Unfortunately, I don't have much good news to share for the day. We thought we had the overheating figured out but soon found out otherwise at the beginning of the first speed stage out of Oaxaca. When were overheating getting out of town in traffic but got going and the temp dropped (it is much better when we are running with airflow and very bad idling). We got to the first speed stage and were spitting water out of the reserve reservoir. We proceeded on the speed section, taking it pretty easy and then all of a sudden there was a klinkity-clank noise and loss of power. Neither of which are never good. Dad pulled the car over on the shoulder and we waited as the rest of the cars passed and the crews who were sweeping started to come by. Fortunately, Todd Landon and Kristin Stewart stopped to check on us. They let us load onto their trailer and hauled us in to Servicio. It was very frustrating to be on the trailer but we had no other choice.
On our way to Servicio with the car on the trailer, we came across this GIANT wash out. Fortunately it wasn't during a speed section but, still, Holy Cow! Ya just never know what's around the next corner.
Every town has an impressive church. If someone hasn't already - coffee book table idea: The Churches of Mexico.
Once at Servicio we met Tom with the big truck and trailer and left the car with Tom to load to haul to Puebla. Because lack of room in Tom's rig (two other cars and drivers/copilotos also needed somewhere to ride) we rode with Todd and Kristin the rest of the day. It turned out to be a lovely ride with them. It was great to visit and get to know Todd and Kristin. We had quite a few laughs, made ourselves really hungry talking about beef and butter (Todd works for Land O' Lakes) and even picked up more passengers - a Mexican team in a Fiat who were having electrical problems. They became amigos of ours for the rest of the race and were always good spirited and friendly. They rode with us {and by "with us" I mean inside the Fiat} all the way to Tehuacan where their service crew met them and got them running again.
Alfredo and Ernesto's Fiat. Kinda funny story: It took a lot of effort to get our Ford on the trailer in the morning - three guys with an electric winch pulling up on the cord and then pulling in the slack with the electric motor and two people pushing from behind. The Fiat was so much lighter that the two guys just pushed it right on the trailer in the blink of an eye!
Lead the way, Einstein!
The biggest poinsettia plant I have ever seen!
These "bull"etin boards dotted our way through Mexico. No idea what they are selling. However, every time we would see one Dad would say, "Hurry, hurry, take a picture!" I would then be flustered and scrounge for the camera and try to get a picture as we zoomed by. This was the best I could do. We don't hold still for long enough!
Photo by Kristin - she caught us taking a little siesta. You don't realize how exhausted you get until you sit still.
Will update when I know more about the car. Lots of carnage and broken cars today.
The good news: We are safe and saw lots of beautiful scenery today. Mexico truly is a beautiful country.
1 comment:
I hope it all gets worked out!!
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