We’d planned on spending the day at Isla de la Piedra with Jessica and Lourdes, but the usually perfect weather in Mazatlán had changed to a downpour seldom seen in the winter. It rained for 12 hours straight, and the drains around town were trying their best to handle the challenge.
So instead of walking that night we took the car when we went to dinner (another delicious Pizza Moreno meal!) and headed home past the Plazuela Machado. Originally we were going to have a drink outside and listen to some music, but a drive by was going to have to do, instead.
We drove along Heriberto Frias, and when we approached Mariano Escobedo near El Faro Coffee we detoured in six inches of water around a city sign indicating they had been working there.
Thunk! Our right front tire was in a hole about 10 inches deep! It was raining hard, too! And of course Jess and Lourdes had a 7 am flight the next morning, meaning we had to head to the airport at 5:30!
Thank heavens for a patron and the owner of El Faro, who dialed up the city tow truck. We bought coffee and stood under the awning to wait.
Then the Transito Police showed up. The driver got out, waded through the calf high water and started discussing what had happened with us (and thankfully Lourdes.) The El Faro owner came out and told what she knew – that the city had been working on the pothole but left when it started raining, putting a sign over the hole. Some people parked and moved the sign, and when they left they didn’t put it back, and then when the rain started really piling up no one could see the hole.
The 300+ pound transit officer said that the city only has one tow truck and that it wouldn’t come. He suggested he help us get it out of the hole, so the three of us ladies and the huge transit officer waded in again and he practically lifted the car by himself out of the hole and to safety. We were all soaked up to our knees.
And that’s what happens all the time around here… people doing nice things for each other. We were so lucky to have such generous people help us – and yes, the car was fine and we got to the airport without further mishaps!
Mexican Trailrunner
February 4, 2010Good story. You have a 300+ lb transito? Wow. Nice guy too!
Ours are extortionists or predators or both. Not all, of course, but there are a couple of them that really work the carretera. They get plenty of fresh meat in Ajijic.
Leslie Limon
February 4, 2010I love hearing about positive stories like this one!
bats
February 4, 2010Hi, Nice blog and writing. Keep it up.
TQ
Zoe Jussel
February 5, 2010I love this story and it is so typical. Wish everyone NOB could experience what “real people” are and what they do here in Mexico or more specifically, Mazatlan. Very few are running around with machetes collecting heads.
1st Mate
February 5, 2010Nancy, I’ve noticed in several blogs that this last week’s rain was very unusual for the season. I’m glad you were able to get out of that hole! Imagine being so thoughtless as to remove a warning sign and fail to put it back.
By the way, the Capt will be passing through Maz next Tues/Wed. He’ll be driving the Nissan Quest, which hopefully will NOT break down, and plans to stay at the same hotel you referred him to last year.
Sonja
February 6, 2010Ya know, it’s so nice and refreshing to hear a good story about good people. We live in a great city. Nancy, keep up the great blog!
Sonja
Merida Mikey
February 7, 2010I always enjoy hearing about nice stories like yours. Don’t you just wonder what would have happened to you in the same circumsances in the US? I can envision you waiting 2 – 3 hours for help to arrive to the tune of around $350.00. Here in Mexico, there is always someone ready, able, and willing to lend a helping hand.
islagringo
February 14, 2010Now if you had posted this on the forum, people would only have commented on the fact that the hole was left there in the first place! I like that you focused on the good part of the adventure.