We left Bakersfield this morning under broken, cloudy skies after a light rain overnight. Heading for Buttonwillow, we ran in light traffic to a brief stop at Blackwell Corners where James Dean terminated his short career in a twisted Porsche wreck. Hwy 33 took us through the state prison city of Avenal on to Coalinga, where we stopped for a quick lunch before heading out through the countryside along Hwy 198.
As we approached the Hwy 25 junction, the Meneelys did a driver change and we took over the lead, promptly missing the turnoff completely. After a quick U-turn, we were back on the right track, running through the San Benito valley cattle country on to Hollister. The Bratts experienced a flat tire along the way.
We were very lucky to avoid the forecasted bad weather as we re-fueled in Hollister. Bill Nicholson discovered that his radiator fan was wobbling so badly on the water pump, that we decided the best idea was to remove the fan belt for his last 50 miles home.
It would probably be easier to list the travelers who didn't have mechanical problems on the trip, but why dwell on the negative!
We discovered Death Valley in our Model As, we had some good dinners, we spent time with friends, and we didn't lose a car...they all came home. One way or another...
Thanks for coming along with us!
The glad-to-be-home-again-gang-who-conquered- Death Valley
Got up early, and waited until 9:00. Got in the car but no one lined up behind us! It was a great trip.
ReplyDeletebob & patti