Maintenance, Nothing in Particular, WP Migration

Snow, Winter Solstice and one Brake Job done!

Posted on by Farmer

All three of our vehicles need a brake job. Up here in the mountains that is almost an annual job depending on how often one drives to town. (We do have another couple vehicles on that aren’t running so their brakes tend to last a long time!)

Our pear tree bearing the weight of a heavy snowfall here in the mountains bringing trees down on power lines causing power outages across the mountain region!
Our pear tree bearing the weight of a heavy snowfall here in the mountains bringing trees down on power lines causing power outages across the mountain region! We hear fellow farmers' tell stories of their greenhouses collapsing in the snow load. Say your prayers for these farmers!
We hiked up the mountain today, mostly because we didn't want to leave the farm and deal with roads, and although the snow is BEAUTIFUL, our trails are covered with downed trees!
We hiked up the mountain today, mostly because we didn't want to leave the farm and deal with roads, and although the snow is BEAUTIFUL, our trails are covered with downed trees! This weather inspires the DOT to use the nasty stuff - Calcium Chloride - on the roads which we think is why our brake lines have rusted away.
The power just came on after being out for 24 hours because we just had our first winter storm, with us receiving about 1 – 1/2 feet here in the valley on lower meadowfork, and I am certain other areas of Spring Creek, especially up the mountain from us, had much more snowfall. We haven’t seen this much snow all at once in the last several years because we just don’t seem to get snow in the drought years. This weather is the reason all of our vehicles are rusting away.
Carl has now replaced all the brake lines in our pickup truck. A few years ago when we purchased all the greenhouses we were coming back from Burlington NC with a trailer full of greenhouse parts, during a winter storm, when the DOT used calcium chloride on the roads in Old Fort to make it safe, snow and ice free for everyone. Needless to say, after that trip, our truck and trailer frame are completely rusted. How good can this stuff be for our environment? I am not sure of the environmental impact besides the decreased life span of our vehicles but it would be interesting to know.
When we were doing computer consulting, we would drive our Volvo to Charlotte, via Olf Fort, and the same thing happened to our Volvo. The Volvo frame is rusting away and Volvos are known for durability and sturdiness.
Our pickup truck now has completely new brakes, rotors, calipers, brake lines and a universal joint. If the body doesn’t rust apart the truck might be good for another couple years. Our neighbor Arthur said, “That truck will go another 100,000 miles but you better drive them soon.”
Next is a brake job on the Volvo. Then the van.  I need to photograph Arthur’s shop because it is such a SWEET place for working on our vehicles.
This is a waterfall on the top of the mountain. The past couple of months while hiking our loop trail I have noticed the water running each day which is wonderful to see because the water only ran after rain showers during the drought years!
This is a waterfall on the top of the mountain. I have noticed the water running each day the past couple of months while on a hike. The water didn't run all the time during our drought years!
Farmer

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