Friends and alternators make the world go round

Leaving Petrified Forest was such a beautiful drive, and we even got to hop onto Route 66 for a couple of miles before our car completely shut down. The dash lit up like a disco ball with random alerts before we rolled to a stop and the engine sputtered off. Through some fatherly advice we determined the alternator was the issue, meaning we would need a tow. 

We had many visitors on the side of the road, including a mechanic and a state trooper who bothered tried to get us moving again. Resolved to fix the car ourselves, we towed the car to the nearest NAPA Auto Parts who could get us a new alternator the next day, but when we arrived they told us we couldn't leave the car there overnight. With our heads in our hands and our hearts on the floor, we called the exact same tow truck guy to tow us .3 miles down the road to a Motel 6 to wait for the part. 

Luckily, we were put into contact with some extended family members in area! They were extremely kind and upon hearing our situation immediately offered up their car for us to use until ours was up and running. We were able to get the specialty tools and parts we needed without the extra hassle because of them. 

Another blessing was that we were right next to our new favorite restaurant chain in the south. We ordered a #14 (carnitas), but accidentally walked out of there with 14 beef tacos. They were delicious, but it was a great challenge to eat them all over the next couple of days. 

The next day we pulled off the old alternator with the help of two passerbys who showed us how to release the tension on the belt. Unfortunately, the tensioner could take the pressure, and broke. After a couple more trips to NAPA we ordered the new part and put in the new alternator. 

After all that work, we were graciously invited out to dinner by our family members. There we had fantastic food, rejuvenating conversation and got to know amazing people better. In the morning we quickly put in the new tensioner, dropped off their car, and got back on the road. 

Although a day or two off from our schedule, 2 tows, 5 trips to NAPA, and 14 tacos later, we are still trucking!