I knew there was no chance I was going to make it to a gas station in time… might as well just enjoy the ride.  After passing what seemed like the fifth exit in a row without services, I hoped that when I inevitably had to pull over to the side of the highway, I would at least find cell phone service, so I could call AAA.  But I wasn’t optimistic.  Southern Idaho seemed to be a dead zone as far as the petrochemical industry was concerned.  Perhaps people drove around on potato-based biodiesel in these parts.

With its gas gauge a quarter-inch below empty, my Jeep still managed to cruise down the highway until, beyond all expectations, we came within sight of an exit and a big sign for Exxon-Mobil.  Saved!  But then the Jeep sputtered and died right at the end of the off-ramp.  So close. 

I jumped out the door and cranked the steering wheel while I used some leg muscle to move the Jeep off the ramp and onto the side of the road.  The gas station lay on the opposite side of the highway.  Now, what to do about a gas can …