Survival At Sierra Madre continued
In the light I could see I had travel right up to the last canyon. The house was a few minutes from getting back on my trail. It took me about an hour to finish the last leg through the canyon and back into town.
On the way I saw search planes flying. I supposed they were still looking for me. I had to let someone know I was ok as soon as I got into town so the search could be called off. Besides, one of the rescue team would probably give me a ride back to my motel.
This young girl was doing her chores early in the morning.
I didn’t find a ride, nor did I see any of the search team. So I had to walk the full distance back to the hotel. I didn’t know whether anyone would be there on account of the search. Then I realized I could be eating shortly. That’s the first time that I had thought about my special breakfast. It was amazing how fast my appetite came back when I was out of danger.
As I got closer to the hotel, I could see our group inside. When I opened the door I got quite the welcome. The first thing I did was drink several glasses of water. Then I apologized to them for having ruined their previous evening.
“What do you mean, we thought you were spending the night with Pedro.”
Then everyone wanted to hear the whole story. At this time, food became a paramount issue. I sat down at the table and let everyone know I had anticipated this breakfast for a long time. The waitress had just served everyone. Jack slid his plate over to me and insisted that I eat his. It wasn’t a #2, it was the same one I had the day before. But you know what, it tasted pretty damn good. In between bites, I told my story.
When I finished I was asked “It’s remarkable how you found that house. How did you know it was there?”
Before thinking I replied: “It was the light of course. If it weren’t for the lights, I wouldn’t have survived the night.” I thought a moment and then it dawned on me. My primitive sanctuary had no lights … but I saw a window lit in the dark. The house was right where the light led me. The more I thought about it, the more I realized how miraculous all the interdependent events were that night.
That night may appear as the night from hell, but each separate distraction actually kept me from falling asleep. My gut instinct kept me from going into the attic and guided me away from contact with one of the night’s intruders. Those visitors kept my heart pounding for some time. Even the pesky rats, mischievous burrows and the unknown visitors played a role in keeping my adrenaline pumping and awake. An uneventful night would have allowed me to drift off into a blistfull night’s sleep. One that I would have never wakened from. The night couldn’t have been choreographed any better for keeping me awake and alive.
Jack had indicated earlier I would find something special at Guachochi and he was dead on. Besides surviving, I received several other gifts. I had always wanted to see the Copper Canyon region. I had always wanted a “National Geographic” adventure. This trip combined all three into an incredible experience. This is an experience I would have never planned. But having experienced it, it’s one of the best I’ve had.
Upon interviewing the Rotary Club volunteers, most have told me how Guachochi has changed their lives. It’s more than doing good deeds; its the “giving of oneself,” making a difference, being appreciated for their effort, and at the same time building personal relationships with our Mexican neighbors. It’s more than talk, I could sense their karma having a serious glow overflow. It’s as if they had just flown back from Mr. Roarke and his “Fantasy Island”. The only difference is that Jack Emery is for real and anyone can take this trip.
