Sunrise & a new day in Texas

After buying and installing two new SOBatteries into my truck (scroll down for that adventure) the next morning I took her for a spin. The charging gauge was pulsing a bit so when I got home I Googled some possibilities and discovered many owners of my kind of Ford had experienced drained batteries from a faulty voltage regulator. I called the recommended local AutoZone and they can test the regulator, part cost $25, and maybe even get help installing if needed.

Sunrise

So I’m up earlier than usual to get this done. Sure hope it’s the last of the electrical problems. What the hell else could there be?!

I plan to leave South Texas in three days, Monday morning, and begin the long journey back to my winter Arizona home. Then in a few weeks head back to the North Rim of Grand Canyon National Park for the summer.

PS: It’s my birthday tomorrow so feel free to send lots of Happys my way.

Road trip to Texas, or hell

Every thing has been wonderful, until Saturday. Before getting ready to roll in the morning from Little Vineyard RV Park in Deming, New Mexico I checked the oil. Full. Then started the truck and it made an unusual noise. I opened the hood to look around, not that it would do much good, and no parts flew out so I closed the hood and put her in gear.

Leaving Deming, New Mexico on I10 east

Good thing I was barely rolling. NO brakes. OK, I exaggerate a little. More like when your power brakes have no power. So I coasted to the park’s office, went in and asked if they knew a mechanic open on Saturdays. The lady behind the desk made a couple phone calls and, surprise, the local Ford dealer’s service department was open. (I won’t divulge the dealer’s name yet.) I described what happened and the mechanic said “it’s the vacuum pump, bring it in.” I carefully drove about 3 blocks to the dealer, they ordered the part, put it on and I was back on the road within 1.5 hours. Not bad, except for the huge hole left in my pocket. (No, I don’t need a bail out, but of course donations are always gladly accepted.)

About an hour down the road every bump, and there were many, would cause some gauge(s) to bounce or idiot light(s) to blink. Hmmm…. I said to myself, what does a vacuum pump for brakes have to do with dashboard electronics? I continued on down the road.

Just out of El Paso the oil pressure gauge started bouncing on L(ow) erratically which made the engine light blink on and off. Now that could be a problem. So I pulled over and let the engine cool (no it was not running hot) to check the oil. Still full. Hmmmm….. Called Mike for a second opinion about screwed up dashboard and he concurred. So off I went again.

Spent Saturday night at KOA in Van Horn, Texas, which BTW, serves excellent catfish in their Kafe.

Sunday morning I again check the oil which was full.

Then down the road I’m still watching the gauges bounce and lights blink but the truck is running great. This could drive me crazy.

I am heading for Alpine, Texas for the night. Friends from long ago live there but must be gone for the weekend.

I decide to take a little side trip to the Woodward Ranch where plume agate is found. It’s closed because Mr. Woodward died on Saturday. My condolences.

So I’m heading back to town to find an RV Park for the night when Slam and Wink, all the gauges peg somewheres and the brakes give out. I down shift and pull over slowing down with what little bit of brake is left.

The welcoming dog at the ranch 

Everything electric is not working, so I don’t turn off the engine for fear it won’t start again. Look under the hood, nothing changed there, no smoke. Engine is still running strong and I’m only four hilly miles from town. Pumped the brakes and they worked.

Rock shop

Plus two miles to the Lost Alaskan RV Park where I made it safely. When I finally got leveled and ready to turn off the truck it wouldn’t turn off. Disconnected both batteries and she ran on. Then a fellow camper pulled the plug on the alternator and she fell silent. I called Good Sam and they will send out a tow truck in the morning and take me to a mechanic.

Someone commented that my photos are looking dark. If anyone else notices this could you please let me know.

Shit Happens!

My plan to camp at Locust Point at the edge of the canyon didn’t quite work out as planned.

Penstemon
I enjoyed a pleasant drive, 14 miles on Highway 67. The wild flowers brighten the roadside.

Turned west onto Forest Road 22 and stopped to photograph Deer Lake, fenced to keep the range animals out—cattle and beefalo.

Two slightly bumpy gravel miles later I turned onto Forest Road 270 south for a mile then west onto Forest Road 222.

Weidemeyer’s Admiral
Had to stop a few times for pictures.

I love the way the young Aspen trunks seem to dance. Tried a video of this Aspen grove but it’s very blurry. I’m still practicing video.

Suddenly I heard this scraping noise, like I picked up a rock in a wheel. Gee, there were plenty of rocks to choose from. I stopped hard, backed up and braked, forward and braked. Hey it worked last time to dislodge a rock. But the noise got worse. So I did a 12-point turn to head back, very disappointed. The noise would come and go and I tried the back and forth thing a few more times with no relief to the scraping sound. Then it got louder to the point of a deafening screech echoing off of the forest. That’s when I stopped as I feared further damage.

This wild Turkey feather pointed the way to an old campsite where I parked. I figured if I could get to the park’s entrance station I could call a friend for help. What help I wasn’t sure. But I didn’t know what else to do. Maybe take the wheel off which I didn’t try as there’s always at least one lug nut I can’t seem to break loose.

Wasn’t there long when I heard a rig coming and flagged them down. Two young folks from the Forest Service on a goshawk survey gave me a ride to Forest Road 22.

Then I walked two miles down to the main highway and got a ride four miles to the entrance station. FabGrandma Karen was just leaving so I rode home with her. Her sweet hubby drove me back to take a look. And of course, it only made a tiny squeak and then quiet. So he followed me home with no more incident. I have an appointment with my mechanic for next Wednesday and can only hope it gets me around until then.