#46: My (many) Days in Salt Lake City

I gave myself a few days to get down to Salt Lake City for my appointment at Airstream of Utah. I was anxiously awaiting this date, September 15th, for many months now. On this date (or so I thought), I’d have the answers to all my Airstream problems.

Over this time, I kept a log of all the things I needed the service team to look at. These were mostly small things, but the elephant in the room was the Truma. I didn’t have heat, and I didn’t have hot water. NOT COOL.

The lack of hot water was the main thing. Since cold showers are no fun, I had to ensure I found campgrounds with (decent) public showers…at least occasionally. Showers became a special treat, rather than a usual occurrence, unfortunately. This extra level of criteria narrows down the search of places to stay, and in turn, makes it more difficult and potentially forces me to stay somewhere that I wouldn’t usually. I digress.

When I first got to town, I had a lunch date with two friends from business school who settled in SLC - Eric and Devon. It was so wonderful to see them and catch up.

After a pleasant night in an in-town RV park (where they pack in the rigs like sardines), I was Airstream-dealer bound. The team took the first day to attack the bumper. The seams had to seal overnight, so I stayed in a hotel, as I expected. The next day is when the fun began.

Day #1 of troubleshooting the Airstream:

Diagnosis: None. The entire Truma unit was dismantled in order to get to the root of the problem.

What I did: Errands around town. Visited the Salt Lake Temple, which was under construction.

Accommodations: Hotel again.

Day #2 of troubleshooting the Airstream:

Diagnosis: None. Unit remained dismantled. Airstream team in touch with Truma team to join efforts in troubleshooting.

What I did: Visited Antelope Island State Park. About 1.5 hours from SLC, this activity was recommended to me by a few different people. It’s home to over 600 American Bison. I didn’t find it super impressive, but it was something to do, and Addie and I got some exercise on a few small hikes.

Accommodations: Hotel again.

Day #3 of troubleshooting the Airstream:

Diagnosis: None. Unit remained dismantled. Truma team consulting on the issues.

What I did: Visited Park City, about 30 minutes away from SLC. I had never been, but like most mountain towns, I loved it. Addie and I perused the streets and stopped for a beer and a veggie burger at Wasatch Brewery.

Accommodations: Hotel again.

Day #4 of troubleshooting the Airstream:

Diagnosis: The existing unit is broken to the point of no return. It needs to be completely replaced. However, the new unit will take about 10 days to arrive at the dealership.

What I did: Weighed my options. I would not hang around SLC for over a week waiting for the new furnace/water heater to be delivered. I decided to take the Airstream (broken Truma and all) and head down to southern Utah to Zion and Bryce Canyon National Parks while waiting. I’d return to SLC when the new unit arrived.

I toyed with the idea of having the unit sent to the Airstream dealer in Denver, allowing me to keep on my original route and “meet” the part in Denver. However, the techs in SLC were already familiar with my case. It also exhausted me to think about having to download yet another service manager on the situation. I was so over this.

I left SLC with some frustration, but there was nothing I could do to change the situation. All I could do was make the most of it, which is what I did. I embraced my change of plans and got excited to head south.

Oh, and by the way, when I initially purchased the Airstream, I bought an extended warranty through a third party. These repairs and travel expenses (hotel, meals, etc.) were all included in my coverage. The claim submission required a lot of paperwork, but I would get reimbursed in the end.

#39: Tackling the Truma

Upon leaving Mount Rainier, the closest and most suitable place I could find with electrical hookups was in Enumclaw, WA, about an hour southeast of Seattle. Haven’t heard of Enumclaw? Neither had I. But the campground was more than okay and close to stores if I needed supplies.

I started focusing on the Truma immediately. There were multiple issues:

1. Multiple error codes appeared when I turned on the heater. Sometimes it was one code, sometimes it was another, making it difficult to diagnose.

2. Usually, when the Airstream is plugged into shore power (electric power), a little “plug” icon appears on the Truma control panel screen (see image below). This was not happening, so it seemed the Truma didn’t recognize the connection.

Strike 1

The first call I made was to Truma customer service. They were extremely helpful, but after troubleshooting with me over the phone, they concluded that a professional needed to see it in person. On to the next option: Seattle Airstream dealer.

Strike 2

I called Seattle Airstream, and they were booked out for weeks. This is a HUGE problem with Airstream dealerships/service centers. They are so busy and in such high demand that they can't (or don't) make room for full-timers who live in their Airstreams. It's frustrating. 

The gentleman on the phone was friendly and gave me some things to try. Since one of the error codes I was receiving pertained to the fan, he suggested that the fan's electric connection perhaps became inactive. He advised me to test the wire that fed the fan to see if it was hot. I went out, bought a tester, and tried it. The wire was hot, concluding that this was not the issue. I appreciated his help, but none of his suggestions got me far. I got the impression that he could feel my pain in my voice.

Strike 3

The third idea was to see if any remote RV repair services were around the area and available. I knocked on the camp host door, and the friendly host gave me the name and number of a guy. I called. He was booked out for three weeks. I went back, asked if she knew of anyone else, and she gave me another. No luck with that one either.

I was zero for three, and I was beginning to feel like I was out of options. My neighbor at the campground saw me flustered and asked if he could help. He gave me the name of yet another guy, but I couldn’t even through to that guy when I called.

Oh, Yes. The Bumper.

Let’s also not forget that I still needed to address the bumper situation. Given my travel route, I would pass through a few more Airstream dealerships in the next few months. The bumper was not urgent, but after calling a few dealerships along my way, I learned that the new bumper would take six weeks to manufacture and deliver. I would be close to Utah with that timing, so I coordinated with Airstream of Utah in Salt Lake City to order the part and make the repair when the time came.

Conclusion

I spent the entire day on the phone, trying different potential solutions and getting more and more irritated. I needed to take a shower, so I braved a cold one in desperation.

Typically, I can solve my problems one way or another. But in this case, I felt so helpless and hopeless. My hands were tied. I was at the end of my rope. The tears of frustration began to roll.

It didn’t take me long to snap out of it, remembering my motto: 10% is what happens to me and 90% is how I react to it. I have some friends in the Seattle area and decided to retreat from my Airstream problems for at least a night and head to their house in Burien the next morning.

#23: COVID-19: Setback or Setup?

It's no doubt that the last few months have been tumultuous (and remain to be). For everyone. Even though I'm not currently working full time, it's been difficult for me, so I can only imagine how it is for others.

Of course, the year I choose to embark on a once-in-a-lifetime adventure to explore our country is the year our nation falls victim to a worldwide pandemic. So frustrating. And sad. And stressful. And mentally, emotionally, and physically exhausting. WTF.

BUT. The minute I start feeling sorry for myself, I think about those whose problems and stresses go way beyond mine. The way I have been mastering this trying time is simply by putting things in perspective.

Although this is not an ideal situation for anyone right now, I keep reminding myself that I'm safe and healthy. There are people out there who are not. There are people out there living paycheck to paycheck and not able to work. They are stuck in an apartment with abusive loved ones. They are sharing 800 square feet of living space. They are confined with limited access outside. They are risking their lives, caring for those infected. They are serving us at grocery stores and other essential businesses. There are so many more people in different situations that I probably cannot even fathom. I think about them, and then I start to feel grateful. It's a mindset shift.

Does this suck? Absolutely. I can choose to get mad and sad and frustrated, or I can choose to accept it and find anything positive I can pull from it. Here are some ways I've been deviating from the negative:

• Focus on relationships: With friends, family, and even romantic partners. In strengthening these types of connections, I continue to learn more about myself and realize what I value in others, and how others value me. I've had some eye-opening moments that have enabled me to think differently about who I am and how I interact with others.

• Well-being: Since I’ve had access to regular running water (therefore frequent showers), I’ve been getting my running game back on. I’ve started meditating. And I’ve been doing daily strength exercises. Just having had a recent birthday and being one year older, I understand that one day I won’t be able to move around as easily. I need to take advantage of what my body can do NOW. Additionally, I am writing more than I had been. 

• Learning: I’ve been learning how to sew(!). I borrowed a sewing machine and taught myself how to use it. It’s become something that I enjoy and something that I want to continue on the road (sans sewing machine; I’ve found some techniques that are creative and useful and do not require a machine). I splurged on a membership to Skillshare, so I have access to videos covering an array of topics to broaden my marketing expertise. I also signed up for a digital marketing class.

• Networking: This is something I do all the time, but I've been doing a lot of research on companies and people with whom I'd like to connect. I've been thinking about what I can do now to position myself well for a job after my journey.

• Stopping: This may not be as straightforward, but I’ve been mindful of taking time to stop, enjoy, and just be. I know that one day I will have looked back at this time and realized the beauty of having it. It’s a gift. 

What are the positives of this time for you?

Now, I’m getting back to what I set out to do (safely, of course). I left West Texas for Southern California. I’m visiting some friends now and will continue my journey in whatever way is possible. If parks open up, great. If they don’t, that’s okay too. I’ll figure something else out and make my way just the way I’m destined to (apparently with ample face masks and hand sanitizer and dodging people when I’m running on the sidewalk!).

This is not a setback. It’s a timeframe that has set me up for what’s next. I’m a better person for having this time. We all are, and just need to keep reminding ourselves of that. 

A few photos from my current time in Southern California…

#17: The adventure continues...differently

In the last post I published, I was sitting in a Target parking lot waiting on my Airstream to get fixed. I wanted to provide an update since then…

The dealership called me that the afternoon to let me know the Airstream had been fixed. Relief! I picked it up, got a download on what they did to fix it, and headed back to the same RV park where I had stayed the night before. I remained local in Albuquerque for two reasons: 1) The sealant that they used on the roof to fix the leak needed to settle completely, so I was advised not to drive far, and 2) I wasn’t sure where or what my next move was going to be, given all the threat with COVID-19. Not a problem to stay in the area for another night. The challenge (problem) was that the forecast was calling for low temperatures and a rain/snow mix that night.

After settling into the campground, it started to rain. Low and behold, water began to drip into the trailer from the same spot it had been dripping previously. Although the amount of water leaking was much less, there was still a leak. Given that, I had no other choice but to head back to the dealership first thing in the morning. I had to get this Airstream fixed.

In the meantime, amid the Airstream drama, things were continuously getting worse with COVID-19. I had started stressing about what my next move was going to be. As we all experienced (and still are experiencing), there was just no telling what was going to happen next. Updates were taking place every day with park closures, restrictions, and limited availability. Cities and states were going into lockdown. I had an unsettled feeling about it all, and I didn’t necessarily feel comfortable being on the move as I was.

Logistically, I didn’t want to end up in a situation where I was stranded somewhere alone, or God forbid - sick. Morally, I didn’t feel right potentially contributing to the problem by moving around and using public facilities (gas stations, toilets, campgrounds, etc.). In addition to my gut feeling, I was seeing more and more members of the RV community feeling similar to me, with plans to head home or to friends or family’s houses for the time being (and urging others to do the same).

My friend in Orange County offered up his house to hunker down, but then California went into lockdown. My dad asked me to go back to Virginia, but that just seemed so far away (and like I would have been really backtracking). I decided to head south to desolate West Texas to a friend’s house, where I’d still be west, but also safe from exposure to crowds of people.

I made the right decision. Since I left New Mexico, things have gotten progressively worse with the virus. Am I bummed to have had to halt the travel for a while? Yes. But I’m safe and secluded and cannot complain. In the meantime, this adventure continues for me…just in a different way.

This adventure I set myself out on in November was never only about the physical places I would travel. It would also be about the internal stuff: the mental and emotional realizations, the reflections, and the perspective gained. I’m currently spending my days trying to make the most of this time - improving my mental and physical health, meditating, writing, reading, catching up with friends (via video chat, of course), and just BEING. I have outdoor space to get fresh air, and you can bet that outdoor activities are still in swing. Here are a few photos from a recent hike to the highest waterfall in Texas.

This situation is not what any of us planned. BUT, I remain loyal to my tried and true saying, “10% is what happens to us, and 90% is how we react to it.”

Stay safe, positive, and strong. Look out for my next posts on Marfa, Guadalupe Mountains and Carlsbad Caverns National Parks, and New Mexico. I will finally catch up!

#16: March 18

Greetings from a Target parking lot in New Mexico.

First, I realize I’m a little behind on my blog posts. I have a few entries in the works including more on West Texas, Guadalupe National Park, Carlsbad Caverns National Park and New Mexico. However, I wanted to insert a quick post regarding my thoughts and reflections on the recent Coronavirus situation and my current status.

I have been laying low in New Mexico since last week when things started getting more serious on a national level with this virus. Simultaneously, I’ve had a few mishaps with the Airstream: 1) Leak in the roof, and 2) Thermostat will not turn on (yes, the same thermostat I successfully replaced last month). These are two things that I don’t want to continue traveling with while not fully functioning.

With the help of Airstream head office, I was able to get a service appointment at Airstream of New Mexico today (typically these Airstream dealerships book out months in advance for service appointments). They are taking a look at it and I’m waiting on a call to understand whether or not they need to keep it overnight. If they need to order a part, it may take a few days to arrive from the head office. I just don’t know.

This all brings me to my current status. I am in the Target parking lot because, well, I really don’t know where else to go. I don’t want to walk around stores, and all restaurants and coffee shops are only doing take-out (plus, I have Addie with me). And my “home” is in the shop. Tonight could go a few different ways:

Pending the Airstream needs to stay overnight:

1) I could stay in a hotel (not ideal given COVID-19).

2) I could ask the Airstream dealer if I could have the trailer back until the part arrives so I can sleep in it.

Pending all is fixed today:

1) I will find a campsite for tonight and figure out tomorrow’s destination.

Regardless of when, the Airstream will get fixed. Then, I need to figure out what I’m doing, exactly. New Mexico state parks have been closed to overnight campers. However, I’ve done all I want to do in New Mexico, so that’s neither here nor there. The next stop will be Arizona.

National Parks remain open however, many visitor centers have been closed, or they are limiting the number of people allowed inside at a time. Specific restrictions vary park by park. I am fully aware that the parks - state or national - could close any day. Like everything else, we just don’t know.

Despite feeling a little unsettled about it, I will continue to camp and explore nature. I am, by default, practicing social distancing, as well as keeping my hands washed, limiting outings to only places necessary and planning to not move around as much. Hopefully, I’ll find a beautiful spot to camp in Arizona and hunker down there for a longer duration of time. If things progressively get worse and I don’t feel safe for any reason, I’ll reevaluate.

At times I feel I’ve chosen the perfect timing to embark on this adventure, but at other times, I feel it’s the worst timing. I will take it day by day, just like everyone else is doing. That’s really all we can do. Please stay safe!

By the way, if anyone has any questions/advice, please let me know!