AAA Mobil Gift Card

I have had a AAA membership since 1970’s. My parents had AAA so I just did what they did. I remember initiating the membership at a State Fair in the Midwest. I have actually used the service a few times for flat tires in both DC and Florida. We always used the trip tik service too - that was before google maps. We also have road side service through Subaru/Starlink but I rarely think of using it. So whenever the renewal notice comes around I always think I might cancel it - but then I don’t. And this summer was no different. For signing up for another year you are rewarded with a ten dollar gift card of your choice. I selected the Mobil gas card. It came in the mail a week or so later. The problem is when I tried to use it, it wouldn’t work at the pump. The next time I’ll take it inside and see if they would accept it there. It’s nice to get freebies, but it’s even nicer when they work the way they are supposed to. 

AAA Maps, Guide and Tour Books, and TripTiks - "Travels Without Charlie"

Just this week we decided it was time to plan a trip to California. We have been there several times over the years, but this time will be different. We are going to drive. I've always wanted to drive around the country and visit as many states as possible. The thought of having an RV sounded really cool - but very impractical - for us. Neither of us can imagine driving anything bigger than our Forester, but like the idea of our own house in wheels. We've been up and done the eastern seaboard so many times, and back and forth from the Midwest. The idea reminded me of the book I wrote after our grandson visited us from California. And after we looked at the google maps planned route from DC to LA, the idea is quite daunting - but we are filled with anticipation! So what did I do? I've been a AAA member for almost 40 years, so I decided to order up a trip tik, get a hard copy map of the USA, and selected a few tour books. I know it's all on line, but I like having a hard copy map in the car when we are on trips. We have no time limit, nor a specific plan along the way. It will be a completely "unplanned" trip - except for having the goal of reaching LA and returning back home on a different path. So it's time to get the almost one year old Subaru Forester geared up for the long haul. We can't wait! It's like "Travels with Charlie" without Charlie! 

AAA Maps and TripTiks

We just returned from a roadtrip to Wisconsin to visit friends and colleagues. We lived there thirty years before moving to DC ten years ago this month! As long as we are able to, my husband and I really enjoy the ride. In the old days, I would always get the AAA TripTiks, tour guide books, and maps before we started out. We often wonder how we ever got anywhere without GPS Systems. We stopped for breakfast in Buckeystown near Frederick Maryland on the first day. I noticed a AAA store, and we decided to stop to get a hard copy map of the east and Midwest. Sometimes I just like to see the route in a larger version from a small phone screen, especially when we are trying to decide where we might want to stop for the night along the way. Once inside the store, I was amazed by the size of the place and the number of people working there. Granted, it was a car repair shop and store combined, but it was really busy! If you get there after hours you can swipe your membership card at the entrance and there is a vestibule where you can get a map out of a vending machine. But I went inside and got what I needed. There is a big retail side of the place with luggage and all things travel related, a place for airline tickets and international tours, and of course TripTiks. I also just downloaded the AAA app that I need to explore. The problem is is that I am not even sure we even need AAA anymore given Google maps and our subaru safety buttons and vehicle aids. But I still use it for hotel discounts and once in awhile for flowers, and of course for flat tires a few times. For whatever reason I just renewed membership for another year. It just seemed like the thing to do. 

Road Trip Comes To A Screeching Halt in Washington Pennsylvania

We were in Washington, but not Washington DC. It was in Pennsylvania. After driving through the mountains of Maryland, passing by Fort Necessity, farmlands and golf courses, the car started making horrible metallic and other noises. Our eleven year old Subaru promised to behave after having a gasket repaired a few months ago to the tune of $2800. Luckily we have google maps and found a Subaru dealer, it was early afternoon, and a workday. So we embarrassingly drove to the place through town and begged for help. We were prepared for the worst but didn't really want to buy a car now. It turned out to be a very bad and rusted tail pipe that was replaced for another $899 - with a $50 AAA discount. Since we have no time constraints we spent the five hours doing what we usually do in the afternoon - read, and catch up on social media - with our iPads. Just another adventure of sorts. It could have been a lot worse! Please Bessie! If we need to get another Subaru, we prefer to get it at home. 

Thanks DC Blogs

I've been blogging for almost five years about living in DC compared to the Midwest and a lot of subjects in between. I write something every day whether we are home or away. Every once in awhile one of my entries grabs the attention of DCBlogs and it gets mentioned on their site. I usually notice it because the stats for views increases. I never know what subject it might be but I always appreciate the attention. This time the subject was about AAA service for a flat tire. It's bad enough to happen at home but a lot worse on travel. So I always thank DC Blogs for noticing an entry and tweet about it. Then they notice the tweet and I favorite it. So thanks once again DC Blogs. Now I need to think of another subject you might like - preferably a more pleasant one. 

AAA Flat Tire Service

It's bad enough to get a flat tire but even worse when you are away from home. When we walked out to the car after dinner last evening my husband noticed that the left rear tire was low, and upon cluster inspection there was a nail in it. As soon as we reached the Sears automotive shop it was just closing at 7 PM. So we looked around for a gas station and of course on a Saturday night there weren't  going to be many options - and there weren't. Luckily we are visiting in Florida, I am staying at home, and we have AAA. When I called they were very nice and the repairman came within the 1/2 hour to our residence. The annual membership fee finally came in to good use as there was no charge for the service. Our spare tire happens to be full size but it needed some air. Now we need to get the tire with the nail patched and repaired before we make a return trip. All in all it went very well but it didn't keep my blood pressure from going up and it took awhile to calm down again. Now can I tell you about no air conditioning on a hot Florida night?