Alexis Hartz, Author

After staying a night at the Microtel Motel  in which I was over-charged and under-nourished, I continued down the road to Phoenix.       Minutes from my final destination I heard a thumping metallic sound, one loud enough to investigate.   Since I was stopped at the entrance to  McDowell Mountain Resort & Casino  I pulled in and slowly, carefully cruised into one of their large parking lots --- the very same large parking lot where they were hosting a high-end collector's car show.   Oh look at that photo! I had no idea how to even begin to fix that!  But several of the car dealers ( and their crews ) did, and quickly offered their help. Within minutes the rim was removed, and I was on the road in my car with instructions to return with 2 new rims and tires and a promise that the crew  would get me back on the road.  Now, I know that I have a God that takes care of all of my needs all of the time,...

What is my coach height? After the car was loaded on to the dollie, and the coach warmed up I set out for Gallup, New Mexico. Ready for a warm bed and a good night's sleep, I stopped on the east side of town and checked out hotel options on my iphone. After choosing one on the west side of town, I turned on the frontage road and started that way. Nine pm, 16 degrees, and three quarters of the way there I stopped at an underpass warning sign indicating that I had 13'2" clearance. I stopped right where I was. How tall was my rig? Could I make it? Not willing to suffer the consequences, I decided that I would not continue on my route.  However, turning around required unloading the car, unhooking the tow dollie, turning the coach around with a dozen small maneuvers on the narrow old road, re-attaching the tow dollie, and reloading the car. Did I mention that it was 9pm, 16 degrees, snowy and icy and dark ? Well, I did it. And, quite effortlessly I might add. I...