They told me there would be days like this, but you’re never quite ready. Things began okay, although I was a bit heavy eyed from being awakened by neighbors in the campground. I was awake at 5:30 and could no longer sleep, so I decided to go out and have a look at the sunrise. A real beauty.
Since I was already out and moving, I headed off into the desert to hike the Beardsley Trail. Early morning is the only time to be caught wandering around in the desert.
I didn’t want to arrive too early at the Colorado River so I took my time organizing my meager belongings. On the road about 10:30 blissfully unaware of my velocity. The Arizona trooper I went by was aware though and after tailgating me for a half mile or so, he finally hit me with blue lights. 49 in a 35. He was cool through and sent me off with a written warning. Maricopa County has me on their watch list now.
Long, straight, boring, bumpy asphalt through the most barren desert. Lots of closed businesses, abandoned trailers and yards with a dozen rusting automobiles decorated the landscape. Six miles before reaching the I-10 interchange just outside of a dusty little backwater named Brenda AZ, the tire blew. A loud explosion, sounds of breaking undercarriage and a little swerve in the curve. Treads we’re flying across the blacktop as I limped onto the shoulder.
It was an inner dualie on the passenger side. It tore a hole in the bottom of the RV and the tire was split at the seams. I couldn’t get the lug nuts to break. I called AAA and they tried to get someone to come help. Please, just loosen the nuts, I can change it. For some reason outside of California, the auto club won’t change an inner tire. ??? It’s just a tire. They offered to tow the rig somewhere. I called a truck repair in Quartzsite and Sergio came out and got me back on track. Not without a little difficulty. I didn’t feel so bad not being able to bust things loose myself.
A couple of hours and a couple hundred dollars lost but back on the road. Feeling exhausted and a little apprehensive about the other three older tires. I haphazardly stuffed everything back in the basement and continued on to the campsite on the river.
Jumped in the water and sat on the bank for a long time recouperating and watching boats go by. Not sure about paddling this. Current feels pretty strong. We’ll get a new perspective tomorrow.
Heart on the Wing 
Oh Mike, I’m so sorry for your ordeal. As you said you never know when you get up what the day will bring. I’m grateful you were not on a large city highway speeding along.but were out on a desert road. Will you be able to repair the under carriage? God was watching over you along with the State Trooper. Praying you’ll be well. Meema XOXO
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