THE SAGA OF BIG RED 
Big Red was a beloved Dodge Caravan that had travelled with us over many back roads and highways in search of adventure. 
Big Red was roomy enough for four musicians and their gear. 
Big Red had drop down movie screens so grand little girls could watch cartoons lovingly selected for their edification. 
eg. Yogi Bear & Boo Boo, Snagglepuss and Foghorn Leghorn! 
Big Red was in tip top shape for someone that was almost 10 years old. (That's probably 50 years old in car years). 
With a quarter million clicks on the speedometer and new tires to travel a quarter million more, Big Red met a mid life demise during a misadventure with a deer in the dark just outside of Priddis a couple of weeks ago. 
The deer died, unfortunately, but Big Red motored valiantly home through the darkness, with one light shining up into the crumpled hood and the remnants of the grill scattered on the roadside. 
Amazingly, with the engine light and battery light shining ominously, Big Red made it home with out even overheating!! 
We then spent a rather hilarious few days dealing with the insurance company. 
After repeatedly asking if the deer was dead when we hit it and, after being assured that the deer was definitely alive and kicking when it leapt in front of our vehicle, she still filled out the claim saying that the deer was (check the box) dead when we hit it!! 
She then gave our wrong email address to the repair shop so we didn't hear anything for several day. When we were finally contacted we were told that Big Red would be repaired!! 
This was because the mileage was SO LOW! 
The claim had been filled out saying that Big Red had 25,000 clicks instead of 257,000 clicks! WOW! Such service... 
When everything was sorted out it was decided that Big Red would indeed be a write off and was designated for van heaven where all good vans go. 
We grieved the loss of Big Red and started looking for a replacement, knowing that we would probably never love another the way we loved Big Red. 
So, a week or so later we headed out of Midnapore to test drive a new auto member of our family and as we approached McLeod Trail, a flat deck truck pulled out in front of us, and there, to bid us a fond farewell, was Big Red!! 
We followed Big Red down the McLeod Trail and waved a last goodbye as the flat deck truck headed west on 22X. 
What are the chances that we would be leaving Midnapore at the exact same minute as Big Red? 
A coincidence?? I don't think so!! 
RUST IN PIECES, BIG RED...