Ruby, so you studied geology, it's a small world. I was a professional geologist from 1978 to 2009 (and currently if I include some consulting). Hence the Geocritter handle. I worked about half my career in petroleum and the other half in environmental. I liked both fields, but it was a lot more pleasant in petroleum telling someone that I'd found oil under their property and they were going to be rich, rather than in environmental when such a statement might foreshadow their bankruptcy.
BTW here's a photo of the modification I made to my Caravan for the trip. I slept on top and stored my gear underneath with access provided by three removable top panels. What would've been better is a Grand Caravan, the cargo area's about 2' longer and that would've made a nice difference for me (like I could've reinstalled the front passenger seat backwards and turned it into an easy chair).
Steve