It is one of those bright, warm days. A slight breeze cools a glowing early afternoon sun. It took us the morning to get out here. Up and over the Santa Ana Mountains past Santiago peak, the taller of two in this peninsular range dubbed: “Saddleback Mountain” by locals. It was a beautiful ride, everyone was mellow on Ortega Hwy. Maybe too early for the hooligan sport bike crowd on this overly hyped treacherous bit of twisties.
We just finished a light lunch and the blacktop is calling.
I throw a leg over the hog and fasten the helmet snug. Different routes are zipping through my head for the 70 mile ride back home. Do I head south on the 15 and cut over to the 5 north home, or do I head north and cut back over Saddleback through Ortega Highway like we came? I reach down and turn the knob on the tank and press the run button.
Nothing.
Looks like my bike has a completely different plan. Hmm. Let’s try this again. I turn the knob to the right, press the run button, and…. nothing. That’s kinda weird. In a snap my mind goes into a slight panic mode. The lights aren’t coming on. Let’s try this one more time. I reach down and press the button on the side of the starter.
Nothing.
Apparently the battery has lost its charge.
I was a Boy Scout. I can make a potato battery, but this will take a good ten pound bag of spuds to get it to go “potato, potato, potato” again. Good thing a Scout is “always prepared”. I reach in the saddlebag and grab the padded zippered bag.
The back of the ficus tree is tough to reach. It is near the back wall of the yard and hangs over the neighbors yard about 3 feet or so. I like to keep it trimmed as much as my 10 foot ladder can get me. That bout of rain last week didn’t help my situation much either. The next several days were warm and the tree just shot up. After cutting it with a variety of yard tools and nearly falling over from the top of the ladder, it’s now time to haul the trimmings to the dump before they close.
The truck is loaded and the blacktop is calling.
All I have to do is open the passenger door and Hilda jumps right in. She loves going for a ride. Each and every time, I have to remind her to get over, because I am driving. With her tongue hanging out, panting, she just stares at me like I’m from Mars. One day I will hand her the keys. Not today though. Today we got work to do. I turn the key and a rapid click, click, click sound comes from who knows where.
Nothing.
Looks like my truck has a completely different plan. Hmm. Let’s try this again. I turn the key and…. nothing. That’s kinda weird. In a snap my mind goes into a slight panic mode. The lights aren’t coming on. Let’s try this one more time. I turn the key again. And…
Nothing.
Apparently the battery has lost its charge.
I was a Boy Scout. I can make a battery out of a can of soda and a copper strip, but this Hemi is going to need a pallet of Coke to get it to get this thing “To Go Better With Coke”. Good thing a Scout is “always prepared”. I reach behind the seat and grab the padded zippered bag.
There’s a giggle and a splash. The “pinup wrangler” is getting the girls together for another photo from across the pool. One is on a vintage bicycle on the other side of the pool, flanking her are two beauties on swan floaties. Each all dolled up by super-talented makeup and hair artists. It’s a pinup pool party at Mitzi and Co Photography. A handful of friends with custom cars, bikes and vintage bicycles are invited to help set the scene for some pinup photoshoot fun.
It’s a typical Southern California summer afternoon. The weber is lighting up and cold brews are crackin. Time to get my car in position.
The girls are ready and the blacktop is calling.
Mitzi uses some of these shoots for her annual deck of Pinup Playing Cards. I jump in the drivers seat and turn the key. That damn click, click, click sound again. Slightly embarrassed I try again.
Nothing.
Looks like my car has a completely different plan. Hmm. Let’s try this again. I turn the key and…. nothing. That’s kinda weird. In a snap my mind goes into a slight panic mode. The lights aren’t coming on. Let’s try this one more time. I turn the key again. And…
Nothing
Apparently the battery has lost its charge.
I was a Boy Scout. I can make a battery out of most anything, but this time, no need for all the mess and fuss. I open the trunk, grab the padded zippered bag and take the Shell yellow battery pack out. I connect the jumper cables and Vrooom, the Ford 390FE GT roars to life. A short drive around to the alley where Mitzi and Roxi Rocket are waiting for a special photo session.
The padded zipper bag is the super-handy, always cool, road-trippin’ savior. This model is the SH912 with 800 A of peak current and 12,000 mAh of capacity, can jump start up to 6L gas engines, and 2L max of diesel engines. I highly recommend it in your vehicle at all times, but especially on road trips.
More details and get yours HERE!
The Jump Starter is really easy to use and super handy. Simply plug in the included red/black jumper cables and clips to the side, and clip it to your battery terminals. There are also multiple USB charging ports to power up those pesky battery eating phones, tablets and even cameras! On the other end is lighted with a “flood” light and directional strong LED Beam which will also send flashing signals for emergencies. Everything you need in a handy zippered storage case and a 2-year limited warranty.
