Have I ever mentioned how hard Nicaraguan roads are on vehicles? Yesterday, it was my alternator - which, fortunately for me, died while I was in Managua. Today, I get my battery box re-welded to the frame. I've been fighting this fundamental flaw in the '97 hilux since I bought it. I've learned more in the last year than I ever cared to know about repairing my truck with an arc welder. The good news it that it only cost me about 50 cordobas or $3. Tropical storm Beta is forecast to hit tomorrow night so stay tuned.