We're trying to get as much driving done tonight as possible, so it'll mean less time in the car tomorrow during the dessert day. Even now the road temp is 89F with the daytime high reaching around 110F.
The problem with the car is either with the radiator or transmission, and causes the engine to run really hot under stressful conditions. To remedy this (by Al's advice), we often have to drop down to 3rd gear (and about 50mph) while putting the HEAT on full blast. This helps keep the engine within normal operating temperatures, thankfully. If it gets to be too hot, we have to pull over and chill.
The risk is that she gets caught in the red and we have a true breakdown- we're being very careful. The repairs aren't something we can do on the road, we're just doing our best to baby her and get home safe.
Blasting the heat at 84F in the dessert makes this quite a ride. We're almost constantly drinking water just so we don't stop sweating. Right now I'm knocking on wood and the car is running cool.
It was great hanging out with Jesse and the guys in Vegas- it was a nice contrast to the rest of the journey. It was really cool hanging out with friends from home after 3 weeks and 5,800 miles on the road. Thanks for the accomodations at the Rio.
Viva La Vida.
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