Peace full night in the XG way away from the water loving crowd.
I completed my morning events then drove into town. Last stop was Post Office. When i came out I noticed a wet spot under my van under the engine. I looked underneath and saw where coolant fluid was running down from somewhere. Previously I had spotted a wet spot underneath but didn’t think it came from me. Today i could no longer deny it. I need to have the leak diagnosed then fixed but where?The joy of a smart phone. I googled Sprinter repair in Mountain Home, AR, only one displayed, Baker truck repair. I called and left a message. Shortly a man returns my call as I was driving to his shop way out in country. What oh where am I going? I find his shop. He greets me. Cordial. He slides underneath & examines my motor. Water pump leak is his diagnosis and while he is at it to replace the serpentine belt. The bearings on the pump shaft are still strong but the leak is a big deal. He is able to obtain the parts locally today, he said he might be able to work me in tomorrow for about 3 hours of labor. I committed to the repair.
Jim Baker has been at this location for 30 years. His place is right on the Trail of Tears. He flies small experimental airplanes from a grass strip beside his shop. He is letting me stay on his property even providing electric. We talked airplanes albeit the sizes were very different. He gave me a mtn bike riders name and number that I am attempting to hook up w/ Life is like a box of chocolates, you never know what you are going to get. This is a case of good eating….. so far. Just never know when a door will open. Nor what is behind it.
No internet coverage @ his shop. I am able to drive my van short distances. Looks like I might be here till maybe Wed. I have ridden 11 out of 13 days so far this month. Roll into town for internet.
Jim’s friend Greg called me while I was in townn and made a ride appointment for 3:30 out @ Pigeon Creek where I had planned to ride. I drove out there early and hung out. A silver VW Beetle convertible pulled up driven by a guy a few years older than me. He was attracted to my van and its stickers. Turns out he knows Jim and is stretched in law to Greg.
Greg pulled in followed by a young guy in a pickup. He was invited to ride w/ us. Johnny is 21 and is just new to mtn biking. I have the joy of riding w/ a local who knows the trails, in Greg’s case he built a piece and has maintained much of the rest of it. Fractured limestone tread and ticks. Good fun for 13 miles and 1515′ climbing above Lake Norfork.
Young Johnny stuck w/ us older guys. The ride lasted till almost 7:00.
I drove back to Baker’s garage to spend the night. No fliers played.
Trail of Tears forcibly relocated Cherokee Indians. There were several routes that were traveled, one of them passed thru Baker’s property.
Tuesday I await my water pump replacement and maybe a rest day.