Yagi is Back! Now Boondocking on the Black Rock Desert's Playa

Wednesday, May 10

Well, the pickup of Yagi from the mechanic wasn't as smooth as I'd hoped.  Still, by 9AM I had possession once again, paid the bill and was headed towards Tonopah, NV to join up with Chris and Lori Z.

Yagi basically has a new top end for her engine.  Here's some pics of the old parts that were replaced:

You can see where the intake valve that broke off impacted on the piston's face several times and apparently holed it too.

The intake valve broke off from it's holder, basically looks like it sheared off!

The intake valve is well and truly jammed in the head.

I joined up with the Z's later in the afternoon and we had a few shots of Ensign Red Caramel Whiskey to soothe my sorrows.

Thursday, May 11

I woke early as usual, took Yagi for another test ride around the BLM area to the south of the town of Tonopah where I spent the night.  Yagi ran great!

Around 9AM I left the Z's to scout ahead to our next planned boondocking site.  It was in the "playa" or beach of the Black Rock Desert NCA (National Conservation Area).  Same area where the storied Burning Man Festival is hosted annually apparently.

I found the hot springs that had led me to pick this area but no camping allowed within 300 ft of them so I searched for some place nearby.

So I went down the Trego Beach Access road and after dithering for a bit as to whether Uma was too heavy for the sand or not; I did venture out onto the playa/beach and picked a spot close to the access road just in case.

Uma didn't sink too much so it's all good for now

Chris and Lori Z experienced some vibration issues with one of their Overlander's ties.  So they stopped while still in civilization to have it looked at.  Hopefully, it'll be something easy and simple and join me soon on the playa.

Tonight's sunset wasn't too bad: