On the way to Massachusetts

We spent several days getting ready for our trip to Massachusetts to visit Kevin's family. We packed, shopped, loaded and planned the route. Finally the day came, and we headed out just after 9 a.m. The kids started their movies and we were set for a quick drive to Punderson State Park, a little south of Kirtland, Ohio. We were looking forward to the early arrival so the kids could ride their bikes, play on the playground, and even swim in the lake.

About 1 hour and 15 minutes into the drive, just north of Ann Arbor, the driver's side rear tire blew. Fortunately, Kevin was able to keep it under control and we made it safely to the side of the road, just before a rest stop. (Yes, this would be the same side we lost a tire two years ago on our way to Colorado. Yes, it was just a year ago that I replaced both rear tires with used tires because they were separating. Yes, we have tire troubles on road trips.)

Kevin called Roadside Assistance but then decided he could actually do it himself. A firetruck pulled up behind us to help divert traffic. (Oddly enough, there was only one fireman in the truck.) He helped Kevin and spread kitty litter on the mess of coolant that was on the road. Eventually, the kids and I walked up to the rest stop to get out of the heat and go potty. Kevin joined us after he was done changing the tire. We plugged in the air compressor and eventually (after 2 hours) were back on the road.

Unfortunately, the spare tire was not in very good condition so we stopped at a Firestone (the only place open on Labor Day) and had 4 new tires put on the van. We spent some time out on the lawn on the other side of the parking lot and eventually ended up inside watching PBS kids. The kids were very well behaved and the workers noticed and commented. After another 3 hours we were back on our way. (In addition to changing the tires, they had to put the coolant lines back together so that we could actually continue our drive.)

We were happy to be on our way and found many tender mercies from the Lord in the bad situation:
1. It was a rear tire that blew. We are afraid the results would not have been the same if it had been a front tire that blew. I hope to never find out.
2. It happened early in the trip. We had time to burn and didn't have to wait through the night to have it fixed.
3. Firestone was open on a holiday, and had four tires for our big van.
4. It happened just outside of a city instead of out in the middle of no where.
5. They were able to fix (even if temporarily) the coolant lines so we could keep going.
6. We all handled it very well.

Unfortunately, I didn't take any pictures of these events. I thought afterward that I should have taken a picture of the tire, and I could have taken a picture of us on the lawn, or in the shop. Oh well. I guess a verbal record will have to be enough. We were very happy to arrive at Punderson State Park and find it mostly empty. We found a great spot and enjoyed a quick dinner (in the dark) and then sent the kids to bed. No time for Smores.