The Kindness of Strangers

March 8, 2020

Flash floods, flat tires and trail angels

what a day. I woke up this morning and sent a text out that we would need our raingear as it was pouring outside. The only downside was that I thought it was 6:40am but my phone had switched to Daylight savings and it was still 5:40am in the morning. Thank goodness most had their do not disturb on their phones.

After an hours rest we all headed for breakfast

We walked back to our hotel and loaded up to leave by 9ish

The cafe in Elfrida was closed so we all went to the Dollar store. Warm clothes were bought and Rosa invited us to come to her church. Brother David and Father Emmit arrived and visited with us.

We were SO thankful to get a chance to dry off and warm up and visit. They made us a pot of coffee and we had such a nice time.

We rode out once we were warm, had our lunch and put dry clothes on. I got my zipper stuck in my glove so had to stop.

Then we stopped at Sandy's and found some snacks for our climb tomorrow

Then just 100 yards from our destination-OMG-A flash flood!

Now what to do? Chris called John at the Dreamcatcher BnB to see what to do.

We can see the driveway just past this raging river.

Branches were rushing across through the stream. It was amazing

These two fellows came down but they were just checking the flood level. No way were they going to cross it

Billy came with his tractor but he didn't dare go in. He did give us a case of wine as he is the vineyard next door

Half the group rode to his garage to wait for the water to recede

Chris, Dennis and I stayed behind because John told Chris another truck was coming

It's BJ! She drove right through that river! Loaded us up and brought us across

Then she crossed back to get everyone else

She brought everyone across! Another trail angel!

We finally got to our BnB. Happy Hour with John and Julia at the Dreamcatcher. Beautiful place.

Today's ride: 54 miles (87 km)
Total: 384 miles (618 km)

Rate this entry's writing	Heart	3
Comment on this entry	Comment	4

Scott AndersonOh, drat! I’m really sorry I’ve gotten behind on this. We stayed at the Dreamcatcher four years ago on our ride from Tucson to Silver City. I’d have asked you to say hello to John and Julia for us. Glad to see they’re still there. That’s an amazing story about the flood!
Reply to this comment
4 years ago

Janet Anspach-RickeyTo Scott AndersonI should have known you have already met these two and stayed at the Dream-Catcher. What a neat place. They do have it for sale but I think Chris said it was for sale three years ago when he brought a group in! We didn't go through Benson so I didn't get a chance to look for your helmet! Surely someone will ride through there for you!
Reply to this comment
4 years ago

Scott AndersonTo Janet Anspach-RickeyYes, it was for sale when we came through there also. It is a great place, and a real haven in the middle of nowhere. It looks like your group has followed nearly the same itinerary we did for the first half of our ride, but after the Dreamcatcher we started taking a roundabout way East to New Mexico.

The helmet request was a joke by the way, so you must have missed that day of our tour. The helmet is out in the desert about twenty miles north of Benson, after I threw it out into the cactus in frustration when the strap broke. Folks made me feel guilty about being a litterbug, so I thought you could wade out into the cactus and bring it back for me.
Reply to this comment
4 years ago

Janet Anspach-RickeyTo Scott AndersonI know, I have some catching up to do on your journals. Looks like I will have time as we wade through this whole COVID19 adventure!
Reply to this comment
4 years ago