We left the New Orleans area on Saturday and drove north to Choudrant, Louisiana to our favorite Alfa fix-it guy to have our awning repaired and remounted. We have been stepping over the 18-foot rolled up canvas ever since the disaster in November.
The Florida repair guys estimated $2400. They said several parts needed to be replaced that we felt might be OK, so we took the job to Ronnie at Albritton's. We ended up paying about $750 for parts and $285 for Ronnie's labor! We did have to wait around for several days to get one part, but overall it was well worth waiting until we got there instead of having the Florida crew do it.
Now we are on a long haul to California. We have driven 560 miles across Texas so far, and have another 400 to go. We will drive as many days in a row as we are comfortable with, then take a break. Our next appointment is not until March 2nd at Alfateers. They are experts in Alfa bodywork and have all the trim and parts. We need to have a hinge on one of the bay doors adjusted, some bottom trim replaced, and I want an additional overhead light installed above the swivel chair. Alfateers will have exactly the same lights as we have elsewhere in the rig.
Then it will be a quick drive down to San Diego for a long visit with our daughter and her family.
I will keep reading all of your blogs, but I doubt if I'll have much to write about myself. Well maybe, I'll start writing some of the thoughts and opinions I have instead of just "this is where we are and this is what we are doing..."
Craig and Merikay at Avenue of the Giants, California
Welcome back to the great southwest:))
ReplyDeleteI wish I was good at writing the thoughts and opinions type of blog but I just can't seem to do it. I really enjoy reading them though. Safe travels through Arizona.
ReplyDeleteSafe travels, Merikay and Craig. We are still in Pismo Beach. If you need a place to stay near Fontana, Rancho Jura Regional Park in Riverside is nice and is a Passport America park.
ReplyDeleteThank you for the tip, but Alfateers in Fontana has hookups for customers.
DeleteThat should have said Rancho Jurupa. Thanks, auto-correct (not)!
ReplyDeleteWe will wave to you as you pass New Mexico! We are north of Las Cruces.... at Elephant Butte SP
ReplyDeleteGreat fix on the awning - always nice to get a good deal. Travel safe.
ReplyDeleteWow! It is like you have been shot from a cannon. First in Florida and now in TX! Travel safely!
ReplyDeleteNan, it is a slow-motion cannon, as our desire to minimize fuel expense leads us to restrict our speed to 54 to 59 MPH :-)
DeleteWe must be near you somewhere. We are headed for an overnighter at Marfa TX tomorrow then for a few days in Carlsbad. We are also headed back to CA (but up north). Happy Travels.
ReplyDeleteWe are of like mind regarding posting frequency. I see the rationale behind daily posting, but I think better posts are written when we have something meaningful to say. That's why your readers stick around until you're ready!
ReplyDeleteIt would be nice to get to meet you before we head North (Oregon) We are at Catalina Spa in Desert Hot Springs until the end of March.
ReplyDeleteWell, you know where we are ;) Safe travels, California's weather has been beautiful!
ReplyDeleteSafe driving. You have a special destination :-)
ReplyDeleteI try to post almost everyday - but I'm doing it for writing practice more than anything else. I also find it helps me focus on the goodness in even the minutia of my day. I always enjoy reading your posts, no matter what they are about!