When the Heathens were much younger (ages 12, 8, and 5 approx.), we had a motor home that the Heathens dubbed "Rover." Our Zoo made a habit of naming motorized vehicles when the Heathens were little.
Rover was well-loved. He made several memorable trips with the Heathens - Canada and Niagara Falls, Assateague Island and the wild horses, etc. The trips were not only memorable for the destinations, but for the events that happened along the way. If you want to look back on these trips, I documented them here and here.
Unfortunately, Rover was old when we bought him. And his transmission didn't live as long as the Heathens would have liked. After we sold him, we never managed to pass one up for sale on the roadside without the Heathens asking when we would buy another one.
So, with his Heathens in mind, the Asst. Zookeeper called me about two weeks ago and wanted to take me to Hollsopple. Not the town that usually pops to mind when you think of a date with your husband.
But, here is what the Asst. Zookeeper had found in Hollsopple:
After the purchase and transfer, we took the RV home. Heathens #2 and #3 were with us. And they dubbed the RV "Egbert." I followed behind in the car as Egbert headed to the Zoo.
In typical Zoo fashion, the adventure began almost immediately. The Heathens wanted to stop at the Asst. Zookeeper's parents' house to show them Egbert - the Heathens needed additional people to get excited with them and grandparents are GREAT about doing that. However, when it was time to head home again, Egbert wouldn't start!
Despite checking the fuel, jumper cables, etc., we had to call it a night and leave Egbert at Grandma's house. It was just too dark for the Asst. Zookeeper to be able to see anything under the hood. The Asst. Zookeeper spent time online once we arrived home researching the problem.
It is INCREDIBLY handy to have a mechanic and an electrician at the Zoo. The man is worth his weight in gold.
The next morning - the Asst. Zookeeper had Egbert running and home in less than an hour. The Heathens have spent many a night in Egbert while he is currently parked in the backyard. While we haven't managed to take a trip just yet, the Heathens have had just as much fun planning trips.
Where will Egbert take us? No one really knows. But I'm sure it will be a memorable adventure. And that's all that matters here at the Zoo.