AMERICA'S BEST!

I often travel around the country alone – one of the perks of my job. I have a trusty little car with many miles on the clock and I have my newest toy – the GPS my brother gave me in desperation when I got lost for the umpteenth time.

Armed with my assignment, my trusty steed and the GPS I set off on my next adventure sure that at least I would not get lost. There may be other challenges on the way, but I would not get lost. My spirits lifted as I drove through the countryside and enjoyed the beautiful spring weather. It was a joy to hear the birds singing and feel a warmish sun on my skin. All was well in my world.

Suddenly there was a splutter and a flutter from my car’s engine and my heart leapt. I was in the middle of somewhere, but out of sight of cars and homes. Thank goodness for mobile phones and GPS co-ordinates. I stopped and thought about my situation. The car didn’t exactly breakdown, but it felt like a warning. Do I phone for help or do I try and make it to the next village? I looked around me and then decided to give it a go.

Not too far along the car gave another shudder and a splutter, a wheeze and then stopped; in the middle of the road. I employed my mobile phone and gave the roadside assistance guy my precise GPS co-ordinates. It turned out that he wasn’t too far away and shortly he stopped behind me. I breathlessly explained the situation and he scratched his chin proclaiming that it sounded like the forge dump valve had gone. What did I know about forge dump valves?

He informed me that he would need to tow me to town in order to fully investigate the situation and make the necessary repairs. I conceded – having no choice in the matter. All the way to his workshop the thought of replacing the forge dump valves gnawed at my nerves. Did I damage anything else on my car? How many of these valves would I need? How much would this little adventure cost me?

At the workshop the guy – Bob – quickly opened the bonnet and peeked inside. There was more chin scratching and a little whistling and then he turned to me. He informed me that I was lucky this time. The only problem that he could find was a burnt spark plug. It would be fixed in no time.

As adventures go, this wasn’t too bad. It could have been worse. At least I didn’t get lost.