OMD Travelogue | Day 52
[x_section style=”margin: 0px 0px 0px 0px; padding: 45px 0px 45px 0px; “][x_row inner_container=”true” marginless_columns=”false” bg_color=”” style=”margin: 0px auto 0px auto; padding: 0px 0px 0px 0px; “][x_column bg_color=”” type=”1/1″ style=”padding: 0px 0px 0px 0px; “][x_text]I can hardly catch my breath. Laughing so hard my eyes start to water, I stare down at Baylor.
After another night spent peacefully at the idyllic campspot, we’d spent the morning enjoying the mountain beach. Fingers flying on the keyboard, I heard Baylor rustling in the tent. Rearranging the sleeping bag to his exact liking, taking great pleasure in covering every square inch of it with dog before settling in to sleep.
When suddenly a gust of wind hit the tent just right, tipped it straight over.
A giggle slips out as I jog over to check things out.
Looking down into the tent I can’t help but cackle with laughter. Having been soundly asleep, Baylor is an unmoving shape beneath the sleeping bag. I pull the blanket off his face and laugh even harder. He is just looking around in utter confusion at his new position. Doubly confounded by the fact that I’m standing over him laughing like a maniac. I finally pull myself together, upright the tent. Feeling bad for the giggles at his expense, I help recreate the sleeping bag nest. Tuck him in with an extra treat and kiss on the head, go back to work.
Having shared our last can of tuna for lunch, we head into town to restock the provisions. Market stop a success, I call to confirm the Saturday maintenance day. Find out that Friday is now a possibility and jump at the offer. It’s a date, piston schooling on the docket.
Buoyed by this good news, we head back to camp for one more night.
Light quickly fading, I turn to the back of my Clymer. Pistons: pages 105-110. It’s been a long time since I had a late night study session, but I want to be prepared. Be able to understand what’s going on, make the most of my time with Tom, ask smart questions, maximize learning.
Hopefully tomorrow will fix what ails Rufio. Get rid of the clatter. Stop the excessive oil burning. Prepare him to conquer all of North America.
Enveloped in darkness, we snuggle into the tent. Drift to sleep on single cylinder dreams.
52 days down. Many to come.[/x_text][x_image type=”none” src=”http://mallorypaige.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/IMG_2014.jpg” alt=”” link=”false” href=”#” title=”” target=”” info=”none” info_place=”top” info_trigger=”hover” info_content=””][/x_column][/x_row][/x_section][x_section style=”margin: 0px 0px 0px 0px; padding: 45px 0px 45px 0px; “][x_row inner_container=”true” marginless_columns=”false” bg_color=”” style=”margin: 0px auto 0px auto; padding: 0px 0px 0px 0px; “][x_column bg_color=”” type=”1/1″ style=”padding: 0px 0px 0px 0px; “][x_line][x_creative_cta padding=”25px 25px 25px 25px” text=”Read More from
Operation Moto Dog!” font_size=”36px” icon=”hand-o-right” icon_size=”48px” animation=”slide-top” link=”http://mallorypaige.com/blog” color=”” bg_color=”#ce901c” bg_color_hover=”#78dbce”][/x_column][/x_row][/x_section][x_section style=”margin: 0px 0px 0px 0px; padding: 45px 0px 45px 0px; “][x_row inner_container=”true” marginless_columns=”false” bg_color=”” style=”margin: 0px auto 0px auto; padding: 0px 0px 0px 0px; “][x_column bg_color=”” type=”1/1″ style=”padding: 0px 0px 0px 0px; “][x_feature_headline level=”h2″ looks_like=”h2″ icon=”motorcycle” class=”center-text “]Get Bonus Stories[/x_feature_headline][x_text class=”center-text “]
Each week we’ll send you behind the scenes stories & pics from Operation Moto Dog.
Sign up below. –>
[/x_text][x_line][/x_column][/x_row][/x_section]
Looks like you are having lots of fun! Mona
The best time, Mona!
Hi Mallory, Baylor, and Rufio,
I met you briefly in Sedro-Woolley , Wa , when you three were passing through. I was delighted to meet you and have followed your trekking since then. A comet arcs across the sky and one may ask “what was that?” My reply “That just Mallory and her planet striding boots passing through”.
You are very strong yet willing to reveal your vunerabilities, when necessary. You are able to ask for help, when needed. You backfill the lacking technical knowledge when someone is willing to share.
So, Mallory keep your boots on. I look to the sky to see your arc in the heavens yet again.
How wonderful, Steve! I remember meeting you and it’s so lovely to know you’re along for the adventure. And thank you – I’m heading to sleep aglow from your kind words.
Hello again Mallory,
If you got pistons slapping you may need to repair Rufio. Give my uncle, Red Cooney a call at 907 733-1317. He is over in Trapper Creek which is just across the river from Talketna. He has a barn/workshop for your repairs. I also have a brother, Jim Lockert, who can also provide help if your still in the area. Jim’s number is 907 733-7701.
I know you like to just let things happen. However, piston slapping means you will need to park that rig for serious repairs. Don’t be shy with Red or Jim. Just tell them Steve sent ya. Brother Jim and uncle Red got some stories to share with you. They are Alaska people and they just need some good company for a while. If you can’t get over to Trapper creek. Let me know your location in Talketna and we can send the Alaskan angels in to get ya. It’s already August and you may have noted the color changes indicating the summer season passing. My number is 510 798-9793 if you just want to assess the Talketna repair situation to a greater degree.
It’s not that often a comet arcs across my sky and brightens my dark nights with its passing. Just know that I am with you and that Red and Jim are there also to help you, if, and when you need it. We are adventurers, all of us, we just forget from time to time.
Thanks, Mallory, so much for the reminder.
This is amazing, Steve – thank you! You’re absolutely right, piston slap can cause major problems. Went ahead and did the swap to a 685 in Anchorage – sounds and runs so much better! Keeping these contacts for the return next year. Thanks!