Packing up a Needles honeymoon

We resolved to be first in line at the mechanic’s in the morning.  The sign said the shop opens at 7:00, so we woke up in time to sit under the perpetually glowing open sign before the gang arrives half an hour later.  It’s a long and arid wait on a soft bench that’s missing a little bit of seat.

Bailey joins in on the inspection.

At this point we are hoping the best but fearing that our car may be unfit for the 3,000 mile journey.  We are also hoping for a little help from the insurance company.  With the car left to the professionals, its time for a short walk to make a recurring breakfast decision.

As charming as Wagon Wheel is, we decide to head for Juicy's coffee instead. 

We pick counter seats in the shortest proximity to the coffee warmer with our "regular" waitress, EJ.  We have our fill of Cholula sauce for now, for it might be a rare sight outside of the Southwest. 

Cinnamon walnut swirl french toast.

Our car was returned with no charge after a long breakfast, and we took our next journey to nearby Fort Mojave, AZ to offload a little weight from our struts.

These very serious gals at Postal Connection expertly pack and ship our things.  Amy gets an unexpected compliment on a painting bound for Morgantown.

Fort Mojave is still on Los Angeles Standard Time.

No guns in the library.  New state, new rules.

On the way back to the Rio, we spot the Best Motel: "Try us, you'll like us."

Not long after, the chariot is loaded up at the Rio del Sol with the rest of the boxes from our room.  We burned off a few old utility bills in the charcoal barbeque before bidding a wholly unreluctant farewell to Needles.  Ten minutes later, we permanently cross over the state line.  Farewell, California, hello, Arizona!  Finally making it past the border brought a mile wide grin to both of our faces.  We were really on our way.