August 17(Day 34) Friday -Dartmouth
We were up early and out before 9:30 am. Our van was telling us that a maintenance service was due, so we thought that this would be a good time to get it done. Yesterday, we phoned two different dealerships to see if we could get an appointment for today, and after a bit of pleading, we were able to get an appointment for 10 am.We arrived 15 minutes early and got checked in. We were told it would take about an hour and a half and we should be out by noon. At 11ish, they came and said they were running a little behind as they were short of technicians, but our van was next on the list. At 1230pm, we went for a walk and noticed the van still on the lot - it had not even been taken into the shop yet. BUT.. we wer still next on the list.
At 1:30pm, we were told everything was done and we could pick up our car. Oops.. The tire rotation had not been done. After some discussion, they took it back into the shop and did the tire rotation.
The staff were very friendly and considerate. The upside was that they did the service at no cost because of the "unreasonable" wait. And that was without any prompting.
We had spoken to Brittany last evening and had told her we would be free by around noon. It was closer to 3pm before we connected. We met her at Halifax Centre Mall and the Body Shop there. We left our van in the parkade and together we headed to the warf. We walked along the board for awhile, and even crossed the temporary boardwalk - which swung a LOT whenever a vessel went by. We had an early supper at a dockside restaurant. It was a great visit and we had lots of good conversation.
Bob and I were getting a bit tired by then, so Britt took us back to our van, and we said farewell. It was really good to connect and spend some time together.
Back in our hotel, we basically collapsed.
Hotel: Comfort Inn
Temp: Sunny and warm
Distance: 19 km
Mileage: 8.6 L/100km
August 18(Day 34) Sat -Dartmouth - St. John, NB
We slept in today, and weren't out until after 1030am. On a whim we have decided to head south to North Carolina to visit Bert and Leslie. After a few texts and a phone call, all was arranged.We decided we wanted to get extra medical coverage, but CAA told us that it could only be issued in our home province, so we will have to trust we will stay healthy. While we were at the CAA, we picked up the maps for the southern states.
The day was overcast when we first started out, but shortly after we started out, it started to rain - heavily. And continued that was for most of the day. It was actually a perfect day for driving as the weather was really not suitable for anything else.
We arrived in St. John and checked in to our hotel shortly after 4pm.
We decided to go out for supper to Jungle Jim's about 6pm. They must have seated us in the family section as there were 9 children in the three tables around us. So much for a quiet meal. However, it was interesting to watch family dynamics, and Bob had a blast playing with the kids. Besides, the BC-Toronto football game was on the overhead tv.
We are back in our room now. Bob is soaking in the tub while I write the blog. Tomorrow we cross the border and head south.
Hotel: Comfort Inn
Temp: Heavy rain all day (16c)
Distance: 416 km
Mileage: 8.4 L/100km
No comments:
Post a Comment