Day 2 - September 24, 1998
Today was the first day that
we actually made some progress and went somewhere. What with Al and Rita"s
generous hospitality, we didn't get started on the road until 11:00am - thanks
again, folks!
Not ones to rush into things,
after a fun stop at Alfa Parts Exchange we DID manage to make about 300 miles progress,
though are still in the same state. Hopefully we'll make more miles tomorrow.
Stay tuned . . . .
This is where we went today
Al and Rita's Driveway,
Mountain View, CA
A pre-trip inspection revealed that the alternator was about to fall off,
necessitating the first dive into our tool bag. Nothing else was immediately viewed
to be about to detach, so away we went! At this time, we had no route planned
further than . . .
Alfa Parts Exchange,
Hayward, CA
. . . about eight miles away. APE is the country's largest Alfa-only salvage
facility. Both John and Dave were able to pick up a few needed items. The APE
guys are friendly and knowledgeable, and they have TONS of Alfa stuff at great prices -
you Alfa types should call them for anything you might need at 510-782-5800.
Yosemite National Park,
CA
Uh, so far so good. Alfa Spica fuel injection pumps are supposed to have
altitude compensators, and today we tested the one in John's up to 9900 feet! The
car is running sweet and smooth, and so far the trip has been a joy, right up until . . .
Yosemite National Park,
CA
. . . Snow! Freakin' snow! The first day out and we run into freakin'
snow!
Yosemite National Park,
CA
Not a lot of snow, but snow just the same. Dave's right foot also discovered
that there seems to be a sizable leak somewhere around the windshield. Can't blame
the previous owner, though - he probably never got it wet! We also discovered that,
thankfully, the heater and defroster work just great!
Yosemite National Park,
CA
Weather-wise, the day was quite a mixture of elements (see above). For the
most part, they weren't conducive to scenic photography, but this one should give you an
idea of the natural beauty of this area. The little red vehicle in front certainly
doesn't detract from the scene either!
New Feature!!! -
Beer(s) of the Day
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Steelhead Pale Ale
Mad River Brewing Co., Blue Lake, CA
Oh, . . . . Another reason for this trip is to
sample some of the local beers that aren't available through the distribution channels
back home. Here's what we're drinkin' tonight while working on this. (Hope
this section doesn't get bigger than the above . . but, what the heck, it's a Road Trip!)) |
 
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