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To Yosemite Kings Canyon and Sequoia National Parks AnnaRae left me to tend grandkids in Idaho for the week so little Lady and I had to hit the road in Old Henry. We did 1,586 miles in 4 days. Here is the map of the trip:
http://i1059.photobucket.com/albums/...psfnmncsy9.jpg And interactive version: https://goo.gl/maps/UZfvbVhZrcz We headed out Wednesday on US 50, "The Loneliest Road in America" until we got to Ely, NV. From there we headed southwest on the longest stretch of road without a gas station I've ever driven in North America so far - 168 miles exactly between gas stations in Ely to Tonopah. It's always suspenseful to see if I make it without adding gas from the can in the trunk. I made it with two quarts of gas left in the tank. Got 12.44 miles per gallon. We stayed that night in a little dive motel in Tonopah right next to the old cemetery used from 1901 to 1911. It had a lot of mine disaster victims buried there. http://i1059.photobucket.com/albums/...pscdme3jtu.jpg Next day we headed straight west on US 95/6 toward Lee Vining, CA where we'd pick up the Tioga Road over Tioga Pass to Yosemite. It was fun to drive the "rollercoaster road" along there. I remembered it from 40 years ago when we drove it with all the kids. They called them "WeeWee Bumps." http://i1059.photobucket.com/albums/...psfvk0pzyg.jpg Just after crossing into California I started experiencing the same problem I had when I crossed Nevada in June on the way to the west coast. Fuel flow started slowing down like a plugged fuel filter. But, I have no filter, just the settling bowl. I knew it wasn't vapor lock 'cause it was cold outside and the engine was just up to operating temperature. Plus, I still had the fuel line insulated from the previous problem and I turned up the pressure on my electric fuel pump. So, what does that leave? Not much. I got out my magic hammer and hoped it would work as well as usual and banged on the carburetor and mechanical fuel pump. Didn't fix it. I then did what I often do when I'm stumped - had a moment of silent prayer and pondered for a minute to see what came. The settling bowl. I took it off to check and see if there was a problem with it. It was totally clean with nothing in it but gas. I reached up to check the screen. Seemed OK. Then I decided to test the electric fuel pump flow so turned on the pump to see what came out of the top of the bowl. Plenty. (An easy check for fuel flow.) So, plenty of gas getting to the settling bowl and, presumably, through the mechanical fuel pump. So, why not into the carburetor? The float needle valve came to mind. A gentle tap on that with my magic hammer and we were "On the Road Again" and never had another problem . . . with that. On the way to Lee Vining we drove by Mono Lake in California, beautiful blue lake in the desert: http://i1059.photobucket.com/albums/...psv57oragr.jpg When we got to Lee Vining a guy at the gas station said they had closed Tioga Road earlier in the day because of snow but it was since reopened, so, up we went. Here's the video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p8pb8-UhuRI&t=118s You can see the road cut across the face of that mountain up ahead: http://i1059.photobucket.com/albums/...ps2cg4nacd.jpg Tioga Lake: http://i1059.photobucket.com/albums/...psy9mvzqfc.jpg The entry station for Yosemite National Park at the summit: http://i1059.photobucket.com/albums/...pslnk47igv.jpg Tenaya Lake: http://i1059.photobucket.com/albums/...pshx1mopxu.jpg Then it got cold enough for the rain to turn to snow (that you've got to see on the video): http://i1059.photobucket.com/albums/...psl1kaegeb.jpg Note the indoor/outdoor thermometer on the dash shows at some point on that road the temperature dipped to 28° and outside temperature only got up to 60°. Current temp 33° outside, nice toasty 74° inside. Tioga Road ended in Yosemite Valley where the huge rock formations and waterfalls are. El Capitan: http://i1059.photobucket.com/albums/...psfjtampcl.jpg Yosemite Falls: http://i1059.photobucket.com/albums/...psqnahfscf.jpg Bridalveil Fall: http://i1059.photobucket.com/albums/...ps8yimzxtc.jpg This guy missed it: http://i1059.photobucket.com/albums/...psmfsgo0b4.jpg Looking back at Yosemite Valley: http://i1059.photobucket.com/albums/...pstimvrsqp.jpg We stayed in Fresno that night then on to Kings Canyon and Sequoia National Parks the next day. Giant Sequoias: http://i1059.photobucket.com/albums/...psgjxvagru.jpg http://i1059.photobucket.com/albums/...psdzm2nyjl.jpg After Sequoia National Park we headed down the mountain toward Visalia but turned just before to head south to Bakersfield where we caught the interstate to head for home. The plan was to stay in one of the "many motels" that certainly would be in Baker, CA, where everyone stops for gas. Pulled in there and there was only one motel and it was a dive. No big deal. We love those if they're cheap. Walked into the office and inquired about a room for me and the little doggy. $100 for me and another $50 for the doggy. Not cheap enough for me. So, we headed for Motel 6 in Las Vegas. But, when we got to Primm, just across the border into Nevada, with its three huge resorts, I thought I could get a cheap room there. So, I pulled into Buffalo Bill's. Now, pulling up to the entrance there were only three lanes. One for valet parking, one for drop-off, and a through lane. Where was I to park to go in to register? I parked in the through lane as there was enough room to get around me and went in to register. Ended up being only $30.00 cheaper than the dive in Baker. Came back out, got in the car, pushed on the starter button . . . nothing. Plenty of juice, the starter solenoid just wasn't doing its thing. I checked the wiring at the starter button. Plenty of juice there. I had this on our last trip. That's why I replaced the solenoid just in June. So, I figured I'd do now what I did then, just push the button on the solenoid to mechanically engage it. Reached down . . . no button on the new replacement. At about this point the guy at the valet parking spot came over and, with my hood and trunk lid up, asked, "Is this car broken down?" "Yeah, but not for long." I said with fake confidence. "Well, you're blocking my through lane." Duh, who woulda thought. So, now, how to get juice from the battery to the starter? Jumper cables first came to mind so I got those out but it was going to be very awkward to hook them up. Then I realized I only had to get the juice from one side of the solenoid to the other. The easiest and quickest way to do that? With the handles of my channel-lock pliers. One handle end on one side and the other on the other. Worked great the rest of the night and in the morning the solenoid had fixed itself (as they so often do). Made it home the next day driving in the pouring rain for the last 200 miles. Previous road trips: Pacific coast from San Francisco to the Olympic Peninsula in July 2017: https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/showthread.php?t=224808 Southern Utah and Northern Arizona in March 2017: https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/showthread.php?t=216069 Western Utah Desert in the snow in December 2016: https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/showthread.php?t=211692 Mt. Whitney and Death Valley in November 2016: https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/showthread.php?t=209009 Teton National Park in September 2016: https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/showthread.php?t=205574 Alaska in May 2016: https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/showthread.php?t=196219 Moki Dugway in April 2016: https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/showthread.php?t=193764 Four rivers in Idaho and Montana in March 2016: https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/showthread.php?t=190776 Red Canyon, Utah February 2016: https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/showthread.php?t=188740 California Highway 1 November 2015: https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/showthread.php?t=182600 Great Basin National Park and City of Rocks October 2015: https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/showthread.php?t=181134 Pike's Peak September 2015: https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/showth...ht=peak&page=2 Uinta Mountain Range, Utah, August 2015: https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/showthread.php?t=173539 Mount Rushmore and Devils Tower, July 2015: https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/showthread.php?t=173539 Pony Express Trail in April 2015: https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/showthread.php?t=166241 Mexico and around in February 2015: https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/showthread.php?t=162633 Ghost towns of Modena, UT and Pioche, NV in November 2014: https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/showthread.php?t=155331 Million Dollar Highway, Durango to Montrose, Colorado in June 2014 https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/showthread.php?t=142975 Transcontinental Railway Grade in May 2014: https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/showthread.php?t=139471 City of Rocks, Idaho in April 2014:https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/showthread.php?t=137684 Capitol Reef National Park in March 2014: https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/showthread.php?t=133018 Grouse Creek and the AAA garage in February 2014: https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/showthread.php?t=130966 Grand Canyon in January 2014: https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/showthread.php?t=128820 Moab, UT in December 2013: https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/showthread.php?t=127222 Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument November 2013: https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/showthread.php?t=123694 Across Nevada on US 50, "The Loneliest Road in the Country", October 2013: https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/showthread.php?t=120098 Mount Evans (the highest paved road in North America) August 2013: https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/showthread.php?t=115013 Canada in June 2013: https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/showthread.php?t=109872 Monument Valley in March 2013: https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/showthread.php?t=99523 Bryce Canyon in February 2013: https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/showthread.php?t=97822 Milford, Utah in December 2012: https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/showthread.php?t=93137 Nevada and Idaho in November 2012: https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/showthread.php?t=89080 Rocky Mountain National Park in September 2012: https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/showthread.php?t=83966 Yellowstone National Park in May 2012: https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/showthread.php?t=72864 Death Valley in February 2012: https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/showthread.php?t=62705 Pike's Peak in July 2011: https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/showthread.php?t=19141 Route 66 in April 2010: https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/showthread.php?t=57511 |
Re: Ignore Ahhhh You stayed at the Clown Motel outside of Tonopah. That's an American icon. Interesting fact is the county uses inmate labor to keep the cemetery neat and tidy.
Lonnie |
Re: Ignore I'm just trying to figure out what's going on
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Re: Ignore All of the graphics disappeared on my view of the site. Not just my photos but all others too. So, must be something wrong with the site or my settings changed. Every graphic is just a black box with an X in it.
Anyone have any ideas? |
Re: To Yosemite Kings Canyon and Sequoia National Parks It was the Microsoft Edge browser problem. Switched over to Chrome and all was well.
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Re: To Yosemite Kings Canyon and Sequoia National Parks Enjoyed your photos and even your breakdowns (w/trusty hammer). Gaining entrance to the valley from the back side is a super trip. And Yosemite is little known and cheapest place to ge for seniors. Only $20 for an entire year!
Last trip I was fortunate to make my bucket list - Awanee Hotel had a room at half price of $300. Well worth the stay (coming from a Motel 6 guy). They even have free afternoon tea with a cookie. Yosemite is allowing everything to grow back to nature as it was back in the day. Word has it the valley is gradually closing traffic to cars in favor of tour busses, so go now while you can drive the loop...but check ahead for reservations. The music accompanying the UTube video is laudable. |
Re: To Yosemite Kings Canyon and Sequoia National Parks Hello Old Henry. Totally enjoyed your trip and the pix. Yosemite is a special place and your pix were great. It is soo cool so see our vintage Ford in these great places. I believe you are doing with your 47 what many of wish we could/would do!! Again, thank you for posting here at Fordbarn and YouTube. Makes me realize I should get out there more often with my oldies. - Bob
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Re: To Yosemite Kings Canyon and Sequoia National Parks We just missed each other. I stayed at the historic Mizpah in Tonopah. I stayed in a tent in Yosemite. From Tonopah to Caliente I do not remember seeing a gas station and that was 190 miles. Don't know if you folllowed my trip or not. Your pics are better but I got a few I liked.
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Re: To Yosemite Kings Canyon and Sequoia National Parks Thanks for the ride, that's a good area too roll through. Enjoyed seeing the scenery again. I had explored some of it in 1999. Give my best to Little Lady.
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Re: To Yosemite Kings Canyon and Sequoia National Parks We were in Tonopah last month as we done a loop through Sturgis, Yellowstone, Salt Lake, Reno, Las Vegas. and Route 66 back home. The Clown Motel is for sale by the way.
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Re: To Yosemite Kings Canyon and Sequoia National Parks Quote:
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Craig: glad you took another trip, I was having withdrawal pains, great pics and video. |
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Re: To Yosemite Kings Canyon and Sequoia National Parks Prof.
Nice hearing from you again. Nice trip, and great pictures. Bruce |
Re: To Yosemite Kings Canyon and Sequoia National Parks You do have a good time with your car!! Thanks for sharing your adventures.
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Re: To Yosemite Kings Canyon and Sequoia National Parks I envy you. I wish I could do that. The older I get the more afraid to do that anymore. Wife won't go like that. I guess that old age. I don't want to do that by myself. My eyesight not as good as it use to be.
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Re: To Yosemite Kings Canyon and Sequoia National Parks Graig,as usual great story,we are away also,but the climate here is WAY different,I wii post some pics later.we will do about the same mileage.
Lawrie |
Re: To Yosemite Kings Canyon and Sequoia National Parks Livin' the dream ....
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Keep the wheels a turnin'. ;) |
Re: To Yosemite Kings Canyon and Sequoia National Parks Prof., Thanks for letting us tag along. Your writing is excellent and you do a lot of hard work with the photos and vids. Thanks. You inspire.
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Re: To Yosemite Kings Canyon and Sequoia National Parks Great stuff Craig... I too was getting worried you were taking a hiatus from long-haul trips... awesome video of Tayoga pass.. :cool:
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That was the end of my bucket list. I could hardly believe I had actually driven every place I wanted to drive. When my wife told me she'd be gone a week I didn't know what to do or where to drive. There was nowhere left I wanted to go but I knew I didn't want to stay home. At the last minute I came up with this trip. There may still be others. She'll be gone in November for 4 days so I'll have to come up with something then. |
Re: To Yosemite Kings Canyon and Sequoia National Parks Thank you for another AMAZING ADVENTURE!!!!..... God Bless and BE SAFE in your next travels!!!
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Re: To Yosemite Kings Canyon and Sequoia National Parks So this trip was the end of your bucket list. I sure hope you get a new bucket to fill, these are great and interesting trips to follow. My wife and I have enjoyed all of them
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Re: To Yosemite Kings Canyon and Sequoia National Parks Graig, a toasty 74 inside,we drove most of yesterday in the middle of the days heat and the inside temp in the 33 was 39.2 C,
Windscreen open and vent shut as our feet got cooked. Love your trips, Like you,we love traveling in our old Ford. Lawrie |
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Re: To Yosemite Kings Canyon and Sequoia National Parks That has to be one of the most beautiful trips we've taken, nice an warm her in the back. Olf Ford really moves along.
PS Nice dog, I got anew one, had to put Humphry down, sure was a good friend. |
Re: To Yosemite Kings Canyon and Sequoia National Parks Old Henry, thanks for sharing, I always enjoy your trips, wish I could do the same, I am working for that day as long as my health holds. I am going to have to do it pretty soon.
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Re: To Yosemite Kings Canyon and Sequoia National Parks Many thanks for sharing your adventures!! Always great narrative, music, photos, and videos.
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Re: To Yosemite Kings Canyon and Sequoia National Parks A big chunk of granite the size of an apartment building fell from El Capitan yesterday. One hiker was reported to have been killed. You just never know when that stuff is going to happen.
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Re: To Yosemite Kings Canyon and Sequoia National Parks Quote:
I think I figured it out - overdrive. My engine spins too fast over 65 mph while yours is turning much slower at those speeds because of your overdrive. Less gas, less oil. I may have to consider it. |
Re: To Yosemite Kings Canyon and Sequoia National Parks Great pictures and thanks for sharing!
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