When last we updated, we had extended our stay in Austin as long as Pecan Grove could keep us – until Friday the 8th. On Thursday evening we gathered with our friends in the area, and said our ‘until next times’ once again.
Friday morning, we both woke-up and started the begrudging task of preparing the bus for motion. We had no real plans for where we’d head other than northward, and we really didn’t need to leave that early to make our next event.
Then serendipity knocked.
(Literally, Robert the campground manager knocked on our door.)
I had only gotten around to taking our squash basket off the kitchen counter when he said ‘we just had a cancellation – you guys are welcome to stay a few more days.’
It was perfect. We had been so rushed the last several weeks with getting our work project done and trying to balance a social life. A few days still was just what we needed to recharge before hitting the road.
We decided that Tuesday would be an ideal day to leave and gratefully paid up for the extra days.
We had a relaxing weekend, mostly just sticking close to home (which while at Pecan Grove, means we had access to a lot!). As a bonus, we got to be onsite when our custom iPad app project was delivered to the end user – which was a delight to see it so well received.
Monday evening rolled around, and again friends came to say ‘until next time’ (feeling a bit like the couple who cried wolf here?). Other than heading to Missouri, we had no real route or stops planned…
Until serendipity angel, RJ, wrote us and made some introductions to fellow bus nuts along our path. Within mere minutes we went from aimlessly wandering northward, to invitations to stop in at perfectly spaced locations.
Had we shunned serendipity and stuck to our plans of leaving the Friday before – we would have missed these opportunities.
Our first stop was just a little ways outside of Austin, and too soon for an overnight if we were to keep on track – but it was delightful to meet readers and fellow bus nuts Dal & Cat. We enjoyed hanging out for a bit before we needed to head on to make our next stop. They also graciously gifted us an oil cooler for our engine that they said we would need at some point, they seemed relieved to offload what had become a hunk of metal to them.
The next stop up the road was introduced to us as being a ‘lifelong bus nut’ and a fellow GM enthusiast. He and his wife had land, and said they’d love to have us stay over with them.
We’re so there.
Driving in was an adventure, as it absolutely downpoured most of the way. When we arrived, I had to hop out of the bus and clear downed tree limbs in the road. We were a couple of soaked rats when we arrived, but there was much laughter shared when I was met with an umbrella by our host.
We thoroughly enjoyed an evening spent with these two – and hearing stories about growing up as the son of a Greyhound driver. He has quite the collection of bus memorabilia, and seemed thrilled to have eager new bus nuts to share it with.
In the morning, JL totally took us by surprise by presenting us with a driver side corner maker lens for our bus. These are amongst the few parts of a vintage GM bus that are considered made of ‘unobtanium’, as they were made unique for a few models of Zephyr’s era.
We had been able to obtain 3 of the 4 needed to replace all of ours – and here magically manifested the last one we needed. And not only that, JL got out his ladder and coached us through replacing one of the ones that had become damaged on our bus.
There’s that serendipity for ya.. always taking us to exactly where we need to be.
What’s your Serenipity Story?
Don’t forget, we’re hosting a serendipity story contest!
The above is a real life example of the types of stories we’re looking for. The daily things that happen when you invite serendipity into your life.
Entries due this coming Friday (June 22), and we’re getting some awesome stories submitted! The winner(s) will get one of our new SerenDIPity road signs!
Comment, post, e-mail or video your stories!
This blog is fueled by YOUR enthusiasm. Your comments help inspire the next post.. don't be shy!