We didn't stay long in the Baker, Ca area because it was getting just too hot. It was time to move along, and maybe head for the coast. So we did! We made a brief stop in Barstow to top off the tank with some 'liquid gold' before the prices went up even more! We took 58 westward past Boron, Mojave and Tehachapi before turning off to go through Arvin, just to miss the Bakersfield traffic. Across central California it is a mix of farmland, wineries, orchards, and then oil country. We used a previously enjoyed pastoral road-side stop for the night at around 4000', so we found relief from the heat. Next day, we rolled down the mountainside and found ourselves ocean-side in Morro Bay!
I witnessed a humourous event while visiting the docks where the Coast Guard and others have their patrol craft parked. Pretty sure it was the game wardens boat where they were cooking something on the BBQ on the back deck, and were making a bit of smoke. Well, the ventilation system sucked some of the smoke into the engine room, and set off loud smoke alarm there! Nearby, some Harbor Patrol guys saw the smoke and heard the alarm, and assumed the game warden boat was going up in flames! They came running with fire extinguishers, and were calling in reinforcements! The crew of the bbq boat were still trying to find a way to silence the alarm. I hope the harbor guys got invited for a steak at least!
There was a group of Otters in the bay, doing what Otters do best!
Our day use parking spot - right under the very prominent Morro Rock.
Surfers were out north of the rock, but it was sheltered and warm on the south side, so the beach was warm and inviting. I doubt if the water was, though a few kids were splashing in it.
After all day at the beach, we returned to our previous overnight spot, and enjoyed another peaceful night.
Out in the intertidal zone, there was a lot of activity, if you looked closely!
As we headed further north on highway 1, we encountered the usual construction zones where CalTrans has the never ending job of trying to keep the road from sliding into the ocean, or slides from above blocking the road. I think this section was closed for over a year the last time before they managed to restore access. Most of these involve one-lane traffic zones. I really like them because it gives you a chance to slow down and take a short break, and then when everyone is allowed through, I let everyone go past me, and that way I can go as slow as I want for the next number of miles, with no one trying to pass.These curvy, hilly roads are challenging enough, without having to worry about someone behind you.
I found this spot, just off the highway with no signs, so I set up for the night - check out the video!
I had Bailey out on leash for an evening stroll, when two very nice young German ladies pulled in and asked if they could set up their tent and camp beside me for the night.
Next morning was beautiful and warm and sunny, so we chatted, and Bailey demonstrated his lizard hunting abilities. They loved him, of course! We discussed our plans for the day and exchanged information before I headed north again.
I was glad to find a familiar ocean view overnight spot again, and settled in. Then, I got a text from the ladies, asking where I was, and if they could join me again! Of course I said yes, but it was cool and breezy after dark, so I invited them inside to visit with Bailey, and we played cards and exchanged card tricks!
After we parted ways for the second time, I took the opportunity to check the Instagram account they had given me. Surprised was an understatement when I learned that the one girl was part of several world championship volleyball teams in Germany, and she also attended university in the US, and earned All American honours. She also played professionally for several German teams. Then, she moved into beach volleyball, and snow volleyball, with her friend who was with her! They have won several German national titles in this discipline! Quite the athletes and competitors!
Moving right along, we all traveled north to San Francisco that day.
My shot of the bridge, and their shot at the bridge!
Bailey and I spent the next night in a roadside pulloff where I have camped before with Bailey, and also Ms Hailey. Bailey patrols the perimeter!
The next morning as we pulled out, I could hear a slight scraping noise from one of the trailer wheels. It changed when I touched the brakes, so I thought there might be a pebble or something in the brake shoe. It seemed to go away, and it was a short day on the road anyway. The following morning the sound was back, so I pulled over, checked for heat, and jacked up the wheel to see if the bearing was solid. (I always check the wheels for heat whenever stopping after a drive) It seemed good, and the wheel would spin with slight resistance, so again I assumed the brake was dragging a bit. I backed off the brake controller in the truck and drove a short distance. This time, I could feel some heat building up in the hub. Not wanting to wreck a bearing or brake, I decided to remove that wheel and limp it into the next service place and have it looked at. As I backed off the road again to do this, the wheel just fell off and laid there on the pavement! Well, that was easy :-(
Not only that, but the spindle was sheared clean off. Now things are getting interesting! It was Sunday afternoon (better than Friday night!), so the next day I limped into Fort Bragg, and was directed to an RV service place that could deal with this. Unfortunately, the trailer has torsion axles, and because it is rather old, they would have to be custom built - in a month or two!! And be very expensive. Should I park the rig, drive home in the truck, and come back to get it later?
I then asked about replacing both axles with the standard spring type. But the available attachment points don't really line up, and that might raise the whole trailer by 6" or so! So, I got sent to a welding shop, where they could possibly chop off all the extra frame components, at great expense, then build and attach spring hangers in the required locations. A guesstimate said that this might run to around $4K, likely more than the trailer is worth. Not a lot of decent options.
But then (drum roll, please) the manager, laying in the dirt with measuring tape and spring measurement charts, and a lot of muttering said - "I think we can just remove that broken spindle from the axle and weld in a new one"! I didn't think this was possible, as during a similar event years earlier, the repair place said the only option was a new axle - which was at least available at the time - and I was a LOT closer to home. Well, I just about fell over myself, agreeing to that plan - and it a couple hours that axle was removed and ready for surgery!
They let me stay parked by the welding shop, and even offered a plug-in till the parts arrived a couple days later! The new spindle was welded into place on the axle, and it was bolted back to the rig. I noticed that the brake magnet was at the top of the new hub, unlike the old one, but the mechanic said he had put it on the same way as the old one.
I settled the bill, and moved to a better overnight spot just up the coast, when I consulted with my photos and had a chat with ChatGPT who insisted that the magnet should be on the bottom, not top. So, I called the shop and went right back. By this time it was raining, and the trailer was outside, so I just pulled back into 'my' parking spot at the welders and spent another night. In the morning, they re-oriented the hub, and we were back on the road, footloose and almost fancy free! And, only a bit poorer. Now, if we can only afford enough fuel to make it home!
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