That is insane that someone would go a couple thousand miles without popping their hood. I visually inspect under the hood and check the dipstick/coolant before turning her on to go for a drive.

Damn!!!!! Lucky!! That coulda been a lot worse!!!

That's a bummer. There's a company called "Heatshield Products" it's not as DIY friendly. It has a fiber insulation with a metal covering. It can be secured with wire wrap, metal zipties, or by tig welding. It's a similar product to what is used in formula drift and rally. It has no way of absorbing liquid

Cera coat