Challenges, First World Problems!

With all the fun and beautiful scenery the trip has not been without its problems.
 I make this post not to complain, only to document the events. We are more than blessed to have this opportunity to travel and live our adventure.

When we returned from our bus tour I found fresh water dripping out underneath the wet bay. We did not have a water hookup and were running off the freshwater tank. Not being able to quickly diagnose the problem we turned the pump off and only used it as needed. Turning the pump off stopped the leak and we were not in danger of running out of water.  So we called it a night.

The next day was a free day for us so I had an opportunity to figure out the leak.  I quickly discovered the water was coming from the right side of the bay above the pump. There is not real access to the plumbing as it is all hidden behind a bulkhead. I started taking things apart hoping to gain access. I finally got it loose enough to find the leak, mostly by feel, I did not have a visual on the leak. The leak was coming from an elbow crimp on a manifold on the top right of the bay. I did not have a crimping tool and even if I did I didn't have enough room to get it in position to crimp the joint. I did have a tube of semi solid marine epoxy that you could mix up to seal the joint.  After several tries I was able to reduce the leak by @ 90% with only an occasional drip.  After six hours I figured enough was enough and we would have to live with it until another day.

The next day was a travel day. As we were leaving the campground we had some confusion on directions and I could not make the turn. In an effort to quickly fix the problem I tried to back up knowing there was significant risk of damaging the tow bar.

Yes, my worst fears were confirmed, self inflicted. I was able to unhook the car, get the coach turned around and jury rig the tow bar and make it work. We were able to travel 286 miles to Jasper/Hinten. The next day was a free day, so we had the opportunity to come up with a solution.

During our trip we stopped at the Jasper National Park icefields to visit the glacier. While waiting for our scheduled time Beth was making lunch when she discovered we did not have any water. The pump wouldn't run.  ** see below

As if that weren't enough, when we arrive at the campground, Beth was starting to make dinner when I heard a loud scream.  She had opened a drawer and saw a mouse!  Off to the local hardware store for mouse traps. As of today, 7/27, we have trapped five mice and I believe there is at least one more. I got the sixth mouse on August 1 rst. Haven't seen any more evidence of mice. Hope that was the last.

We were not having one of our better days.

Not comfortable with the jury rig, on our FREE day I spent several hours calling RV dealers and part suppliers only to find our best option for replacement was $1400,00 and three hours away.

Beth insisted the we should try to get it straightened, I thought that was a fool's errand. While I was trying to track down a new tow bar Beth called a collision shop and explained the problem. He said the he couldn't help and that she should call the welding shop down the street.  She called, explained the problem.  He said he wouldn't know until he saw it.
I loaded the tow bar in the car and off to the welding shop. He wasn't sure he could straighten the bar but was willing to try. After @ 15 minutes he brought it back. It was straighter and maybe usable, but far from satisfactory.  As I was walking away he mention the he could replace the bent bar. I asked how much and how soon.  We were leaving early the next morning. The price was right and the four hour timing was perfect.  It was 4:30 pm when I got the call that the tow bar was all done. When I got there I could have been more pleased. The craftsmanship was excellent and when the owner commented that cash would reduce cost and I stated I only had US, the savings were really nice.  Best part of all:  When I hooked it up and as we headed out the next day, the tow bar worked like new.

Beth, 
You were right, I was wrong, thank you for continuing to pursue what I thought was a fool's errand.  
Love, Keith

** while waiting for the tow bar to be repaired, I determined that the water pump indeed had failed. I was able to track down a replacement and get it installed, were back in business.