Look on the bright side: You've now done a radiator flush!
That is a pretty serious issue, but I'm afraid I'm not surprised (especially given the shifter cable problems us Axis/Vegas owners had a while ago). At least you were able to correct the problem and continue on your vacation.
Have to love it when it turns out to be something simple that you can fix--even if it is something simple that should have never left the plant like that.