The long drive across the country is over. We arrived back in Pocatello a few minutes after 6 p.m., right on schedule. We picked up Bradica (the dog) from the kennel, came home, and unloaded the motorhome. We’re now kicking back and enjoying not having to drive or stay in a campground.

Yesterday was a very long and tiring drive. We arrived at the campground at 8:30 p.m. When we got ready for bed, my nasal CPAP machine would not start. Without that machine there is no sleeping possible. I also didn’t have tools, either. I walked over to the truck stop and bought a phillips screwdriver and a pair of needle nosed pliers. I took it apart and couldn’t figure out what was the problem. Both Nina and Michael were sleeping, so I was trying not to make very much noise. I went to bed thinking I’d just tough it out — but by 12:30 I was still completely unable to sleep. I took the machine into the bathroom where I could turn on the lights and took it apart. This time I found a coil that had come loose on one side from the printed circuit board. I worked some duct tape magic and got the component to make solid contact with the board and the machine would then work. About 1:30 am I was finally able to get into bed and get some sleep. Nina drove the rest of the way home and I stayed in bed asleep until close to 11 a.m. I’ve got two of these machines and I guess I really need to take both of them with me when I’m traveling.

It’s good to be home and have a wife in the house as well. She was right ready to get home as well. Michael will stay here until Friday morning when Nina will meet Heather and exchange the kid. He’s been a lot of fun to have with us and has been a real trooper on this trip. I think I’ll go get a bite to eat and get ready for bed. Tomorrow is a work day….