Having the whole weekend to dwell on how much this van problem will cost, and how long it will take to fix, my spirits are fairly low. Although, for some reason, I'm not freaking out the way I should be. The mechanics are looking at it now.

Here's the coolest thing I came across in Rock Springs, WY. Millie apparently is not a fan of monkeys wearing hats.

....

Update: the fire was caused by the mechanics in Denver who put on my new brakes. They didn't lube the bearings [at all or as well as they should have], so they seized up and caught on fire. Awesome. I called Tilden's in Denver, prepared to fight them on paying for the damage [nevermind they are costing me 5 days of vacation and I'm sleeping in a rock pit all the while], but they immediately took responsibility and paid the bill. I should be on the road by tomorrow. Barb and Al have been texting me to check on the progress quite a bit, God bless 'em.