So the story continues....

We made it to Brandon's folks' house without further incident, by now it was nearly 10 pm. Luckily they had some food and beer to take the edge off. Stayed up late chatting with them, and finishing off their last bottle of tequila, and crashed in their camper out back (it had a/c, which was much appreciated!). Needless to say, sleep came well...

Up early this morning to take the car to Roger and have him work some magic. Dropped her off, went to get parts and other supplies (like road flares and a tool kit!) and returned. He reattached the exhaust (with locking bolts this time) put in about 1/2 inch spacers to raise her a little, we adjusted the timing, and put on new exhaust manifold gaskets. Our original plan was to hit the road by 9 or 10 - that didn't happen. However, we were able to take off by 1:00. Many thanks to Roger and Brandon's parents for getting us through our first 24 hours of the trip, and on our way!

I will recap today's drive later this evening....