Mission Control We've Got a Problem

109 degrees in Redding, CA. Its day one of the Ellison Odyssey and I watch the thermostat of our bio diesel converted ’84 Vanagon rise. Skye who has a ice water soaked bandana on her forehead, calls out from the back seat, ‘hey, I smell smoke!’ Sure enough the charcoaly smell of burning oil wafts from the vents. The semi trucks, including a well-driven, ultra-efficient Wal-Mart Always Low Prices Always trailer slide by shimmering in the heat. In the fracas, I’m distracted. When I glance at the dashboard again, the thermostat is suddenly pegged with lights blinking red. This isn’t good. We’re almost at the top of the pass. I know if I stop it will surely boil over, but if I keep going it will surely boil over. How lucky. One of life’s dilemmas presented on day one: darned if you do; darned if you don’t. Faced with this choice, we continue, pulling off at the Highway 89 exit making a short right into a shady spur. Throw ice water from the cooler on the radiator and then back on the road, gliding finally to rest at the serene home of our friends Richard and Erika, where I dunk in the crisp, spring fed tributary of the McCloud River that runs through their back yard, sharing stories, laughing and planning to meet them in Bali – where they now live – in December.
Beginning a year around the world with the family is one thing. Choosing to start by taking an old van, sans air conditioning, through California’s Central Valley on a hot July day as part of a cross-country road trip is another thing altogether. A shockingly appropriate start to our quest to experience our world – its people, its places – in all its glory. I can’t wait for today.