Disaster in Deming!

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Let the drama unfold...
On Thursday we were traveling from Phoenix, AZ to Roswell, NM. It was only 88 degrees out but the Jeep computer came up with a "Transmission Overtemperature" alarm. This was a little curious because the temperature the day before was 109 with no problems at all. We got off at the next exit and brought it to the first shop we came across. The determination was that the Jeep would not get out of 1st gear. We stopped at the next motel and slept on it.

What do we do? Repair the tranny? Donate the car and fly home? Rent a car? In the end we decided to buy a 2005 Ford Escape. It's a little smaller than the Grand Cherokee but we did what we had to. The whole process took awhile so we've stayed 3 nights in Deming, NM. Half of the restaurants and shops are boarded up and there's fast food on every corner. There are also stinkbugs EVERYWHERE. Our inn's dumpster has 2 rottweilers guarding it. There's no explanation here.

So we are a little bit poorer and a little of schedule but we are still going forward.

Next update: Aliens in Roswell?

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Photos

Goodbye Jeep
Transmissions are expensive.

Hello 2005 Ford Escape
Once you go black, you never go back.

Grand Motor Inn
We didn't find the pool until the last day :(

Stinkbugs
There were thousands of these things all over Deming. They were also chronically out of focus.

Comments

[Matt W]

Oh Man...
Katja and I had the same thing happen to us on our cross country trip years ago. I say we do away with transmissions, what good are they, anyway?

[Liam McDermott]

GRAND MO R INN
Sorry about the JEEP. But do you mean you stayed at a place that has HBO? That place is really "Grand". I bet they had phones in every room. Was the TV in color? Sorry I just woke up, and am feeling punchy. Miss you guys, and can't wait to here more. Hope all is well. Liam

[Auntie Chris]

Cherokee Nation
Hey Kim and Nick, Looks like you're having a fantastic time!! The pictures are awesome. I didn't like the snakes though. Too bad about the Cherokee but maybe it was time for a new ride. Enjoy your trip. We miss you. I don't know about Kerin though--heard her parties are the bomb!! Love you both!!