A Walk In The Dark

Can't remember if I've given much voice to a new nannying job I have or not? We'll call her Baby Girl. Baby Girl was born mid-December, so she's just 4 1/2 months old now. This family lives rurally and the closest to us (of all the peanuts I've nannied for) - the drive is only about 45 minutes. As a result, I haven't been late to work once yet (in 4 times) - a real coup for any of you who are familiar with my always-tardy habits (that I'd love to break ONE of these days)!

Anyway, after work last night, I drove into town to have a quick dinner with my folks to celebrate MOM'S BIRTHDAY TODAY!!!! I left before it was completely dark (with rain imminent), but, of course, it WAS completely dark 50 minutes later when I pulled off the main road. The 1st transfer from the 1-Ton to the Suburban went just fine as did the 2nd transfer from the Suburban to the Subaru. As I loaded the dogs into the Subaru, I encouraged them with, "Last time! We'll be home soon!"

I probably jinxed myself with my little "home again, home again, jiggety-jog" song once we were underway after the last transfer. We still had the Bridge Over Trouble Washout to cross.

I pulled up to the washout and got out to line up the 2x12s. Oops, not far enough forward. So, I got back in and pulled the car up. Okaaaayyy, slight toe nudge over of that board, and we're good! Back into the car, and I pulled forward. And experience a sinking feeling. The real, not metaphysical, kind. Uh-oh! (Okay, so I said something else.) But, THANK GOODNESS for 4-wheel drive. I quickly put the stick shift into reverse, and oh-so-gently depressed the gas pedal as I lifted my foot off the clutch.

Nope, nope, nope . . . a quick slip . . . and then GRAB and I was out! But out of WHAT, exactly?!

Turns out, the OTHER side (the side I was on!) of the culvert had been eroded away underneath, too! My front left tire had completely broken through (nothin' but air underneath!), but the front right had only gone down into soft gravel, and the two rear were still on solid ground. Once again, I was L-U-C-K-Y!

So, I reduced my purse, full cooler, and two bags into one bag of necessaries, unloaded the dogs . . . and started walking. The rain was coming down in only a mist at that point, which actually served to cool me off nicely during the walk in high rubber boots. I got home only 1/2 an hour later than planned, and the walk was only a little over a mile long.

After chores were done and I was inside relaxing on the couch in library, the heavens opened and it POURED. Good timing! I wonder what the road will look like today?

And so, where does this leave us regarding transportation? I'm not quite sure. I don't think we have lumber long & strong enough to span the wider washout. I'm hoping last night's rain washed enough of the snow off the longer "back way" to make it driveable. I'll head out this afternoon to test it. Wonder how much of a walk I'll have THEN if I get stuck? ;)