It all started innocently enough...
Having allowed a few days between “the incident” and the present, I am now in a sufficiently recovered state to relate the story in all it’s gory details. So, here we go:
It was one of those days. You know, the type that nags at you from the beginning that something isn’t quite right. In my eternal optimism I’d shrugged it off. After all the sun was shining, birds were singing and we were heading up to a gorgeous spot at ~9,000 feet. Honestly, what could possibly go wrong?
Enter Scene Chocolate
The Instigator...
All started well. The drive was pretty, the weather (albeit a little wet) was cooperating and the scenery was fantastic. Having arrived happily at our lovely campsite in the mountains, I had the brilliant idea to make a cup of hot chocolate.
“Look honey, the pressure difference has popped up the top of the cocoa can”
Hahahaha….mirth all around. Even the dog had a good giggle. Only the cats were indifferent.
“Poooufffff”
As Nina unleashes the can a mushroom cloud of cocoa powder spreads in a finely artistic layer all over Paul and the sofa. I mention the mushroom shape merely to give you a detailed visual of the pressurized explosion. The scene became eerily quiet, so much so that all you could hear was crickets. Given that we were ~200 miles from the nearest gryllus assimilis that gives you a full and complete appreciation of the moment.
Strike ONE
An hour or so later, having meticulously cleaned the chocolate (to the mild enjoyment of the cats), I snuggled down to a hot chocolate and a book. “Aaaahhhhh” The sweet pitter-patter of rain was on the roof creating a cozy and romantic environment. All was good…
Enter Scene Water
The Enabler...
“Plop”
The sound was unexpected, coming as it was from the inside of the RV. A moment of panic followed with the words
“Honey, there’s water coming out the side of the slide”
“Oh, sh……..t!” was the harmonized answer
We’d been having minor issues with the kitchen slide for some time, but this fell into the category of most definitely “not good”.
So, out with the ladder to have a look at the slide and try to de-bug the situation. It stopped raining for just enough time to let us appreciate the fact that we had no frikkin’ idea how to fix this. Not to be deterred, we went inside and decided to forget about it for the moment. After all there was not much we could do about it right now.
Strike TWO
Now at this point, a more superstitious person might have decided to pack to all up and go to bed, but I am more of the stubborn breed. I settled down with my book and proceeded doggedly with my plan to enjoy the evening. We’d had a few hiccups no doubt, but this was going to be a good day…damn it.
Enter Scene Ladder
The destroyer...
Having once more nestled in and made myself comfortable it started raining again, this time with increased vigor. A few moments later water came dripping out from the slide ceiling light.
“We’d better bring in the slide” said I wisely, and proceeded with said action
“Crunch, crack….sproooong”
“Oh, sh……t” was really the only reasonable response
The Result...
If you’ve followed the narrative closely thus far you might have remembered the ladder that was left outside in Scene II. In a great demonstration of stubbornness (and general lack of concern for its owners, I might add) it had defied movement and managed to get caught in the edge of the slide, thus producing the aforementioned sound effects. The ladder was entirely unharmed, but had produced a perfectly arched bend on the slide corner. The “sprooong”, by the way, was a rivet being ripped off the slide. Despite our combined horror at the situation, I had to give it credit for stamina. Either way, this was most definitely Strike THREE. By this point the cats were thoroughly amused and we were thoroughly defeated.
Let's frame that moment, shall we?
Now, there are two universal truths that apply to every life circumstance such as this:
1/ At some point, somewhere you will do something utterly brainless, completely idiotic and it will be entirely your fault.
2/ How you proceed to handle said situation is entirely up to you.
And indeed it was. After some ritualistic cursing and general mutual slapping of foreheads, we decided to let it go. These are only “things” after all. We’re keeping the slide in for now and have made an appointment at the RV doctor inGrand Junctionin 2 weeks time. The cats have had their entertainment, we’ve had our lesson and life goes on. It’s going be another beautiful day tomorrow and until then…well, we’ll just have to see.
