One mistake led to others

The fallout from Hurricane Simon was headed to the oasis, with 100% chance of rain predicted. I wanted to be there to monitor any road damage, runoff into tanks, etc. It did rain while I was there, but no runoff, just long periods of light to moderate rain, mostly during the nights. With wind raging last night, which traditionally causes power outages, and my food running low going into my third day there, I decided the rains were winding down so I'd go back to Alpine.

The ground was saturated and the road barely doable. When I got safely past my property, I remembered I had forgotten my prescription eye drops (mistake #1). They're only good for 30 days and very expensive (Restasis), so I decided to at least try to go back after them. That was mistake number two.

I made two failed attempts at getting back up the big hill and having to back down. Very difficult when you can't see where you're backing. I constantly had to get out in the raging wind and rain to make sure I wasn't going off the edge. And then I had to back all the way to the turnaround, around curves, on the narrow slick road. When I finally got to the turnaround, I backed into it in a manner I should have known better (mistake #3 if you're still counting) and was immediately hopelessley stuck. Why didn't I get out, yet again, and make sure where I was backing?

So I had to hike to my sister's house, she took me to a neighbor's, who came and pulled me out. They don't live there, but on my first drive out this morning, before I turned back for my eye drops, I saw they were at their cabin.  I was too stressed to think to take a photo until after they got me out and were unhooking their straps.

Great guys! So grateful to them! I'm hoping the ordeal doesn't cost me being real sick. We shall see.

On a brighter note, I won't have to water for at least 2 weeks, and on the way to town, I saw a new Brewster County species for me (#355), Greater White-fronted Goose, at a pond along the highway. I dared not get out of my pickup to photograph them. I knew they'd flush. So I shot through my mud-spattered passenger window (don't have auto windows in my pickup).

Also enjoyed photographing a Hammond's Flycatcher at the oasis day before yesterday. Birding is really slow right now. 

This recent Cassin's Finch at the oasis encourages me to think this might become a good winter for birds.