The Defender's new starting problem worsened today. Now the engine dies after every start, cold or hot engine. I hope my workaround holds. If not, On The Road-9 will come to an early end.
On the road, with my new more powerful engine, i can keep up with the traffic at 75. Before, 60 was the max. But the design of the soft roof was not meant for this speed, and i had to stop several times to put the right rear side window panel back on after the high wind ripped it from its moorings. I devised a fix, though, which should hold.
I also discovered that one of the two zippers on my back window panels lost some teeth so i cannot close it all the way. This could be problematic in the colder weather. Here we go again.
When i stopped for gas at 5pm with 35 miles to go, i saw a sign for another nearer state park and almost opted to go there. But i plowed on and made Union Grove State Park at 5:30, 30 minutes behind schedule, not bad for a 290 mile drive. I am glad i did because this small camp, set in a pine Grove is terrific. Too dark now to take a photo, so i will send it tomorrow.
It's 11, way past lights for out, and i have a 317 mile drive tomorrow to Badlands National Park, my 7th camp. If i make it, that means that so far i hit all of my pre-Yellowstone camps that i planned to make, all within the still-daylight window of 5 to 6. How is that for good planning and good timing?
Here's hoping the Defender starts tomorrow.
Ed an Donner
