Eclipse-1

Day 1 - 8/16/17

On September 8, 2016 I decided I wanted to catch a glimpse of the rare event, the totality of which would include a 60-70 mile swath of the US from Oregon to South Carolina. And so I made the reservation at Table Rock State Park in Pickens, SC. Friend, Jane, alerted me to its proximity to her summer residence which I had visited earlier that year. Today, you can read about the eclipse frenzy and its impact on local businesses all along the path. Reservations anywhere within the swath are at a premium if at all available. I've received my "Safe for Direct Solar Viewing" glasses that conform to the ISO 12312-2 requirement. So I'm all set.

For those of you who want to make reservations for the next one,
here are the dates.

My first stop is a campground I've been at both going and returning from
my winter trips to Florida. Time and distance make it very convenient.

Well, that was the plan. As you know, "when man plans, God laughs." He had a good one in store for me today. Happily, I arrived from my cross country trip Sunday and was able to squeeze a week's worth of appointments and responsibilities into 2½ days...and I did it. Very proud. Doctor appointment, Mercedes Sprinter 20K maintenance, a haircut, shopping and restocking, two visits to my mother, dinner with friends and, with a full tank of diesel, I was ready to go. And I left Croton with a complete anxious-free mind because Winnie had her 20K service that set me back a bit...but well worth it for my future travels. Ninety minutes (half way) into the trip I exited I-78 at Cokesbury Road and luckily found a huge parking lot to enjoy lunch. 

After lunch when I was back on the road, I found that even standing on the gas pedal, my RV would go no more than 5 mph and the "check engine" light was lit. Turned engine off, waited, tried again. NG. I was in a "limp home mode." I could not get back onto the Interstate without accelerating so I passed the entrance ramp and slowly made my way to Route 22 and came upon T&T Repairs, Inc. (What are the Chances?) As I pulled in, I started running all the scenarios, cursing all the while. None were good nor were they acceptable "Plan B's".  Well, thanks to owner, Mike, and the technician, Eric, who ran the diagnostics and did all he could, it came down to a faulty EGR valve. "Exhaust Gas Recirculation". Googled it: The EGR (Exhaust gas recirculation) system is designed to lower combustion temperatures under certain conditions, thereby reducing oxides of Nitrogen (NOx) emissions. ... The EGR valve is computer controlled and opens to allow the exhaust gas to flow into the cylinders. Can't get one until tomorrow, however, as it has to be a genuine Mercedes OEM part. The good news is I have a letter dated November, 2016 indicating "...humidity can enter the exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) valve on certain Model Year 2014 vehicles, which may cause the feed back signal from the valve to the engine control module (ECM) to fail. As a consequence, the EGR valve may be switched off which will cause the vehicle to experience a loss of power and enter into a limp home mode." Bingo!! As a result of this malfunction, they've extended the warranty from 4 to 10 years/120K miles. I see a light at the end of this tunnel.  Mike and Eric suggested the less expensive Hampton Inn in Clinton. It turned out to be $100/night cheaper then the Marriott closer to the garage AND Cracker Barrel was right next door. Tomorrow, a free breakfast and I await Eric who will drive Winnie, as a road test, to pick me up and drive back to the garage.

I'll tell you why I feel so good about the way things turned out. This garage, the owner and the mechanics reminded me and treated me just as my home tire/service garage, (Dave at American Cycle in Peekskill), would have treated me. It's a good feeling knowing everybody's playing straight with you. My trip to the next campground, Friendship Village in Bedford, PA will be a bit further at 216 miles. 

And this is just Day One, as I chuckle to myself. There's enough reading material to use as a blog and so I'll post and continue the saga sometime in the future.