Well first off there is nothing weirder than driving into Flagstaff and having desert on one side of the car and snow on the other.
We got into town and got some delicious vegan pizza. It was lucky that we found the place because the west doesn't believe in lighting. Everywhere we go seems to be dark. There are no street lights, parking lot lights, nothing. Anyway...when we left from getting pizza it was quite apparent that the noise that was coming from the front right wheel had gotten much worse. We got out and rocked the wheel and it was definitely clunking and rocking. Heather suggested that we stop for the night and get it fixed. I continued to drive and after about 20 more feet, I whole-heartedly agreed.
We drove by a shop that had a 50's Buick out front and another in the garage. This seemed like the place to go and we luckily found a hotel a block away.
We got up early and loaded the hearse. I went to the shop and left Heather at the hotel to update the blog and take care of other details. There was no use for both of us to freeze out there...and it was freezing.
The guys at the shop great. The took me right in and allowed me to stay in there with them while we itemized all of the car's ailments. I will not bore you with all that is wrong with her.
The passenger side outer wheel bearings were trashed. Some of the bearings were actually missing. The inner race was starting to weld itself to the spindle. The brake pads had about 100 miles left on them. They were just about down to rivets. If we started down the mountain with those, who knows what would have happened.
Manny and the guys at TBS really took care of me. They worked with me to get out of there as cheaply and safely as possible. We were all taken care of and on the road by 2pm, and for under 500 bucks. It's a lot of money but a lot cheaper than it could/should have been.
If y0u are in Flagstaff, and need a hot rod built, I suggest you look them up. I'm sure if you mention the hearse they'll remember us.
We eventually got into California- Yay!
We drove around LA, boo-through traffic even though it was the middle of the night... We found a campsite in Ventura on the beach that had a late night registration. It was funny though- we drove up to another private campsite first and asked how much-55. then another guy came up and offered 33-but way too much to camp so we left. Funny- because by the time we get to the Ventura site we were so tired we paid 30 for this site with out realizing it...and there were RVs parked on the road for the night- but we still didn't register that that was free....oh well. Our site was right on the rocks, and on the other side of the rocks- ocean. Nice sight to wake up to. And less than an hour from Solvang, CA- where stage 6 of the Tour of California was to be held the next day.
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