Hi folks,

I'm in Augusta, Maine, heading north (if I can).  I'm having major problems
getting my van (manual transmission) into 1st gear whenever I stop.  I'm
headed to Newfoundland, hoped to get there by the weekend but obviously
plans can change.  I had the van at Greg's place in Natick MA last week for
other things, he said he lubricated it so I wouldn't have this problem, but
obviously that didn't solve it.

Does anyone know any mechanics along the way who might be able to work on
it?  Augusta, Bangor, St. John (New Brunswick), etc...  Frederickton if that
makes more sense (I know there are vanagon folks there).

I don't think this is going to get better by itself.  I can get into
reverse, but not into first - once I'm driving, though, I have little or no
trouble shifting.  Mostly I've been able to get into first by going into
reverse, backing up a bit, and then somehow I can it into first.  But that's
not really a viable solution.  Driving non-stop isn't exactly viable
either...

Is anyone on the list in Augusta, while I'm asking?

Joy
and Matilda, '89 vanagon