Day 2: Panic and Preparations

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In the morning light, things didn't look so good. When the initial fog of the night's sleep had been rolled back by the second cup of coffee, I realized I had a major problem. My dear truck was exposed and vulnerable to anyone who wanted to abuse it. Not to mention that I felt castrated by the combination of my carelessness and lack of my only means of transportation.

At this time the truck, though mine and paid for in cash, was insured through the insurance company used by Holly's mom Betty. More specifically, the truck was on Betty's policy. The reason was that Holly had determined that we could get a better rate as a dependent than a 24 year old, single male. Now that's a surprise!. More on this later. I decided that the very first thing I must do is call the insurance company, which I did. The agent was very helpful and sympathetic. First, he wanted to know if anyone was injured. When I replied "No", the immediately got less interested and stated that he had a long list of "non-injury" cases to work on and mine would have to "go in the queue". I told him that I was concerned that the truck, currently supported by the lone mesquite tree that saved our lives, might get tired and give way resulting in a total loss. "Tough", if it happens, it happens. He asked me what I proposed to do to rectify the situation. I said without hesitation "get a 4WD wrecker, roll the truck on it's wheels and drive it home". I explained about the slow speed roll not doing any damage of consequence and that all I really needed was to right the vehicle. He stated that some would be calling me once my case came to the front of the queue.

Recognizing that I was low on the insurance company's list of priorities and being a pro-active kinda guy, I decided to take matters in my own hands. So, I called my best friend from Mines, Gary Lubers and explained my predicament. I figured that since Gary had a CJ-5 Jeep, the road would be no sweat. We could be in and out in a couple of hours. I had, in my haste to plan a solution, failed to consider that Gary had a job as a Metallurgist at a copper mine south of town. As such, in his position of responsibility, he couldn't just "call in sick" and go rescue my truck. But, he said, he could help on Saturday, which was tomorrow.

At this point all I could do was wait - so I did. No calls from the insurance company, so I made plans to perform my self-rescue. I used Holly's car and ran around town to get all the supplies I could conceivable need: Battery acid which could have leaked out from the truck being on its side. Gas. Oil. A spare tire. Technical rock climbing gear including pitons, rock bolts, carabiners, rope and pulleys. A come-along hand winch. Chain and cable. Even a fire extinguisher.

Day 3: Disappointment to the Max

Saturday came and we were ready to go. The crew consisted of Gary, Holly, myself and another Mines buddy George Sanders. George was coming along more to gloat and take pictures than any personal interest in helping, but hey, another pair of hands might make the difference between success and failure.

As we made the transition from blacktop to dirt, a light rain started to fall. most of the upper reaches of the mountain were shrouded in clouds and fog. As we made our way up the face of Agua Caliente Hill, Gary made the comment "Boy, this is steeper than I expected". The implication was that he thought I was exaggerating when I explained the task in front of us. For Gary, as seasoned four wheeler from Colorado and a man of few words, such a comment carried much weight. As the trail got higher up the slope it also got steeper. The steepness being reflected in Gary's pursed lips, set jaw and the total lack of conversation among the passengers. We soon reached the fork and proceeded north down the ridge to Agua Caliente creek. During intermittent breaks in the clouds we could see across the canyon to the opposing ridge where the tucks lay. the first sight brought gasps from Holly when she realized how close we had come to buying the farm. George whistled and Gary only emitted a short "Hummph".

Slide 1 . The photo above shows the view from across Agua Caliente Canyon. Note that the truck is on it's side at the edge of the trail. Additionally, note the depth of the canyon based on the height of the sagauro cactus (typically 20-30 feet tall). The bottom of the canyon can barely be seen at the bottom of the photo.

Slide 2. The photo above shows a similar view through a telephoto lens from a slightly different camera postition. The steepness of the hill can be clearly be seen in this photo.

Slide 3. This photo shows a closer view as we approached the accident site from below. It is easy to see how much of the side of the vehicle was hanging over the cliff.

Within 30 minutes we were up the ridge at the truck. The photos below tell the story.

Slide 5. This photo shows a view of the canyon and site from above.

Slide 6. Another view of the site.

The hair on the back of my neck was on end as I inspected how close we had come to the one way ticket on the gravity express to the cold waters of the canyon below. Slide 10 below shows the off-camber of the trail looking downslope as well as highlighting the precarious nature of the situation.

Slide 10. Another view of the site. Note the off camber nature of the trail as well as the overhang of the vehicle.

Then I noticed that something was amiss. Both uphill wheels were gone! Oh, shit I've been vandalized. Upon closer inspection I noticed that side window on the downhill side was broken - and it was not broken in the roll. This struck me as particularly unnecessary since the door was unlocked. Once I got inside, I saw that the stereo was gone, as were the tools, the under-hood tool box, the alternator, the rear drive shaft, one front shock. But the oddest thing that was missing was the steering wheel cover. You know the type: $2.98 at Checker Auto; Vinyl laces. Must have taken them an hour to unlace that cover, and I'm sure it was stretched to boot! No matter, it was clear that we were dealing with scum. They had raped my truck. And worst of all, they had taken enough of the running gear to thwart our mission for the day. The photos below shows the equipment we had prepared for the extracation effort. We had climbing ropes, a come-along, tools, fluids, rock bolts, etc.

Slide 4. Retrieving vehicle registration papers. Note that the truck is being supported by the small mesquite bush.

Slide 7. Underside of vandalized vehicle. Note that uphill wheels and rear driveshaft are missing.

Slide 8. Inside of engine compartment was vandalized as well: the tool box in the fender well was stolen.

Slide 9. Extrication equipment brought to retrieve vehicle. This photo was taken to show "good faith efforts" to the insurance company should such disclosure be necessary.

The truck was destined to spend yet another day on that hill slave to the whims of the magic mesquite bush. The bush, tough like all desert plants, seemed little worse for wear. Like a whipped dog, I went back to Gary's Jeep with my tail between my legs. At this point I had only two options. One was to acquire parts and fix the truck in situ. The other was to use the towing policy that came with Holly's insurance.

When I got back to my apartment in Tucson, I called the insurance office. The weekend person that unless it involved and injury, no one could help until Monday. OK! I got the idea. So I called the Pima County Sheriff to report the theft. they took the report over the phone, but since there were no witnesses, no tire tracks on the rocks and no one was going to get fingerprints, their interest level was low. At this point all I could do was wait until Monday.

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