Snowy Range Pass

Snowy Range Pass

Saturday, September 24, 2011

Murphy has his day

I should have known that it was going to happen. After all, we have gone such a long time since we had any problems going down the road. It figures that we would have to get under way in rainy weather, in an area with small roads and heavy traffic-namely Amish country on a Friday of mad shopping tourists that it would happen.

I hooked up the toad as I always do, checking the lights, and brakes. As always, Anneke watched the car and Blue Ox tow bar as I pulled ahead. So away we go. First in a steep incline on the road out of the park, I had to hold behind a Amish buggy, while those desperate to get to that next gift shop cut the buggy off every time it tried to take its turn off the stop sign. Finally, I got a clearance to make a tough right turn down a hill onto the narrow road against the same frenzied tourists. As soon as I steadied up, I glanced at the rear camera and thought something was not right about the way the toad was tracking. Sure enough, the car would track fine for a bit and then suddenly veer to the left.

Of course, in heavy traffic, no place to pull over, and rain our options was limited. I was concerned about damage to the car and tow bar, so was going slow, much to the annoyance of my road mates. Finally spotting a small area next to farm barn, I pulled over and was only listing about 30 degrees. Checking the tow, I could see that there was no way I could disconnect the car with the tow bar jammed against the motorhome. I thought that one of the locking arms mechanisms had failed. Checking the set up quickly, I noticed that one of my heavy safety cables had jumped up and was laying across the locking handle. On the Blue Ox, the handle has to pop up for the lock to activate. While I was a bit doubtful that could really be the problem, I cleared the cable and made sure it could not twist back over the handle.

Not having any other options, I got underway and watched the drama unfold in the rear-view camera. Amazingly, the car seemed to be tracking okay. I had to continue in this watchful mode for about 30 miles until there was another safe place to check. The Blue Ox was performing fine, so apparently that freak jump of the safety cable was the cause.

I have a set routine for the hookup I have used for five years without a hitch:) So this was really Murphy at work or in the rain I got a bit careless. I like to think it was Murphy.

20 comments:

Karen and Al said...

Well whatever it was, at least it was an easy fix.

Travels with Emma said...

That happened to me once on a very skinny back road in Missouri. When I saw what was going on in the rear view camera, I almost had a conniption fit!

And here I thought maybe you were volunteering to take Murphy for a ride so I could get him off my case! :)

Margie and Roger said...

Thank goodness that episode turned out OK. Now enjoy the rest of the trip.

Paul and Marti Dahl said...

That Murphy guy sure does get around. Glad nothing bad resulted from his attack.

Maybe the cable was just trying to get away from some of that Amish horse poop that's all over the roads?

Happytrails said...

Oh wow! I am so glad it was an easy fix!! You all take care and enjoy the rest of your trip.

Kathy said...

Whew! Glad it was an easy fix! Hope the rest of the trip is glorious! K

Alan and Marilyn McMillan said...

A few years ago, the mount on the car that attaches to the blue ox broke and our friends watched as their car rolled away from their MH. Thank goodness they had just come off the Interstate and was pulling into a Flying J, which helped minimize the damage. Thank goodness yours was an easy fix!

Gail Houle said...

Murphy sure does get around! Glad he didn't spend too much time with you.

Rick said...

Sure glad to have a fix on where Mr. Murphy is. No offense, but I hope he stays down there for a bit - well away from you guys though!

Unknown said...

That Murphy can be a pain in the a#$, luckily he didn't stay too long. Hope he's not coming my way.

Sue and Doug said...

darn Murphy!..how dare he hitch a ride!!

Unknown said...

Habits are great things and routines too. And sometimes we find that even if we thought we had all the contingencies worked out there was one more we never considered!

At least the fix was easy and you know something else to look for that you didn't before.

Thanks for the story -- it's a good warning for us who are newbie-er... :-)

Peter
I Shoot People

Paul and Marsha Weaver OCT. 17, 2009 said...

You careless...NO WAY! So glad everything worked out and you two are safe. We know those roads and those tourist. So unkind sometimes. Enjoy the ride.

Erin said...

Glad to hear the fix was easy.

Jerry and Suzy said...

When things like that happen to us (and thank God that particular thing hasn't happened to us yet!), we don't blame Murphy. Murphy has a native American cousin by the name of Kokopelli, and he is very active. Glad you got your problem fixed with no damage except to the blood pressure of those following you slowly down the road!

Kenny And Angela's Adventure said...

Hate when you can't find a place to pull over.

JerryC said...

Glad it wasn't anything more serious. Things like that always seem to happen in the most difficult places or times.

Sweet Meanderings said...

I'm glad it was easily fixed. Something like that can sure ruin a perfectly good day! Keep safe on the road.
Candy

Jeff said...

Wow--that's one surprise you don't need to see again eh?

Phyllis said...

As Gilda Radnor would say "It's always something!"