Tow Truck Driver Philosopher

In Coelho's book, The Alchemist, the main character goes on a long journey only to find that his illusive goal is found back home where he started.  Along the way though, he meets several characters that enlighten and inform.  Today, unfortunately, we found one such resourceful being in the form of a tow truck driver.

The drive was going to be a short 200 miles and we timed it for a Sunday as typically the traffic in densely populated areas is lighter on that day.  We dropped out of the high desert into the urban valleys east and south of LA.  We were only 60 miles from our destination when the motor began to run rough and the heat gauge gave no reading.  Several lights came on and I quickly guided the rig toward a, thankfully, wide shoulder.  The four lanes of traffic sped by as we got out to examine the vehicle.  I found nothing wrong, no steam, no leaks, no oil.  I tried to restart the vehicle but it failed to respond.  After checking the manual and further examination, I called the insurance company.  Given that it is a Sunday, no mobile service was available.  They called a tow truck.

The "super heavy" tow truck arrived within the hour.  Barb and I had unhooked the Jeep and we followed the rig into a Ford Dealership just 11 miles down the road at Escondido.   Given that it was Sunday, the service center was closed.  We had hoped to spend the night in the rig on the dealership site but the dealership would not allow to do so.  I sought the advice of the tow truck driver regarding a hotel near by.  Ramiro, a kind and attentive man, responded, "There are several hotels near by. The mechanics won't get to your vehicle until late tomorrow (Monday) or maybe even Tuesday.  Take your wife and head just 15 miles to the ocean.  Find a hotel there, near the beach.  Enjoy the beauty of the area."  Wise advice.  Tonight we are two blocks from the ocean at Oceanside.  There is the beach, plenty of bike paths, and the sun shines brightly.  Hopefully, just a minor pit stop.