There is no possible way anyone on here can tell you yay or nay on driving it safely for 26 miles each way. You are going to have to evaluate and make that decision. I will say it is not a good idea to overheat that engine. More importantly, never put cold coolant or water in a hot block. Ask me how I know.

Do you have any friends that are mechanically inclined? Someone that can come over and help determine if its safe to drive that distance?

 

If you are loosing coolant and can't see a leak it might be your head gasket. Another clue
is instant pressurizing of coolant tank with no warm up. Exhaust goes right into coolant.

 

Old thread, and hopefully the OP has it resolved, but here goes:

1. If you're losing coolant, the prime suspect should be the thermostat housing. It's plastic. One day it will crack. I plan on keeping my car long enough that I have a spare upper and lower housing for that day.

2. If you're sure it isn't the housing, check again.

3. If it positively isn't the housing, change your oil. If it looks like chocolate milk, you have a bigger problem, most likely a head gasket, but not always.

4. If you suspect a head gasket is blown, buy a combustion leak tester (about $65). It's a simple test that will check for hydrocarbons in your cooling system.

 

Scanning for a code will give you the best answer