Day 14: Mon 4 Aug: Today was supposed to end in Morro Bay, CA. Read on...
Participated in the gradual household awakening this morning, and enjoyed being part of the family. Robert and Michael: Hugh sends a big thank you for the lemons and especially for the chocolate chip cookies. I helped Kurt take Chloë to the vet for bloodwork (both cats are ancient -- seventeen years?). It was useful to have an extra pair of hands. Once we got back, it was time for the road.
Thank you guys. I look forward to doing it again, soon, with more time, at your new place.
I took the big highway to Hermosa Beach where I picked up Highway 1 (Pacific Coast Highway). My goal in California was to do Hwy 1 from south to north. After seeing what it looked like (and its non-existence in sections) I decided that I would just do it, mostly. It was a pretty drive -- past sand beaches, beside the steep mountains Californians call hills. It's summer, so it is a bit cloudy on the coast, and the grass is all dead (golden), but it was a beautiful drive. I went by Vandenburg Air Force base, and a lot of small little beach towns.
Approaching San Luis Obispo on US 101, all of a sudden the Beetle started bucking. I got the car to the right shoulder safely (the shoulder is pretty narrow, by the way -- I was off the road, but still straddling the rumble strip). After sitting a bit, I tried starting the engine. The car bucked (even though it was in neutral). So much for my theory that I blew out a tire. I got out, opened the hood, and started the engine. It looks like one of my engine mounts might have broken. Something is making the engine try to shake loose of the car.
Called AAA, and since I'm calling from an 802 number, was routed to New England AAA, but they forwarded me to SoCal AAA. The tow truck was there in a jiffy, and took me to the VW dealer (Kimball Motors) in San Luis Obispo. The service department was still open, so I talked to the guys for a bit. Everyone loves that I've been just driving around for the last two weeks.
The dealership is next door to a Motel 6. How convenient. It is from a room in said Motel 6 I write. I'll find out tomorrow what the damage will be. And if it's too much (I haven't decided what too much is), I may just buy a new one.
Now to find some food. Look's like it's going to be Margie's Diner, since it's closest and was well recommended by the VW service folks.
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