BajaNomad

Trip report part 3

John M - 5-21-2005 at 02:22 PM

Leaving camp the next morning and as we were approaching the highway from Rancho Santa Ynez the brake pedal went nearly to the floor, but a couple of quick pumps of the pedal brought us to a sound stop. Hmmmm, this was getting worse and we were very concerned. Again we tried some stops in rapid succession and with a little pumping of the brake pedal we got the Jeep to stop every time.

We stopped at the house of a mechanic in Catavina and he looked things over, couldn't notice any leak of brake fluid so we decided to take it real slow and easy that day. We even practiced using the emergency brake to stop with, just in case. We gained a deal of confidence and went back to town.

The gas man was back at work at the bed of his pickup truck so we took advantage. We helped the local economy at the little store as we stocked up on ice, water, and Gatorade and a few snacks.

We headed back north so we could show our new companions the Virgin shrine just a little north and east of Catavina.

We found the turn off to the east and cruised easily the two miles or so to the historic shrine. After taking in this wonderful place, telling the story about what had happened here, we were getting ready to leave.

But first Skip suggests, ?why don?t you try to adjust the brakes and see if that hekps?? Ok, I do, and they are better. But still using caution we start our drive back to the highway. Then we notice an awful scraping noise, but only when I step on the brake pedal. It got so noisy we had to take the left front tire and wheel off and look see what was happening. To my dismay the inner front brake pad was gone! The metal plate holding it (or I should say that had held the pad) was there. The horrid noise was the plate scraping on the front brake rotor with each attempt at stopping. Now what?! We put the wheel back on and made our way cautiously and slowly to Bay of L.A. ? There could be far worse places to be delayed.

We used the brakes sparingly until the steep down just before the military checkpoint. There we were, coming to a stop with the deafening and sickening noise alerting everyone that we had indeed arrived. Another wave through at this checkpoint thankfully.

To help ease the tension we found our way to Guillermo?s for lunch and a welcome margarita. The hostess said that Sammy, a mechanic across from the market might be able to help. Luckily Sammy had a bunch of brake pads, unfortunately none fit. Not to be beaten, Sammy took our part off, cut it up and welded parts of it to a different pad he had found in the trash. Thus the combination of a good pad, and our mounting plate worked. At last, the awful scrape, scrape, scrape was a thing of the past. The brakes responded perfectly. For this skill, including the welding and the part, Sammy asked $15.00. The bill paid, and with a generous tip, we were off once again.

Thinking of the fine time we had at Camp Gecko last time, we headed there. No sooner had we gotten there, than the Wrangler immediately got stuck in the soft sand. Ed put it in four wheel drive, which we were certain didn't work but again worth a try. So he tried. Try as much as he could, all he succeeded in doing was sticking the thing down to the frame. Tow strap in hand, we pulled him out and messed with his 4WD mechanism to no avail. Even Sammy passed on reviving the forlorn mechanism to make this Wrangler whole again.

We thought it would be nice to spend a day extra at Bay of Los Angeles. So we did. This was one of the nicest weather days of the trip. Warm in the sun, water comfortable, and plenty of shade to get into if you wanted.

Only thing is, we didn?t all enjoy it as Bob Burleson woke up sick, stayed sick and on his cot all day. First his stomach, then??well, then all sorts of heck broke loose. Next day he was fine. So off we went, heading north once again.

We talked the Wrangler crew into trying Calamajue Wash. Reluctantly they obliged and actually had no trouble. We felt back on track now, and were a little bit happier with the day's trek.

We spent part of an hour at the old mission site, imagining the difficulties the people of that era endured. Our troubles were negligible when compared to those times. Inspired with new hope we went on.

Coco?s was the next stop and he was there to greet us all, ever the happy fellow, Coco was gracious as could be.

We spent the night at a wind free Gonzaga Bay! Have you ever been there when the wind didn?t blow? Almost a first. That evening the blenders worked, the frivolity was shared by all, none of us talking about the bumpy slow road we were to face in the morning.

I was in....

eetdrt88 - 5-21-2005 at 03:56 PM

gonzaga bay for a week in april for spring break....not one windy day,just a slight breeze with every afternoon...had to be one of the best weeks down there i ever had;)

Bob H - 5-22-2005 at 10:58 AM

John
I have really enjoyed reading your trip reports. Last time we were in the Gonzaga bay area - camped at the boat ramp at Papa Fernandez - water was like a mirror and we kayaked all day there and fished like crazy. Can't wait to go back there again.
Thanks for the great report!
Bob H

David K - 5-22-2005 at 11:27 PM

Gonzaga always been nice to me... it was windy one time on May 3, 1999, but that forced us to explore Santa Maria Canyon, instead of fishing... that was great! It was rainy a bit in Nov. '02 and cold at night in Nov. '03.

Good report John... gracias!

[Edited on 5-23-2005 by David K]