A Couple Hiccups and Intro to Truck Stop Camping

This trip has not started out easy. Being sick a few weeks ago and having to take a week off work really threw a kink in being able to leave on Monday as planned. I had so much to do in order to get ready and packed that we didn’t leave the house until after lunch on Tuesday. As we were driving to Grand Junction, we kept hearing a back firing noise coming from the engine. Figuring we wouldn’t get too far with that happening, we decided we should see if someone could check it for us. No one could look at the RV until Wednesday morning. A night in Grand Junction it had to be. We made use of our time by doing some last minute shopping, stocking the frig with necessities, and figuring out where we wanted to camp for the night.

Deciding to try our hand at free truck stop camping, we pulled into the Pilot station. We found a comfortable spot to park and settled in for the night. Wednesday morning were up bright and early to make sure we were at the service station as soon as they open so we would be the first ones in line. The heater stopped working sometime in the middle of the night, so it was freezing when we woke up. We were afraid that the element burned out and we’d be without heat for the trip.

Good news; the problem with the RV, was that the fuel filter needed to be changed. They said it was incredibly clogged. We are lucky that we caught it when we did, or it would have damaged the fuel pump. Still, it was no cheap diagnostic and fix. The fuel filter was a mere 8 bucks. But, all the diagnostics and labor was another $192. Oh well, it was necessary to get us on the road!

We made it as far as St. George, which seemed like a perfect place to settle for the night. My cousin lives there and we were hoping to see him for a quick visit. Another Pilot station was our choice of lodging since we could park there for free. They have nice, big, clean showers. We were due for a shower after almost 2 days without one. They cost $12, and we were prepared to pay for one. However, there was a line to wait for the shower, and we were tired and hungry. My cousin, Sterling, came to pick us up for dinner and more importantly, came to the rescue by letting us shower at his place. We had engaging conversation with Sterling and then prepared for the next big day ahead of us!

Me and Sterling