But better late then stuck forever in a place with barely any people I suppose.

You don't have to suppose. This is exactly the choice I lived with for more than 30 years when I first moved to New Mexico. Never take chances just to save time unless you are driving someone who is dying to the hospital. NEVER. I never regretted playing it safe. Not once. You made a good decision. Remember this lesson.

Much better dinner, too, than ramen noodles whipped up at the side of the road.

Still so glad you made it back home. <3