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Day Four

On day four, after our strenuous day of hiking to Mooney Falls and Beaver Falls, during which we had to ford many streams, climb down and up an extremely steep set of ladders and creep through rock tunnels, we had another light to moderate day of short hiking to two additional waterfalls, Fifty Foot Falls and Hidden Falls (we opted to just do Fifty Foot and then hike back towards camp and revisit Havasu Falls, the Falls we had gone to on Day 2. The reason we all were taking it relatively easy on Day Four was that Day Five would be the day we had to pack up and hike out, not a day we were looking forward to.

Here are the best pictures and a few video clips-

(Captain Furey gives the troops the day’s agenda and marching orders for the next morning, when we will be hiking out.)

(A good view of Fifty Foot Falls)

(The perfect outdoor shower)

(Long Range view)

The Serious prep  (and pep) talk by Captain Furious for the hike out on Saturday

Red Fox Repeating the Team Leader’s Instructions 

Red Fox Interview

Soon Day Four was over and we returned to camp to begin organizing our camp for departure the next morning. There would be no breakfast that last day (Day Five-Saturday), but we would have food left over from our four days worth of prepacked lunches and we would have an opportunity to purchase coffee and snacks at the Supai Village on our way out. After yet one more night of fabulous sleeping under the stars, looking out through the top of our tent (no rain in four days), we arose early and began packing. We needed to get our three large mule packs ready (30 pounds each) and pack our backpacks with water and food for the 12 mile hike out.

Soon we had packed up, taken our bags to the mule depot by wheelbarroww, hiked to the Supai village, purchased our coffee and snacks and began the remaining 10 mile hike out of the canyon. My backpack load was much lighter (only one day’s worth of food instaead of four), but soon my right knee began to act up again. Captain Furious suggested some caffeine energy paste and ibuprophen. Reluctantly I took it. I was using my two hiking poles to take the weight off my right knee and wearing a double knee brace, part of which Ernesto and Kim had given to me. We hiked on, taking several breaks and making sure we were drinking plenty of water. We had left the campsite at 6:30, the Supai Village at 8:00 and were aiming to crest the canyon by 1 or 2 p.m.. We had three groups, the fast group, the medium group and the Turtle Group. Guess which one we were in. Towards the end we arrived at the point where the gradual incline gave way to the steep incline. We were tired and hot, but game and determined to not embarass ourselves. We gathered our remaining reserves, gritted our teeth and moved slowly but steadily up the steep, swithback incline trail. Way above we good see and hear the speedy and moderate speed hikers.

As we approached the final series of switchbacks, we heard a series of shouts, urging us on. It was like the end of a marathon race! We were being cheered by the crowd to raise our spirits. One last rest break and we broke for the final stretch. Cheers rang out as our weary Turtle band gutted out the final yards. Finally we arrived at the top of the canyon, in the same spot we had descended from five days earlier. Cold beer and watermelon were awaiting us and we were ecstatic!. We had done it. Red Fox and I were the oldest by about 10 years and the average age was mid to late 40s. We had done it at ages 70 and 73. We had some serious bragging rights. Captain Furious had watched over his hiking flock during the entirety of the tour and had prepared us well.

After our Coors, ice cold beers and watermelon, and making sure our bags were loaded into the bus, we thankfully boarded the bus and prepared for 5 hour ride back to Orange County. After an hour we would be stopping at  pizza hut for what, to us, would be the best pizza we had ever eaten (we were ravenous). After devouring the pizza, we settlrd in for the remaining 4 hours of bus travel. We watched movies on the bus, hugged each other, sang songs and wallowed in the wonderful ambience of the experience we had just had. When the bus pulled in to Orange CA, many of us were very melancholy. It was over. An experience few have ever had. New friends, great memories and huge satisfaction of achievement.

Go to

http://www.nstarsolutions.com/store/home.php?provider=harleyhawk

or to “Hawk’s Books” (www.facebook.com/harleyhawk1943) on Facebook, for details on ordering our 3 books on our travels, “Hawk and Red Fox-Modern Day Gypsies”, Volumes 1, 2 and 3, or text me at 617-605-6594. 

                                                   

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© Hawk Hickok Hickman, 2008-2017. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this blog’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Hawk Hickok Hickman and

harleyhawk43.wordpress.com,

with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.

This does not apply, to pictures supplied by others, of course. In particular, those pictures provided by Curt Morrison, Theresa Perreira Fox, Alicia Castillo-De La Luz and any other photos within this blog that were borrowed from other hikers

Thanks to all who contributed. An experience we will never forget!

Hawk and Red Fox

 

 

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After our first day in Havasupai Canyon, during which we relaxed at the Havasu Falls, we had a delicious group dinner and another wonderful night sleeping in our tent, under the stars. In this remote area, with no human created light at night, there are so many stars that you almost can’t believe what you are seeing. The next day, which was Thursday, May 4, our hiking leader, Bill Furey, had planned a vigorous 8 mile hike, one which would take us down steep ladders with chains embedded in the cliff for hand-holds, to another beautiful waterfall with a swimming hole. After ensuring that everyone made it down safely and some picture taking time, we moved forward towards another waterfall about three miles away. To get there we would hike through a beautiful canyon covered with wild grapevines, wade across streams, and then arrive at Beaver Falls.

Here you will see some of the best photos and a few video clips-

Mooney Falls Climb Down and Falls

Hiking through the Grapevine Canyon

 

Arriving at Beaver Falls

Lunch and Swimming Time at Beaver Falls

Climbing back up the ladders at Mooney Falls

Videos

River Crossing

Grapevine Canyon Path

 

Mooney Falls on the way Home

Go to

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or to “Hawk’s Books” (www.facebook.com/harleyhawk1943) on Facebook, for details on ordering our 3 books on our travels, “Hawk and Red Fox-Modern Day Gypsies”, Volumes 1, 2 and 3, or text me at 617-605-6594. 

                                                   

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© Hawk Hickok Hickman, 2008-2017. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this blog’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Hawk Hickok Hickman and

harleyhawk43.wordpress.com,

with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.

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© Hawk Hickok Hickman, 2008-2017. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this blog’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Hawk Hickok Hickman and harleyhawk43.wordpress.com with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.

Advertisement, blog continues under ad.

Go to

http://www.nstarsolutions.com/store/home.php?provider=harleyhawk

or to “Hawk’s Books” (www.facebook.com/harleyhawk1943) on Facebook, for details on ordering our 3 books on our travels, “Hawk and Red Fox-Modern Day Gypsies”, Volumes 1, 2 and 3, or text me at 617-605-6594. 

                                                   

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When we left you at the end of our last blog post, we had just settled down in our two person pup tent for our first night of camping in the Havasupai section of the Grand Canyon (Southwest part of the canyon). We had a wonderful night’s sleep, listening to tree frogs croaking and other wilderness sounds as we dropped off to sleep. Awakening in the morning, we prepared for what hadbeen promised as a “Beach Day” at a nearby waterfall/swimming pool area, Havasu Falls. After a hearty breakfast, we hiked the short distance and frolicked in the water most of the day. It was good to rest our legs and relax in this paradise.

As you can see, we were all super relaxed as we swam, sunbathed and jumped off cliffs all day. It was hard to believe after our twelve mile arduous hike in the previous day. Below you can see Red Fox frolicking in the water, in the first two photos.

Returning to camp that night, we were amazed at the recovery we had made from the exhaustion of the day before. We would now have our nightly group dinner to which different groups were assigned each night to help prepare it. And then the next day would be a vigorous hike to two different waterfalls in what would wind up being about an eight mile, eight hour hike with swimming breaks and cooling off periods, as we forded streams.

To be continued—-

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Go to

http://www.nstarsolutions.com/store/home.php?provider=harleyhawk

or to “Hawk’s Books” (www.facebook.com/harleyhawk1943) on Facebook, for details on ordering our 3 books on our travels, “Hawk and Red Fox-Modern Day Gypsies”, Volumes 1, 2 and 3, or text me at 617-605-6594. 

                                                   

© Hawk Hickok Hickman, 2008-2017. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this blog’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Hawk Hickok Hickman and harleyhawk43.wordpress.com with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.

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Go to

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or to “Hawk’s Books” (www.facebook.com/harleyhawk1943) on Facebook, for details on ordering our 3 books on our travels, “Hawk and Red Fox-Modern Day Gypsies”, Volumes 1, 2 and 3, or text me at 617-605-6594. 

                                                   

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When last we entertained you here on this blog, we were preparing for the hike of a lifetime, one which we had both wanted to do for decades. But first a little explanation-

We had spent this past winter in Southern California, at an RV Park called Newport Dunes, situated right on the back bay in Newport Beach. We were there as a change of pace from our previous 6 winters on the road, spent mostly in Florida and then Arizona, and also to be near Red Fox’s two sons and two grandsons. We had a relaxing winter and were beginning to make plans for our return to the East Coast in mid-April, when we saw a post on Facebook regarding a little known Grand Canyon Hike. Our attention was immediately riveted on the post for two reasons; The stunning pictures and video clips and the fact that we had both been desirous of hiking the Grand Canyon for a long time. Additionally, the poster was a relative of Red Fox. We contacted him that day and got the name of the contact for what turned out to be guided, group hikes to a part of the canyon that many people are not aware of.

I have inserted a typical scene of this part of the Canyon to pique your interest. It happens to be at the southwest side of the G.C. and is visited much less that the more well known south and north sides. To further add to the allure, it happens to be the permanent residence, for the last eight hundred years, of the Havasupai Tribe of Native Americans. You cannot hike there without getting a permit and only 300 new hikers are allowed in each day. To make this somewhat clearer, only 300 per day are allowed in, so if any camp overnight, they count for the next day as well. This means, essentially, that no new hikers are allowed in until some leave as they try to plan for only 300 in the canyon on any given day.

Havasupai means “People of the blue/green waters” and you can see why by looking at the picture above. There are at least six stupendous waterfalls in the canyon, all exhibiting the same beautiful blue/green coloring in the swimming pools at the bottom of each fall. The color is attributable to the limestone deposits that occur throughout the canyon. Today there are about 650 members of the tribe, with most adult members making a living by working in the tourist trade. More on that later.

We contacted the tour guide immediately and found out there were two slots still open. We wired him half the money that night and would pay the other half on our first practice hike that Saturday. We were very excited! I had wanted to do a G.C. hike since 1968 when I had attended Arizona State University for a graduate degree. Red Fox had been thinking about if for 30 years! Everything was falling into place. We knew we were destined to do this hike now. The Karma was there. We also knew we would probably never get another chance. Why? We were both in our 70s and although in great physical condition, we knew that could end any day and suddenly. Furthermore, this particular group hike originates in Orange County CA., which was exactly where we were camped!

Now we had to catch up with all the other hikers (44 of them) who had signed up months ago and had been practicing since January. We did four practice hikes during April (see our previous posts) and were judged as being ready for the hike by the leader, Bill Furey.

Now we had to go over all the supplies we needed, most of which would be carried up and down by mules. Fortunately, we already had some of the essentials; Pup tent, sleeping bags, air matresses, back packs, hiking boots, hiking poles, flashlights and chargers for our phone cameras and other cameras. The hiking group would supply all of our breakfast, lunch and dinner meals except for the breakfast and lunch on the first day, as we drove from Orange County CA to Hualapai Point in Arizona. Below, you see our motor coach and our hike leader, Bill Furey. We boarded the bus in Orange CA at 10:30 p.m. and drove approximately 6 hours to a McDonald’s in Kingman Az for breakfast. No one got much sleep. Then another two hours on squirrely roads to Hualapai Point, at the edge of the canyon and the trailhead.

Now, we formed up outside the bus as the sun began to rise! 6:30 A.M. at the edge of the G.C. and the beginning of 5 days of total mind blowing scenery and experiences, all the while bonding with the other 44 hikers. Our three thirty pound duffel bags were loaded on our mule and we hoisted our back packs onto our backs. I was carrying four days of lunches in my pack which meant about 25 pounds total (this would prove to nearly be my undoing before we covered the 12 mile distance to our campground).

After a short pre-hike talk and picture taking, our intrepid band began the 12 mile hike down into the canyon. Spirits were high in spite of the lack of sleep. We all sensed we were on a very special trip. After an hour of steep switchbacks, we reached more level ground and began hiking through some mesmerising scenery as we gradually continued downhill, towards the Havasupai Village. At the 5 mile mark we broke for lunch and a much needed (for me anyway) break.

After lunch we continued on, marveling at the scenery around us as the canyon walls became steeper. We could feel the shedding of all our usual worries and stresses and the gradual feeling of being in touch with “Mother Earth”. As we moved along my right knee began to act up from the weight of my pack and I fell behind. We had a “sweep” behind everyone, so there was no worry about my being forgotten. The sweep, whose name was Kyle, kept a close eye on me and was in radio contact with our leader. Our next stop would be at the Indian Village at the 10 mile mark. My knee was hurting more and more and about 1/2 mile before the village Kyle had to take my pack. I was limping badly even though I was leaning heavily on my hiking poles to take the weight off my knee.

Finally we reached the village where we took another blessed break and where the General Store had some delicious frozen Mango Bars. After the rest and Mango Bar, I took my pack back from Kyle, figuring I could make the final 2 miles to the campground.

My positive attitude lasted about 1 1/2 miles and then the miniscus began to cave again. Much to my chagrin, Kyle had to bail me out again. Oh, to be in my twenties again!. Finally we arrived at the campground after about 5 or 6 hours of hiking. The campground consists of scores of sites all located under cottonwood trees and mostly next to a stream or in close proximity. Red Fox was off to fine a prime site, but I had to just sit down and rest. She wanted to go a ways down the river away from the area where we would be gathering for meals, but I told her I could not muster the energy. We settled on a site about 1/4 mile away and I managed to wheelbarrow our three duffels from the mule drop-off area to the campsite. Red then did most of the setting up of the tent while I blew up the three air matresses. We just wanted to get set up before supper and nightfall. If you’ve ever been tent camping, you know that at this point we had no idea where most of our belongings were. Finally we were set up and headed down to supper.

After supper we went back to our tent, over which we had not placed our rain cover (no rain was predicted for our entire stay) and settled in for a night’s sleep in paradise. We were able to look up through the tent canopy and see a multitude of stars in a sky unmarred by any manmade light. We slept like two logs!

(To be continued)

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Go to

http://www.nstarsolutions.com/store/home.php?provider=harleyhawk

or to “Hawk’s Books” (www.facebook.com/harleyhawk1943) on Facebook, for details on ordering our 3 books on our travels, “Hawk and Red Fox-Modern Day Gypsies”, Volumes 1, 2 and 3, or text me at 617-605-6594. 

                                                   

© Hawk Hickok Hickman, 2008-2017. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this blog’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Hawk Hickok Hickman and harleyhawk43.wordpress.com with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.

Advertisement, blog continues under ad.

Go to

http://www.nstarsolutions.com/store/home.php?provider=harleyhawk

or to “Hawk’s Books” (www.facebook.com/harleyhawk1943) on Facebook, for details on ordering our 3 books on our travels, “Hawk and Red Fox-Modern Day Gypsies”, Volumes 1, 2 and 3, text me at 617-605-6594. 

                                                   

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On Saturday, April 8, we participated in Grand Canyon/Havasupai Prep Hike II. If you have been keeping abreast of our adventures, you know that we landed the last two slots on a five day hiking and camping adventure down into the Grand Canyon and out again (if we make it!!!). Everyone has been practicing since January, so even though we do a lot of hiking, we were somewhat behind the “eight ball” as far as our fitness for this demanding hike was concerned. Anyway, after a grueling 10 mile hike the week before, we once again formed up for this week’s hike. This hike was at Crystal Cove Park, near Laguna Beach. We would be on the land side of the Pacific Coast Highway, hiking up into the foothills.

Being the conscientious persons we are, we arrived early, at about 7:30. We got all our gear ready (hiking poles, lunch, water etc.), and waited for the other hikers to arrive. By 7:50 no one else had arrived. We began to get concerned. Were we in the right place? There were two parking lots in close proximity and we thought we might be at the wrong one! We walked hurredly over to the other one (about a quarter of a mile away). No one there! We were very concerned now. I made a couple of calls and texts to the only hikers whose contact info we had and got nowhere. We hurried back to the original lot and spotted some people. They had just been late arriving. We bagan to calm down. By the time everyone was ready to go, it was 8:30, so we would have been fine if we had arrived late. Here are a few pictures of the gathering group, including the hike leader, John, who actually backpacked a toddler on the hike!

Soon we were off and immediately began hiking uphill! This was a little disconcerting, because usually there is a flat stretch at the beginning of most hikes, but not in this case. We hiked up a rather steep grade for what seemed to be at least 2 miles. Then, even when the trail leveled off for awhile, it then when up and down rather steep grades for another mile or two. Finally we came to a restroom break area, grabbed a quick snack and were informed by John that we had about another 1/2 hour of hiking before reaching the halfway mark and our lunch spot. Most of this was uphill as well. When we finally got there, these two hikers were very happy to be able to rest and eat for a bit.

After about 20 minutes, we were told to “saddle up”, and off we went again and, would you believe it, we were still hiking uphill! Unbelievable! Finally we leveled off and even began to descend. Then we went through a narrow path where we were completely enveloped in Wild Mustard Plant. It was both beautiful and eerie (See the following pictures and video). I had to hold back to get some pictures and videos and got left behind. Red Fox was upset that I was holding people up, but I just had to get the filming done.

We continued downhill after the Steven King, “Children of the Giant Mustard Plant Jungle” experience and hiked for what seemed forever on what became steep downgrades. Now a new problem arose! My big toes jamming into the toe box of my boots. Fortunately I had trimmed my toenails down. We finally arrived back at the parking lot, weary but self satisfied at completing Part II of our prep hikes. Ester weekend we have no hikes, but then two more the following two weekends, followed by the Big One May 2nd!

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Huntington Beach Woody and other Antiques Car Show

Yesterday, Sunday, April 9th, we went to see Red Fox’s Grandson play soccer and then went to the weekly Huntington Beach Pier, Woody/Antique Car Show. They have this show frequently, maybe every week. Anyway, I will just show the car pictures, because they are all fabulously gorgeous.

Hope you noticed the antique Shasta RV, pulled by the matching color scheme on the Desoto towing vehicle and the beautifully restored interior and exterior. $25,000 for the Shasta. That’s all for now folks. Stay tuned for Grand Canyon updates.

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Did you enjoy these adventutes?

Go to

http://www.nstarsolutions.com/store/home.php?provider=harleyhawk

or to “Hawk’s Books” (www.facebook.com/harleyhawk1943) on Facebook, for details on ordering our 3 books on our travels, “Hawk and Red Fox-Modern Day Gypsies”, Volumes 1, 2 and 3, text me at 617-605-6594. 

                                                   

© Hawk Hickok Hickman, 2008-2017. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this blog’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Hawk Hickok Hickman and harleyhawk43.wordpress.com with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.

Advertisement, blog continues under ad.

Go to

http://www.nstarsolutions.com/store/home.php?provider=harleyhawk

or to “Hawk’s Books” (www.facebook.com/harleyhawk1943) on Facebook, for details on ordering our 3 books on our travels, “Hawk and Red Fox-Modern Day Gypsies”, Volumes 1, 2 and 3, text me at 617-605-6594. 

                                                   

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Well, it’s been somewhat of a low key winter for our blog followers since we have been pretty much stationary in Newport Beach Campground since mid-November, but to make up for that we have some very exciting news!!!! As you may have seen on my Facebook Page, we accidentally stumbled upon an adventure of a lifetime. One of Red Fox’s in-laws posted on FB regarding a hike he recently completed down into Grand Canyon! We immediately contacted him to get the details, since this has been a dream of ours. In fact, when I was at Arizona State in 1968 and 1969, I first heard of this hike and had sort of forgotten about it (or pushed it into the back of my mind as an “I’ll do that some day, but not now” type of thing). Anyway, we contacted the hike organizer, Bill Fuery, immediately and managed to secure the last two slots. Ecstacy!

Now, let me give some further insight and detail. This is not the hike down to the Phantom Ranch with which many people are familiar. This is the hike down to Havasupai Canyon and passing through the Indian Supai Tribe Village. This village contains the last U.S. Post Office to receive its mail by pack mule. Consider that for a moment if you will.

Now, details-The hike is a 5-day endeavor, starting with a private party motor coach ride from Orange CA to the Kingman Arizona area. We leave Orange at 10:30 p.m. and arrive at the Grand Canyon Rim starting point at around 6:30 a.m., stopping for breakfast around 4 a.m. at an all night McDonald’s. Then we hand our 30 pound saddle packs to the mule team drivers so that our tents, sleeping bags and other heavy items can be carried down, as we hike. We will be wearing day packs and Camelback water packs, We then hike down a 10-mile trail with lots of switchbacks, as we descend from alpine type climate to semi-tropical climate. The estimated vertical differential is about 5,000 feet.

Once we are at the bottom of the canyon, which is contained within the greater Grand Canyon complex, we will set up camp under some cottonwood trees, near a river. On the way down, we will stop to eat the lunch we packed. All of our other meals are provided by the hike organizer. We will then spend the next three days hiking around the canyon to various waterfalls and swimming holes with crystal clear water and water temps in the 60s. Air temp will be in the 80s at mid-day.

On Day 5, we will pack up and hike back up the 10 mile trail. This will be the toughest part of the trip since we will be ascending approximately 5,000 vertical feet in these 10 miles. Once at the top again, we will board the bus and stop for pizza on the way back (maybe a few beers as well). Then it will be a short drive back to the Wolfpack and packing up for the trip back East, with a few more adventures on the way.

Because we found out about the trip late (it is May 2-6), we have to do some last minute practice hikes during April. We did our first one this past Saturday and I am attaching some pictures and maybe a video clip from that 9 mile adventure. It took place in Santiago Park in Orange Ca, which is in Orange County, near L.A. and near our campground in Newport Beach. We will follow up later on with more details.

Several Pictures from the hike this group did in March, down into the Canyon. This is where we will be going!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

© Hawk Hickok Hickman, 2008-2017. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this blog’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Hawk Hickok Hickman and harleyhawk43.wordpress.com with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.

Advertisement, blog continues under ad.

Go to

http://www.nstarsolutions.com/store/home.php?provider=harleyhawk

or to “Hawk’s Books” (www.facebook.com/harleyhawk1943) on Facebook, for details on ordering our 3 books on our travels, “Hawk and Red Fox-Modern Day Gypsies”, Volumes 1, 2 and 3, text me at 617-605-6594. 

                                                   

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Our trip to the ICU took place about 3 weeks ago. We had to go to the hospital in Chino California for a critical condition. Who had this condition? The better question is, “What was in critical condition?”. Yes, you guessed it, after I got you very nervous. It was the 2006 F-350 Ford Pickup that required a visit to the ER doctor. If you recall, from a prior post about a month ago, we had taken “Old Bessie” in for a fairly noticeable oil leak and were told by the local Ford dealer that the leak was in a hose connected to our after market oil cooler and that, therefore, they couldn’t work on it, because they would be unable to warranty it.

So, on the phone to the Bulletproof Oil Cleaner company in Mesa Az to get advice. They suggested a local (30 miles away) diesel shop in Chino. The appointment was made and we had the hose repaired for reasonable expense. However, the manager casually mentioned to me that the coolant system was registering way too much pressure. Whereupon I queried him on the ramifications and possible causes of that particular symptom. The answer was not gentle.

This condition is symptomatic of a pending, or already occurring, blown head gasket. This is very bad. It means the entire engine has to be removed from the truck in order to replace the head gasket. Additionally, I knew, and he reminded me, that there could very well be collateral damage to other components, due to overheating that might already have occurred. Now before all you Ford Haters and Chevy, Dodge, GMC Lovers get started, there are a few considerations to consider-

• We purchased this vehicle in 2010 with 70,000 miles on it (It’s very hard to find a used diesel pickup and new ones are way too expensive).
• We were unaware at that time that the 2004 to 2007 F-350s had a history of overheating, head gasket issues and oil cooler/ EGR issues (shame on us, we didn’t perform due diligence).
• We had a head gasket repair right from the get-go and got it covered under warranty, along with the Oil Cooler and EGR system, so we thought we were golden
• What we didn’t know is that these issues tend to keep recurring due to a faulty oil cooler design
• We had a Bulletproof Oil Cooler put in about 2 years later and had resonably good luck after that, until now, although we did have other issues such as a blown turbo and replacement of one bank of Injectors
• We were, meanwhile, using the truck to haul five tons of RV and motorcycles across the country twice a year on our annual pilgrimages to warm weather
• Now, after 13 trips across the country, we had 160,000 miles and the head gasket acting up again

This was the situation when we got the recent bad news. What to do?

A. We could get it fixed and continue our adventures but with a huge repair bill, or

B. We could invest in a less old truck or a new truck

The trouble with B. is that new F-350s run around $70,000 and we were not about to bite that bullet (pun intended). So we went with A..

Then the drama deepened. Upon removing the engine, cracked heads were discovered, so add new heads to the gasket and head bolt repair. Also, the lifters would have to be replaced. On and on it went. We really had no choice. Anyway, after 8 days in the shop and a constantly escalating estimate, we got her back. Basically she got a heart transplant, new lungs, new arteries, new plumbing etc., etc.

What’s the good news?! Modern Day Gypsies/Endless Summer will continue and we will persevere as we will persist in following our dreams. Stay tuned for further adventures. Some pictures of the major surgery are attached. Don’t cry for us, Argentina!

© Hawk Hickok Hickman, 2008-2017. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this blog’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Hawk Hickok Hickman and harleyhawk43.wordpress.com with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.

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or to “Hawk’s Books” (www.facebook.com/harleyhawk1943) on Facebook, for details on ordering our 2 books on our travels, “Hawk and Red Fox-Modern Day Gypsies”, Volumes 1 and 2 or text me at 617-605-6594. 

                                                            

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Yesterday, 2-12-17, we rode from Newport Beach CA to Cook’s Corner Biker Bar in Trabuco CA. This is a very short ride (25 miles each way) but we had been told about this popular spot and wanted to check it out. It was a gorgeous Southern CA day, with temps in the low 70s and totally blue skies. We took our time leaving and riding there and arrived around noontime. The joint was packed and we soon discovered that it is a destination point not only for motorcyclists, but mountain bikers as well. They have a separate parking area for the bicyclists.

We did some people watching, took some pictures and videos, had a beer and burger and then took a short mountain ride in the local foothills on our way home. We also chatted up a threesome, one of whom had a Beartooth Highway t-shirt on. We had ridden that famous highway in 2011 and knew he would have a good story. More on that later.

Here is what Wikipedia has to say on Cook’s-

“History

The building is named for Andrew Jackson Cook, a merchant who acquired 190 acres (77 ha) of land in the South Orange County area. The building was constructed not long after, in 1884. In 1926, Cook’s son, Earl Jack “E.J.” Cook, converted the structure into a restaurant meant to supply food to miners and local ranchers. Seven years later, after the end of the Prohibition period, alcohol began being sold again, and Cook’s was converted into a bar. The Cook family sold Cook’s, which included the bar, the Cook’s family house, and about 40 acres of land to two owners, Victor Villa and Volker Streicek, of the Santa Ana, California based motorcycle accessories company Cheat’ah Engineering in 1975. The Cook family purchased a ranch in Montana and moved out of Southern California. Volker and Victor had founded Cheat’ah Engineering in 1969, along with Ron Rondeau. They purchased Cook’s as an investment, but also as a place where motorcycle clubs could gather in peace. Volker and Victor were proud of the fact that Cook’s was a place to party with very few fights between motorcycle clubs and patrons. The owners established a policy where no motorcycle club colors were allowed at Cook’s. Cook’s became one of the more famous social places for bikers in Southern California. Volker and his wife Shirley ran the bar in the late 70’s, before moving to Colorado. Victor and Volker sold Cook’s in the 1980s. Volker died on March 29, 2011 in Kelowna, British Columbia, Canada.^[2] Victor still lives in Southern California.

Cook’s today

Today’s Cook’s Corner is a wooden structure similar to a World War II-era restaurant and bar. The property includes a pool table, outdoor recreational area for horseshoe games, as well as trails for mountain biking and hiking. The majority of bikers come to Cook’s Corner on the weekends, when Cook’s hosts a number of events, mainly dealing with motorcycles, including the “CHOC ride of 2006,” and the “9/11 Remembrance ride.” On the first Sunday of May each year, ^[3] about 2,000 come for the annual Blessing of the Bikes given by a priest of nearby St. Michael’s Abbey. ^[4] In May 2006, Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger made a stop in Orange County, and ate at Cook’s Corner. During the California wildfires of October 2007, newscasters reporting on the Santiago Fire ate lunch at Cook’s Corner, as well as firefighters working to control the blaze.

In May 2008, a small-scale landslide destroyed a large section of the famous outdoor patio. ABC 7 and NBC 4 were among some of the news teams that broadcast the event. Damages were somewhat minor, and the repairs took just a few days.” Below is a wide angle shot of Cook’s, also courtesy of Wikipedia.

Here are some of the pictures we took-

And more

The three riders on the left in the first picture are the new friends we made, mentioned earlier (Todd, Barb and Bob). We will be hooking up with them for some riding in the future.Todd is the one who rode Beartooth Highway in Montana and actually has done it four times!. Google it for details, or click on the following link-

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Beartooth_Highway

Below are some interior shots of the bar-

All in all, a good day, especially considering that back home (Massachusetts Coast), they were having a horrible weather day. For video clips of our Cook’s Conner adventure, go to my Facebook Page- https://www.facebook.com/harleyhawk43

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Go to

http://www.nstarsolutions.com/store/home.php?provider=harleyhawk

or to “Hawk’s Books” (www.facebook.com/harleyhawk1943) on Facebook, for details on ordering our 2 books on our travels, “Hawk and Red Fox-Modern Day Gypsies”, Volumes 1 and 2 or text me at 617-605-6594. 

                                                            

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This past week we finally got a stretch of good riding weather and headed out from Newport Beach CA bound for the Yuma AZ area. We had told our friends at our former winter campground, Imperial Dam, that we would be out for a visit. We had opted for a luxury campground this winter, as a treat, but missed our friends and wanted to see them. It’s almost a 300 mile ride each way, so we had to be rested and prepared. We left on Tuesday morning and returned Saturday afternoon. Both bikes were in good shape and ready to go after the usual tire pressure and oil level checks.

We left at 9 a.m. Pacific Time and landed at Imperial Dam around 4 p.m. Arizona Time (lost an hour). We were booked into the Winnebago Hilton, a modest trailer in the Imperial Dam Campground and soon met up with our friends, Captain Canada and Debbie Dewdrops. While we were there we would do a couple of hikes, play dominoes and enjoy several cookouts. Then, on Saturday, we would meet up with another friend, Preacherman, and a group of local riders, for the ride back, via Ocotillo, Pine Valley and Julian.

(Here are some hiking shots and a cookout shot)

(Here we have the Winnebago Hilton where we stayed for the four nights we were there)

(Getting ready to depart on Saturday)

 

(Meeting up with the Preacherman motorcycle gang)

(Off to Pine Valley and Julian, via I-8 and route 79)

(Lunch at Buffalo Bill’s in Julian CA)

(In this picture we have,not in order, Red Fox, Doug, Henc, Hawk 2, Hawk 1, Preacherman, Tinkerbell, Linda Waigirl Hawaii, Randy, Trevor and one I can’t remember)

Believe it or not, we had two Hawk’s on the ride, yours truly and the fellow closest to us on the left. He is 80, so for a change I was not the oldest. Preacherman is in the denim vest with the cap on. He conducts a Christian ministry in the desert, near the campground. After lunch and the usual hugs, we split from the group and followed route 78 back to Oceanside and then route 5 to Pacific Coast Highway to Newport Beach.

(Some views as we left Julian. The truck scared me because he was coming on fast and seemed like he was going to come over into my lane.)

We finally got home late Saturday afternoon, unpacked and collapsed on the couch with an adult beverage. We had to rest up for the big game the next day!

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Go to

http://www.nstarsolutions.com/store/home.php?provider=harleyhawk

or to “Hawk’s Books” (www.facebook.com/harleyhawk1943) on Facebook, for details on ordering our 2 books on our travels, “Hawk and Red Fox-Modern Day Gypsies”, Volumes 1 and 2 or text me at 617-605-6594. For readers in the Boston MA area, MMA (Mass. Motorcycle Association) will have a booth at the RV Expo this month where these books will be previewed and part of a presentation on RV travelling with motorcycles. Look for our friend Rachel Ingham at the booth, handling the presentation

                                                            

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On Saturday, December 17, we decided to go to the Christmas Boat Parade at Balboa Island and Balboa Peninsula. A map is posted below so you can see the location, but basically it is right in a bay near the Pacific and separated by a peninsula from the ocean. They are both in the Newport Beach/Orange County area, south of Los Angeles and north of San Diego.

Balboa Island is a simply delightful place with seaside cottages that were built back in the 1940s. Here is what Wikipedia has to say about B.I.-

“Balboa Island is an area of Newport Beach, California, actually comprising three modified or artificial islands in Newport Harbor: Balboa Island (33°36′23″N 117°53′40″W), the largest; the smaller Little Balboa Island (33°36′23″N 117°53′16″W) to the east of Balboa Island, joined by a two-lane bridge; and the smallest Collins Isle (33°36′31″N 117°54′1″W) to the northwest of Balboa Island, joined by a one-lane bridge. The Balboa Island community is joined to the mainland by a short two-lane bridge on the northeast of Balboa Island, and a privately operated fleet of three, three-car ferryboats (Balboa Island Ferry) which provide access across the harbor to the Balboa Peninsula which lies to the south.”

For a full history, go to this link and read the fascinating history-    https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Balboa_Island,_Newport_Beach

One final tidbit, again from Wikipedia-

“Balboa Island is one of the most expensive real estate markets in North America outside of Lower Manhattan. A two-bedroom house with a water view from the living room can cost about $3 million.”

Since B.I. is only a short bicycle ride from our campground at Newport Dunes, and since it is so unique and its houses so beautiful, we go there frequently to bicycle and walk. During one of our walks there we learned about the Christmas boat parade and made plans to go on one of the 5 nights it was running. Friday night it poured but the weather cleared on Saturday and off we went. As you will see from the attached video clips and pictures, it was a fabulous parade.

 

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Those are the best pictures. We were there over 2 hours and the boats just kept on coming, endlessly. We finally left and had to take the ferry back from the peninsula to the island and then ride our bicycles over the bridge and home. The ferry ride, which took us directly across the channel, perpendicular to the parade route, was like a scene from the Normandy Landing. The video clips should give you a good idea of this crazy ferry ride!

 

 

Christmas at Newport Dunes   

Arriving back at the Wolfpack, after the boat parade, we were treated to the Christmas lights on our lagoon and the decorations we had put up next to the trailer and on our Harleys.

Christmas Eve and Christmas Day at Huntington Beach  

Christmas Eve Day we watched the Patriots/Jets game at Red Fox’s son Patrick’s house   and then returned on Christmas Day. He and his wife Kim’s house is only 5 miles away. We got up early, drove over again and watched Karen’s 2 grandsons open their presents. Then we hung out the rest of the day for the usual feasting and cocktails.

Red Fox

Hawk and Red

Rocky the Wonder Dog and Patrick

Kim

Grammy Michelle

Grammy Karen

Presents distribution

David and Mom

Suzanne and David

During the day I called my extended family back in Marshfield and spoke to them all. Another wonderful Christmas and now looking forward to a new year. Happy New Year!

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Go to

http://www.nstarsolutions.com/store/home.php?provider=harleyhawk

or to “Hawk’s Books” (www.facebook.com/harleyhawk1943) on Facebook, for details on ordering our 2 books on our travels, “Hawk and Red Fox-Modern Day Gypsies”, Volumes 1 and 2 or text me at 617-605-6594. For readers in the Boston MA area, MMA (Mass. Motorcycle Association) will have a booth at the RV Expo this month where these books will be previewed and part of a presentation on RV travelling with motorcycles. Look for our friend Rachel Ingham at the booth, handling the presentation

                                                            

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