Solving Problems

Jan 8

The Boys at Sunset on Morro Bay Beach

It started right as we drove away from our lofty camp spot on Nacimiento Road – maybe related to the arduous climb up and brake straining trek back down. As we drove south on a windy day we began to notice a noise – wind like – from the truck, when driving up hill. Shortly, this was accompanied by a loss of power on hills too. Mechanical problems are not what we hope for when planning to travel and live in the camper. 

There was another, small problem too – while camping without service (electricity), we depend on the generator, and/or engine to power the fridge and the lights. During this time we noticed that the digital voltage readout had stopped charging.  This meant that without electricity, we were unable to charge second battery (the RV battery) that provides us with light and refrigeration. 

H (Car Guy extraordinaire) – spent several hours researching on line and determined that we needed a new solenoid to fix the problem. The generator, we also discovered did not work right either - roaring and spewing gas fumes. This, we learned required a new muffler, and the problem with the van seemed to be the catalytic converter. Oh, and one more thing. I dropped my I phone and smashed the screen. The insurance company would only send a replacement to a non-Apple Store related address. It was clear we needed to address these bumps in our road.

Taco Temple YUM!

So, we found an excellent RV park in Morro Beach – with full hookup and services, and spent a few days there, including New Years – ordering parts, having the Iphone delivered, researching Ford repair services and repairing the solenoid and the generator muffler.

Also,  enjoying the fabulous beaches, restaurants and shops in and around the area. The weather was quite cool, but still better by far than what we left at home. Morro Beach is right on the ocean, and famous for its BIG rock - visible for miles in every direction. It is also close to several other lovely towns further inland, and we took the opportunity to visit several. Is everywhere in California so beautiful?

On Tuesday, my new Iphone arrived, so, In spite of the motor noise and problems, somewhat intermittent, and with the solenoid replaced and power charging, we headed down the coast. We now had a Thursday AM appointment with Galpin Ford, in LA to fix the van problem, so we decided to take our time enjoying the coast while shortening the distance to LA.

I knew that there were hot spring pools just down the road in Avila. The day was glorious – hot and sunny. We camped overnight at a KOA next door to the springs, enjoyed a wonderful hike on the Bob Jones trail, and I spent the morning soaking in hot mineral water and sunshine. Then we headed out again - south toward LA.

H had found the perfect next stop. Carpinteria State Park, south of Santa Barbara. In Goleta, we stocked up at Costco and Trader Joe’s and headed to the beach.

We were unprepared for the STUNNING perfection of this park. Carpinteria State Park is my/our idea of paradise. When we arrived, around 3:30, the tide was out, the beach and sky spread before us under a perfectly clear sky. People were all along the beach, in the water, on the rocks, gathering shells and blissing out in the warm sunny air. Huge pelicans crashed into the ocean, seals lolled and dolphins swam up and down, and even did flips of joy. I wish I could do that! THIS place is what we have been seeking as snow birds. Paradise on the beach for $33 a night. 

I spent the afternoon walking along the beach – in the water warm enough to stand in – and everywhere, people stopped to talk with me. I photographed families, and even met a new friend, a woman gathering shells, with her two daughters. Each daughter had an infant wrapped to her chest, and several little boys clustered around (lucky woman). I learned that she too teaches art to children. We made a plan to meet in the morning and paint on the beach.

 Our camp spot afforded a wide open view of the setting sun – and the hour plus of afterglow time.  I could not stop taking pictures. Eating our dinner just feet from the sand, listening to the roar of the surf, we knew we had found a place where we want to spend some time, but first, we needed to get the camper fixed. So, the next morning, I made art with three other women, walked on the beach, and sadly, headed down the road. There was still a problem to solve.