A Breakdown Story
So, there we were...20 miles East (as the crow flies) of McCall, Idaho, out in the serious boonys, just up the road from Yellowpine, in case you are familiar with the area. Our employer decided we should go to California and help AAArnold out with a fire or two he had going down there. At times, we sit around a LOT, but when our employer decides to go, we are invited to go along, but only if we want to keep our job! So, into Cascade, then to McCall, on to Ontario, Oregon we find ourselves gushing diesel fuel. It is a Sunday, about 4:00pm. We got on the cell phone with our AirForce daughter, in Mountain Home, who got on the internet and found several mobile-mechanics in the area. We called several of these guys, but they all told us we would have to wait until Monday when Cummins was open for business, and besides they were on their third beer and awaiting the game/races/etc... We found one who would be glad to work on it until he found out it was a motorhome..."Oh, no. We don't work on R.V's!" Finally made a call to a guy in Caldwell, Idaho who said sure, he could come over. Turns out to be an old oil-patch guy from Texas. He took a look at the broken fuel line which was a steel hard-line, and said, "Hell, I think I can braize that." Two hours later we were on our way, having spent an enjoyable couple of hours with he and his wife who had to come along to 'hold' things for him! The price he charged us, though it embarassed him, was quite reasonable, the work was fine, and we were on our way, on time, and actually arrived in Cali before our crew! So, if you have to have a breakdown I hope you run in to someone like Terry Grau, 208-453-9127. We stayed in California for 23 days and are now back in Idaho. The fuel line is working just fine! Terry made me raise my right hand and swear to buy a new one at my first opportunity, which will be at the end of this fire season. I promise, Terry. Keep on 'streamin', Phil and Sam
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