Travelling in remote areas is always risky and dangerous. Last week when I experienced driving difficulties I felt very vulnerable yet grateful for the support that materialized. In spite of the dirt roads, rock fall, snow and ice that plague the ‘highways’, so far I have been lucky escaping any major issues.
My luck ran out however, when a slow leak turned into a flat tire while driving into Gold Bridge to meet with some business friends. Actually, the tire became shredded when I could not safely stop because I was on a stretch of single lane ‘highway ‘with blind corners, sheer drops and no barriers. Added to this was a total lack of cell coverage, absolutely no CAA or roadside assistance and non-existent drive by traffic.
Struggling with the owner’s manual trying to figure out where they had hidden the spare tire on my new Honda, I felt very exposed and to be honest, downright scared. It was -25c with a biting breeze, no one had driven by in 30 minutes and though I had a phone, the lack of coverage made it impossible to call for help.
As things started to look grim my luck took a turn for the better when, not one but two residents stopped to help. Considering the population of Gold Bridge is only 44, this was great community support! As the three of us conquered and replaced the shredded tire with the almost full-sized spare, I learned about another unwritten rule of the road.
In this and other remote areas when a vehicle is on the side of the road, everyone stops … every time. People in small communities and wilderness areas have to support each other since outside ‘help’ is not always possible. This natural approach felt refreshing from the four lane highway rules I have been used to, ‘never stop for anybody’ was the mantra I was raised on.
Now, I certainly wouldn’t think twice about stopping to help anyone, especially Nita & Russ, who thankfully braved the cold temperatures to see me to safety! Realizing how lucky I really was, I wondered how different would our world be if everyone stopped once in a while to help their fellow travelers?
Related articles
- Winter driving tips (mnn.com)
February 1, 2012
I’m glad that you were safe. Thank God that those neighbours came along to help. Especially in that cold weather. Take care.
February 1, 2012
Thanks Sue – it was a real community lesson for me.
February 1, 2012
I too am glad you’re safe. It doesn’t surprise me though, in that we tend to attract the energy we give out. I see you stopping, in your role as coach, to help people balance their tires so that they may continue their journey with better odds of getting to their destinations.
February 1, 2012
Interesting and wise observation Lynn … perhaps as Coaches we can also faciliate indentifying what the ‘spare’ tire might be to help keep people moving.
February 1, 2012
Nothing like community!!!! So glad you are safe and continue to your wonderful lessons.
February 1, 2012
And I am privileged to consider you part of my virtual community!