Day 3 – Wednesday, June 26, 2019

Macon, GA > Rutledge, GA

OVER-HEATED

1/2 mile – Line of Cars

Approaching Highway 25 N, semi tractor-trailer trucks were flying by. Looking to the left, my direction north, I could see my first huge hill waiting for me to climb. There was no alternative but head north on Highway 25 for 15 miles. I waited at the intersection for 20 minutes to see if the traffic would die down. Well, that was not going to happen anytime soon; I took a deep breath and pulled out on to my first Highway experience. I drove on the side of the two-lane road as much as I could.

I GOT SMOKED

Shortly, I reach the base of the hill, and there was nowhere to pull over and the traffic backup fast. I was so nervous that my right hand spazzed out, clinching down on the wooden steering wheel. It was at this moment, trying to uncurl my fingers, I got smoked for the first time. A black F250 diesel truck passed me blowing his air horn that sounded like a train, startled me. The screaming driver, kindly waving nice gestures, downshifted just at the most opportune moment, to generously share a dark plumb of carcinogens.

SPANKIE JONES

I slowly made it to the top of the hill. The overheated engine was gurgling like an enraged dinosaur as I pulled over. This was my first, “I’ve got a problem” moment. I jumped out of the car and a long line of traffic that had accumulated, passed me by.

Even though I’ve been planning for this journey for years, I was still so green. There was no way for me to prepare myself for all the unforeseen hiccups. Did I bring extra water, coolant, oil? Nope. At this moment I said, “what am I going to do?” Spankie Jones pulled up and asked me if I needed help. He drove back to the nearest gas station, 12 miles south on Highway 25, to pick me up a gallon of Prestone 50/50 Coolant, free of charge. Feeling so blessed, I generously tipped Spankie and soon was on my way to Monticello, Georgia.