What I Learned From Pachamama’s Transmission Leak (AKA My Mechanic Origin Story)

Hang on tight... because this is more than

a story about a transmission leak—it’s a story about growth, resilience, strength, and remembering to love yourself through every messy, unpredictable moment.

Inspections Are Like Self-Reflection—They Save You

I'm not gonna lie, I was straight off of a week-long bender after Shakori Hills Grass Roots Music Festival. Being back in my old stomping grounds with my tribe was so fulfilling that I stayed an extra few days (because who can say no to amazing friends and a good party?) But like all good things, parties also have to end... and I have a lot of work to do before I can hit the road and officially begin my journey to Argentina. So, I woke up early Sunday morning to drive back to my trusty construction zone (aka The Bus Stop).

I was about to hit the road, so I packed up and did my trusty pre-trip walkaround inspection. That's when I noticed a huge and scary-looking puddle on the passenger side of Pachamama.

My first thought? New waterfront property, score! My second thought? Shit....

Look, I’m not saying I’m a prophet, but if I hadn’t done my walk-around, I’d probably be stranded on the side of the road somewhere, crying into Bella’s fur and replacing a very, VERY expensive transmission. Catching that leak early was a win for future-me, and honestly, it felt good to be on top of things. Growth moment? Absolutely.

Milky Orange Oil Is Like a Toxic Relationship—It’s a Sign to Stop

So, I look under Pachamama and see this weird, milky orange liquid. And there is a lot of it... like A LOT of it. At this point, I'm convinced that my journey to Argentina is over and that I'm a total failure. My adventure is over before it started. Do not pass go. Do not collect $200.

Now I’m no expert (or am I now??), but I know transmission oil is supposed to be red (because I Googled it). I check the engine oil—it’s fine (more Googling). Then I check the coolant—empty (even more Googling and an embarrassing fall off of Pachamama's tire). That’s when it hits me (aka Google told me): coolant and transmission oil have a forbidden love affair, and now I’m stuck with the messy divorce. Something I am WAY too familiar with. Spoiler alert: it’s the radiator’s fault.

Lesson learned—always know what your vehicle fluids are supposed to look like. If it’s not the right color, it’s probably bad news. Also, everything is available on Google, so you have no excuse not to learn something new. Don't be lazy.

I’m My Own Hero Now

Did I freak out? Nope. Not even a little. The first thing I did was I grab a bucket to catch the leak, because we need to protect the environment, right? The next thing I did was put on makeup so I could record this cluster-fuck. Yeah... that's right. Sorry, not sorry.

After that, I Googled.... and Googled... I looked at diagrams of diesel engines and learned that transmission fluid should be red, engine oil should be black, and the coolant should be full and blue. So yeah, I'm basically a mechanic now.

By this point, I was unconfidently confident that the issue was the radiator. So I called three different mechanics.. and two of them were flops. But Ricky at Hooper Diesel Repair saved the day. Not only did he know what he was talking about, but he helped me contact 1-800-Radiator and even negotiated an amazing price for me! 1-800-Radiator delivered a shiny new radiator right to Pachamama’s door within a few hours! Who needs a knight in shining armor when you’ve got same-day delivery and a can-do attitude?

What's even better is that my new BFF, Ricky, did a full inspection of Pachamama and helped me create a solid maintenance schedule, weekly and monthly inspection checklists, and a list of all the mechanical tools and supplies that I should keep on hand at all times. If you are also considering life on the road, check out this list of must-have items to be self-sufficient when (not if) you break down in the middle of nowhere.

Being Stuck Is Just Part of the Journey

I’ve been parked in this Walmart lot for days now. The weather hasn't cooperated, and you can't replace a radiator in a monsoon. A few years ago, being stuck like this would’ve sent me spiraling. But now, I know that being stuck isn’t the end—it’s just a pause. It’s a chance to rest, reflect, and remind myself why I’m on this journey in the first place. Life will throw you curveballs, but it’s how you handle them that defines you.

And guess what? I'm good, because I have my Victron Solar setup with plenty of electricity, more than enough to power my Starlink, work remotely, run my AC, and even Netflix when I go to bed! And I'm a short walk away from Walmart and Lowe's, so I've used this opportunity to buy paint and get started on some much-needed beautification projects.

Love Yourself Like You’d Love Pachamama

I’ve poured so much love into Pachamama—every bolt, every coat of paint, every little detail. But it wasn’t until my world fell apart that I realized I needed to pour that same love into myself. Fixing this transmission leak reminded me of how far I’ve come, not just as a bus owner, but as a person. I’m proud of myself for not freaking out, for handling it with grace, and for proving to myself (again and again) that I’m capable of anything.

The Road Is My Healing Path

This journey isn’t just about traveling from North Carolina to Argentina—it’s about traveling back to myself. Every challenge, breakdown, and delay is a chance to grow. I’ve learned to be present in each moment and to embrace the messy parts of this life because they make the beautiful parts so much sweeter.

I’m Not Just a Mechanic—I’m a Phoenix

Okay, so maybe I’m not technically a mechanic, but I did diagnose the problem, find the part, and get it fixed. I also learned what a radiator looks like; that’s gotta count for something, right? But more than that, I’m a phoenix. I’ve risen from the ashes of my old life, stronger, wiser, and more in love with myself than ever. Each time I prove to myself that I can do something impossible, I become a little more like my own superhero.

So yeah, Pachamama’s transmission leak wasn’t exactly a highlight of my most recent rave, but it was a growth moment. And isn’t that what this whole adventure is about? Learning, adapting, and proving that I can handle whatever the road throws my way.

Moral of the story? I’m a badass, and so are you. If you’re out there chasing your dreams, remember—you’ve got this. And if you ever find yourself staring at a puddle of milky orange oil, channel your inner mechanic and handle it like the boss you are.

Now, who else has a “my vehicle tried to ruin my life, but I came out stronger” story? Drop it in the comments—I wanna hear all the drama. 🚐✨