From the coast we traveled North and East on a beautiful diagonal run back up and over the coastal range. We passed a trillion small wineries set among gorgeous vineyard and oak strewn hills. There were a couple of tiny little cross road stores, but otherwise, the entire morning passed in story book rural wine country. The grade up and over the range was easier than the route we’d taken in, and the road was less rough. Thank god. The bus was still hesitating and the front end seemed softer than ever.
We got back to Ukiah in time to visit a parts store. Even though the big problem with the front end has to be bad springs which I knew I could not fix, I figured it couldn’t hurt to try new shocks - the old ones were bound to be worn out from the constant see-saw slamming over bumps. Plus, I had to do something about how crappy the motor was running. Many of the VW owners I’ve talked to on the trip tell me of the need for frequent tune ups (re-set the points and timing - maybe even plugs) after strenuous, hot driving.
Problem was, every parts store I call, they look up the old bus and declare they’ll need a few days to order shocks and get them in. I know better, I’ve looked at them and they’re plain old shocks - no funny stuff - they’re bound to have em on the selves! So, Deb helps and we jack her up right there in the parking lot and pull a shock (under the scowling gaze of the proprietor). We take it in and guess what - they had it right there on their shelf!!! So now we have new shocks on the front!
Then, before I spent money on tune up parts, it occurs to me - we’ve been in a lot of dirt and dust on this trip. A lot! Maybe the air filter? So, I pulls it off and sure enough, it’s way dirty. The air is clean today, so we buy a kit to clean the filter, but first we resolve to drive around with no filter to see if the bus runs better.
And - the bus runs great again!!! No hesitation, great acceleration. It was a dirty air filter! Duh! And the front end is better, not fixed, but definitely better. Oh, the day is shaping up.
We’re are feeling much lighter as we head East to our rendezvous at Blue Lake. It’s one of two spring-fed lakes lying between two tall mountains, and there are several old-fashioned “resorts” on the banks of the upper lake.
Ours is really cute. It’s been totally remodeled by an Austrian/Asian husband and wife team, fastidious and resourceful Peter, and tiny & fashionable Mary Ann. Everything is sparkling clean, and tastefully decorated - simple, light and functional. Peter had little docks with electric boats including an electric inboard picnic boat. He took his guests out on complementary sunset cruises in the nearly silent, and very elegant boat. Deb barely had time to decorate Willy and Mary’s room before they arrived and we had a joyous reunion on the banks of the lake.
Next morning, we transferred their stuff from the rental car to the bus, returned their car, and off we went, way fully loaded, on the mighty hippy bus adventure, north to Arcata on the coast, some 200 miles distant. This will be a real test for the bus!
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