From Rockaway it was just a short hop back to Portland. Another Grammy visit.
The bus brakes have gotten steadily worse the past month, so it was finally time to address them and get a full brake job done. Through some contacts we ended up at a shop just down the street where they quickly tore the bus down. The rear brakes were a bit of a mess and were the cause of the recent problems. We’ll end up dumping about $2,000 into them, but should once and for all, be able to stop worrying about careening off a mountainside.
I joke—we avoided mountains.
Rear main seal will also be fixed, meaning no more morning oil puddles at start-up. The environment will thank us.
And hey, we may even have that replacement exhaust manifold installed. A little less noise, and a lot less engine smell will be a nice thing.
Throw in a whole bunch of greased up zerks and zonks, and we should be good for another two or three hundred-thousand miles—I’d guess.
Without a bus to tinker around on there really hasn’t been much to do around here. Well, I shouldn’t say that. I did replace a vacuum motor, which scored big points with Grammy. And I washed the bird bath. So, yeah, there is that. And with nothing else to do I’ve had a little fun trading again. I kind of go through fazes with trading—I’m either really interested or I just couldn’t care less.
Last night we went to a website follower meet-up for our friends at DriveNachoDrive. We first met this couple like three years ago in Mexico when they had just begun their trip, and now years later we’re in Portland at the same time after they’ve just finished driving around the whole stinking world. It’s not every day that we get to hang with fellow circumnavigators, though it’d be really cool if we could.
Anyway, we’re hanging here for a few more days, through Memorial or Labor Day—whichever one of those comes right around now. I can never keep them straight. Quiz me on when Easter is, or when my parent’s birthdays are, or what month it currently is, and I will fail miserably.
8 Comments on “Brake Break”
Rented a Dodge D1500 4×4 mit Satellite Radio to pick up a BMW R850R in almost St. Louis. Enterprise said 3,000 mile limit for 2 day $55 rental.
I could have flown cheaper, but I enjoyed the trip. Somewhere on the TN/IL border, just a brief glance, I saw a pristine yellow old school Dodge camper like yours. I kept going (I have enough projects).
To avoid mountains, you can always go back to West Texas. In West Texas, you can stand on a chair an see tomorrows weather.
Mark and Cindy
Pat – Just remember not to wear white pants after Monday.
I always thought it was no white shoes after Labor Day!! Another rule!!!????
DriveNachoDrive… Thanks for the reminder. Last time I looked, they had not made it off this side of the planet. LOVE their rig. And I’m glad to know you know of them and it.
Perhaps you can catch up with Glenn sometime. He is not terribly far away from you, as nomad distances go. I have followed his blog since it was just a couple of months old. Nice little saga and great pics. Like you guys, except solo and with horns… tosimplify.net
Betcha a beer or three with him would be enjoyable for youse all.
Best,
ShortOneShortBus
I started reading your blog when you were in Mexico heading south in your Volkswagen Bus and have been enjoying your travels. Thanks for sharing. I read when Brad and Sheena visited and have enjoyed many of their blogs too. I, having never left North America, wonder what it must be like when circumnavigators like the four of you meet up. Does everyone get to say enough? I’m sure it is an interesting conversation. How about a post on it?
Great blog. I got the address from your mom, when she was at our house for the grade school reunion dinner. Fine lady.
Hey Pat I have a question on your trading. What do you do to keep your trading secure when you don’t have a secure network? So many of the free wi-fi places aren’t all that secure and I’m wondering what to use when I’m not at home.
Thanks.