Eagles have Landed

Pulled into Crosslake around 2:30 CDT and stopped at Holiday for gas and night crawlers. The boat was exhibiting its usual recalcitrance and Bob couldn't get gas in the tank, so he disconnected the trailer from the boat and cranked to raise the bow, knowing from experience that gas would flow better in this position. Usually under these circumstances we are at a gas dock and my task is to sit in the stern and weigh the boat down, thereby achieving a similar objective.

I was summoned into action just as I was depositing the plastic container of worms in the cooler, carefully ensuring that none of the worm bedding overflowed onto the ice. My job was to keep the trailer from rolling backward. Other customers felt obliged to comment on the gasoline spilled liberally under the trailer, or note that the trailer was disconnected from the car. Very loudly.

Fortunately, I knew none of these people but, just in case, I proclaimed assertively that I had never seen Bob before in my life and had been accosted by him to lean against the boat! A strictly temporary assignment.

We turned on the weather after checking in: tornadoes near the Twin Cities but, fortunately, the worst here seems to be moderately heavy winds.

I think we'll wait till tomorrow to launch the boat. Heading outside now to enjoy the beautiful view.

94 Westbound - Mile Marker 190

Our first junket of the season to central Minnesota was delayed at mile marker 190 of  Highway 94 this morning shortly after we left home. It was the Traverse's first serious outing and performance seemed to be optimal until we heard the unmistakable sound of a tire in distress. At first, Bob thought the noise was coming from the boat trailer, but a quick roadside investigation revealed an almost totally deflated left rear tire on the Chevy. Ironically, Bob's decision to trade in the Yukon had been accelerated by its need for new tires! Worthy of note: the GMC's tires were problem free for the 6-1/2 years he had that vehicle.

The OnStar subscription that was included with the new car was activated. The same competent voice we've heard in commercials was transmitted via the speaker and we were soon connected to a Chevrolet call center. Within a few minutes, we were promised roadside assistance within 40 minutes. Sure enough, a big yellow rig arrived right on schedule and the operator plugged the large nail hole, so that we were soon on our way. Stranded for less than an hour!

We sat in the car with seat belts on while trucks and other vehicles whizzed by us, some dangerously close. We were grateful for those who moved out a lane, for good weather, sunlight and bright flashers on both the car and the boat. We continued our journey in the wind, passing through a little rain on the way. An eventful beginning to this Memorial Day Weekend.