Pearl Joins the Pilgrimage

Driving into Venice, Florida to pick up Pearl, my 2022 Helio O4, at 10:00 am I was as nervous as a young person getting ready for their first date.

After all, I’d driven 4157 miles to collect her, based on a phone call, an I Phone hand held live camera walk around, and my instinct that the people selling her are good people. Still, with all those miles behind me, I did find myself worrying.

What if there is something wrong that didn’t show up in the video tour or walk around?  What if, after seeing her in person, I have buyer’s remorse? What if I’m unable to hook her up myself, back her into place myself, handle her on the road?

All of those doubts melted as Allen led me to her. She is as pretty as I remember. As solid as advertised. And her red flame matches my red Rav Prime, which is just cool.

Yes, a bit silly that it matters, because it did happento be a coincidence, her color. It had nothing to do with my decision to buy her. But still, hooked up, what a sweet visual.

And the guy at the RV supply shop I went to first thing after driving her away (I needed to get mirror extenders; the expensive ones I brought all the way from Portland didn’t fit), said, “That sure is a real cute set up. I’ve never seen one of those Helio’s before.”

I proceeded to tell him about her molded fiberglass on aluminum frame with sealed seams, the solar/electric/propane power options, the fact she was built in Canada. He said, “Oh, if this cute little trailer was made in Canada, she’ll last.”

But back to her pick-up.

Allen walked me around the outside, explaining everything in detail. Then, opened the door and showed me around the inside. I’d done so much research online, including reading the owner’s manual last night, that none of what he explained was new, but it still is nice to see things in 3D.

He’d purchased a new closed seal battery for me, had everything lubed, greased, and oiled. Corrected the tire pressure right before I arrived. He even replaced the non-slip waterproof top to the step. Such a kind man.

I practiced hitching her up. One side of the chains turns out to be a tight fit– I wish it had just one more link. I’ll have to figure that out. We then tested the lights. Perfect. Turn signals? Yep. We tested my new blue tooth brake system. Perfect.

He then helped me assemble that portable side mirror system I’d brought along, which was a good thing. The instructions were confusing and it really did require two people.  But….not perfect. The stupid thing didn’t fit, though I’d been assured it would.

Turns out the bottom railing is just too narrow for my vehicle.

Damn. I’d have to drive with less-than-ideal visibility my first time on the road to find an RV service department.

Fortunately, there was one about seven miles away.  This is Florida. Smile. Though I could see pretty well along the sides, just not far enough back to feel completely comfortable.

I located the dealership. They had suction cup mirror extenders which fit my mirrors. They work pretty good.We hit the road,

Durga pulling Pearl on our maiden voyage. I drove quite carefully at first, testing my faithful Durga’s ability to handle the load. She is a champ. Easy acceleration, good braking, corners well. Minimal wind resistance until I hit the freeway and those big trucks go zooming by. Even then it’s not too bad, but you feel them. Still, I’ve also decided not to drive faster than 60 while towing. I think that’s wise. And once I can get off the freeways, I’ll stick to blue highways as much as possible, which I prefer anyway.

I brought her back to my little Myakka River retreat, unhooked her, came inside to eat some lunch at last.

This evening I’ll do a smudge ritual to cleanse and prepare her for her part of the pilgrimage.  Then, tomorrow morning, I’ll begin the first of two days of setting her up inside, creating my cozy home on the road.

Blessed Be.