Setback in Pennsylvania

On the drive into Pennsylvania yesterday, the check engine light decided to rear its ugly head. The rig seemed to be running fine, so I was guessing some sort of emission code. I pulled off the interstate and checked the OBD2 reading. A code for p0036 came up on the reader. Not heating the O2 sensor downstream from the catalytic converter. Probably something thanks to my pot smoking mechanics in Warwick who installed the cat. I cleared the code but it returned about 1/2 hour later. I’m hanging at a campground in Mercer PA waiting for the Ford dealer on Monday.

Today I went on a failed mission to hike Hell’s Hollow in Mercer. I pedaled the bike the six miles into town getting buzzed and honked at by rednecks in large pick ups. The trailhead is located on golf course property and when I pulled up, a guy on a cart rolled up and said the trail is closed to the public. I tried to cajole my way in, but he wasn’t having it.

I rode down a steep decline into a gorge and came back around to the highway. Stopped at the Ford dealer but the commercial guys are off Saturdays. I spun my way back down Butler Pike towards camp. I saw an Amish guy in a buggy jamming across the road exiting from a quiet little lane off to the side. I turned in and rode around the bucolic farmlands of west Pennsylvania. 20 miles later, I returned to the camper and moved over to another spot to wait out the weekend.

Lazy day. Lubed up the bikes and fixed a few things but mostly enjoyed the quiet. Got in some reading and rest.