There is always the possibility, since this is speculative, that the correct explanation is the one offered by Hassan, however given the pieces which don't fit that story I think Kaufman and Rabinowitz' piece is pretty close to the truth.
We were not able to identify which Mosque he spent the night in before his journey, which might make the story even more compelling...
I agree, and if you ever do come across this information, I would be most interested.
Thanks again.