First two nights were fairly uneventful. We found our way to our campsites, somehow figured out how to build a fire, got our tent set up, had meals cooked over an open flame...it was all good.
But the third night, at our campsite near Yosemite, we had...a BEAR...run through. I knew we'd be fine. The bear was chased off into the woods by other campers, and we all had our food stored away properly. But the kids were completely and utterly freaked out and scared out of their minds. You know those cartoons where they depict fear by having knees knocking together? Yeah, that's what was happening...plus sobbing and begging to go home. The compromise was that we got in the car, drove down to Oakhurst, and slept in the car - with the promise that they would "Harden the f*&k up" (words on a bracelet given to me by a good friend).
The next night was totally uneventful. Even our drive back into Yosemite, hiking, etc. We started back home, going through the valley. JUST as we got to the uppermost viewpoint (the valley side of the long tunnel, if you're familiar with the area) the car's hybrid electrical system warning light pops on! WHAT??? It's running FINE! We've had no drops in power, no "pops", no indications that anything might be wrong!
But this is the last spot where we will have phone service for another 45-50 miles or so. My sister-in-law texts us the phone number for the nearest Toyota dealer and they tell me that I should be able to nurse the car down there (about 85 miles, as it turns out) on just the gas engine, but that I'm looking at repairs ranging anywhere from $550 for a busted inverter pump, or $4,000 (!!!!!!!!!) for a dead hybrid battery! So I'm pretty well freaked out at this point.
We finally manage to get down to Clovis (where the dealer is located), but the service area is closed now. So we had to stay the night in a hotel. I gotta say, having a shower that evening made ALL the difference in the world!
I took the car in to the service department first thing in the morning, and luckily it turned out to just be the inverter pump. BUT they won't have the part in for several more days. So they agree to pay for a rental car so we can get home and so I can come back and pick up the car in a week.
Here's the thing though...have I mentioned that I'm currently unemployed? And on Food Stamps? Yeah. I've no idea where I'm going to come up with this money.
Wish me luck! The adventure continues!
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