This sounds dreadful! Funnily told, as always with the stories of your very interesting life.

Can I assume that was the end of that?

Folks get so nuts about making time. I am equally nuts, but about getting great MPG out of my car. I drive slowly, accelerate while going downhill, and deccelerate while going up. I'm sure I drive some others mad. Heavy trucks do this though, so I find one that is going the speed I want to go, and stay behind it. This behavior is tolerated in trucks, but not in personal cars. I spend three days on a trip that others would make in one. I arrive at my destinations rested and ready to eat apples. With cheese of course. And I probably brought both of those with me, because not just any apple or cheese will do.