On the Road Again:2010

March 2 Avila Beach, CA

The Eagle Has Landed

The first launch of 2010 ended semi-successfully at our favorite Avila Beach spot next to El Pacifico. Enroute, we foolishly listened to the directions of GPS-maven “Laura” who, while directing us from I-5 to 101, took us to Hwy 25 past Pinnacles National Monument. This narrow two-lane road went on for about 35 miles, snaking past about a half dozen ranches in a coast range valley. It was drizzling off and on, but this only freshened the glistening green fields and hills surrounding us. This was classic California springtime.

We finally connected with 101 at King City, cruising into the Costco at San Luis Obispo for the first ‘fill’ of the trip. Gas has crept up to $2.95. It always rises as we head off on a trip. Bon voyage!

When we arrived at our destination, Nobi Point at Avila Beach, our favorite spot beckoned us. It was about 5:30 pm. I took a deep breath---the driving was done for the day and we would soon be in total relax mode. Then the first gremlin struck. During the a.m. hook-up, I had forgotten to turn off the radio and the heater in the Honda CRV. Dead battery. After a ‘jump’ from the RV, the CRV was left to idle while we set up camp.

Gremlin number two appeared. The inverter was malfunctioning, which meant no internet and no TV (though we minimize the TV viewing while powered by the batteries). Day-light fading, I sat on the couch pouring through the manuals to trouble-shoot the inverter. Gremlin number three struck: All power suddenly off!

Now, this was getting serious. No power meant no lights, no water (pump) and no refrigerator. It was now near dusk as I donned my trusty headlamp, searching through the manuals for the miracle cure. I checked and refastened all battery connections for the four coach batteries. Nothing. Next I unscrewed the power panel searching for a loose connector. Zilch. I began to theorize that the inverter malfunction had damaged the converter. This could be a ‘big bucks’ repair job. Where the heck is the converter?? I unscrewed more panels, finding my lost headlamp from last year in the process, tucked in a recess under the refrigerator where I had been threading speaker wire. Dumb!!

I checked push-button circuit breakers for the second time, pushing them in with the screw-driver instead of my finger. As I was mentally calculating the likely cost and the trip interruption for the looming power system repairs, I clicked a final button, Providentially, the lights came on. All systems go!

By now it was past 7:00 and the wine-alert was clanging. I was ready to drink petrol strained through a dirty sock, so I opened the Peter Vella cabernet wine-in-the-box. It was a parting gift from Jonny Cat and his wife, KC (names changed to protect the guilty). Little did they know how well it would ease my pain in this early moment of need. It was also the perfect wine for the repast of sauerkraut and sausage prepared by road-pal Janice.

Gremlin four struck shortly after dinner as I sought to establish satellite internet connection. Though I had tested the system on Sunday before departing, the technical wizards at Motosat now advise that it is likely their satellite issue that hopefully will be fixed by this afternoon. Thus, this missive is being prepared in WORD for later uploading to the blog.

Mixed clouds today. The surf pounds away. On the road again. Life is good.