Another one bites the dust

 

Approaching the top of the Flatirons in Boulder.

     Boy, did we have a good time in Colorado. It was rife with adventures of all kinds. We saw a baby and a mama bear, ate incredible vegetarian food, and played at unique venues with stunning scenic mountain backdrops. Now, we couldn't have too much fun, and we had our share of problems- all rolled up into one green, overheated, bulbous mess. Our problems were altitude high, if you will.
     We regret to inform you that our dear VanGo is no longer with us. Seven months ago we pulled him out of an early retirement in Florida, where he happily had been taking trips to the beach with the Salada family. Maybe 100 miles a year. Well, we eat 100 miles for breakfast here at Harpeth Rising, and poor VanGo decided on our trip to Colorado that he was done hauling us and our sound system around. After several days of suspicious behavior on VanGo's part (prognosis: fuel filter and/or fuel pump problems), we diligently found the nearest AutoZone, replaced our parts, and soldiered on, only to find the next day that the problems had multiplied.

Getting towed. 

The boys hard at work trying to fix VanGo.

     Between the two of them, Chris and David have an astonishing (I suppose it's expected, knowing them) knowledge and know-how with cars, but even with all of their assistance VanGo still gave his last sweaty breath on the dusty road between Colorado Springs and Durango. To be exact, it was approximately in the middle of nowhere, Colorado. We got towed seventy-five miles to Alamosa, where we rented a van. As we drove through the mountains the next few days it became apparent that VanGo would have not made it through the 12,000 foot summits, and winding mountain roads.

Middle of Nowhere, Colorado. Beautiful- and desolate.

     Speaking of summits, we had some beautiful drives, particularly on the Million Dollar Highway, Red Mountain Pass, and the Monarch Pass. The 12-passenger Ford E350 van made it through the mountains with gracious ease, and as luck with have it, there was the same exact model van for sale in Alamosa! Thus it was that we traded in our dear VanGo, and welcomed our newest band member, lady Van-na White. Our blog is being renamed "Wheels of Fortune", thanks to Chris's sharp wit. Other names for consideration were: Snow White, the White Lady, a battlestar galactia inspired name, and one other name that we can't remember, but I'm sure it was a terrible suggestion.
      So how did we feel? Well, Rebecca grimaced, "I guess we won't be writing a song about this car" (i.e., Tough as Nails: Love Song for a Toyota Corolla). We're sad to part with VanGo, but it's a relief knowing that we have a reliable van that can take us everywhere we need to go. A band has a special bond with their vehicle, and we are looking forward to getting to know Vanna White. She's essentially our second home when we're on the road, and we will be outfitting her to make her more comfortable and cozy. As it is now, two people get to stretch out, one person sits shotgun, and Chris (our only driver) has a comfortable driving pedestal/office space/general throne upon which to guide us safely into new adventures.