Originally Posted by
Traveler
From Rutland Vt (using this as the benchmark city), you will be approximately 760 miles from Ft Wayne, or a 12-hr drive (one long day drive). Air travel delays with oversold airlines may take several days to get you to your destination if there are problems like storms, etc. IMHO, you would be better off with a car to store your gear in and be in command of your movement if the family emergency is time sensitive. Renting the car to return to the place you are renting from (with unlimited mileage) will be the better option, probably requiring 50-gallons of fuel with a small economy car (approximately $200), meals you will have with you or can stop for cheap food along the way, spending the night may be easily done car camping (guessing on this), which you have all your gear to accommodate.