Trouble of course

Trouble normally occurs when you least expect it.  We had been enjoying the Branson/Hollister area for several days.  We got a feel for the area and were about to strike out and see the sites.  But on Saturday, our truck died in a Target parking lot.  Our batteries (2) were completely dead.  Called for a jump start.  Vehicle was able to be started.  Because the batteries were over 5 years old and after discussion with the jump technician, we drove to a nearby Walmart to check out alternator and install new batteries.  According to the fine people at Walmart, we were told that the alternator was fine EVEN THOUGH the alternator was showing a charge of well under 14 volts.  Put new batteries in and drove back to the camp site.  The next morning (Sunday) the vehicle was again stone dead.  Batteries could not be jumped.  Monday called to have the truck towed to a nearby Chevy dealer.  The truck made it into the shop on Tuesday morning.  We were told the alternator needed to be replaced.  I asked about putting in new batteries also, but was told that the Walmart batteries could rise from the dead without a problem.  I doubted that.  By Tuesday afternoon, dealer installed two new Interstate batteries and stated no voltage leak was evident.  Tuesday evening the truck was sitting back at the camper.  Hopefully, the vehicle will hold a charge by morning.  Four batteries in 4 days seems to be a little bit much.

With any tragedy, there is usually at least one positive act.  So it is with this drama.  By not having a vehicle for several days, we were forced to explore the area on foot.  Our location is such that downtown Hollister is about a mile away and in the opposite direction lies downtown Branson about 1.5 miles away.  Of course sidewalks are non existent and the roads are busy.  But the weather cooperated (highs in the upper 50s to low 60s)  and we enjoyed the area.  I am sure we saw more of the area than if we drove.   We also had the opportunity to talk with several people with Wisconsin ties--our backyard neighbors from the La Crosse area in the Airstream, the cab driver with ties to Kaukauna, the couple at the Chevy dealer who once ran a resort in Hayward, etc.  So all was not lost.  In fact walking to Branson was so enjoyable, we expect to walk with a couple from the East Coast tomorrow for breakfast there.  The truck will have another morning of rest.