10/19
We picked the van up and it was kind of running right. Still not shifting as it should, but working.
Southern Oregon is just as beautiful and magical as the north.
We made it to Brookings! Oregon that is, not really on purpose but I wanted to check out Harris Beach. Which was by far one of the best beaches in our travels so far.
The sun seemed to be shining oh so perfectly through the rock formations in the water and reflecting off the remnants of the waves crashing into the shore.
We got to the beach by following this crazy little narrow path that switched back and forth, over and around rocks in our way. Rico at one point told me to climb up on this huge bolder, I asked if he had taken out a life insurance policy on me before we left? He didn't think it was as funny as I did. We walked around, my flip flops in hand, I poked and explored the sea life, while enjoying it immensely. Starfish gathered in packs on huge rocks, mostly purple and then the odd ball orange one every once in awhile.
We sat at one point and watched two guys in a kayak, try to make it past the waves to go fishing. Which they finally did do but their attempts keep everyone on the beach watching. And we actually clapped and applauded when they did.
It was quite relaxing and comforting to have sand squished between my toes and walking in just far enough to the ocean to get the bottoms of my rolled up pants wet.
We walked into town to check out the Brookings on this side of the country. (There is a Brookings, SD, that is only 17 miles from where I grew up.) We followed the little trail, watching the birds and little critters cross before us. Got a bite to eat in town, most everything was closed already and the one glass of wine I had made me a little sleepy. It sure was tasty though.
10/20
After a wonderful night on the beach in our campground, we awoke and got the van started and our stuff packed. I said, "It sounds like it's knocking," he said, "it is." What a shitty way to start a day.
We drove the couple miles to town and found a shop. Once again, no good news. Sheesh! The nice mechanic fairy has to come along sometime.
He said that we could continue driving it but the knocking in the engine would probably get louder and it would just blow up. Really? I love this van, why can't it just love me back?
We made a team decision and kept on driving. Did I mention that we are having trouble with the ignition still? So the steering column cover is now just off, so the wires can be wiggled when it needs to be started.
Outside of the repair shop I found a lucky penny. I've been rubbing the hell out of it. The knocking noise has remained away for now.
We crossed the California border! We were trying to get to Eureka, the guy said there is a VW repair place there.
We saw the Trees of Mystery outside of Klamath. It is quite amazing to see trees growing so huge for one and in such messed up formations for another. It was intriguing. They had a really neat Native American museum. We took the tram up went to the observation deck. It was a pretty foggy day so we didn't really get to see all that we had hoped. There were some chipmunks up there who were entertaining.
And of course, as we were getting ready to leave the van didn't want to start. So a jiggle of some wires and we were off. Seriously, if I rub this penny any harder I might have a penny fused into my fingers. Great something else to worry about. Melissa-penny-fingers.
So we made it to Eureka but kind of just kept driving through because we didn't know where Mr. VW Genius was located. We ended up just outside of there in some small town at the camp grounds. They do have a brewery here that we went and got a couple of frothy beers at, I think we both though we deserved one after the past few days. They say that they are the first organic brewery in the U.S. They were good beer and very wholesome I'm sure.
While waiting for laundry, Rico found who could just be Mr. VW Genius guy. About two minutes later as I browsed Craigslist looking for parts and whatnot, I found a van that had been smashed into and was being parted out. Guess what? It's the parts we need. And guess who's selling them? Yep. Mr.VW Genius guy. How strange. I'm really hoping that he still has the van and the parts. This is why I believe that everything happens for a reason. :)
We're off to see the wizard, the wonderful wizard of vans...Peace.
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