Support for Stranded Family's Safe Return

Yesterday, July 7, we left Tacoma to go camping at Crater of the Moon National Monument in Idaho. 350 miles into our trip we were heading up Dead Mans Hill in Pendleton, OR and the radiator blew on our van leaving us stranded on the side of a major local highway in 104° weather.

I moved Nugget to the back of the van for the most shade available and attempted to find help while Jason attempted to diagnose the issue. A police officer saw us stranded and stopped to help. He loaded Nugget in the front of his police car and allowed her to sit in the AC while we grabbed a few small things. I nearly got heat stroke in the back of the police car from being in the extreme sun. We were dropped off a a Hotel and went inside.

At this point my insurance basically said they could not help us. The kind people at the hotel saw that we needed help and brought us cool towels, water, and set us up with a room. They even made delicious cookies!! Once I calmed down I started searching for a tow and found a very kind gentleman who was going totake the day off due to the heat until I called and he chose to help. He got our van to the local auto parts store where we ordered a new radiator to be delivered today by 11am. Its supposed to get 109° today.

I am greatful for my family's support, the local police that helped us, the amazing staff at our hotel that didnt judge me when I showed up a mess, the tow that rescued my car from the hill, and the parts store that allowed our disabled car to safely stay there as well as will be lending us tools.

Send blessings, prayers, anything that will help get us home.