Just as all good RV’ers and travelers do every morning (you do, right?), I checked all my tire pressures. They were all right on the money, but one of my older tires on the trailer was showing some interesting cracking near the bead, that seems to have gotten more extensive and interesting looking since departing home. Not really wishing to experience what a blowout might be like on a tight downhill corner on the coastal highway, I decided to bring the spare tire in to the game. Since I was already parked in a perfect tire-changing spot, I did that before hitting the road south.
At interesting spots along the coast we stopped to enjoy the scenery and see what the binoculars could pick out on the shoreline. At several of these pull-offs we ran into this nice young lady with a telemetry antenna, that she was aiming at the water. Doubting they have any bears in the water (!), I asked and found out that she was tracking some sea otters. With her help, I managed to pick some out myself – not an easy task with all the otter-like kelp floating in the same waters.
South of Lucia, there is some substantial construction going on of an impressive looking new bridge, where the old highway has been continuing it’s slide into the ocean.
This time we got smart and unhooked and went on a scouting mission to be really sure that there was adequate clearance and turn-around spots on the road we planned to take. I have been over it plenty of times in the past, but never with the 5th wheel. As expected, it was narrow in spots, but there was a decent selection of u-turn possibilities.
After finding our favourite spot vacant, and with no new ‘anti-camping’ signs, we settled in to stop and smell the roses – or the California equivalent.
Having now adopted the laid back California attitude, the need to leave in the morning did not seem to overwhelm us. And it seemed like an ideal day to go for a little hike.
So, we trekked all the way up here, for a good look around, watching the hawks enjoy the thermals as they soared.
One other trail user was also out enjoying the sunshine and T-shirt weather.
From there it was all the way down to the water’s edge to see what the tides were doing.
Nothing to see here. Just looking out the camper door!
Ivan:
ReplyDeleteIt might be a wise idea to check the DOT number on your tires. The third and fourth last digits are the week of the year and the last two digits are the year of production. Whether your tires are rolling or sitting still (the spare) they are aging out. They are on a timer. Never buy a tire older than two years from manufacturing date and make sure it is in the proper load range. Tires on a trailer have stronger sidewalls than those on a car or truck. they are made that way because tires on tandem or triaxle trailers take a lot of torquing during tight manuevers.
If it looks like you might need to replace them, the cost will be cheaper in the lower 48 then back north of the border and will add to your peace of mind assuring you of a safe trip.
It's about time.
Ivan:
ReplyDeleteIt might be a wise idea to check the DOT number on your tires. The third and fourth last digits are the week of the year and the last two digits are the year of production. Whether your tires are rolling or sitting still (the spare) they are aging out. They are on a timer. Never buy a tire older than two years from manufacturing date and make sure it is in the proper load range. Tires on a trailer have stronger sidewalls than those on a car or truck. they are made that way because tires on tandem or triaxle trailers take a lot of torquing during tight manuevers.
If it looks like you might need to replace them, the cost will be cheaper in the lower 48 then back north of the border and will add to your peace of mind assuring you of a safe trip.
It's about time.
Soooo very beautiful, thanks for the memories
ReplyDelete