In short, quick test, call the nearest autoparts, grab a saddle bag and a ratchet strap, write a note and head off for the store 7 miles away on the trusty steed. Chastity's Buckle came through yet again and after a few hours riding around down memory lane, the battery is installed, the van starts back up and it's shut down again. Install the alternator in the next 20 minutes and we're in the driver's seat again in no time. Turn the key... Moment of truth. Engine cranks and starts right up... Battery light stays illuminated. Shit. Maybe it's not the alternator? A couple diagnostic tests later reveals the truth. They sold me a broken alternator. Seems everything is broken anymore. Truth is, we're all a little broken. Don't worry. Be happy. Stay present and remember the only good thing that Bill Hicks ever said, "It's just a ride."
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