Once we hit Oregon there was no stopping us. Ever since we headed west out of New Orleans the kids have been hearing that we’re going to visit Grammy. And since Texas it’s been, “How many more days until we see Grammy?” So when we hit Oregon and the nights dropped into the 30s again, we were all done wandering—straight to Portland.
A handful of bus projects are on the must-do list while we are here. The rear main seal needs replacing. Adding half a quart of oil daily is not a wise expenditure for the wallet or for the environment. New window seals all around. Replacing that cracked exhaust manifold sure would be nice too. And hey, what about those solar panels on the roof?
39 Comments on “Portland”
Oh, I’m so happy you’re there. Being a Grammy myself, I just know your mom is sooooo happy to have you there. Have fun!
Get a pro to do the oil seal.
Totally agree, having done a few myself. Pat looks like a big strong person, but transmissions are really heavy. You need a good stable jack to get it back in. If you don’t already have one, suggest you have a separate transmission cooler installed while someone is under there.
Paul Thomas
Thought of you guys when I saw this.
Top 10 taco stands (I know its just another internet list)
http://www.gayot.com/restaurants/top-10-taco-stands/main.html
It’s full of ads, so here is the list:
Big Star, Chicago, IL
Colonia Taco Lounge, La Puente, CA
El Rancho Grande, Miami Beach, FL
Empellon Tanqueria, New York, NY
La Condesa, Austin, TX
La Tanqueria, San Francisco, CA
Por Que No, Portland, OR
The Shed, Santa Fe, NM
Tagueria del Sol, Atlanta, GA
Taqueria Mexico, Waltham, MA
Is there a way for your “fans” to get to see Bumfuzzle up close while in PDX? When and where is best?
Yeah, we’re going to have a little get together. We’ll let you know soon.
Bitchin’! Can’t wait.
Let me know if it’s an open thing. I might make it down from Seattle. Sometimes I’m down that way for work anyway.
Our new home port in a month or so! Enjoy the Portland weirds and family time.
To produce pictures that others enjoy seeing, a photographer first needs the “eye” to recognize good subject matter from among all that surrounds him. You, Pat, have The Eye. And given the early start in photography Ouest has gotten, she may well prove to have it as well.
Thanks, I appreciate that. Ouest has gotten to the point that she asks for her camera when she sees something interesting. I think it’s a great hobby for kids.
You guys are the kind of parents all kids should be lucky enough to have, kids today get farmed out to daycare, school, after school activities that are now going to 10 pm…..you guys are by their side, showing them life and teaching this way is what is missing in our society
Thanks Stacy. We know we’re not perfect, but we think we’re doing pretty good.
Oh and Grammy’s pup is wearing the “better to hear you with” accessory.
If you’re headed north….way north…come visit the growing farm. The piglets have just arrived (cutest things ever!) Have the kiddos and Ali check out their photos on our recent post and you’ll definitely be headed here next. 🙂 Oh, and we’re due to have baby goats next week as well. We’re kid heaven right now! 🙂
– Katie and Mark
Good chance we’ll make it up there. We’ll be in touch!
While I agree that it is best to have someone experienced replace the rear main seal, it’s not necessary to remove the transmission to change the seal. Options for the exhaust manifold (if you can’t find a suitable replacement) include welding the crack, or replacing manifolds with headers.
Doug,
I am curious as to how you can get at it without either pulling the engine or dropping the transmission? My experiences were with Ford, VW diesels & Willys (Continental) engines.
Paul Thomas
Nothing like gardening with your grandma when your a little one!. 🙂
Is this your manifold ?
http://www.ebay.com/itm/NOS-Mopar-318-Poly-Exhaust-Manifold-Dodge-Chrysler-Power-Wagon-V8-D100-D200-W200-/291170101475?pt=Vintage_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&hash=item43cb1728e3&vxp=mtr
These look very similar to the ones pictured for the “Myrtle” Travco and were available in January 2014, they may be worth tracking down, the guy has 3 at $20.00 each. Maybe one will work for you.
What is the casting # on yours ?
http://dodgesweptline.org/phorum/read.php?6,13496
Found a junkyard that specializes in MOPAR. So it looks like we’re squared away on the manifold.
NICE~
Here are the instructions for replacing the seal but I would still consider using a shop for the job.
http://www.pavementsucks.com/tech-article-31.html
Randal,
Ah yes, now I remember reading about the “dropping the pan” method, about 50 years ago. 🙂 I thought pulling the transmission was easier & quicker, but to each his own. Totally agree to have a shop do it. Thanks for the link.
Paul Thomas
My husband and I are traveling down the Blue Ridge Parkway between art shows, and are spending a few days in Fancy Gap, Va. where we spotted an old deserted Travco by the side of the road. It was white with a black stripe around it. We took pics, but I don’t think they can be posted here. Of course we thought of you guys!
That seems to be where the majority of them reside, unfortunately.
What kind of reception does the little black and white dog get?
Have fun with Grammy!
Is that a Jack Rusell. Time together a cool dog!
No. Poodle or something. I tend to zone out when people start talking about breeds of dog.
Next Bumfuzzle?????
http://corvallis.craigslist.org/cto/4532535522.html
Ummm, I don’t think so. 🙂
Love your travels. You’re making bussing round the US look like great fun.
Its now been firmly added to our bucket list to do before our girl is to much older.
As a original Portlander, now full-time roaming by green & white bus (RV), and currently in the Portland area, two words for great pie, “Flying Pie” on Stark. Enjoy. Leaky windows – Flex-seal. Welcome back to P-Town.
We were actually cut-off after having two beers there with friends. They told us we were being so loud they couldn’t hear the phone. We were having fun for sure, but cutting us off may have been a little over the top. 🙂
WOW, that seems a little out of character for them, considering how loud it can get there. Oh well, Amalfi’s Combo is hard to beat too. Cheers
Amalfis is right down the street from us. Yeah, Portland is awesome.
Your photos are the best. I’ve been trying to follow some other travel blogs, but none can compare to yours. The writing is top notch, funny, informative, honest, heart warming, blunt – I love it. Then the photos: so clear and colorful, never posed or “set up”. The love for your family is so evident. Today’s first two pics tell such a story even without words, the sheep dog’s ear as he spies you, then his scolding bark as you get closer. Priceless!
Please keep the blog coming, love you Bums!
Correction: the goat dog!