Wishing this Summer was over.....

Hi Everyone,

Well this Summer is going down as one to forget. I was trying to get out onto the road to continue my Walkabout. It's been one delay after another this year!!

The weather this Spring and early Summer was bad (tornado's & flooding)- so I had to wait on getting on the road. In June, I found out I needed to have some work done on SUV before I could go. Got the work done- then on June 28th, my beloved Miss MayMay (my dog- she was 8yrs old in May) passed away unexpectedly.

On July 6th, I was finally able to start out. I basically drove straight through to Michigan, with night stops in Ohio and Indiana. I was able to see a lot of southern Michigan- into Indiana.
I camped at the National Dunes Park in Indiana for 3 days. Went to see Lake Michigan which was about 5 mins away from where I was staying. I enjoyed my time there though it was very hot.

On July 11th, I was back on the road heading to Illinois to get a copy of a marriage certificate for my Great, Great, Great, Great Grandfather for the family tree.
While I was heading there, a strong thunder storm came raging through. It left a lot of damage. Many trees and telephone poles snapped off and littering the roads. Personally I think a micro-burst came through. It covered all of upper Illinois and lower Wisconsin. Many areas were without power and the corn fields were flattened.

During the evening of Monday (7/11), I was heading for the Dells in Wisconsin and looking for a place to spend the night- when my check engine light came on. I found a Walmart that had an auto center. They told me it was a transmission component slippage, I stayed in the parking lot for the night not wanting to risk any damage.

The next morning I drove to a local GMC dealership and they checked it out for me.
Indeed the transmission was getting ready to go (even though I had no indications that there was a problem other than the light).
I asked if I could make it back home with it. The service manager said he didn't know- but to get as close to home as I could. He strongly suggested taking Interstate & not to go over 55 mph, so as to have the least amount of miles to cover and not to put extra stress on the engine.

So on Tuesday (7/12) @ 8:30 A.M. I was on my way home.
I was really disappointed- but tried to look at the bright side I got 2 more states done....so now only have 11 to go.
I was nervous about getting stuck out on the road so I pushed it and practically drove straight home (which my back has made me pay for since LOL). I arrived home 11:45 P.M. on Wednesday (7/13).

I am grateful that I wasn't out further and that I was able to make it home safely.
I am now currently waiting for parts to come in, in order for the transmission to be repaired.

I may take a short trip to Maine in November and a quick trip to NC in December- but we will see.

I will try again next year to once again head west and get my last 11 states done.

I have some pictures to post- but it will have to wait until tomorrow.

Hope this posting finds everyone doing well. Take care until we chat again. Hugs Donna,