[kfosburg]

Sounds like solenoid is sticky and the little bit of extra juice after the full night trickle charge was enough to get past the static friction point (which is what whacking it as suggested by Joe Bob helps with). New battery is not a bad idea, but I would just park on a hill and have jumper cables handy until you get it home.

It will just be one more automotive adventure to reminisce over soon...

Good luck!

Karl