Mariposa, CA

[cessna170bdriver]

In another thread...

... do stop by if you're in the area. If I'm not on the road at work you (or other C-170 assoc. members) are more than welcome to borrow our Honda van to visit Yosemite--the wildflowers are in bloom this time of year. But watch out--I may have you stripping paint when you return the van! Just kidding.

Gary,
I thought about you on Saturday as I was making a round trip between Tehachapi and Redding. I would have liked to stop by, but the day was long enough as it was. I've lived in CA for over 13 years now and still have yet to see Yosemite, so Karen and I may have to take you up on your offer sometime. I wouldn't mind helping you strip paint or buck a few rivets, either.

Also, I'm not an A&P, but I do know my way around the innards of an O-300. There's a "gotcha" or two on reassembly that the books don't cover; check the 2nd and 3rd quarter 2006 issues of The 170 News. I still have some of the oddball sealants and lubricants you're welcome to use (if they aren't expired ).

[n2582d]

Miles,
I usually try to arrange my work schedule to be on one week and off the next. I'll be in town this week and again on the week of the 17th. The trip to Yosemite valley is impressive but it is quite crowded this time of year, especially now after Ken Burns series on the national parks. But anywhere out of the valley the crowds are gone. You (or other members) should consider a great day hike to Hite's Cove. This time of year the lupine and poppies are gorgeous along this trail which follows a tributary of the Merced river. At the end of the trail one comes on a bunch of huge abandoned gold mining equipment. This is a spot on the way to the valley but still outside of the national park boundary. Later in the season a hike down from Tuolomne meadows to the valley is a nice two day trip. A park bus can take you back to pick up the van. Taking a rafting trip down the Merced river is also a lot of fun and should be especially so this year with all the rain we've had out west.

Also, I'm not an A&P, but I do know my way around the innards of an O-300. There's a "gotcha" or two on reassembly that the books don't cover; check the 2nd and 3rd quarter 2006 issues of The 170 News. I still have some of the oddball sealants and lubricants you're welcome to use (if they aren't expired ).

I overhauled an O-300 in A&P school but I've forgotten a few of the details the last 32 years. In fact I've forgotten about everything past "righty tighty, lefty loosey"! I appreciated your O-300 overhaul article in the 170 News. I'll be making reference to it when I start looking at the engine.

[n3833v]

I liked a place called "The Moaning Cave" near Columbia. Even got to do some rapelling. I have a sister in the area.

John