Friday 2nd - Working on the bus

The day started with Todd treating us to waffles and sausages washed down with plenty of coffee. It was then off to work on the bus in the glorious California sunshine.... While everybody else relaxed

By Lunchtime Todd had worked his magic as best he could on the tired old Bus. The Poptop was secure again and the engine ran without cutting out all the time. Unfortunately there was was still something not quite right with the engine, but this would have to wait for a proper strip down and refurb back home. So, with repairs complete it was time for lunch ...

... and one last look at a decent engine that works ! (part of Todd's 1971 fleet!!) Then we were on our way again !! And THANKYOU Todd. We cannot thank you enough for the way you welcomed us with an open house (and fridge) and offer of help - It was a true highlight of the trip to meet such a genuine and helpful person. Thankyou.
View Larger Map By now it was mid afternoon. The Big Sur was our aim for that night which would mean a couple of hours driving but we thought it was possible if we pushed on. WRONG !! A few miles down the road we stopped for petrol to be confronted by the smell of hot brakes. Both front brakes were abnormally warm. Dissapointed, we decided to drive (gently) to the nearest campsite and asses from there. This was to be Pismo beach - but we missed the turning ! However the brakes were now behaving so we pressed on up the coast towards Morro Bay.

And what a find ! A beautiful site with very friendly camp hosts that offered any help we needed for the sick bus. The kids had the job of buying firewood for the firepit, and were chuffed to be given exta wood because they were the only people to arrive in "an old camper bus!" Meanwhile a thorough inspection of the front brake calipers showed no obvious cause of the overheating (with or without the engine running). That evening we sat around the fire (with a cold beer or two!) to consider our options. The conclusion was a hard one to accept, but we decided not to carry on North and turn back to LA and the shipping port. This way we could reduce the daily driving distance to about 60 miles and hopefully manage any further engine or brake problems.