The Batmobile

We wanted to rent a little Nissan Versa because we figured a hatchback would be best, I'd rented one before and loved it, it's classified as an economy car, and neither Britt nor I thought we'd be comfortable driving anything much larger.

Renting cars is kind of a crapshoot, so we weren't all too surprised that it wasn't available (although it did break our hearts a little). Instead, the man offered us a Mazda 3. Everything was great until we all realized it didn't have cruise control. Oh, Hell-to-the-no. The Camry nearby had a crack in the windshield, so that was out. I hate Chevy Cruz. But what about...

We named him Alfred.

The car had less than 9000 miles on the odometer when we got it, but already said an oil change was required. As of Friday, 8/31, we've put another 7000ish miles on it, neglected to change the oil, and traveled up and down so many damned curvy mountain roads that the brakes are starting to squeal. We've eaten meals, spilt soda and stank up the inside of the car with dirty feet, beef jerky, Yellowstone-stank and the inevitable aftermath of two people surviving off of coffee and Taco Bell. We've got sand from the Badlands collected inside the gas tank door and along the wheel rims, sand and seashells from the Oregon coast ripening in the trunk, and so many bugs plastered on the front of the car, it looks like we're attempting a new form of art.

Mmmm... tasty...

In addition, we were in a six-car pile up leaving Austin, Texas a few hours ago. Suffice to say, we are (obviously) fine. It was more a tap dance than a pile up. But that gets whole post in its own right. Loss damage waiver high-five! ... We hope.