Overlandnm

Devices charged, maps updated, podcasts, and a couple of movies downloading and one last glance at the new route. Something felt off about this trip. New fires in both NM and AZ, while not near where I was planning to be, fire season in the West is different. Even Grizz was relaxed as he watched me pack. Like he knew not to be too excited, instead of his usual singing and insistence on helping pack and load. It wasn’t just the fires; I’ve been around plenty of fire, wildland, structure, and otherwise. Something about the trip, the weekend, or even the idea of a trip felt different. Looking at the forecast, I decided I’d rather explore more of an area I know well and have spent countless nights in. I convinced myself and my wife that changing our plans from a solo trip to bringing the whole crew would be a great escape from the coming heat this weekend.  We were packed and loaded in record time. We even consolidated our kitchen to one box! A feat we never imagined possible. 

The drive out of town was uneventful as usual. Passing through the Plains of San Augustine, headed toward a favorite and well-traveled forest road, our crew headed south into the Cibola NF, like we have many times before. Smoke and light storm clouds covered the sky, making an early summer afternoon feel like a late fall evening. After airing down and turning at the first intersection on this familiar route, we shifted down to 4 LO on a gentle hill as we always do. The truck and trailer behind it felt normal; I felt like finally the trip is here and we made it after all.

Windows were down for us, but mostly the dogs to enjoy the fresh, cooler mountain air blowing through the cab. As we followed the road through a dry wash and past ponderosa pine on both sides, the trail became oddly quiet. The truck engine had stalled with no warning. I threw the truck into neutral, slowly stopped, and restarted the truck. Phew, that was weird. I kind of chuckled as I didn’t want to seem too worried. Minutes later, we’re coasting again. The haze from the smoke made the moment oddly beautiful. I restarted the truck, continued on towards camp. We made it farther this time and felt like whatever odd occurrence that was, we were back to normal. The truck stalled moments later and would not start. I grabbed the jump pack out of the Decked drawer. I wanted it fully accessible with all the hopeless cranking of the starter. 

Confusion more than panic set in. I hiked up to the ridge line in search of cell service. I was able to get some text messages out to a couple of absolutely amazing people that were willing and able to come to our rescue. One last attempt before waiting for a trailer and a long night, I cranked it one more time. Success! With the truck running, I decided to try going back to 2WD. The engine idled roughly but kept running. We immediately hit the trail limping back towards the highway, relieved but defeated about our weekend with cooler temps coming to an end before it began.

We slowly made our way. As soon as we got to service, we canceled our rescuers and thanked them profusely. While exploring, there are lots of moments of reflection, and it’s easy to dwell on the negatives. Even in a stressful and failed adventure like this one, I was at ease as soon as we were moving. As a pack of fairly adventurous people on a routine trip, we handled the unexpected well. We made a plan and stuck to it. We were calm; we’ve been through worse; we have what we need even if we can’t move. We’re made for this, we thought. This is what comes with playing outside in tough environments. As the highway came into view, so did actual relief. We’re much more easily towed home from here.

Fittingly, less than a couple hundred yards shy of the asphalt highway, where the adventure ends, we saw what was truly a symbolic animal. El Tejon, The Badger. Large for its size, weathered, and confident, stood an American Badger. Just a few yards from the truck on the side of the dusty county road, a truly impressive animal. The badger watched as we stopped the truck and watched back; it was more concerned with going about its business than hearing our story. We had never seen a badger in the wild, a first sighting that we will likely never forget. They are tough, resilient, and capable animals; we can be too.

 Our meeting with El Tejon was brief but impactful. These are the moments that make it worth the drive.

The truck is fine now. Codes are reset, the engine light is off, and all 4WD systems are working.

Until the next adventure.

Andy