Stuck in the Mud

We were out for a drive the other day. It had been raining off and on during the day and we couldn't do much outside because it was wet.

Our friend Factor happened to be here for a visit, and we're always trying to find the perfect property to tempt him to move here. We knew of a nice property for sale and wanted to show it to him. We also decided to take a drive over to see one of the properties that had been on our short list when we first started looking at properties three years ago.

I navigated from the back, as Guv'nor drove and Factor rode shotgun. After finding the properties, someone in the front seat suggested there had to be a better way back, since the way we had come involved several miles of gravel roads. So rather than turning around and going back the way we came, we carried on down the road looking for another way back home. We were just out for a drive and were not in any particular hurry, so it all sounded reasonable.

It went well for about half a mile, until the gravel road curved to the right and turned into a dirt road.  It looked fine at first, but underneath a thin layer of dirt was a thick layer of mud.

After about 50 yards it was obvious (at least to me in the back seat) that we were getting stuck in the mud. After a few reverses, spinning wheels, straightening the wheels, slipping into the grass, and more attempts,  it was more obvious to the ones in the front seat. Guv'nor and Factor inspected, discussed, inspected, conferred, and then decided we were stuck.

Eventually, Factor phoned his AAA breakdown (I say eventually because there was no cell service where we were). Trying to describe exactly where we were to AAA was almost comical - if we hadn't been stuck in the mud in the middle of nowhere. Soon after we began our wait for AAA to arrive, someone suggested having another go at getting out. After all, if we got more stuck, rescue was on its way. But thankfully, one more attempt paid off and Guv'nor was able to reverse back enough to catch the gravel. So Factor cancelled AAA.

I sat in the back seat and observed the entire time because I didn't want to get my shoes muddy. I tried to keep quiet. Eventually though my pride got the better of me and I just had to say, "So, is this the better way back?" 

We ended up turning around and going back the way we came.

We got to just beyond the tree.

The tires were completely covered in sticky gumbo mud.

This attempt ended on the edge of the road in the grass next to the fence.

The cows in the field next to the road were enjoying the show.

The final attempt ended back on the gravel.