On the road with an unexpected sidetrip . . .

 This month, we're snowbirds. We escaped Spokane's 20F weather to spend six weeks in New Mexico's sunshine. Yes, it was a long drive down, but we're grateful to have that car with us to explore the lovely nature preserves and those truly picturesque Organ Mountains just outside Las Cruces.

The desire to go birding got us into a little trouble. Well, really, it was Google's fault. We optimistically planned to join up with a 7:30am birding group at Mesilla Valley Bosque State Park. Google mapped the way as we drove down a gravel road. Sadly, though, Google told us to turn left into an arroyo. We followed tire tracks left by others -- within minutes, we were stuck. Actually up to the hubcaps in sand. "No problem," we said. We'll just call AAA. Ha! No cell service.

We hiked up out of the arroyo to find two women walking their dogs in this isolated spot. Without any hesitation, they dove in to help us. Our new friends gave directions to AAA who said they would be right out. We set up our chairs by the gravel road; Sarah kept us company -- and brought us mandarin oranges for a snack. If you squint, you can see our car deep in the heart of the arroyo.

After a while, the man from AAA arrived to say, "No way can my truck go down that arroyo! I'll try to call someone for you." He left. Sarah said, "I think we can get you out." Within the next hour, about 8-10 people arrived to help. Randy brought shovels and boards. We dug out the car, and, amazingly, these kind neighbors pushed our car all the way back up out of the arroyo. What a relief after the stress of three-and-a-half hours! What amazing Good Samaritans!

But wait, there's more! We finally did make it to the information center at the Mesilla Valley Bosque State Park where we learned many others have gotten stuck in this particular arroyo. The ranger explained a wedding was planned this afternoon, so they were busy getting ready. We went on to lunch, so grateful to be back in the 'real' world. The man from AAA called, pleased to find we had gotten out. Then, Sarah called to alert us that the event truck for the wedding had gotten stuck in the same arroyo!

So, the lesson to this adventure? Don't go off a gravel road even if Google tells you this is the proper direction! Frankly, I'm a little reluctant to go down a gravel road now. 

Lesson #2 is simply that I'm more aware than ever of the kindness of others. Where would we be now without those Good Samaritans? How many such acts of kindness go unrecognized?

These last several years have been challenging for us all. How much have our close communities of family and friends made a difference. I hope that 2023 will be a good year for you.