I spent the weekend at John C. Campbell with Eric while he taught a class. But after the 3-day session, Eric’s week-long session was about to start, and I didn’t want Chance to spend the entire week in the kennel. So I headed back home to pick him up. (I know… I left the awesome folk school to go and be with my dog! I couldn’t help it…)
At 9 am I arrived at the kennel, which is located at the bottom of a steep, narrow, stone-paved driveway. I got down the hill no problem. Was very excited to pick up Chance and he was doubly excited to see me. He quickly hopped in the van anxious to get out of there and home to all his toys.
With Chance hanging his head out the window and me eager to get back to the homestead, I made my way up the steep driveway. But I apparently did not step on the gas hard enough when climbing the hill and got stuck. So I put it in reverse so I could get another good start at a small plateau. However, my back tire got too close to the edge of the driveway and I wound up with the backside in a ditch!
Almost two hours later, a tow truck arrived and pulled me out. I felt a little better that he himself would not drive his truck down the driveway. Instead he carried down a cable and hooked it up underneath my car. I put it in second gear and waited for the truck to haul me up. At the top of the hill, with my car safe and sound, and upon him learning that I’m a recent transplant from New Hampshire, he eased my embarrassment by letting me know that this happens all the time — It’s called Tennessee Clay and you never know what it’s going to do under your feet.
I appreciated him trying to make me feel better. But I think it was more about me eager to get home and not paying attention when I was driving in reverse!
Oops 🙂
When it happened, I had some other choice words other than “oops!” LOL.