Visiting the Groths

On the last of Spring Break, we headed to South Caroline to visit the Groths.  Just as we crossed the border, the big white van (aka Moby Dick) made a loud POP and then a rhythmic popping sound. I quickly pulled over and called Adrian and then Sam (our church's handy man and car maintenance man and knows something about everything man).  We concluded that I needed to drive the car to a local repair shop to have it diagnosed.  That was an adventure!  Going 30 miles per hour on the interstate, even for a few miles, is hair raising!  But we got off the interstate, and stopped at Shelton's fireworks until we could determine what auto shop to go to.

Fortunately, we found one only 15 minutes away from where our friends were and only 6 miles from where we were.  As we drove slowly to the shop, I saw a historical marker and decided to stop and take a quick picture.

 We got the car to the shop and picnicked in their parking lot while they diagnosed the car.  The car had thrown a spark plug and they weren't sure how much damage it had done, but they ordered the parts and hoped to have it done before closing time at 5:30.

Emily came to pick us up and we spent the afternoon at the lake with our friends enjoying their company, the sun, and the house boat.  The kids loved jumping back and forth from the dock to the house boat and back again.  There was a bit of excitement when Mercy tried to jump from the house boat to the dock and landed in the water.  Fortunately, she had a life vest on and did exactly as she should have, she grabbed a rope and called for help.  She didn't freak out too much.  The kids canoed, ran, jumped, climbed, dug, and had a wonderful time!

The auto shop repaired the van for less than I expected, and had it ready by 5:30.  I drove home with no problems and arrived back just before 7.  It was quite the adventure, but a good day.