Negligent Entrustment

At the RV park Marv and Jason worked on the setup.  Early into the process we learned that the effluent-conveyance-apparatus (AKA:stinking slinky) was MIA.  The team took a quick trip to a very nice Walmart nearby.  I stayed in the bus and hung out with Mr. Gumby.   We chill-axed and chatted about what the day would hold for us.  

The Walmart team arrived bringing a welcome mat, a case of water and the critical item of flexible plumbing.  The setup all complete, the discussion switch to getting ready for dinner that evening.  Mr. Gumby, Rod and I wore our Prevost ensemble. Jason, put on some jeans and Marv went all GQ with a fashionable sweater and slacks.  

Dinner would be at the Cheesecake Factory.  The weather was nice (of course) and we were on the open patio.  We were seated as a group in a long row of tables.  Jason, Marv and Rod mingled at one end,  Mr. Gumby and I grabbed seats at the other end.  Mr. Gumby enjoyed with nice air and sat on the patio window sill.

It was a great meal with great fellowship.  I took the Schuh recommendation to try the smokehouse burger-it was terrific.  It was Jonathan's birthday, in kindness we all ordered deserts, so he would not feel uncomfortable, being the only one with cake. 

  

This is when I think it happened.  During this time when I stood up to grab this photo, I looked over and Mr. Gumby was gone.  I did not see anything happen and never heard any cries for help.  I was aghast.  Not sure what happened, did he run away? Did he fall?   Just not sure.  Not wanting the ruin the atmosphere and being confident there was nothing to be done, I kept silent.

Dinner finished, and we said our goodbyes.   At a cigar lounge there was a large TV rolling the news,the super-Tuesday results were coming in. Tom paused to see the updates.

It was just after this that I got the courage to share the news.  The anguish from Rod's voice echoed off the glass facades of the businesses; "G U M B Y, Nooo....".  In the car, Rod measured out his pain.  Negligent Entrustment, was all he said.  My blood ran cold, knowing the weight of that charge.  Then Rod said, it's OK.  'we're good'.  We were silent, remembering Mr. Gumby.  Marv recounted, "He never stopped smiling".  The Fellowship of the Wheel lost a man, but be we are confident a child in Valencia has a new toy.

  

Complicated Nav and Human Frogger

First, any photos throughout the day will be posted here:

ShepCon RoadTrip 2020

I will work to update this several times a day.

Second, I was reminded by a loved one, that I have been informed previously that I snore...

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As we rolled into California a few complications began to set in.  Like a Spring storm in Texas on a late afternoon, the traffic began to build, the closer we got to LA.  While the traffic was thickening, the air was warming up.  

There are five air conditioning units on the Prevost.  These can be powered by a combination of engine, inverters or generator.  Seems a power surge tripped one of the main breakers on an inverter.   This meant two things,  One, the AC was running on a backup and it was slightly warm in the cab.  Two, the AC power at the front was not working.  I was the navigator and Jason was at the helm.  What the traffic did not accomplish the traffic assured, Jason was not comfortable.  Normally we would just drive straight to the RV park.  However this time Jason was renting a car for the local driving.  We needed to drive the Prevost to the rental agency, find a parking area of some kind, switch drivers and then setup at the RV park.

I was navigating from my phone.  As we neared Valencia, my battery began to die.  I ran back and got a charger. Jason asked to be sure the streets were wide enough.  I zoomed in on the map.  The nav was routing us through a traffic-circle.  Not a good thing.  

What?? My phone was not charging.  Down to 5%. Did I mention there was not power at the front? Running to the back, I grabbed my power-brick as a backup phone charger.  We re-routed the nav and zoomed in on satellite view to make sure the way was clear.  Jason eased off the highway and guided the bus with careful turns and lane changes.  Lots of pointing and and window scanning.  The plan was to park in the middle of the road (AKA: turn lane), let Jason have a quick exit to play human-frogger running across the road to Hertz, then Marv would jump forward into the cockpit and shepherd us to the RV park. Just imagine....

If only, Lewis Hamilton had been with us.  It was a graceful ballet of movement; turns completed, sites located, brakes applied, stop made, egress accomplished, drivers changed, running completed and then we were both, safely on our way.   Even without fuel and tires, it was a Formula-One level performance.

Crazy Bus

Very sorry.  more than a bit overwhelmed in the last 20 hours of so.  
Lots to update.  However, birth 2 in the forward bunk is very comfortable,  I was the last one to wake up.  That never happens.  Never,  but it did today.  I also learned that I snore....  Had no idea.  Anyway this is all to say, you will not get a good update today.  But I will provide a mega update when we return this evening.

Quick Rest, Fuel and Burnt Well

A slight change of plan.  When we have pushed through on this route before Texas Canyon rests stop was always closed for construction.  This time it was open and quite nice.  Any remote area at ~10pm will have strange lighting, but I was able to get a few pick that frame stop.  In short, it was a very nice facility and was dedicated to a fallen officer that was struck down nearby.  Always good to remember.

We turned in.  Marv was was on the fold out couch.  I was in the number 2, forward bunks.  The Jason and Rod were honing their cirque-du-soleil skils during egress to the aft bunks.  We were all asleep in a flash.  5:30 am rolled forward.  Time to get up.  With a quick walk-around and prep, we were on our way.  Being early morning lots of chat and training regarding the finest means to grind and brew the best coffee.  

Mr. Gumby and I were of no help in these matters.  But Mr. Gumby has been helping with the blog a bit.  He is a great editor. 

Rod and I were in deep conversation.  I looked over his shoulder and saw this wonderful sunrise.

 Warned Jason about the noise, then slid open the side window and hung out slightly to catch this pic.  Nice morning to be sure.

For the next 50 miles we discussed many of the changes and effects and how we could communicate better with our co-workers and family serious matters of faith.  Near Tuscon we turned off onto Interstate 8.  Twenty miles in, we stopped for fuel.  Jason filled up and Marv cleaned windows.

I snapped some photos of hand-crafted metal dinosaurs, at least they were real...

Marv took a time at driving while Jason cleaned up from the Diesel.  Quite a ways West of Phoenix we stopped at the Burn Well Rest Stop.  We wondered how a well could burn?  Then we decided the "Well" was really an adjective, not a noun...  Thanks Mr. Gumby.

Rod and I went for a quick walk.  There were a lot of calls to check on family.  This is one of those rest stops that on the surface looks empty and ugly, but as you look closer, hidden beauty is everywhere.

 

 

 
At this moment we are ~25 miles East of the CA border.  Except for the ache in seeing your faces, we are doing well.  All our love to each of you.

Rattlesnake Bomber

We had a quick rest and equipment check at Pyote Texas.  This rest area is terrific.  Inside they had a very nice kids display of a bomber that was very hands on.  In addition there was all kinds of information on the bomber pilot training base called the Rattlesnake Bomber base.

Jason stepped back for a quick eye-lid inspection.  Quite detailed, lasted at lease a couple of hours.  In the meantime Marv took the helm.  We enjoyed lots of in depth discussion regarding fuel injection and negative effects of adjusting mixture lean on aircraft.

It was an hours or so in and I just happened to look back, Mr. Gumby had gotten into Rod's computer.   Had no idea this guy was a hacker, We explained that he cannot do such things.  Rod closed up his computer, and we told Mr. Gumby he has to behave. 

Just outside of Van Horn we picked up a fierce cross-wind of about 15-20MPH. After another 20 miles or so it started to rain.  Nothing heavy, just light.

By now Jason was up and ready to guide us in El Paso.  Marv pulled off on an overpass and Jason took over.  We made it though the city and the sun began to set as we climbed the hill West of Las Cruces.

While marveling at the sunset, Rod read from Psalm 113:

"From the rising of the sun to the place where it sets,  the name of the Lord is to be praised."

It was a unique time. Out discussion and thoughts  turned to the adventure we are on.  We are removed from the noise of the world, captive in rolling hotel room.  The discussions and thoughts have been entwined in the glory and mercy of our Father and Savoir.  Priceless fellowship and a type of what Heaven may hold for us.

At this moment we are ~50 miles West of Deming.  A bit of an anxiousness when Jason used his Ninja-driving skilzz (millennial friendly spelling of "skills") to brake for a semi that failed to make his turn for the weigh station. Mr. Gumby screamed.   Marv just asked about the truck behind us honking its horn?   It was my nose.... Sorry Marv. The current plan is to drive though to Benson AZ.  There is a Loves there we can park for sleep. 

We miss each of you deeply. 

Morning Arrives

Time moves and we move to follow.  For Rod the morning started at 4am.  The rest of us slept a bit more.  Unload, stow our consumables, put away our clothes, pick the bunk.  Lots of hugs and a gift with a glorious sunrise.  Then it was time.  Last photo and we are on our way.

New to us this year is a pretty well known celebrity.  You may have seen him before. He a a single name much like other famous actors, his name is Gumby.  When we stopped in Colorado City, TX for Jason to stretch and Marv to do a quick walk-around, Gumby jumped out and started picking up trash.  We were pretty impressed.  Also, we learned Mr. Gumby does not to be teased about his very large feet. They sure help him climb though.

Everything checked out, and we are back on the road.  Marv had a breakfast bowl and is now taking a nap.  Jason had a Rockit Apple and Rod is up front chatting with him.  Next stop is planned to be just past the state line for dinner.

More to come and our love to you all.

Casting Off

Well the day is is upon us.  We leave in the morning.  For us all, tickets are purchased and work is at bay for the moment.  Untold hours of work from the Schuh family in preparing the Prevost and countless details are behind us.  Tomorrow is the day.    We cast off.

The first day is always propelled by excitement, brisket and a bit of marvel.  The shadows will grow long and the miles will accumulate in our wake.

The trip is typically 24hrs with a quick rest just inside Arizona.  Throughout the trip and during the conference we will try to update this blog at least once a day and more when possible.

One of the most humbling things I learned, one year, was when JM noted that members of Grace had been praying for each one of us by name in the weeks leading up to the conference.  It was guidance that really crystallized how unworthy any of us really are.  Yet here we are.  Being transformed, through power and prayers we have no idea of, both on Earth and in Heaven.  

All of that is to say, we greatly value your prayers.  Prayers that we have and seize the opportunity to spread The Gospel along the way, our families are protected, we edify our brothers and we are further changed to the glory of our Savior, Christ Jesus.