There is generally never a good time to discover an unexpected problem with your car.
I am sure that somewhere, someone, just on holiday, but with no actual plans, has gone to their car to save the short walk to buy milk, and discovered to their mild annoyance they would have to stroll after all, and that tomorrows intended “do nothing” now involved “call garage”, Its bound to have happened…but not to me.
Kilmarnock living has, of course, made the car that much more of an essential requirement. When the management light came on at 00:30, coming home from rehersal, I was half way down the A77 -Fenwick moor, easilly the most desolate corner of Ayrshire- I didn’t care for the slight juddering, , but at that late hour, nursing the vehicle (and me) home seemed like the better plan.
Of course, it was not just a random day, not even a random workday. It was my youngest’s 16th birthday. Booked – tree top trials (think assault course in the trees), access by public transport – NONE. Attending -cousins from Paisley, numerous enough to require a shuttle run. Weather forecast,- apocalyptic. Meal arrangement – shuttle everyone to Glasgow for Pizza restraunt of choice. Available drivers? Aunts= no, Cousins- no, friends -no.
At 1:30am with the car finally parked at home, I google the symptoms; – Pull over stop driving immedaitely. I suspect that this is not going to be resolved by just leaving the car overnight and restarting the engine.
By 8:30am I have established that the 2 local garages, which I’ve tried before, cannot look at the car for weeks. I have no choice but to hire. Fortunately I can see a car hire estabishment from my windows (well almost). As I am already spending on tree top trails, and pizza, and obviously an undisclosed amount on reapairs, I opt for something small and cheap. (Everything will need 2 runs anyway). This is still a lot dearer than it was when I last hired in 198? .
It’s 11am before I get the vehicle. It’s a tiny citreon – I have to fold twice to get in the door – and it’s a manual transmission.
Now I’ve driven a lot of “stick shift” cars and vans, in truth, I prefer them, but the trusty Hyundai I’ve been in these last 5? years is an automatic. My heart sinks as I envisage stalling every 100 yds as I forget what the clutch is , or even where it is, or that I can infact move my left foot.
I plan, I like a good plan, and lists, lists of lists even. So I have already driven out to tree top trials wich is a little bit off the beaten track, at least I know the way. Or I would do if they had not closed one of the one track roads leading into the place. My first run (alreday a little behind) now has to sat nav it’s way round the countryside (sat nav doesn’t know the road is shut, “go back that way” it says…unhelpfully). Did I mention the rain?
I am at least saved a run to Paisley as we have managed to change that rendevous to the station car park. There are two parts to the car park – who knew? but first I must get there via alternate route 2, which, today of all days, is running as an alternating contra flow due to…cones and a wheel barrow?
I would probably have been drier outside in the rain, as my stress levels peak over running late, remember the clutch, bad sat nav, temporary lights, (the clutch) minimal visibility (can these wipers not go any faster?), and the unfeasably high biting pint of the accelerator in this comically undersize (for me) car.
Also I have to drive smoothly once the cousins are in for run 2. A couple are bad passengers and prone to travel sickness!!!! I attempt to put them at their ease with some forced laughter , which probably just sounds maniacal. The front seat passenger doesn’t speak or look at me the whole way, and, avoiding the closed road, the dead slow and stop roadworks, it is a long and winding road (may I again mention the rain?), with plenty of left foot action on gradients and unexpected T’s and the odd tractor.
I had decided NOT to attempt the trials myself (I am 57 with bad knees and not great at heights), but I suspect that it would have been a holiday by comparison to the drive.
My boy and his cousins had a great time (and they got the pizza), me, I’m still in therapy.
(I got the Hyundai back two days later).
Next week on IaDL – I go back full time : (
Dalmallyfest the Asylum 