Road Trip – Day 1 Distractions

Full Day 1 … the Grand Tetons … YOWZAH

Arriving after the 35 hours on Eisenhower’s highways, we got a good night sleep at Colter Bay Cabins. The first night was a late reservation so you take what you can. We got a small 1/2 cabin where we shared bathrooms with the other half of the cabin. Not too bad, a 15 foot walk outside to get to the attached outhouse. I know people who grew up with outhouses so I am not complaining. Beats a honey pot (look it up!) But today, this had all the modern conveniences.

Breakfast there, then off to Jenny Lake. At least that was the plan.

SQUIRREL … there is always a distraction and this time it was a small amount of smoke coming from the engine. It’s amazing how God … teaches me a lesson … brings people into my messed up world … brings peace … and so much more.

Here’s my story … as I was getting gas in the park, I saw the smoke. It smelled like oil. At first I attributed it to the exhaust of a RV in front of me, but nope … it was me.

I raised the hood and yep, it was me. Oil burning on the engine (not in the engine). A veteran camper and outdoorsman was next to me and came to look. He had a jeep so I know he has looked at engine issues.

It looked like the oil filter was spilling into its drip pan and blowing oil onto the engine. I saw it was a tad loose so I hand tightened it. The Good Guy Jeep owner said that would probably take care of it. There are good people out there.

Engine not overheating and ample fluid in coolant tanks (I had only driven a mile).

Oil was in the engine and full (just had changed right before the 35 hours (I’m kinda stuck on that number).

No smoke from where you put oil in.

No oil leakage seen under the car.

Dash good, running smooth, no alerts from computer.

I cleaned it a bit (did better job when I got to a convenient spot) and watched for oil leaks and what not.

Mostly, I prayed. I just did a whole sermon series on unshakable living … was God now testing if I practiced what I preached … literally.

I called a couple of experienced friends who gave wise insight and calming words.

I felt better after all that, and so did Lisa … but the smell would not go away. I didn’t understand … until … until I realized the shop towels I used (which I wisely brought a roll of shop towels for just such an occasion) were wadded up on the floorboard, and they had the oil on them from the engine wipe down.

I am such a goober.

Here’s another lesson I learned … we can work cleaning our life up, but if we don’t throw the excess away, its smell lingers on us.

Spoiler … car is fine, still occasionally smell oil, but it has to burn off. All signs point to it’s over the issue.