DAY 107: The Epic Road Trip Begins

I’ve been basically squealing with glee every time I think about this road trip. I could not wait to get out on the road and make some headway.

Heading to the border crossing, I saw this man in a yellow safety vest telling me to go to the passenger lane. I shook my head and pointed to the Nexus lane. He didn’t seem to understand, shook his head, and continued to point me towards the passenger lane. I figured, I’ll just go there now, and then pull back over to the Nexus when I got past him.

And then I saw it... a car marked “POLICE”.

Yup, Sparky was pulled over for speeding at a blazing 90 kms in a 60 km zone. 

It’s good to note that somehow, the change in speed zone didn’t seem to slow my Tesla down the same way it always does at the university where I work. I guess these are manually set in the map, and not necessarily the car truly reading speed limits.

Remember when I said I would probably get a couple of speeding tickets on this road trip? I hadn’t even left the country on my first day, and there I was on the side of the road awaiting my fate. I haven’t been pulled over for at least a couple of decades. Then again, I’ve never had a car like this!

The kind and very smiley officer let me off with a warning. I guess it was clear this is a rare moment for me to be in trouble with the law. Whew!

Believe me, I behaved myself from that point on!  Going only about 10 above the speed limit is... okay. It’s not thrilling, but it’s safer.

******

I headed to Taco Tecalitlan for some authentic Mexican food. This time it would be tortas for the road!

See all those little pieces of cabbage in the sandwich? Well, it was a good thing I had autopilot, because they were dropping all over the place and peppering my driver’s seat and floor mats with food! Shook it all off and wiped it up at the next supercharger station. But man, if you have never tried their food, TOTALLY WORTH IT. The price is unbeatable too! Like cheaper than Taco Bell, and the real stuff, not that fake fast food junk! There’s a few locations around Bellingham, I’m told. This one I went to is just off of the I-5 past Bellingham. The selection was bigger than the last place I went to.

*****

The furthest I’ve ever gone east in Washington is Snoqualmie. When I past that point, I felt like a true adventure was taking place. I-90 going East is a very well-maintained road heading towards Ellensburg, WA and the scenery afterwards was spectacular! I wish I could have taken pictures while I was driving! The incredible blue-coloured waters from the dam, the scenery of the green hills, the sighting of wind turbines as far as the eye could see, peppering the desert hills. I’m just so grateful to witness everything I see.

*****

The Ellensburg, WA supercharger is attached to a Express Holiday Inn. I love it when the superchargers have inns that welcome Tesla owners and allow them to use their facilities. But when I arrived, there were cones on the empty spots. I thought perhaps those were not working, and I decided to wait. It turns out, those were cones to block gas cars from parking there. 

While it is a bit of a hassle to have to park your car elsewhere, and then move the cone so you can access the parking spot, it would be infinitely more of a hassle to bother a paying guest to come move their car because they didn’t realize it was reserved for Teslas. I’d imagine it happened so often, that they decided they had to change the rules. After all, these parking spots are incredible convenient to the front door!

*****

And then off I went to Ritzville, WA for my next charging session. 

Honestly, I didn’t need to stop 3 times to charge on this trip. Sparky said Ellensburg would be sufficient. But I wasn’t really prepared to have only 8% charge by the time I got to the hotel. Hello! Phantom drain!  Besides, it seems easier to charge more often so I can go to the bathroom, and just stretch my legs every couple of hours. Everyone has their preference.

But when I arrived at the Ritzville supercharger, I saw this:

There are only 4 chargers here (just like at Ellensburg), so I moved over to the only other spot available, next to a super noisy Model X (and even after 40 minutes, the fan was still going strong).

Another Tesla owner pulled up with his 5-member family. He was at almost zero charge. I really wanted to give him my spot, but I knew I needed the charge to make sure I had enough insurance to last me at the hotel that night. Well, first come-first serve. This is the life of Tesla roadies... we appreciate the free supercharging, but can’t always get what we want.

By the way, the Best Western at the Ritzville Supercharger is gorgeous! Very homey and inviting too!

On my way to the hotel, it started raining... BUGS! Yes, they were hitting my windshield like it was sprinkling rain. Sparky is definitely a bug-gut glory, and tomorrow morning I’ll take some time to wipe off his face before we head out towards Montana. I brought my waterless wash with me, and bought a squeegee. After all those road trips, I’m noticing that Tesla windshields do not wipe very effectively. It’s annoying. So I’ll be wiping down the windshield on each stop.

So I’m now at my hotel ready to get a good night’s sleep. I won’t be posting my ending destinations for safety reasons, but I am looking forward to a FULL day of driving tomorrow, and hoping I can see some sites as well.  Stay tuned!

*****

Today’s Odometre Reading: 13,362 kms

KMs traveled on this road trip so far: 724 kms

My referral code: somi22310

DAY 102: Back to Tesla Service

Arrived at work today, and my Tesla would not charge with the J1772 adapter. I thought maybe it was a broken charger, so I switched parking spots. Same thing.

Yesterday, I had a similar problem, though at that time it did eventually start charging, and then stopped after about an hour. And when I tried again, nothing. Yesterday I connected to Tesla chat roadside assistance (very fast response), and they recommended that I power down the car for about 5 minutes and then do a hard reboot. It worked!!! But it was nearer to the end of the work day, so there was little time left to charge.

Having that limited success yesterday, I tried those steps again this morning. Power down the car, and then a hard reboot. Nothing.

I started to connect to Tesla chat again, when it dawned on me... Tesla Service is only a 15 min drive from work. So I headed there right away and let the front desk service lady know what had happened. She furiously typed in my explanation on my account record, and then disappeared to ask the service technician if they could see me car.  The answer was yes.

I pulled up into a service bay they opened for me, and the technician patiently (I mean really patient) listen to my FULL panicked explanation. Tried charging many times! As long as it can Supercharge, I’m okay for now, but I don’t know if that even works! I’m away on a road trip for the weekend! I am leaving for a month road trip next week and I really need to know my car will be okay! (Yeah, I’m a spaz!)

After I was done with my emotional expelling, he smiled and said “Sure, we can take a look at that for ya! If you could just wait in the waiting room for now.”

Sitting in the waiting room, it felt remarkably similar leaving your baby with the doctor while you helplessly wait for a diagnosis, hoping it’s not serious or even fatal. I decided I had to keep myself distracted. A whole inbox full of work emails, and another letting my work know I will be late coming in.

All of 10 minutes went by, and the Tesla Service “Doc” came into the room.

Tesla: We know what the problem is.

Me: (thinking: Dude, that’s a GREAT first sentence for an emotional spaz like me. HAHA!)

Tesla: It just needs some lubrication.

Me: (thinking with a confused face: Dude, what the heck are you talking about).

Tesla: There’s a prong inside that should slide in and out when the adaptor is inserted, and it’s getting stuck. It just needs some lubricant.

Me: (relieved) Oh that makes sense with what I experienced!

Tesla: If you wouldn’t mind leaving your car with us for about an hour.

Me: That’s great! I wouldn’t mind finding some wifi.

Tesla:  Well, there’s lots of great coffee shops in the area.

He is indeed correct!! LOTS! I headed towards Beacoup Bakery & Cafe.

I have to say, if you have never had a true Parisian butter croissant, or just miss having them, you need to try this place! I may be biased because it was founded by an incredible woman, artistic visionary, and author... and friend, Jackie Kai.

But read the reviews. They speak for themselves.

Now going back to my Tesla Divas Facebook page for some company.

Off to Monroe, Washington later today. I look forward to the adventures that await me there.

I hope Sparky is okay all alone. I miss him!

*****

Yesterday’s Odometre Reading (today not over yet): 11,756 kms

DAY 100: Road Trip Is Planned!

It's here! Day ONE HUNDRED!

I'm in love with my Tesla even more than on day one. It's incredible. I'm pretty sure on day 100 of my Honda ownership, I was already bored with the car.

Well, the adventures are far from over!!

Last night I planned out my 4.5 week road trip... and here it is!

Using A Better Route Planner

I am beyond excited!

*****

This thing I feel that has developed over these last 100 days... is unfamiliar to me.  People call it "wanderlust". I call it... liberation.

Essentially all my life, I have craved living in reclusion. Even when I travelled around the world and was the wild gal who planned incredible trips and events non-stop, I always looked forward to being alone. So every decade, when I had a complete mental breakdown, I disappeared into my place. NOBODY saw me for months on end. I stopped answering my phone. It would take me a couple of years to even figure out how to come out and meet people again.

Major depression has been my closest friend and worst enemy since I was a child.

Now before it looks like Tesla cured me, I need to emphasize that I went through (and continue to go through) years of counselling. I worked hard to break my mental habits and find way to grow into my own self. But I've always sought being alone. In fact, I feel the best when I'm alone! I'm never bored, never lonely... I like it.

But I noticed since getting my Tesla, I never want to be home. I don't know what this is, but now I understand why people love to travel. The last 8 weekends, I take off to somewhere new and exciting. I research sites to see, and just go! Sometimes I take people with me. Sometimes I go alone. As long as I'm driving SOMEWHERE, I am happy.

I mentioned that on my way back from my first trip to Portland, I began to cry. I realized that this "trapped" feeling I've felt all my life, this powerless feeling of being controlled, took another big step out from my life. This car... this THING that Tesla has made... has de-institutionalized decades of trauma. I have been working so much on being mentally free -- but now, I am physically free. I go where I want, and am not paying for it from my wallet or from my mental fitness. I just go -- for however long I want -- and arrive like I had just been teleported there instantly. No tired body, no tired mind.

My boundaries of existence have just been expanded far beyond what I had ever imagined. I am not familiar with this feeling, and all I know to do is feed it. And so I am going to drive for 4.5 weeks, most of the time on the road, and just enjoy.

Cheapest therapy on earth.

*****

Speaking of which, I finally unlocked the last level of Beach Buggy 2 -- Mars. And the portion of the track that goes into Mars changes the weight of gravity as well as you drive. It's hilarious!!  (nice touch, Tesla!)

I would love to see "Sparky" as my name on the leaderboard. All the other computer drivers get name, and I get "Player One". Lame.

*****

Software update from my service appointment yesterday brought me to 2019.24.4. Chademo charging now activated in Model 3!!  But the adapter is crazy expensive. I think I'll just stay on the supercharger routes for the time being.  Once I want to start travelling far north in BC, and need the BC Hydro chargers (when there are enough), I'll consider getting the adapter.

*****

Tesla Q2 Earnings Call starts at 13:11:



*****

Today's Odometre Reading: 11,650 kms

My Referral Code: somi22310

DAY 99: First Tire Rotation Done

I had my Tesla Service done today. They changed up my charge port (which now I realize I have not even looked at!) and rotated my tires just in time for my August Road Trip!

I don't know if it's my imagination, but my tires felt so much more smooth on the road back home. Perhaps I was just all too happy to have Sparky back. I really, REALLY don't like the bus. I think the bus driver I had was a race driver turned bus driver. I almost fell, and even heard some gasps as I struggled to find something to hang on to!

Tire rotation came out to just under $100 CAD. I am guessing that's much higher than what my mechanic would charge me. So my next rotation trip will be there.

*****

*****

I was sort of amused on Sunday when, in response to my joke about probably getting a speeding ticket during my month-long road trip, someone said "You probably don't have to worry about that if your car is electric. It can't go that fast."

Wut?

Someone else said it... "She has a Tesla. Those are really fast."

"It's fully electric? And it goes that fast?"

*insert Tesla grin here*

Next thing I know, he wants me to point it out to him in the parking lot.

*****

So I posted my plans in my favorite Tesla Facebook group, Tesla Divas, for some tips to prepare. Wow, these ladies are awesome!  Some great ideas! A suggestion for a great podcast, another suggestion to download audiobooks. Plug options and campersite references. It's getting me so so excited.

I put together my itinerary for the 4.5 weeks that I'll be gone. I am incredibly amazed at this new wanderlust I've discovered in myself. After years and years of being a hermit and hiding away in my apartment away from people, now I never want to go home.

Tesla has changed my life for the better.

*****

Today's Odometre Reading: 11,606 kms

My Referral Code: somi22310

DAY 97: Up, Up and Up to Bridal Veil Falls

No sooner had I come back from Seattle, and from a brutal (for me) one-hour hike up a steep path from a waterfall, that I just had to go see yet another waterfall nearer to Vancouver. I headed out with a couple of friends to Bridal Veil Falls.

This is about 30 minutes east of Chilliwack, BC. The Tesla Navigation (based on Google Maps) will not mark you at the Car Park for the hike to the waterfall, but will send you closer to Camp Bridal or to the Camper Park. You will need to go in and physically mark the spot yourself.

If you were unaware that you could create your own "pin" location for your Tesla to navigate to, here's some quick instructions.

First, locate the exact spot you want on the map.

On that spot, hold your finger on the screen until the a window pops up marking the spot. In that window, tap the "navigate" button. And off you go!

*****

One of the friends who came with me has now had her Tesla for almost 2 months. She was curious about a few things, but honestly, sounded like an old pro. She confirmed that I really do post A LOT on the Facebook groups (LOL), and had some questions. But it was nice to talk about Tesla stuff that wasn't for newbies or non-owners. I could talk to another Tesla owner about new stuff coming up.

She will take a road trip with her Standard Range Plus to Whistler shortly. I warned her that the Whistler supercharger is super expensive because of the parking ($7.50 for the first half hour!... CMON!) and that it's much better to stop at Squamish and charge up there first. She asked if she would need to charge to 100%, and I told her definitely not!!

Rule of Thumb for me: Never charge to 100% unless you believe you will actually need it. So for situations where I know the car will probably sit around losing power through phantom drain (like at the campground I'll be at for days in August), maybe I'll charge up to 100%. But to Whistler? I think she will recognize quickly that it's unnecessary.

Range anxiety is an interesting habit that takes a long time to break. Most of the initial anxiety has been shed, but remnants of it still exist, and continue to erode away as I take more and more trips.

*****

Bridal Veil Falls... Beautiful! Of course, another steep walk up (about 15 minutes), and then when you get to the point where you can see the Falls, there's another few metres of pure climbing to get right next to the Falls... almost on your hands and knees! I had tackled that 1 hour hike up a steep path the day before... I was ready for another challenge. Can't believe I did it!!

These are just amazing trips that I had never thought to venture to.

The fact that I am exerting myself phyically without worry of over-taxing my mental state for the drive, is liberating. I mean, I don't think to myself that I may be too tired to drive, because Sparky is driving, not me!

I was given some advice, however, to stop referring to Sparky as my new (and improved) boyfriend, and just refer to him as my pet.

(sorry, Sparky... I apologize on her behalf. You are not a pet.)



*****

Tomorrow, I take Sparky to Tesla Service to finally fix the chargeport. I'm told that it will only take the day.

Many complain about how bad Tesla Service seems to be. This is my third service appointment, and I've had incredible experiences every time... expecting this to be the same. Looking forward to reporting when Sparky is back home tomorrow evening.

While I've enjoyed to a certain extent having an excuse to drive to a supercharger to charge up once a week instead of going home, I'll be happy to be able to charge again at work with my adapter (which stopped working when the chargeport problem happened).

*****

Today's Odometre Reading: 11,581 kms

My Referral Code: somi22310

DAY 96: Experiencing Emergency Braking

A couple of posts behind. I had a very eventful weekend!

But also lots of "Tesla" stuff happened for me.

Friday (that was Day 95), I was driving from work with a friend and we stopped by a grocery store where they had a parkade with an entrance/exit straight from a very busy street.

Driving out of the parkade, it's one of those challenging portions where if you stop before the sidewalk starts, you can't see the road to see if it's clear to turn. So you inevitably have to block the sidewalk with the nose of your car, just to barely see if there's a break in traffic for you to turn.

I ended up waiting long enough, that another set of pedestrians showed up. Not wanting to walk around the front of my Tesla (and get too close to the road traffic). They chose to walk behind. I momentarily put my car in park to give them room and then noticed they wanted to walk around behind my car. The problem is, when I saw an opening, the car was still in reverse. I put my gas pedal on...

There was an alarm sound that I had never heard before from my Tesla. And I hit the brakes. And I realized just a second afterwards what had just happened. I attempted to go forward, but my car, being in reverse mode, jumped backwards, recognized an obstacle (a pedestrian... gulp!) and yelled at me to stop!

My heart sank. Had I not been in a Tesla, who knows what kind of tragedy that could have been. I feel like Sparky saved a whole host of lives.

I still can't figure out if the obstacle-aware acceleration did the braking, or if I did. What I do know is that the car definitely knew something/someone was there and yelled at me to stop.

I was immensely grateful.

*****

Next day, Saturday, was an exciting trip! I looked forward to spending the day at Pike Place Market and experience all of the tourist attractions that I hear about but never did myself. And in contrast to many trips I've already taken, Seattle feels like just a run-of-the-mill Tesla road trip.

I decided to stop at the Lynnwood Supercharger location. It's a high usage supercharger so I got the message while charging:

Incredible that I witnessed a black Model 3 DOUBLE-PARKED! There was one more spot left besides the one (s)he blocked. And being on a road trip, I would have been so mad if that was the only spot left. Unbelievable. I should have taken a picture and FB-shamed them.

*****

I headed out to Pike Place Market, and there were droves of people walking towards it. I arrived around 11:30 AM, which is probably the absolutely WORST time to try and find parking. I decided to drive around for about 10 minutes and see if I could find a parking spot. I saw a parkade... that was about $8/half hour (um.. no thanks). And I was inching my way around in traffic. There was no way I was going to tolerate this, considering it was already getting really hot outside. And so I left.

I went to the university of washington area, on University Blvd. While inside eating (this place is terrible for many reasons, so I'm not going to post anything about it), I didn't realize that Sparky's alarm was triggered.  It was only at the end of the day that I noticed it in my notifications history.

I have looked at my saved footage, and I don't see this time saved on my car. What the?

I did look through the folders before and after 11 AM, but nothing of consequence was there. I don't see any damage to the car, so I'm going to assume it's a false alarm.

*****

My next stop was Snoqualmie Falls, about 30 minutes east.  The place was packed, but that's okay! I am starting to become a sucker for waterfalls after my experience at Multnomah Falls in Oregon.

I was super fortunate to have found a parking spot close to the pedestrian bridge going over the road traffic.

After doing an extremely shaking Lynn Valley Suspension Bridge, this was nothing! :)

And then a walk up to the observation deck, and THERE IT WAS!

It's a hydro plant as well (with lots of historical significance), but they did a great job at having a natural setting for the waterfall. Massive tons of water flowing over the edge every second... wonderful!

I headed to the second observation deck..

And after staring with a smile for about 10 minutes, I continued to follow the path. It appeared there was about a half mile of path that would take you downwards nearer to the stream, and I figured I'd try it. About 5 minutes in, I realize, the ENTIRE half-mile was going to be a steep downhill.

I pulled out my iPhone, plugged in my ear buds, and braced myself for a challenge. I had to do it!

Another 10 minutes go by, and I could feel a little bit of panic set in. Every step I take is an uphill step I'll make later on. How far before it's enough?

About half an hour later of careful walking down (and legs starting to feel jiggily), not to mention that nature was calling SO BAD, I saw something that thrilled me and saddened me at the same time. A break in the path to give me some level ground, a washroom to use... and a PARKING LOT! Yes! All this time, I could have drove down to this point and saved myself a lot of panic!! This made me dread the walk up all the more, knowing it could have been avoidable.

There was more downwards walking to be had. Well, I had come this far... I really had to see it all the way through.

Well, I would like to tell you that the walk was ALL worth it, but honestly, it was just another perspective to see the waterfall just a small fraction closer, in a very small observation deck packed with people who weren't interested in waiting in line for a front row view. Now I see why I'm an introvert...

But I did snap a pic. Can you see the difference in perspective?

Okay, yeah, I guess that was kinda worth it.

And do you see the two kayakers in the water? It was kind of fun watching them steer through the rapids shortly later.



But no more stalling. It was time to brave my way back up. I was determined to do it, and listening to the Conan O'Brien Needs a Friend podcast certainly kept me entertained enough to keep my mind from telling me there was no way I was going to make it.

Step by step, one foot in front of the other, slowly and steadily, I walked up. There were several sitting spots along the way, a lots of shady points. I took advantage of about half of them, and for a couple of sits, I let my legs completely rest and recouperate as far as I could stand it.

I watched little kids run as fast as they could uphill past my tired old feet, giggling with glee as they went. I saw women bigger than I also brave their way up. I even ran into one (with her male partner) who was probably about my size, and without words, acknowledged that we knew what each other was going through. This challenge, while small for many, was about to be an amazing accomplishment, if we get to the end of it.

To my big surprise, the walk up did not last as long as I thought.

My friend just finished surviving cancer, and with it, grew life wisdom. "Self-compassion" is her new mantra. For me on this day, it meant forgetting about being a super-woman, and taking it as slow as I wanted, even if it was painfully slow.

I made it to the top, no dizziness, no migraine, and NO REGRETS! Yes! Maybe my former days as a hiker is finally coming back, and all of that self-loathing nonesense I shed through counselling is finally paying off!!!

I walked slowly back to my car, taking a moment on the way to recondition it and get the cabin temperature back down to... REALLY COLD! (hehe)

Is it terrible that I'm almost disappointed when I get back to my car, surrounded by lots of people, and the other cars have parked far away enough that I don't need to use summon to pull my car out?  HAHA.  Yeah, I figured I better get in and get out. There was a whole line of cars just vying for my spot!

*****

On my way back to the highway, there was an Audi sports car just getting on the merge lane to the highway, and started gunning it. I figured, I can keep up with him!. So I floored it just for fun.

And that's when I was reminded that I just finished an abnormally difficult physical activity. I was reminded that I did exert myself further than normal. Because in that incredible acceleration of my Tesla, I went into a dizzy spell.

My first reaction, now completely normalized, was to put the car in autopilot. Let Sparky take the wheel while my head has a chance to cool down and return back to normal. Yes, I kept up with the Audi with ease. But I am reminded now how incredible the acceleration is in my car.

*****

Last stop of my trip was to one of the popular seafood buffets in Seattle. This one, Haiku Buffet, looked incredible in youtube, and was priced very reasonably.

It had started to get smoltering hot outside (like for Northwest Coast, not like California!), and after walking around waiting for Haiku to open, I decided that it was way too hot for that.

Back in my Tesla, I was able to finally take some time to recline, rest my weary head and body, and take a moment to just "be". For a hot day like this, you would think the all-glass roof would battle the temperature of the car... and you would be wrong. The car stayed incredibly cool, I was able to stare at the clouds in the sky without squinting from the brightness, and even close my eyes for a bit in a safely locked car to take a quick 10-minute nap.

The buffet was.... 6/10. Beautiful presentation, which makes everything look so tasty. But unfortunately, there was no fooling my taste-buds. I love big flavours and this was the opposite.

Still, I ate a lot and was ready for my drive home.

*****

Once again, I stopped off at the Burlington Supercharger, used their facilities, got a couple of cups of melon ice water, and sat in their lounge with a cooking show playing on the TV in the background. I hooked up to their free wifi, and just relaxed while flipping through my Facebook newsfeed.

Indeed, Burlington is my favorite supercharger spot so far! There isn't much by the way of amenities, but what you do get is far superior to having lots of choices of "nothing much".

This Marriott Fairfield Inn & Suites is fantastic and so friendly. If you are looking for a place to stay for the night, please give them your Tesla-thankful business!

*****

Odometre Reading: 11,165 kms

My Referral Code: somi22310

DAY 95: Nailed by a Bird

On my way to work this morning, Sparky got nailed by a bird. By the looks of it, Sparky was in motion when he was hit. The bird had impeccable aim, leaving me a disgusting mess to clean up.

Yes, right on the door handle inside the crevices and everything!

One good thing is that I carry around a bottle of my waterless wash spray. Another Tesla owner suggested it right from the start, and I have used it A LOT (especially with all the road trips I take).

Wet or Waterless Car Wash Wax Kit 144 oz.

Cleaning it off was no easy task! My first problem is that I forgot to bring an extra microfibre cloth, which I usually wrap around the spray bottle when I store it in my car. I had brought the other one in the house to throw in the wash, and forgot to replace it with a fresh clean one. All I had available was leftover McDonald's napkins, which I cringed at the thought of using.

But I had no choice. The acid in the bird urine will ruin my paint! 

I sprayed the area, and reluctantly (and gently) used the fast food napkin to wipe off the "white stuff". It turns out, it worked great! These cheap napkins where SO cheap that they almost disintegrate like toilet paper. So whatever rough textures were originally there, they were softened to nothing when they got wet.

Cleaning the crevice of the door handle was particularly easy with the napkin because when folded a couple of times, it fit into the gap perfectly and wiped really well. Again, it was so wet that it didn't scratch the paint.  Whew!

I could tell when I cleaned it, the sh*t was fresh. It wasn't dried or caked on. So the cleaning was much easier than expected... not like when I come out from my home to find dried white dots on my hood that I have to practically rub it off.

***

It was especially important to clean this mess today because I had another co-worker guest going out to lunch with me. She has never ridden in a Tesla and Sparky's door handle was far from presentable. I'm glad I caught it before I left the parking lot.

It was off to Sofra in Kerrisdale area of Vancouver. I went there once before, and I just had to go again. It was delicious, and very generous on the portions.

Chicken Shwarma Plate

I'm definitely getting better at introducing the car to people, but not getting out of hand that all I talk about is Tesla. I find it's easier to sit back, and let the guest ask questions. I have to try to resist being such an eager beaver! :D

Off to Seattle tomorrow. I can't believe I haven't made a trip there as a destination yet in Sparky. It's gonna be a hot one. Should be fun at Pike Market!

***

Today's Odometre Reading: 10,604 kms

-->My Referral Code: somi22310

DAY 93: It Should Be Okay

I decided to venture back on Tesla chat to get some assurance about my Service Appointment next week. Until now, every service appointment I have scheduled turned into a mobile service appointment within a couple of days. But after waiting over a week with no follow up on this appointment, I realized that I would have to physically bring my car, and be without Sparky this time for at least a day. So I wanted to make sure this didn't turn into a long drawn out appointment, taking days or weeks. After all, I'm leaving the country with Sparky in August.

I asked in chat if there was an estimated time of repair for my appointment. They asked for the last 6 digits of my VIN and then asked for a moment while they looked into it.

It took a while, and I'm guessing they actually contacted the Vancouver service store to let them know my concern. I received a response back saying that they are told by the service staff there it shouldn't be more than a day.

Almost immediately afterwards, I got an email from the Vancouver store asking for more information, and the charging timestamps for using my adapter (which doesn't seem to work with the charging port anymore). They asked me to bring my adapter with me, and looks like they will do whatever possible to make sure I don't miss my long awaited road trip.

AWESOME! :)

It made me wonder... all of this complaining about Tesla service and their long waits -- perhaps the earlier adopters (even before me) did their due diligence to make sure the company knows what to address so that someone like me, a later adopter, could benefit from that!

All this to say, I've not had a bad experience with Tesla yet. *knock on wood*

***

Took a work friend out for a drive to lunch off-campus. It's like my Tesla is just old news now. :)

If you have not tried Aphrodite's Cafe in the Westside of Vancouver, you are missing out! Brunch here is AMAZING!!

Mushroom Bennie

Mixed Grill Hash

***

Still trying to decide between Seattle or Kamloops this weekend. I'm thinking Seattle is going to win. I'm little concerned about wearing my tires out more before they are rotated. But I just can't resist it. Staying home on a Saturday is just TOO PAINFUL!

Sparky and I need to FLY!

***

Now this important update from Neuralink.  INCREDIBLE!  (starts at 34:32)



***

Today's Odometre Reading: 10,497 kms


-->My Referral Code: somi22310

DAY 91: Nope, I'm Not Tired, Mom.

So after a complete failure last Sunday at trying to go to the States (virtually impossible with all of the July 4th visitors getting great deals with their strong US Dollar in Canada), I decided to try going to Bellingham again yesterday. At the last minute, I told my Mom, and she said "Can I come?"

Sure. :)

It turns out, she's an old pro at pointing out where to go in the Pacific Northwest. Sorry, Sparky, but I have an navigator upgrade!  Well, she couldn't choose the best route based on traffic reports, but still pretty good.  Here's a great tip... if you are headed to Bellingham, ditch the Pacific and Blaine Border Crossing. Go to Aldergrove, which heads almost directly to Bellingham in almost half the time. I was seriously amazed.

My mom's been skeptical about my Tesla. When I first got it, she felt like it was over-priced, over-hyped (by me), and dangerous. But over time, and lots of conversations about owning it, she's coming around.

The best part is not being stressed out as I drive. We can have a calm conversation (not like my usual anxiety-driven ones), and just enjoyed the ride. In fact, she enjoyed it so much that every time I suggested we should head back, she kept wanting to go somewhere else. "I'm having too much fun to go home!" Seriously, NEVER heard her say that before.

And being almost 75 years old, she said she normally isn't comfortable in car seats. But my Tesla seats were the most comfortable ones she ever sat in. She warmed my heard with those words! That, and her surprise that after a long day of driving, I was not showing any weariness.

Mom: Aren't you tired? You drove a lot!

Me: Nope! That's why I go on road trips so much!

I realized that she has heard every weekend about how I have been driving everywhere. But she's never witnessed what it's like... that I barely even felt like we drove anywhere, even though we must have driven for about 3 hours total. I might has well have just popped over to the corner store!

She even forgave me for going all the way down to Fairview area just to eat a donut!

Okay so seriously, those Rocket Donuts don't look like much, but they were so delicious. The Raspberry jelly donut.... the contents were both incredibly flavourful and generous. I loved it!!

If you haven't seen the Fairview area in Bellingham, it's totally worth a visit. About 3 short blocks packed with boutique shops and great places to eat.

***

I purchased a tire repair kit from Tesla in preparation for my August road trip.

https://shop.tesla.com/ca/en/product/vehicle-accessories/model-s_x_3-tire-repair-kit.html

I am hoping I won't need to use it. But I want to be safe.

I'm still trying to work out how I'm going to save money on sleep and accommodations. I was sure I was going to use AirBnB, but honestly, I don't want to book ahead of time and be limited to arriving at a destination every day just in case something causes me to wanna stop and pause.

My brother did call me on Saturday (about 2 minutes after I arrived at the Hope Supercharger... what timing!) and we worked out our plans. I'm so excited to go to Chicago, and it'll be nice to have family with me. I will have spent 3-4 days all alone driving (okay, I guess Sparky will be with me), but it'll be nice to see a familiar face and hang out in Chicago before I head to Toronto. He's going to take me to Wrigley's Field to see a Cubs game (okay, I'm SO crazy excited!), and suggested I check out the "Field of Dreams" stop in Iowa on the way over. DOES HE KNOW ME OR WHAT!?!?!

*****

I have two weekends left to road trip before I leave for my big road trip. But I'm nervous about my service appointment on August 23rd. I am hoping with all my might that they don't need my car longer than a day or two. If they have to keep it into August, I may have to decline (except for the tire rotation), and risk only using superchargers until I get back in September.

For the first time, I'm actually REALLY nervous that Tesla Service won't pull through for me.  I hope they prove me wrong!

*****

Today's Odometre Reading: 10,351 kms


-->My Referral Code: somi22310

DAY 89: 10,000 KMS!

Yup, I hit 10,000 kms today.

I was a long day with my road trip to Lightning Lake at Manning Park. Several hours of hiking, and I was pooped. Will post another day (or perhaps after my next trip there, because I'm SO going back!)

***

Today's Odometre Reading: 10,039 kms


-->My Referral Code: somi22310

DAY 87: What I Do Before Sparky Gets His Bath At the Car Wash

Yes, I take Sparky to the car wash. I'm THAT lazy.

But with all of the sensors and emergency features, you have to disengage features before going in. Here's a checklist:




***

Today's Odometre Reading: 9525 kms

My Referral Code: somi22310

DAY 85: Yes, Autopilot is Safe -- WAY Safer Than Humans!

Ben Sullens of Teslanomics released another video today... with one of the greatest teaser starts I've seen in a YouTube Video in a long time!



This was thrilling to watch, and sobering. I never want to find myself in a situation like this where Sparky is in a position to have to save my life... or save himself from damage. But when the moment happens, I have much more faith that Sparky will figure out what to do before I even know what's about to happen.

There are times when I get the loud three-beep alert in my Tesla, having no idea what triggered it. When I glance at the screen, I see the car in front of me marked red. The first few times, I thought to myself "Technology is so buggy!" But then I remember that the car can detect so much more than I can. It's possible that two cars in front of my momentarily hit their brake harder than usual, but not enough to make the car in front of me do anything. If it happened to be a problem, my Tesla was ready to react!

I'm surprised how some humans would ever think they could drive a one-ton fast moving machine much better than another machine. We are so lazy, irresponsible, and arrogant. We only need one small moment of blind error to change our lives permanently for the worse. And yet somehow, we have been institutionalized into thinking we are better drivers.

When I'm in full Autopilot, particularly on the highways, it makes me a much better observer of what's going on around me. And almost without fail, I am watching drivers swerve side to side in their lane, sometimes even driving on or over the lane markings. And I think "My gosh, they can't all be drunk or tired. This is how humans actually drive!"

A bad case in point (exceptionally bad):



I captured this footage on the Sea-to-Sky Highway on my way to Squamish this past Saturday. The roads were wet, and there was NO WAY I was going to attempt to pass!

Having used Autopilot now pretty much every day for the last 85 days, I can say with certainty that now when I decide to take the wheel, I am that much less confident that I can drive more safely that my car. Why do I take over? I know that Autopilot is still in Beta. I know that city roads are not where it best performs. In fact, there's still a while to go before our Tesla's can confidently wade its way through the infinite edge cases of the real world, and the idiot humans that inhabit it.

But Autopilot is improving with every software update, and we are getting there... to full autonomous driving, I mean. Until then, the times I can use Autopilot, I have come to understand that I AM safer with it engaged. And when I add to that the fact that I'm in the safest car in the world, should something happen? It's a great feeling!

***

Today's Odometre Reading: 9390 kms


-->My Referral Code: somi22310

DAY 83: So Many Trip Options

I arrive back at home today at around 12:30PM. I sat in my parked Tesla in front of my home, and thought "I'm really not finished driving yet." Gotta love how I don't think about the cost (or waste) of gas for more joy riding.

This morning, someone told me about a place called Rocket Donutshttp://www.rocketdonuts.com/ in Bellingham, and I figured, why not? It was an easy half-day road trip, and I could hit Trader Joe's and a great taco place a friend suggested.

I headed to the Supercharger at Guildford to charge up and get ready for the ride. After all, I can depend on charging at work these days with my defective charge port, so I wanted to have the extra kms ready for my work week. I unlocked 2 more tracks in Beach Buggy Racing 2, and got a bit of rest.

I headed to the border with anticipated joy... loving how I can just decide on a whim to go for a drive with no guilt or concern. Then I hit the traffic to the border. It was the worst I've ever experienced in my 30+ years of driving over the border. In 30 minutes, I must have moved a total of FIVE car lengths... I suspect all from cars in front of me who bailed out of the line, did a U-turn back to where they came from. When I didn't move for 10 minutes, it was time for me to do the same.

But I didn't go back home. I headed out to the next border crossing at Aldergrove. I was even willing to go as far as Sumas. When I drove the extra 20 kms to get to Aldergrove, I saw the border wait estimates, and decided that going to the States today was not a good option. I decided to go home.

***

I used to work at Kwantlen Polytechnic University in Surrey -- for 6 years. When you are at a location that long, you get to know a lot of good eateries around the area. It's been almost 10 years since I had any of those select places, and today, that's what I did. I revisited all my favourite places.

The best deal on genuine Indian veggie samosas... anywhere.  Can't beat $1.50 for two!!

There's also my favourite lunch place called Gulberg. My regular choice is the chicken donair platter.. sounds generic, but it's not your regular run of the mill. This place has held up even after 10 years!

And then, of course, because I already wanted donuts... I had to hit the only Krispy Kreme in the Greater Vancouver area!

It's been 10 years since I've had these... and I loved it!

Great way to end the day!

***

Today's Odometre Reading: 9305 kms

 My Referral Code: somi22310