East and West
Earlier today (I guess, technically, yesterday), mhaithaca and I were planning on heading to Buffalo to attend the USS Niagara's annual pool party/picnic. Mark was actually a bit late in picking me up; as it turned out, that worked out for the best. We weren't ten minutes away from my apartment when Mark got a call from kinnerc, who was due to depart from Groton this morning for Boston. Unfortunately, he ran into some trouble on the road; he didn't even make it to I-81 before his dolly, carrying his automobile and being towed by his truck, gave him problems. Apparently, flames were involved.
Mark and I turned around and headed towards Homer, where Doc had taken the truck and dolly. We actually retrieved my car and both drove up to Homer, since there existed the possibility that we'd all end up driving to Boston. (Basically, if Doc's car couldn't be towed, then Doc would drive the truck, Mark would drive Doc's car, and I would drive my car, and Mark and I would drive back to Ithaca together. I can't drive stick, or else I'd be able to drive either Mark or Doc's cars.) I admit, I wasn't thrilled with the possibility of just going to Boston without a plan, but I was willing to do it. Getting Budget (either the local Ithaca office or the national roadside assistance number) on the phone proved to be impossible, which didn't help. Ultimately, Mark and I were able to convince Doc to leave his car behind, since it was clear that the car really wouldn't be immediately necessary for Doc in Boston, and he's likely to sell it soon anyway. After seeing Doc off (he later got to Boston fine, albeit with just the Budget truck), Mark and I departed for Buffalo finally.
The Niagara's shindig was fun, even if Mark and I were three hours late in arriving. Mostly, we ended up sitting around and chatting and eating. I hope I can attend again next year.
We swung back through Homer and Groton to get Doc's car back to Groton, and then finally Mark and I headed to our respective homes.
It was a long day, but a good day nonetheless.
Mark and I turned around and headed towards Homer, where Doc had taken the truck and dolly. We actually retrieved my car and both drove up to Homer, since there existed the possibility that we'd all end up driving to Boston. (Basically, if Doc's car couldn't be towed, then Doc would drive the truck, Mark would drive Doc's car, and I would drive my car, and Mark and I would drive back to Ithaca together. I can't drive stick, or else I'd be able to drive either Mark or Doc's cars.) I admit, I wasn't thrilled with the possibility of just going to Boston without a plan, but I was willing to do it. Getting Budget (either the local Ithaca office or the national roadside assistance number) on the phone proved to be impossible, which didn't help. Ultimately, Mark and I were able to convince Doc to leave his car behind, since it was clear that the car really wouldn't be immediately necessary for Doc in Boston, and he's likely to sell it soon anyway. After seeing Doc off (he later got to Boston fine, albeit with just the Budget truck), Mark and I departed for Buffalo finally.
The Niagara's shindig was fun, even if Mark and I were three hours late in arriving. Mostly, we ended up sitting around and chatting and eating. I hope I can attend again next year.
We swung back through Homer and Groton to get Doc's car back to Groton, and then finally Mark and I headed to our respective homes.
It was a long day, but a good day nonetheless.