Tercel on 2,500 mile trip

[Don Jorgensen]

Left July 31st from Albuquerque on a vacation trek to Southeat Missouri for a Kayak/canoe vacation. Loaded with 10 days of food, gear, luggage, and wifey, traveled about 500 miles the first day. Averaged just what the estimated mph is supposed to be except 30 mph constant crosswinds kept it down on the low end about 23 to 24 mpg. The 4AC kept up with the flow and moved us along between 70 and 75 mph. Day 2 got us into lower elevation, less wind, lower speed and he put up some 27 mpg numbers. Experienced some 95F degree plus temperatures and 60% + humidity that caused some concern as we were at high noon and full exposure coming thru the windshield. The Mrs. longed for the Previa.

The kayaking/canoeing was great. Cold, clear, spring fed river water in Jacks Fork made great fun. Bought an a/c recharge kit and dribbled in a bit more than one can of 134a refrigerant. Made a differernce that was detectable especially as we hit 100 degree F temps in Oklahoma on the return with that same dang wind.

A burgundy colored Tercel SR5 1985 welcomed us at the resort. A California car, the owner bought it from a student at Humbolt State, I believe he said. He uses it to gatabout as he and his wife travel and stay in a motorhome during volunteer positions they work at across the USA.

Took a side trip on the way back up the Texas panhandle to Northeast New Mexico to see the dinosaur tracks at Clayton State Park. About 10 miles out of Clayton on the 4 lane part of 87, I could see an asymetrical tailgate way up in the distance. I surmised it could be a Honda CRV but I leaned heavily toward it being a Tercel. Had to do 85 mph to catch him. The tailwind helped. Once I approached him, I could see it was a twin to mine. We exchanged waves and smiles.

Later that day going Southwest on I-25 near Las Vegas, NM, the fan blower took a rest. Seems like running on high for hours on end and the sun baking the passenger side of the car was too much for the 20a relay. Stopped for gas, took out the relay and set it in the cooler. Put it back in after 5 min and had fan power again.

Changed all oils to Mobile 1 synthetic before we left. Used 10w30 in the engine and both transaxel and rear differential got the 75-90. Engine used 1/2 quart on the entire trip.

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Blue Spring Missouri

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100 million year old foot prints

[danzo]

Sounds like an adventure that went well, complete with a/c. Just curious - why did you choose SE Missourri? BTW I lived in Albuquerque briefly in '02 and really loved it.

[Don Jorgensen]

Sounds like an adventure that went well, complete with a/c. Just curious - why did you choose SE Missourri? BTW I lived in Albuquerque briefly in '02 and really loved it.

We have family in Columbia MO and Iowa that come down to Eminence MO each year for a get together and river fun. There is plenty to do in the "Land of Enchantment" but it is difficult to get 14 to 18 people together out here when most are within 3 to 5 hours of SE Missouri.

[ARCHINSTL]

That was an Odyssey!
Good to see someone enjoying my state! Blue Spring is one of the most scenic of our springs - did you by any chance visit Alley Spring? It has a beautiful restored 19th century mill - a BIG building.
Did you stop by Big Spring? It is the largest in the whole USA, and one of the largest in the world! http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Big_Spring_(Missouri)
The Jacks Fork is a beautiful river.
My family did our "Big Camping Adventure" down in that area, visiting various state parks and springs back in '48 (and for you smart-alec pups, it was 19 and not 18...). At Alley Spring we camped just down the mill stream from the mill pond - and in those days, you just lowered a bucket into the stream for fresh water - and picked watercress from the stream for sandwiches. I don't guess you can dip a dipper into any streams anymore...
Tom M.

[Don Jorgensen]

Hey ARCHINSTL
Yes Alley Spring and Mill is part of the yearly attraction. It is nice to tour on a day off paddling. The picture of Blue Spring shows the near pristine vegetation and I suspect with the limited or nearly nonexistent row crop agriculture and small population, the Karst topography should filter the water. Watercress was inviting at Blue Spring as well. I couldn't resist a bottle of the clear cold water and just after I'd taken a big pull, glanced to see a muskrat swim past to a cavity in the rocks under the boardwalk. Memories of Giardia dampened my spirit. Muskrats don't carry it but still don't like to see big rodents in my drink. Ally Spring flow was huge from recent rains and where Jacks Fork and Alley Spring merge was very interesting. Havn't been to Big Spring but it is on the to go to list.