Episode XI: Driving My Truck...

...Back to School

I had a delightful time during my four weeks in California, spent with family and friends whom I miss very much. Alas, the days flew by and it was soon time for me to return to school. Here are some statistics about the trip itself, for those interested. Note that both there and back I used the same route, but on the way there I took a number of side-trips.

Time there: 53 hours

Time back: 23½ hours

Total miles there: 1713

Total miles back: 1629

Total cost there: $192.22

Total cost back: $198.74

Spending time with family and friends: priceless

I also tried an experiment, buying 87-octane gasoline the whole way there, and 91 or 90 (depending on the state) on the way back. I then checked to see if there was an effect on my gas mileage. On the way there, I calculated a disappointing 20.0 MPG (worse than I usually get in everyday driving) while on the way back I got 22.7 MPG. It is difficult to say whether the difference was solely due to the gasoline, or if other independent variables factored in as well (note that ‘experts’ say higher octane gasoline generally does not improve gas mileage).

…Many Other Places

My truck has been, for the last six years that I have owned it, a most versatile and dependable vehicle. Apart from getting new tires, and a quick engine fix-up from Grandpa Norris, the truck has had absolutely zero problems. In the meantime, it has done almost everything, from hectic downtown L.A. to desert off-roading to thousand-mile trips, and most recently, to battling through ice and snow.

It has been a diligent transporter of groceries, musical instruments, my surfboard, bike, and at one point, almost all of my earthly possessions. Most uniquely, it has been my companion, and my sleeping quarters, on many an exotic vacation. Indeed, it was recently put to use as a two-person tent (one in the cab, one in the bed) as well as a cooking station (true tailgating).

…When it Starts

On Saturday, January 14, I experienced a number of firsts with my truck, as listed below:

• First time driving in the snow
• First time scraping ice off my windshield
• First time leaving my headlights on for a whole day
• First time a push-start fails to work on my truck
• First time having to call AAA
• First time getting a jump start
• First time feeling it necessary to ‘warm up’ the truck before getting in
• First time the truck stalls while ‘warming up’

This was followed up by a number of seconds and a few more firsts:

• Second time a push-start fails to work
• First time trying to use a friend’s nifty portable car battery charger
• First time the battery charger fails
• Second time getting a jump start
• Second time scraping ice off windshield
• First time breaking my windshield wiper trying to scrape ice off windshield
• First time driving a passenger in the snow
• First time trying to scrape ice off windshield while driving
• First time having to drive like Ace Ventura, in the snow

And finally:

• First time driving next to a cop while driving like Ace Ventura in the snow

When all was said and done, my battery still worked, I was safe and sound, and all was good in the world. I would like to give a special thanks to the AAA man, and Kellen and Rafael, who all saved the day in helping me get my car running. Small deeds done can make a big difference.

I leave you with a picture of me saying "Ahh! It's cold and snowing and my car won't start!"