And Willie Said: An Unexpected Visit in Longmont CO -- 10/10/2014

We leave Sheridan WY with temps in the 30s and a low cloud bank hanging in the distance. Skies soon clear and we know we are overdue for getting south when we see the gates that will close when snow season comes.

A 6% grade delights us as we approach Casper WY and reminds us of our motorcycle days.

We are very fortunate to have had a safe trip so far -- no mechanical breakdowns. Then we hear the noise! From the driver's seat Herb always says, "What was that?" From the passenger's seat I say, "I don't know but I will check it out!" I walk toward the rear and see the upper pantry shelf had slid out when we rounded a curve in the highway. I push it back in until I hear the latch click, then return to my seat.

It happens again, but during the second half of the "S" curve it slides back in place. Nevertheless, I investigate to learn the latch has broken, broken completely this time and will not stay closed. There is nothing to do but stand there and hold it in to prevent the whole shelf breaking loose. (Did I overload it with pantry items?)

Seems we have a carpentry breakdown.

No photos here, as Dr. Jake has not learned to operate the camera.

How long do I have to stand here and hold this shelf? I should be sitting up front taking photos and enjoying windshield time with Herb.

Suddenly, my brilliance comes into play and I remember we have an extra tension rod stored in the closet and think it might come to our rescue. Yes! One end against the pantry shelf and the other is against the cabinet on the opposite wall. This is a good fix for now, and it is a very good thing that we will be going to the town where Camping World is. Hmmm.....they have latches.

The rest of the trip is uneventful as we drive along and enjoy the scenery. Still high in the mountains, we pass an area where snow fences are being replaced with living fences. Shrubs and small trees are planted to hold back the snow and are more pleasing to the eye than the former structures.

As we navigate our way through the streets of Longmont CO to visit Camping World, Herb says, "Who do we know in Longmont? Some of our boating friends?" No, actually it is Circle Graphics, one of our business vendors.

Oops, we just missed our turn, so must go one block farther and turn. As we turn, we see the sign and cannot believe our eyes! It is the Circle Graphics building.

How lucky can we get? We talk to these people quite often and never dreamed we would ever meet them in person. So we jump out and ring the doorbell. We ask the lady who comes to the door if Amber is there, but learn she works at a different location down town. When we ask for Denise, she hesitantly says we may come in, but says, "Does she know you?" Through our excitement we had forgotten to introduce ourselves. The lady says, "Oh my, please come in. I am Audrey and so glad to see you!"

We meet Denise and the other office personnel and have a wonderful visit. Hugs all around.