Grand Canyon Trip -

Shout-out to the Hughes Boys from Mesquite, Nevada

On the return trip home, Ron and I were going down the road just fine. Matt and Ashley were ahead of us with instructions to drive until you run out of gas - we're behind you with the gas and will stop and fill you up. (we could drive faster than them, so they got a head start)

That was a fine plan in theory - until we heard a rumbling sound. I thought it was a flat tire. Ron gets out and takes a look and the rear tire is about to fall off. I don't know all the technical terms, but some of the lugnuts were missing, as well as the posts that they're supposed to screw on to. I know enough to know that's not good.

Not far from us were 4 rhino-type vehicles full of men out riding around. They came over to see what was up. One of the older gentleman said to me, "Well, all we really have to offer is a lot of opinons and advise."

How to fix this situation with limited tools? They stepped up with the correct size socket, and some duct tape. Yes, men of Ron's own heart who believed that anything can be fixed with duct tape and bailing wire.
They also offered a lot of brute strength to help lift of up the car since we were without a jack. I really enjoyed all they're opinions and advise. You know how it is when there's a big problem, it was my job to stay out of the way and worry. But I managed to ask a few questions. These guys were FUNNY and out having a great time together. I found out the two older gentlemen were brothers, and all the 'younger' ones were their sons. So we had a bunch of brothers and cousins. They were out having a guy's weekend. They're all from Mesquite and are in the same kind of business we are. And between all the 'younger' ones, they had something like 15 children - I hope those little cousins grow up having as much fun together as the dads.

After 90 minutes we were on our way again. Thanks Guys.

But we only made it about two miles...

a few minutes later the Hughes boys rolled up again. Since the first fix didn't work, this time all wheels needed to be removed and bolts and studs barrowed from all wheels. And some how to put it all together it necessitated putting the wheel, brake system and studs in all at the same time - Which was Rusty's idea from the start. I don't know really what was going on other than he said, "Thank you, that was my idea from the start." Yes, they offered lots of opinions and advise.

Now, keep in mind that the 3 hours we've been on the side of the road fixing the bousa car - Matt and Ashley are up ahead of us run out of gas somewhere, without water or any food. I'm personally freaking out.

The second repair worked wonderfully and got us 130 miles back to Mesquite.

How do I adequately thank the Hughes Boys? Opinions, advise, tools, manpower, jokes and laughs - they were awesome. So in the small little world that blog stalking creates, if you know someone who knows someone who's friends with a blogger from Mesquite, PLEASE let them know we say Thank You so much for your help.