I am not an adventurer and rarely like to step outside of my comfort zone. However, in 2019 my wife and I decided to buy an RV and take a cross-country trip in 2021. This decision was huge for me! (You can read more about that here). So when we hit the road in 2021, I decided to be open to new adventures.
While staying in Escalante, my wife and I decided to drive the Burr-Trail Road starting in Boulder, UT. We figured we would hike Singing Canyon and Long Canyon, taking the day as it came. As we parked our truck at the Singing Canyon trailhead, a Land Rover pulled up behind us. This was a fully loaded vintage Land Rover, to the point one could not see out the back. It appeared packed for a backcountry camping expedition.
Sitting in our truck, we watched as the Land Rover backed onto the embankment lining the edge of the parking area. Trying to understand why he is backing up, we watch in bewilderment as the back end of the Land Rover rolled off the edge of the embankment. With the front off the ground and the back hanging off the edge, we didn’t understand what just happened. I’ll add we are the only two vehicles at this trailhead in a remote part of Utah.
Confused and unsure of what we observed, we wondered how or if we could help, so I offered my assistance. As the driver walks around the Land Rover assessing the situation, he asks if I have 4-wheel drive and tow hooks. I said yes. He pulls out a tow strap and suggests we try pulling the Land Rover out. Now two of his buddies show up on bicycles shaking their heads, asking how did this happen? I have no comment.
They proceed to strap up their vehicle, hook up to my tow hooks, and tell me to put my truck into 2 low. I am way out of my comfort zone at this point, hoping I don’t ruin my transmission, pull off the tow hooks, or rip the hitch off his vehicle to have it fly through my front windshield and kill me. At this point, I slowly back up to reduce slack on the tow line, giving the truck some extra gas to see if we can yank the Land Rover off the edge of the embankment. Sure enough, the Land Rover moves a little. Somewhat confident in the set-up, I try again this time giving it more gas. With just enough gas and the power of my Chevy Silverado, I pulled the Land Rover up over the embankment and back into the parking lot. Wow, I was pretty impressed! That’s when I became a Boss in my Chevy Silverado and became a little more adventurous!
In case you were wondering, the starter in the Land Rover wasn’t working. The guy was trying to park on the embankment to get a rolling start after his hike.
My wife recorded this moment as the scene unfolded. Enjoy!
Let’s hear about your unexpected travel experiences! Please share in the comments below.
Savvy-Traveler 