We Got Stuck in Black Sand!

From Black Sand Roads to Life’s Ruts, Where Does Our Help Come From?

Arriving at our turnoff to an exotic Bureau of Land Management (BLM) free campsite, our excitement quickly turned to anguish when our rig got stuck in deep black sand.

We’d been intrigued by stories of these boondocking areas. Roger found this one just off Highway 395 in California, along our route north to Mammoth Lakes. The website included beautiful aerial photographs of motorhomes and trailers larger than ours camped by a dry riverbed.

It all looked ideal—until we drove off the pavement.

Digging Ourselves Deeper—Literally

I was at the wheel. Seeing the sand ahead, Roger said, “Go faster!” That might have worked if we’d been approaching a snowdrift. But not black sand. Even if our Ford F-350 was a tank, more speed wasn’t going to push us through that 200-foot stretch.

In a situation like that, you start grasping at any little sprig of hope. Surely we could dig ourselves out using our camp spade and orange wheel blocks for traction. Many sweaty minutes later, we knew. It wasn’t gonna work.

Oh, well, we had Triple A for towing services. We’d probably have a long wait, but it wasn’t overly hot that afternoon—we’d be fine until someone arrived.

Curbing Rising Panic

But when you’re stuck in the sand, you can’t help but wonder—are we in real trouble? Is there any way out? How bad will this get? And—by the way—where are we going to camp tonight?

Finally, a tow truck driver called us. Where are you, exactly? Are you off the highway? ‘Cuz we’re not allowed to help anyone more than a half-mile off the highway. Oh, you’re more than a mile off the highway?

Ever had the safety net you were counting on break? At that moment I realized what I was counting on wasn’t as dependable as I’d thought.

Well, maybe I’ll come take a look anyway.

Bless that man.

He drove up to the edge of the sand bed. Took a look at the evidence of our pitiful efforts to help ourselves out. Unrolled a terribly thin-looking cable from the winch on his flatbed. Attached it underneath our fifth wheel.

Oh, my goodness, is there any hope that skinny cable can pull our 18,000 lb truck and trailer back onto solid ground?!!

He flipped the winch on. Roger and I looked at each other and—without a word—backed away. We both expected to see that cable snap and wrap around whatever was within reach, like Indiana Jones’ whip.

To our joy, the trailer and truck began to move. Bit by bit the entire rig rolled back onto dirt. We were saved! In that moment, I could’ve hugged a bear without fear.

Alternate Choices

While waiting for the tow truck, we’d had time to locate an alternate campground, thankfully just a little way from our sand trap. And with nearly the same view as the free site for just $15/night.

When you inadvertently get stuck—in spite of the best-laid plans—your gratitude towards your savior can reach astronomical heights. We gave that man a generous bonus for his trouble.

Troubleshooting Stuck-ness

We've been stuck more than once during RV life. Sometimes it’s a ground problem—mud or sand or water. Sometimes it’s a too-tight fit (see that story here: https://www.juliergreenwalt.com/post/the-rock-won). And sometimes it’s indecision about whether or not to try to outrun the weather.

No matter what caused our stuck-ness, we've found creativity, flexibility, and safety nets (such as a good towing service) to be good tools for getting unstuck.

How to Get Unstuck in Life

But here’s the thing about safety nets: sometimes they fray. The tow truck might not come. The plan might fail. The person you were counting on might let you down.

That’s when it helps to remember the ultimate rescuer. When we need to get unstuck in life, we can always depend on the Solid Rock—Jesus Christ, the One who never fails. He won’t leave us stranded in the sand. He’s stronger than the weight we’re carrying, no matter what it is. He’s the only one who can pull us free from the stuck places of life.

Got a story of stuck-ness? Share your solutions in the comments below.