These notes are not just for you the reader, but also for me as reference for future trips.You and I can access these pages, and are freely available to everyone.
I used the same philosophy at work at KHSL Broadcasting. I was the Chief Engineer. I kept company equipment records online for the purpose of not only my easy access, but also other engineers from other companies.We shared equipment, and we borrowed equipment using these pictures. All from the internet. On the phone, we couldreference these pictures, for emergencies and hard to find waveguides, circulators, dishes, and transmitters of all kinds.I had to stop when I was threatened with a law suit.
But I can legally share my RV life...
2012.06.01 Mad River RV Park That is our humble Rig in the middle (The Van and Trailer). There was a $1.5 million motorhome yesterday near us. The rate is $45. Only full hookups are available, no Overflow.
I love talking to professional people. There are many here.
Mad River RV Park
299 Between the Coast and WeaverVille in the heat of summer. There are several places to rest along this area, but this one has the best shade, andaccess to the river. Also garbage bins. The other option is to turn around and go back to the coast; the pleasant fogwith a tamed sun only occasionally peaking through,and all the pleasant mist so fine and gentle on the skin. I sware, I must have been a polar bear in a past life because the heat out here on Highway 299is unbearable. But if I am going to turn this rig around, I must do it now. The miles arepassing by.On the other hand, if you stop and rest, you can smell the hot pine neddles in the heatfrom the hot woods all around. It seems the scrub oaks, dry grass white from the sun, and quiet pines, are all cooking together in a giant oven, releasing summer aromas.Smells so good... We got out the two lawn chairs, got some ice for our drinks, kicked back, and felt the breezes from the river and thewoods. Soon we were smilling again. Clearly, there is "good" in the "bad". And if you pick up and carry your dog accross the small stretch of hot sand (Woofie has delicate paws), you come to the rushing ice cold waterof the river. This river is big, cold and fast. OK... We don't have to go back to the coast.
Unless you need the Dump feature of FrancesMathews, these Picnic Areas are a betterway to go. They are quiet, less traffic, and this particular one has good shade.
One more thing... If you are an RVer, and you are coming from Weaverville going west on Hwy 299, about 10 mileswest of Weaverville, there is a steep decent of over a thousand feet. This is the worst hillon all of Hwy 299. And I mean of ALL of Hwy 299 from the coast to Redding, this is"THE" hill that is the worst. There are no dangerous curves on this hill, it is just bad for your brakes. Just stay slow.Don't ever let your speed get above about 20 miles an hour. Keep your speed under controlwith headroom to slow even further if you need it. I had to alternate between van brakes andtrailer brakes, trying to give each time to cool. Even knowing all this, I may have warped a rotor, because nowI have a slight pulsing to the brake pedal, and a slight wabble to the steering when I apply heavy brake.
Twice while pulling snow cats for the company, I have lost my brakes. I lived through both experiences, and suffered no damage to the trucks.Here are the symptoms: First, you will smell your brakes. It is a distinctive smell. Second, you will notice more and more pressure is needed on the pedal for the same effect.This feeling starts out slow, but can quickly escalate.By the time it is decidedly "different" you are in danger of loosing them totally, andno matter how hard you press down on the peddle, even with all your mite, you are NOT slowing down!It is counter intuitive, but you must get off the brakes - totally, and give them time to recover.Do not even use continuous light pressure as this will eliminate the small air gap between pads and rotor, or between shoes and drum. You should have already be down shifted at this point, if you have an automatic, make shure it is not in Overdrive.Make sure the engine is revving higher than normal Start weaving, using both sidesof the road if you can safely make your path a longer distance. You are buying time for your pads. Don't cut corners just because "you are going to fast" and feel the need. If your speed will otherwise tolerate it, take the longer path. Take the "high sides".If your speed is low, you can start to look at the side of the road for brush or gravel.This is a last resort and drastic, you do not want to tear up the side of your truck, or the undercarriage of your truck, if you do not have too.Look for alternate roads, "up hill" roads, or safer roads.Always, always, always, keep an estimate of the length and grade of the road ahead.This will determine your options and what you can be doing NOW.
You can also turn on your air conditioning to max - full blast. Also you headlights, high beams. I even use the air conditioner on down hills whenmy brakes are not in distress, just to save pad wear. It is a mild form of "compression-braking".
If you have a long safe road ahead, you can use air-resistance braking. My travel trailerin not aerodynamic. It is a "box" with a large flat surface in front. In this rare caseit is better to be going faster. Actually, "allow" the rig to go faster. Air drag goes up faster than the square of wind speed. You will not even need, or want, to touch the brakes. In fact, therewill be a terminal velocity depending on slope. (Unless you have an airstream.)The terminal velocity may be 50, 60 or 70 miles an hour.You may have to lower it slightly to negotiate curves.As long as there is a slope, you will not come to a stop, but you will not go any FASTER either. You are buying cooling time for yourpads, and the wind is a free slowing power. Of course, this only works if you have the opportunity. If air drag were proportional to wind speed (and it is not)You would be better off fighting the battle at low speeds in all situations. But air drag goes up as the square of windspeed, if not more. Hopefully, you can rejoin the battle, at a time of your choosing, with fresher brakes. When you rejoin, your initial engagement may be at a higher speed than you would like, but I have found theprice is well wroth it, especially if you were loosing the battle anyway.
And finially. If you recognize me on the road, stay out of my way if my horn is honking.
