Meet Jean in Ocala

Jean,
We thought about joining you in Ocala but wildfires in the area have periodically closed some roads on our way to Ocala. So getting there and back could be a challenge.

Before you head to the Keys be sure to check out the wild fire situationhttp://tlhfor013.doacs.state.fl.us/fmisdataviewer/. The situation can change very quickly. I-95 and State road 40 were closed a couple of times recently.

In the past we have driven on I -4 with visible wild fire on both sides of the road we thought we were driving through the gates of hell. Also, the acidic smell will cause a burning sensation and bring tears to your eyes. Not pleasant at all.
Maybe will get to meet you on your next visit to Florida.
Take care, Stay Safe!!!!
Benn

 

Jean, I posted a shout out. Carol and I might be available tomorrow eve in Ocala area. Maybe even tonight.
Mike

 

Mike,

Parents have planned that I must attend a Friday Night fish fry.
Will try to catch up when I return the week of March 18. Heading to Keys on Saturday.

 

Enjoy the Keys. Maybe we can catch up when you come back through here.
Mike

 

Hello,

I will be back in Gainesville area on Monday, March 18.
Would like to have a meal gathering either Monday or Tuesday?

 

Greetings,

The last few days have been less then Paradise experience. While in Key West, car developed a radiator leak. Managed to travel to Port St. Lucie/Fort Pierce area.
Found a hotel since I didn't know where any campground locations and car issues. Monday went to the first repair shop to diagnose issue. Mechanic knew there was a leak, couldn't find the leak. Replaced bottom radiator hose and clamps. Picked up tear at hotel and proceed North on I-95. Traveled one interchange when steam stared spewing from under car hood. Pulled over in the construction zone. Called for tow truck.

From a previous experience, learned to have auto insurance arrange tow truck. Lengthy phone conversation on exact location and tear HAD to be towed also. Learned after a looooooong on hold session, that cost of towing teardrop is out of pocket expense, Agreed to pay fee ($77). Automated text message tow truck should arrive in 50 minutes.

Well, after 2 hours of sitting on side of busy I-95 tow truck arrives. Insurance company provided wrong location.

Car is loaded on flat bed and tear hooked up to tow truck, off to a repair shop construction foreman recommended.

I have picture on cell phone of tear hooked to tow truck. First time experience for me and the tow truck operator towing a teardrop.

Goodyear shop hook car to diagnostic computer ($112), tell me the thermostat and water pump need to be replaced. Bad part is finding Subaru parts. Locate parts about 40 miles away, which will be delivered Tuesday around 11 am.

Then the shocker, replacing water pump takes 4.8 hours labor at $99 per hour. Well, OK, what other choice do I have!

Goodyear shop adivsor was really honest showed me the price Subaru charged them for parts and his upcharge of 5 to 7 dollars per part. They even found a pet friendly hotel and one of the employees used company vehicle to play taxi.

So here I sit, have traveled 10 miles in a little over 24 hours, will be leaving a large sum of money at the auto repair shop.

Good news is my parents drove down from Gainesville area to spend the evening and Tuesday with me while waiting for car repairs.

Keeping fingers crossed the correct diagnosis has been made and repairs work! Will know for sure around 5 pm Tuesday.

The Goodyear repair shop was willing to allow the tear to be garaged overnight. I knew if left outside it would most likely be moved to a new unknown location. Thanks to a tree trimmer arriving, and letting me know I didn't have to move tear, I was able to help the mechanics push tear into garage bay before leaving.

Sorry to say no supper meeting near Ocala Tuesday! Wednesday begins with a geocaching event at 7 am to celebrate Springs arrival. Goal is to leave for home Thursday morning.

 

Jean sorry to hear about your car troubles we hope better travel days are coming.With Geico insurance they also tows the trailer if the car breaks down we checked into that three times.

 

Jean, I am sorry about what happened. Can really put a damper on your vacation. I have AAA with RV. This will cover towing the camper if the car breaks down.

I hope they fix the car and you enjoy the remainder of your trip. Have a safe drive home.

 

Jean, oh so sorry for your troubles - I guess no matter how carefully we plan these things spring up and there is nothing to do except to stay safe and deal with it which it looks like you have done. Stay safe and don't rush back to MN as the first day of spring was 6 degrees this morning and is only 19 now.

 

Jean, what an experience...sounds like the construction worker at least gave you a good recommendation and Good Year shop was accommadating. There are some good people out there. Have a safe journey home and look forward to hearing about your trip around the campfire.
tina

 

Uff Da Hudda Jean! Your story made me feel GUILTY.

My 3/11-3/24 maiden voyage in #567 OZ went really well. I took a two week loop starting from Necedah to my Mom's in KC, then S.E. to 4 days in the Keys, returning up I-95 to Massachusetts. My 2010 Outback seems to have handled it ok.

Glad you at least had family nearby.
Hope you're having better luck Jean.

Mark (with OZ) in Massachusetts

 

Mark,

Life is OK. Has been a very rough journey the last week. The 2010 Outback will again be a wonderful tow vehicle.

Camp Inn has been wonderful providing knowledge about Subaru's and the dealers strong suggestion I trade for a 6 cylinder. Craig and Cary have confirmed 2 to 3 times the 4 cylinder is the desired tow vehicle, continued to remind me to look at the owners manual, which I also showed the mechanic and service advisor. In the end we agreed to disagree.

Talked with the original salesperson, Mark Foos, from Eau Claire, Wi. Presented the issue and dealership comments. Mark provided helpful information.

He explained most "Southern" men and dealers, believe bigger is better, and very common for southern Subaru dealers to push the 6 cylinder.

Mark confirmed he sold me the perfect vehicle to pull the teardrop, which is the 4 cylinder Outback.

Life is OK.

Jean

 

Car was discharged from the dealer at 1500 today. Cost $2500 to fix. Have spent $3600 on car in 10 days. Glad to add some funds to the economy.

3 weeks vacation, one week stranded, $3600 in car repairs, one dead dear, one totaled loaner car, one very sore body.

Parents will be bringing tear drop to Minnesota in 3 weeks time, which is great with me. I am emotionally wore out, physically sore from the car crash. Driving the 40 miles from car dealer to parents home showed me that I will most likely need three days to drive to Minnesota. Drive an hour, walk, take Tylenol/Ibuprofen, and lots of water. Soak in tub every night.

Vacation is priceless!

 

Jean glad to hear you are ok better day's are coming.

 

Jean,

Find hotels on the way home with hot tubs. Sitting out by the pool in a hot tub will help ALOT!

Yes, indeed. The conversation both Camp-Inn and Jean have had to have with the dealership that did the repairs was pretty frustrating. The damage to her engine was caused by a failed water pump and driving it too far in a overheated condition (caused by the failed water pump). This was not a towing related issue in any way. I can't even blame the design of the Subaru for the failure. Jean's car has 80K+ plus miles on it now and a failed water pump is not a unreasonable thing to have happen. It sucks, sucks alot but is the kind of thing that happens.

Cary

 

Yes, we think Cary has a great idea... and if you give us a PO Box # we'll send you a $100. for all your troubles!!
Susan and Alan

 

Jean, wishing you safe travels homeward! Take care of your self along the way...

 

Uff Da Inn has arrived back in Minnesota! My parents traveled from Florida to Minnesota this week. Has been a month without the tear.

Just in time, will be using the teardrop first weekend in May.
Life is good. Teardrop home, car works wonderful, and Spring is finally coming.

 

Glad to hear that things are better!

Carol

 

So are we...how 'bout that PO Box # ???