Naturally, since we drive a Eurovan, they didn't have the part in stock, and needed to order it. I noticed that there was another Eurovan sitting in the garage, so I told Jose that he could just take the cooling fan out of that one and put it in ours. He said that that Eurovan had the exact same problem. Except that it had been in an accident, and up until we pulled in they assumed that the cooling fan was broken in the accident. I tried to talk him into giving us a bulk discount since he had to order two fans, but no luck.
So, the part ordered and paid for, and with fingers crossed that it would arrive at the shop this morning, we headed off to find a place to live for the night. Found one in the Holiday Inn Express, where we got a suite, free breakfast, and free high-speed internet. And an outdoor pool and hot tub! And, no, I still cannot fix the car, but I did stay at a Holiday Inn Express last night.
Jose told me to be back at 7:00 am, and I was waiting in his lobby when he showed up at 6:55. The part had arrived, and we just had to wait for the technician to arrive. Once he got there at 7:30 it only took about an hour and a half and we were good to go. As I said to Jose, “I like your city, I love your dealership, but I never want to see you again!” He could empathize, as he got stranded once when he went to visit his hometown in Mexico. In all seriousness, Jose Meza and the team at Ontario Volkswagen did a really great job getting us fixed up and on the road. They did it with good humor, kindness, and speed. I am very grateful to have been there. So, if you find yourself in Ontario, California, with a Volkswagen that needs service, drop in and tell them I sent you. (Likewise, if you're in Cape Cod, go to Tracy Volkswagen.)
By 11:00 we were on our way again. Back on the 60 to the 15 and headed toward Barstow. A great sense of deja vu. In Barstow, we picked up I-40 and headed east.
It was a little dicey (mentally) as we passed Call Box 40-592, but we made it and we set our sights on Flagstaff. Stopped for a lunch break in Needles, CA. Looked around a little for Snoopy's brother Spike, but didn't see him. Noticed with interest how the Mojave desert transitioned in flora and landscape as we approached Arizona. Climbed into the mountains in Arizona. It was beautiful. Stopped for gas in Kingman, home of Andy Devine. Finally arrived safe and sound in Flagstaff around dinner time. It is great to be here!!!!
