Bass Lake to Murphys - Monday September 25th

Today started with considerable attrition to the group. Glen and Jan had experienced untoward noises from the rear of their car that had been diagnosed as problems with the half shaft UJs, and decided to head back to Portland before things got worse. Phil's Mark X voltage regulator problem returned, so he ordered a flatbed truck to return the car to the Bay area, and later he and Tom returned to the group in Phil's Jaguar XK8. Meanwhile, Milton and Carolee were having fuel starvation problems that had started the previous day, and by this morning were preventing the engine running for more than a few seconds at a time. Group members set to work trying to diagnose and fix the problem, and came to the conclusion that rust particles in the tank were causing filters in the tank, and the pump to clog. Though we could clear them temporarily and get the pump to run, the problem returned very quickly. So, Milton and Carolee also returned to the Bay area with their car on a flatbed. Oh dear... 

Meanwhile, despite the bonnet damage to his car, Lloyd decided to continue on the Oil Leak, though clearly driving after dark would not be possible.

Lloyd's crumpled bonnet after yesterday's accident

As a result of working on "the fleet" of Jaguars, today's start was somewhat delayed. The destination was Murphys, with much of the route along CA-49. As there were several possible attractions to visit on route, we set off in a number of groups. I joined Lloyd, Michael, Vikram and Olga for a visit to the Railway Museum in Jamestown. This was preceded by a very enjoyable drive on CA-49 with many switchbacks and sweeping curves along the route. 

We visited the Railtown 1897 State Historic Park, where we had a guided tour of the property. The guide was very knowledgable and gave a detailed tour of the Roundhouse where the locomotives and rolling stock continue to be maintained and restored. 

Our guide addresses the group in front of one of the wagons

An impressive collection of wrenches for working on the locomotives

One of the locomotives. A second one was undergoing restoration alongside

Look out! He's got a wrench! That's not a wrench. THIS is a wrench.... (with apologies to Crocodile Dundee). Vikram weighs the 37lb wrench.

Inside the control cab of a locomotive

Outside, the group views the massive turntable used to reverse direction at the end of the line

Following the tour, we adjourned to a local pizza parlour for an enjoyable lunch, before completing the drive to Murphys. The village of Murphys was almost completely closed when we arrived. Not sure if this was due to it being Monday, or too late in the season, or something else. I missed all the fun as I needed to drive into San Francisco to transport Debbie who had been stranded at the airport. 

When everywhere is closed, Leakers make their own entertainment in the parking lot!




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