Coastal Dunes RV Park, Pismo Beach, Ca.
Our last full day here so we wanted to take advantage of the on-site laundromat. Arriving at 7:30AM, we got two loads started. Penny went to shower and I got busy tidying up the Ship. There was plenty of time to get the laundry done, folded, and sorted into its proper locations. A big bowl of fresh fruit, granola, yogurt, and dates was perfect with a cup of tea. Off to 10:30AM Mass at St. Patrick’s with plenty of time. Everything is beautiful!
After Mass, we realized we forgot the Redbox movie! We had planned to visit the 1200′ pier that protrudes into the sea after church. Do we go to the pier first, or, do we get the movie returned before they charge us another $1.69? Choosing the latter to preclude another forgetful incident, we turned toward the campground. As we moved into the center lane to turn left into the RV park, the truck stalled as if it had run out of gas. I attempted to make the turn into the entrance but the power steering failed and we ended up dead in the road, blocking the northbound lane of Hwy 1.
I drained the fuel bowl hoping to flush any obstruction of the injectors. It started right up, then died after 5 seconds. This continued to happen, so I got out my road side hazard kit and set up red reflective triangles to alert northbound traffic. The park staff came out with more warning cones and warned me the CHP would not be happy with me unless I had a tow truck on the way. Penny contacted our roadside assistance company who were asking me questions I could not answer. Like where do you want to take your vehicle? “I just need it out of the road!”. The park staff suggested “Rey’s”, but of course they were closed on Sunday.
Then, the Highway Patrol arrived. At first, he was abrupt, probably thinking I was too inebriated to make the turn. Accessing the situation, he asked if I had a tow rope, which I did. Another CHP arrived and they stopped traffic in both directions so he could pull me away from the curb I had rolled into. I had to straighten the rig so he could get behind me and push me into the driveway. It was all I could do to turn the steering wheel, but we got it done!
The tow truck showed up and the cops left. Penny was talking to Rey. He showed up like an angel from heaven! It seems his wife was stuck in the traffic jam we had created, she called him; he checked his messages and heard ours. So, he came down to say he would open his gate so that the tow truck could store the truck safely inside. The tow truck driver, Marc, agreed with the park ranger that Rey is the “go-to” guy in this neighborhood. I rode with Marc to Rey’s shop where I became more confident with Rey, because he has two Cummins diesel Dodge trucks like mine. He said he knew we hoped to move on tomorrow and he would start on it first thing in the morning.
Penny had spoken to the park staff about the availability of our site for Monday night should the need arise. They said no problem; it was available for a couple of weeks at this point; someone could reserve it online, but that is unlikely. Also, we had planned to leave for a visit with Penny’s aunt and cousins tomorrow. That event was now in jeopardy; we will see.
Sunset on a very unsettling day calms the anxiety!
The PJs walking over another speed bump.