December 18: Limped to Repair Facility

About 80 miles from my destination, something broke under the bus. There was a snapping sound, some black smoke out the back, and a but less power. I pulled over. The message on the dash read "Engine Power Reduced" or something like that. I called the mechanic I just left last week and he told me it was safe to drive unless my oil pressure dropped or my temperature went up. About 20 miles later, both did so I pulled into an empty parking lot in The Middle of Nowhere, FL. CoachNet found a repair facility 8 miles away. That's as far as they would tow it. Since I had only 90 minutes to get to the place before they closed, I opted to drive there rather than continue to wait for them to find me a tow. Now, if only I could get a refund for half of what I saved them by not having to tow me!

It's a small facility with no building, and the owner lives in an RV. I am able to post this only because they let me use their StarLink. Tomorrow morning I should get a diagnosis. There will be a prize for the person who correctly guesses what's wrong ... and what it will cost me. Bonus points if you know what day I get out of here. Please, dear goddess, let it be Friday and less than $300!

Now, if I look on the bright side, the AC is no longer dripping and there's no rain in the forecast for the next several days.