When you arrive at the top of a mountain you are usually hoping for, at the very least, a good view. We got that. We also got something we would never have hoped for.
I must confess we did not hike up this mountain, we drove. So perhaps it was our just deserts when, ready to make our descent, the car would not start. The steering column gave up a little puff of smoke, and that was it. Many kind folks came over to ask what was wrong and offer advice or help. Most of them could do nothing. I called my mother.
"The car won't start," I told her.
She sighed.
"Where are you?"
Oh, the place you always want to be when your car craps out (with smoke!): the top of a mountain.
She laughed. There was nothing she could do either.
Then someone came along and seemed to know right away what was up.
"Your starter," which we'd feared was the problem, "is fine," he said. "Put the car in neutral, set the brake. Push in the clutch and turn the key."
I did as instructed, and got the same lack of response as always. But then - vroooom! It started up. The kind gentleman had just hotwired my car! Phil and I drove back down the mountain, just about giddy to be under way rather than waiting for a tow truck. And this man. We were in awe. We'd never seen anything like it. What a great trick!
I'm going to remember this nifty bit of car knowledge, not only for any future problems that I myself may encounter, but so that I might one day impress the hell out of someone, too. And next time I'm tempted to go up a mountain, I might be slightly more inclined to hike.
And I can see the wonderful, fragile rhodies in the foreground.
What a treat for Washingtonians at this time of year. Our State Flower, for those who might not know..........
Posted by: peg | 04 June 2007 at 12:40 PM
Lovely framing of a gorgeous view. Wasn't the weekend glorious? And it's June! Glad a kind stranger got your car going.
Posted by: Kimberly | 04 June 2007 at 08:38 PM
You can't tell from the foto, but you could see Mt. Rainier, and downtown Seattle, too.
Posted by: Janeen | 04 June 2007 at 09:05 PM
HAHA now you know how to hotwire a car...that is an impressive skill.
You are NOT allowed to commit felonies.
:P
Posted by: jessica | 05 June 2007 at 01:55 PM
Did he really hotwire your car or was it a clutch-start? Is there a difference in vernacular here?
Great shot, by the way!
Posted by: jeanie | 06 June 2007 at 03:44 AM
It wasn't a clutch start, and it wasn't technically a hotwire, either. Phil says he "arced the starter gap." It makes sparks and involves closing an electrical circuit, so that's why I call it "hotwire."
Posted by: Janeen | 06 June 2007 at 07:57 AM
Well, Neen - I'd call that a hotwire too.
Posted by: jeanie | 07 June 2007 at 03:43 PM