Andrew Payton wrote:t a jump, & make it the rest of the way home.  Once I get back

> into town, I immediately get a new alternator & now things are running fine
> again.

If the starter/solenoid was making no noise at all, you may need a relay.
  The problem may come back the next time you take a long trip.  Tapping the
starter or solenoid with a hammer or lug wrench while someone holds the key in the
start position is the usual temporary solution.

Larry A.