Ready ... But Not Thee Van

My beautiful Ruby (pronounced Roo bay' [I believe that is in part due to her French genetics]) is shining, bell attached, large gears cleansed and oiled, and raring to go. Unfortunately, she may be the only travel vehicle we have. Who would have thought renting a van would be so difficult??

Let me review these past few days:
As in a previous blog, Ken and Mark choose a "hoped to get van" at the rental, then checked out @ REI bike carriers a few weeks ago. Then time past without our noticing. A few days ago we went on-line to rent thee vehicle, and alas, every van in the Spokane/Coeur d'Alene area is rented!!! Of course, who would have thought?!?!???? Probably the organizers of IronMan and Hoop Fest, which occurs in the middle of our trip, would have. So, now what do we do? Well, extend our geographical area! Many Internet searches and telephone calls later, found one in Tri Cities. However, depending on who with what type of accent that I couldn't understand, and if it was the National Phone Number, or if it was the Local Phone Number, then every question I asked brought forth a different answer. Same van ... same days of rental ... prices varied by over $1,000.00. I don't know why I'm feeling a bit stressed and/or overwhelmed.

2 days later we have a van rented in Tri Cities, not really sure how much; they are adamant without "any additional fees for any additional drivers as long as they are over 25 y/o"; and it can be delivered in the end in Spokane - again, no additional fees.

Mark and Ken will now drive 2 days earlier down there and drive it back (I will be working). After arriving in Spokane, will then find and purchase a bike rack to attach to it.

However, if at the time of purchase they start tacking on additional fees, then we'll just take our truck, or ride the entire way dragging a carriage with all our stuff, or maybe walk.....know anyone with a mini-van they don't need for the next 6 weeks? We'll rent it from them for the (initial) $2,500.00.