On the road by 8:30 again. Wind accompanied us all day, so by the time we reached our destination, around 3pm, Robin was pretty much worn out. We started off the day in the usual Bakersfield haze, which turned to high cloud cover as we proceeded north. Eventually the sun came through and stayed with us until sunset. Tonight we lay our heads in Gridley, CA. Looking back, I see that we stayed at this same park two years ago on the way home. Very small park behind a small motor inn, but clean and nice grassy spots.
Shortly after arriving, Robin discovered that the car battery was once again dead. Other than a stop for gas about 1.5 hours after departure this morning, we didn't stop until Gridley. Didn't think when gassing up to fire up the car and let it run for a while. We usually stop at a rest area after about 3 hours, and start the car for a while, but didn't make that stop today. We have to leave the car key on the accessories setting when towing, and apparently the one little light on the dashboard that we can't turn off is enough to kill the battery in a few hours. Guess we're either going to have to start pulling the fuse (which isn't easy to get to on this car) or get some kind of switch installed to shut off the battery. Call went out to AAA (via BCAA) and someone was here within the hour to jump start the battery.
The sides of the roads south of Sacramento were a blaze of colour - lots of yellows, some patches of little bright orange poppies, and bursts of purple (probably lupine). At the speeds one travels the highways, it is kind of hard to determine exactly what the various blooms are, but you don't have to know their names to appreciate their beauty.
Shortly after arriving, Robin discovered that the car battery was once again dead. Other than a stop for gas about 1.5 hours after departure this morning, we didn't stop until Gridley. Didn't think when gassing up to fire up the car and let it run for a while. We usually stop at a rest area after about 3 hours, and start the car for a while, but didn't make that stop today. We have to leave the car key on the accessories setting when towing, and apparently the one little light on the dashboard that we can't turn off is enough to kill the battery in a few hours. Guess we're either going to have to start pulling the fuse (which isn't easy to get to on this car) or get some kind of switch installed to shut off the battery. Call went out to AAA (via BCAA) and someone was here within the hour to jump start the battery.
The sides of the roads south of Sacramento were a blaze of colour - lots of yellows, some patches of little bright orange poppies, and bursts of purple (probably lupine). At the speeds one travels the highways, it is kind of hard to determine exactly what the various blooms are, but you don't have to know their names to appreciate their beauty.
Looking at the forecasts for our last couple of stops, it would seem I'll have to put away the capris and shorts and make sure there is always a jacket handy. Nothing projected to be over 15C. Guess our winter getaway is pretty much over.
Until next time, dear readers.
Until next time, dear readers.