So Long New Mexico...

Ellie was a little nervous about the whole packing thing
and all too happy when we took her out of the box.

Making our way on our own Oregon Trail!  

After quitting our jobs and a week of solid packing, we loaded up everything we own into one small U-Haul and 2 cars. Matt was a little worried about everything fitting but with his tetris packing skills we had little to no problem. The ride home on the other hand was another story. 

The first day we thought we would take a different way home and drive by Monument Valley since it would be something new to see for all of us. We read up on it via their web site, thought it would only add a few extra hours to our trip, and we'd be able to drive the loop around the monuments and then be on our way.
Once we got there we found out this so called loop wasn't the nice paved ones we're so used too. This was a serious off-road, 4-wheel drive needed, kind of trail. Ok...no big deal, we've got a Subaru we can do it. So, we transferred a few things from the Subaru to the U-Haul, packed the 2 of us, Dad, and the dog into my car and were on our way. About 100 feet down this dusty almost vertical road my dad said, "do you hear that grinding sound?" Lo and behold my back brakes are shot...I mean metal on metal shot. So, here we are out in the middle of nowhere, it's 100+ degrees outside and about 5 o'clock. Now what? 


In our quick problem-solving manner we found out the nearest town was about 30 miles away where there was a Napa Auto Parts. So, we turn around and beeline it back to town to see if we can't get a fix before everything closes. We make it to the parts store 5 minutes to 6. Luckily they have our part  and are willing to help. They make a phone call and thanks to 3 nice native guys and their backyard repair shop under a tent somewhere out in the Navajo Nation we were set up with a brand new set of rear brakes and were on our way. Needless to say someone was looking out for us!

Since we didn't make it to Provo, UT until about 3 am because of the brake problem we decided we'd make the next day a short day and stop in Boise, ID. All went well. We found a hotel, went swimming and found a place to eat and of course have a nice cool beer. On our way back to the hotel from dinner my dad says, "do you feel that warble?" I should have know better but we all were too tired to care and headed to bed for the night. The next morning we come out to pack the car and my tire is flat. That same problem wheel is flat! And not only that, there is a huge chunk missing out of it all the way down to the metal bands. 

So again in our quick problem-solving manner we found out that the closest Les Schwab was just across the street. They rushed a tech over to fill the tire and we made our way over there. We then find out that since my car is all wheel drive we can't just replace the one problem tire, we have to replace them all. So, I  got a new set of tires and we were on on way again.

Waiting for new tires. Oh boy, what fun!

Nevertheless, with a new set of brakes, a few long nights, and new set of tires we did eventually make it back safe and on schedule with a story to tell! And boy were we glad to be home!

Dad came to help drive the U-Haul and see the sights along the way.

Ellie was still a little concerned when the car ride took 3 days.

Thanks New Mexico for all the culture, fun food, friends and adventures over the last 5 years. As I've said before, even though we will now officially be Oregonians again there will always be a bit of the Ol' Southwest in us for life!

Adios Tierra del Encanto!

Le echaremos de menos!