The Day the Transmission went Out

On Saturdays, we often need to add a little adventure to spice up our lives.  Rebecca's friend Rachel was itching for a road trip.  Although Rebecca's body was saying "no way" waking up from a nap to find that the freshly cleaned house was no longer clean inspired her to get passed it and get the kids out of the house where they could do less damage.  We decided to attempt to see the real Spiral Jetty. 

We packed everyone in the van fresh with snacks and energy.  After getting on the freeway, Rebecca noticed the mph were "stuck" at 60.  She decided to give it more gas and was NOT pleased at the sound the engine gave in return.  She turned off the radio and fans so she could hear more clearly and started smelling the one thing no one wants to smell coming from their own car - burning rubber.  We made it safely to a gas station and double checked fluids.  Everything seemed to be within safe levels and the smell had gone away, but Rebecca didn't want to chance such a long drive out in the middle of nowhere and decided it was better to head home.

Rachel had her heart set on tossing a bottle into the sea (it's a story idea...bear with us.  We're writers.)  When the van seemed to be handling 40mph all right, Rebecca decided a trip to the dam would be okay since it was on our way.

Gabriella wading through algae and sticks.  The water is more treacherous as the dam gets lower.

Samuel is working on his skill at skipping rocks

Rachel showing off our Message in a Bottle - written with a real quill and ink!

Cookie anyone?

Rebecca's magic wand really works!  (Too bad we left it on the beach.)

Mud, water - brown and blue - Sun, sky

Gabriella found something.

We don't know what this is.  But, we would hate to have been a swimmer or a boat going over it when the water was deep enough to just cover it.

Chrissee is really disappointed that this isn't the Spiral Jetty. 

After spending an hour at the lake, we headed home.  Rachel and Rebecca were so worn out that they were sort of glad they hadn't been able to drive all of the way to the Spiral Jetty.  Chrissee had homework.  And the van?  Well, it just died.  The starter said "no way" the next day when James made an attempt so he could, you know, hear the transmission for himself. 

Walking is fun to do.  And it's good for you.  We do have the Tangerine Dream to drive to work or the grocery store.  It's just too small for everyone.  I guess old Silver will get a break from all of the Hi Ho's we put it through... We're keeping the prayers said for something sooner, but definately around tax time.  Hooray!