Tuesday, July 19, 2011

Nerves of Steel

I don't have them yet, but taking off in an RV by yourself helps build them.  I'm always stressed about finding fuel, and yet it has not been a problem so far.  At least not until the "Trucker" GPS told me to take Goffs Road, Old Route 66 Highway to get to Laughlin.  But I'm getting ahead of myself.  First we (Cooper, Jessie and I) had to climb Tehachapi Pass.  At the top are windmills ... not turning, but windmills none the less.
Once over the pass, there is really nothing to look at.  The road just goes on forever.

I had a route all planned out and thought my GPS must be telling me to go the same way .... it wasn't.  56 miles on a narrow two lane road with no cars, trucks or fuel in sight.  The stress level increased with every mile.  What I did pass was five of the longest freight trains I've ever seen.  I can't believe it ... I've become the "window" photographer.  No place to stop and it's very hard to drive in your lane and take pictures with one hand.  So I apologize for any that are a little fuzzy!!  
First train ......
Second Train .....
First Train again ...
Ok, that's enough.  They all looked pretty much the same.  Finally with a huge sigh of relief, I start a long 15 mile downhill stretch (1/4 tank of fuel left) into Laughlin where I will stay for 3 days.
or NOT!!!   OMG!!!  The temperature here is 114 ... in case you don't believe me, here's a really bad picture of my truck gauge.

Finally got to Riverside Casino RV park ... very nice and huge!!  Good thing I have electrical hookups ... my a.c. has been running for over an hour and I think it's 90 in here now.  I'm definitely going to get my $30 worth!!.    Poor dogs ... I soaked them with water and the cool air is finally easing their panting.  Not sure if I'm staying here or not.  I'm going to take an early morning trip to Oatman for pictures.  Will probably leave the dogs here and not stay in Oatman long.  Can't take a chance of the a.c. going out.  Looking forward to tomorrow.

1 comment:

  1. Hey Nancy,
    That's why everyone has a love/hate relationship with their GPS. They're great most of the time, but not always. I take the "Goffs" section of old route 66 frequently on the Harley. Glad you're safe in Laughlin. The daytime temps here at the canyon are more pleasant, in the 80's during the day, and much cooler at night. See ya in a couple of days.

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