Jun

1

I am a lucky, lucky girl

Filed Under astruc 

Lucky that my tire blew out 30 miles from Bozeman, rather than on a mountain pass in Idaho. Lucky that Wal-Mart of all places had the freaky-sized tires that fit on my Jaguar. Say what you will about Wal-Mart, they were totally awesome to me today. And I took the opportunity to buy a Verizon throwaway phone that might actually WORK in the wilds rather than the Virgin Mobile I have already.

I started to change the tire myself, but was really freaked out by the giant semis passing by at 90 miles per hour, and decided to wait on help instead. Then I drove at geriatric speeds to buy some new tires. The blowout was impressive, the tire just… exploded. Melted.

I am back camped out in a motel for the night. I’m feeling kind of shaky. I might just drive through to Seattle tomorrow rather than make my scheduled stop in Spokane. I think I’ve had enough.

I did visit Mount Rushmore, there are some videos if you click through to my YouTube profile from the link at right. I found it very moving, sentimental fool that I am. Also, I have a giant soft spot for Teddy Roosevelt. I spent a lot of time at Sagamore Hill as a kid.

(Special thanks to koroshiya, whose Perfect Way mix collection got me through a very bad five hours.)

Comments

12 Responses to “I am a lucky, lucky girl”

  1. Celia on June 1st, 2008 7:24 pm

    Sara, I’m so glad you are okay, that everything worked out tidily, and that you enjoyed Rushmore. Sending calming vibes.

  2. Saundra on June 1st, 2008 7:35 pm

    Oh jeez, I’m glad that’s where you got a flat, too. Good call on limping into town instead of fixing it on the highway. So many people get hit doing exactly that; why risk it??

  3. Sara Astruc on June 1st, 2008 7:50 pm

    I wrote that unclearly. I waved a nice elderly couple down on I-90, called AAA from their cel phone, and had AAA’s guy come and risk his life to change the tire. :) xo

  4. Amelia on June 1st, 2008 9:04 pm

    Wow, I am so glad you are safe! (And Umi, too.) AAA is teh awesome, isn’t it?

  5. Becky on June 1st, 2008 9:50 pm

    Sara, I’m very sorry you had to go through that, and very glad you’re all right!

  6. Bethany on June 1st, 2008 9:59 pm

    that happened to me on the PA turnpike…i was lucky as well, because i was in the right lane (and able to pull off easily) and there was no cars behind me for a mile. i know the feeling. i couldn’t drive for a few days after that. i’m so glad you’re okay.

  7. Sara Astruc on June 1st, 2008 10:03 pm

    I have to get back on the road tomorrow and I am dreading it. Anyone want to give me and one pissed-off cat a driver for the Bozeman-Seattle run? Because I am seriously thinking I would rather move to Montana then get back behind the wheel of that car.

  8. Zamfir on June 1st, 2008 10:16 pm

    Good luck for the rest of your journey, sara. I’m glad you were safe through the day today.

  9. Maria on June 1st, 2008 11:08 pm

    Glad you’re okay. I know the feeling of being uncomfortable behind the wheel. I’ll be thinking of you.

  10. tracing on June 2nd, 2008 6:04 am

    Yikes, I’m so glad you’re ok. I don’t know if hanging out for a couple of days before driving will make it better or worse… but do what you need to.

  11. Kim on June 2nd, 2008 7:29 am

    Blow outs are scary. Glad to know you’re ok. Poor kitty, give her some hugs and drive safe.

  12. koroshiya on June 2nd, 2008 12:45 pm

    i am quite glad you and umi are okay! and i am glad you liked the cds, they were the least i could do. i hope you have a much better rest of the trip, with no major incidents. fingers crossed!

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