Bad/Good Day Yesterday

[JudyJB]

I had a bad and good day yesterday. Started out waiting almost two hours in hand surgeon's office--mostly because they had told me to come in early for paperwork and there was no paperwork, plus he was running late. When I did see him, I got a cortisone injection at the base of my left hand middle finger for my trigger finger and another one in my right wrist for my carpal tunnel syndrome. That meant I had a bunch of numb fingers, and this was the day I was driving to Eastman Lake near Madera, CA.

Then about 70 miles east of Napa, I heard a very large BANG and some vibration, so I pulled over. Could not see anything wrong so drove another mile. Vibration got worse, so pulled over again. Turns out tire looked fine, but the passenger's side, inner dually had no air in it! I must have hit something small because I did not see anything. Bad day. I had pulled over to one of those lanes they add to two-lane roads to enable vehicles entering from intersections to gain speed. U.S. 12, by the way, is a horrible road because it is filled with huge trucks and tons of traffic. I was SO glad it was not a front wheel that blew!! That made it a very good day!!

Waited 3.5 hours for wrecker to come and change tire. First company CoachNet called backed out because after talking with me, they decided they had never changed tire on a big motorhome. I was VERY glad the second company that had experience with big trucks came instead, but it took a long time.

Result was I arrived at campsite way after dark and had trouble parking but camp host helped me. Full hookup for $15, but I did not even bother with sewer I was so exhausted. No cell service, so no hotspot access, so this morning I left for Hensley Lake, about 20 miles south, and also a COE campground. Am in a gorgeous spot with electric and water and terrific view, even if the lake has almost no water. I also have a good satellite signal and cell service. Hardly anyone here, which is nice. I can see mountains in the distance and this is only about 90 miles from Yosemite, where I am headed on Sunday for four days. Weather is gorgeous here, but if any chance of snow in Yosemite, I may take longer route. Do not want to use chains.

[Bethers]

Judy, make sure you have everything you need when you head into Yosemite - as I discovered on Sunday that the store/snack shop we intended to eat at had the snack shop already closed and store with emptying shelves - it was the last day it would be open for the season.

I do think you'll still have gorgeous colors - as lots haven't turned yet. And didn't hear anything about the weather turning yet ... but it can any day in those elevations. Enjoy - it's a beautiful place. I was lucky to have Sandi as my tour guide - she knew the names of every peak, etc ... spends a lot of time there, and I can understand why!

Glad you stopped before there were more problems from the tire.

[mitch5252]

..
That kind of stuff is so scary. Glad it wasn't any worse! And glad you are okay.
..

[JoanE]

Judy, I totally sympathize with you having just had a similar experience. Glad you are safe and sound.

[BirdbyBird]

Glad that the good/bad day was survivable and had a few silver linings. It is a nice reminder to all that there is a big difference between inconvenience and what could have been Bad....

[linann]

Grateful that as annoying as your day was, it ended safely. Take care and enjoy Yosemite.

[JudyJB]

I will definitely take a lot of food and supplies into Yosemite. I always carry a lot of food and things to drink so I don't have to worry about paying $9 for a pint of ice cream!!

Need to stop and get more milk and fruit before I go, otherwise, I am all set for Sunday.

[MandysMom]

I have not been here long, so curious what type rig you drove, as to going into Yosemite. I have not been there in decades and would love to go again, but don't think our old 40 ft bus would do well. Where in Yosemite will you stay? It should be really beautiful there.
So glad you made it through the mishap with a good story to tell and no damage to the rig.

[JudyJB]

I have a 32' Class C. It is a 2012 Fleetwood Tioga Ranger. There are three major routes into Yosemite, and I am not sure which I will take. If weather is good, will take shortest one--U.S. 41. This page has a description of each of the roads: http://www.yosemitehikes.com/yosemite-i ... itions.htm

I have a reservation at Upper Pines. My original reservation for Oct 7 got cancelled during the shutdown, but a lot of other sites opened up when it ended due to other people's reservations being cancelled.

[snowball]

Glad that you are in a site that will help you forget the bad parts of the day
take care enjoy your stay at the park
sheila

[IrishIroamed]

Judy,
sorry to hear about your bad / good day. You handled it all like a champ!

[Colliemom]

Great job Judy. You handled it all like a pro and found the good to the bad side of it all. Hard to believe you are headed for Yosemite already. Seems you were just in MI. Have a wonderful time out there.

[BirdbyBird]

And I appreciate that you have your list of needed supplies prioritized.....No one should run out of ice cream.... (or wine!)

[bluepinecones]

Sorry about the problem but glad you are okay, Judy.

[judi]

What a fun place Upper Pines campground would be for a GTG! So glad your bad day is over!