Bittersweet

Returning to Michigan and then to Ohio was very uneventful but sad as always to see the end of a vacation coming.  The Donk was a real trooper and on the final leg between Michigan and Ohio it was just her and I in the truck since Karen rode back in her own car with her Mom.  She actually fell asleep, unaided by the good drugs, with her head snuggled next to my elbow for most of that final trip.

Sometime during the ride from SD to MI, I can't recall exactly when, the subject was brought up by Karen that Delilah's back seat was 'just to small' for a big dog like Donk and WAY to small for both her and the Donk so we discussed getting a new truck.

I realize there is still much to tell about the trip, dropping the trailer off at the campground and other events that have occurred and I promise to get to most of that, but because I'm excited to share and sad to see Delilah go I want to introduce our new tow vehicle  "Bodie" (Short for Boadicea)

Bodie at home

It was a quick decision, but you should know it was not an easy one.  First Delilah was more than capable of pulling our trailer and getting us where we need to go.  Delilah had relatively low miles for Diesel truck and was in good shape.  Finally, I had originally bought Delilah with the intention of NOT getting another truck anytime soon and I really loved my truck.

The reasons for getting a new truck were numerous though.  Here are a few:

1. The dogs.  We had already some discussions on eventually switching over to a Class A so they could have room to get up and move around but I don't like the idea of "my house being tied to my engine".  If the Class A needs to go to the shop for work, my house is gone until it's done.
2. With a Crew cab and the fact that sooner than we want we will be down a dog and maybe two, the dog(s) will have more room to move around in the back of the truck when we put the seats up.
3. We may decide to upgrade our trailer at some point in the future if we don't get property in AZ or decide we want to travel full time.  For that we will need more towing capacity and a 1 ton truck gives us more options.
4. Delilah was 7 years old.  That is really a weak reason since she was in good condition and had relatively low miles, however with the travel we have planned there is some amount of peace of mind in being totally covered from breakdowns for the next few years at least.
5. The biggest reason was the price of the new truck.  I did my homework, looked at a bunch of them, talked to a number of places and nobody would come close to the price I was given for Bodie.
6. The reason that started it all.  If we are driving with other passengers, Karen can stretch out in the back seat even if she is sharing with the Donk.

It is sad to say goodbye to Delilah.  I hope she goes to a good home with someone that appreciates her as much as I have. 

More on Bodie later.