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Life’s an adventure. I keep my plans flexible because things can change so suddenly…
Raven has trouble balancing on the truck’s bench seat with one front leg, so I stuffed pillows on the floor so he has more room, like an SUV. He *loved* this. However, there would be no room for another human… 
We drove the 120 miles to Jack London State Park in Napa Valley. I spent most of the day exploring, it was fantastic. And dog friendly. 
But, as the park was closing at 5pm and I needed to leave (no camping there), I came towards the truck in the parking lot and my brake lights were on… Hmmmm, not good. Turns out, my brake pedal had sunk halfway to the floor after I parked it. Something was not right, not safe to drive all the way home with a trailer. I was able to get it outside the park to a spot on the side of the road in a sleepy little historical town of Glen Ellen and we camped there. Nice to have a Rottie when you are a single gal traveling, I felt safe. I made pasta and halibut, baked cookies, ran the heater and watched a DVD. If you’re going to break down, do it with an RV. Raven and his cat Cowboy didn’t know things were going south, they are always happy campers.
The high point of the trip was that Mary and tripawd Cemil came up to meet us the next morning and brought a bottle of wine. The dogs played, we became friends, it was all GOOD.
Thank you for coming Mary!! And playing videographer of Raven and me. I wanted to show how quick he is on three legs:
Thankfully, after several hours of emailing and phone calls on my BBerry, I rounded up a friend from home with a truck hauler to tow my truck. And a cousin with a pickup to come haul my trailer. So, it ended up not costing me a fortune. The next day my mechanic told me that it was a part under warranty that he’d recently replaced, so that was also good news.
I have much to be thankful for on Thanksgiving.
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7 responses so far ↓
1
Peyton's Path
// Nov 25, 2009 at 12:56 pm
Trip didn’t go as planned, but it sounds like you had a wonderful time even with all the problems! It is great having good friends to help when needed. Raven and Cowboy were probably just excited about the adventure! I think we are all very thankful to have our wonderful Tripawds and this wonderful blogging community!! Happy Thanksgiving!
2
admin
// Nov 25, 2009 at 1:00 pm
Roadside RV-friendly overnight parking in Glenn Ellen!?!?! Please, do tell where!
Don’t you know … traveling in an RV never goes as planned. That’s why we try not to make plans.
3
dsimas
// Nov 25, 2009 at 1:16 pm
There’s a dirt parking lot at the south end of Jack London Village on Arnold Dr. It’s beside a creek, not much traffic, and the Village has quaint shops and a restaurant. I was away from everything, by the dumpsters, but was quiet and free!
4
jakesmom
// Nov 25, 2009 at 5:34 pm
Well thank goodness everything turned out OK, and you got a chance for Raven and Cemil to meet up and play, and share some wine with Mary. You guys should have videotaped that too!
Yes, you have alot to be thankful for… so I wish you, Raven and your family a very Happy Thanksgiving!!!
Angel Jake’s Mom
5
Emilysmom
// Nov 25, 2009 at 7:13 pm
You’re so right! A single girl with a Rottie is pretty safe, I’d say. Now that Emily is gone we may need to get a security system. Didn’t need one with a doberman! (She was really a sweetie but people coming to the door didn’t know that.)
Sounds like you had fun anyway. I’m glad your truck is fixed and you got home safely.
Debra (Emily’s Mom)
6
krun15
// Nov 25, 2009 at 8:27 pm
Adventures that turn out OK make the best stories!
I have found that two pugs are not much of an security system.
Mag doesn’t hear too well anymore- and both of them like when who ever comes in the house-that is if they even wake up. I went home once, unlocked the door and went in, printed something off my computer, and left again, and they never woke up!!
Glad you got home safe, and not out too much cash.
Karen and the pug girls.
7
gratefull
// Nov 25, 2009 at 10:55 pm
Sorry your trip had complications, but how fun for Raven and Cowboy to have more time on their adventure:) Maybe the animal angels arranged it that way!
Happy Thanksgiving, Buddy’s Mom
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