While I was camping up near Mormon Lake, Craigslist advertised a Jeep for sale. The price was right and it was already set up to tow. I asked my brothers if they would go take a look at it for me. They were free a day later and drove two hours to check it out. They felt it was in good shape and would make me a better vehicle than my little Smart Car. Long story short, thanks to Don and Richard, I’m now the owner of a 2013 Jeep Patriot.
My Smart car had served me well, and I can say that it didn’t owe me anything after 5 years of dependable transportation. The Smart was a good upgrade from my motorcycle, carrying water, groceries, laundry, my kayak, and running to doctors appointments without worry about the weather. It was good on gas and easy to tow, but it had some limitations that made moving up to a bigger vehicle more sense. This Jeep will travel back roads better and be lots more comfortable on long highway trips. It also has lots more room for passengers and cargo. It’s heavier, so more difficult to tow up hills, and it will undoubtedly use more gas. One thing I like about owning it is the fact it’s easier to find repair shops. There are very few places that will even work on Smart cars anymore.
I stayed for two weeks at Donnas, taking care of Hannah and house sitting while she was on a cruise in the Mediterranean. It worked out well to spend the time in Mesa because I could fix up my Smart to sell and get the new vehicle licensed and registered. I sold the Smart car the same day I advertised it. I probably didn’t ask enough for it judging by the number of calls I got that were interested, but I wanted a quick sale and the ability to move on.
Right now I’m up near Payson, AZ camping in a place that’s 5500’ altitude. Temperatures are going over 100 degrees everyday in the Phoenix area and it’s about 20 degrees cooler here. I’ll probably go up on the rim in another week or so. Camping on the Mogollon Rim is at or above 7000’, so it’s quite nice in the summer. Donna will come up and camp with me in her motorhome in a couple weeks. We have talked about going up into Colorado this summer. We will have to play it by ear.
This past month worked out well for both of us (& Hanna too!) You didn’t mention the work you did on my motor home while you were here. I thank you for that and for taking such good care of the house & dog!
Now when I camp with you, we’ll trade off who drives depending on the terrain we expect on our errands & sight seeing. You can take all the rough dirt roads and I’ll drive the highways. 😉
For some you are living the dream.
Hey Dale, I like it. Looks like an ideal vehicle for your style of life!