Get Bent

One of the advantages of having friends spread out across the country when you are on a road-trip is that you have abundant laundry opportunities. Days spent sitting in dingy laundromats are usually among our least favorite of the trip. Sometimes interesting, but not our favorite.

Alli and Kevin have the most high-tech washer and dryer we’ve ever seen.  The washing machine talks to the dryer.  I have no idea what they are saying to each other, but it sure is impressive. They are big and shiny and powerful too. We’ve sent many keys through the laundry over the years, but never had one come out like this. At least the compass still works. Angela’s cell phone was not so lucky. If you call her and she doesn’t answer, well…

This key already has a history and the key-chain is a farewell gift from our friend Tom in Oakland. It held Angela’s key, and she lost it in a state park just outside of Bend, OR. Once we figured out where it disappeared (near the swings), we called. They hadn’t found it, but we left a mailing address just in case it turned up.  Two weeks later, someone found it and turned it in. The park folks mailed it to Texas and then my dad mailed it to Mitch in Montana, where we picked it up. We figured it was now a good luck charm and it would always be with us.  So long, key.

When I bought the bus, it didn’t come with any keys. I was a little worried about this, but found out that there is a code stamped on the inside of the door handles. After removal, I was relieved to find that both door handles had the same code and found an old-school locksmith with the right reference books. $10 later, I had keys for the bus and they actually fit the ignition too (I had to re-key the rear door – easy filing.)