The great escape

After we said goodbye to the second group of mustangs, there was nothing left to do but find a way out of Sand Wash Basin.

Seth suggested we drive back to the main entrance, to see if the washed out area looked any better from this direction.

As we were doing that, we passed a car that was just as inappropriate for the conditions as our own.

"That's it," Seth said. "If they made it through that spot, we can, too."

"Okay," I agreed. "I trust your judgment."

We drove in silence for a while. 

Then I said, "This really scares me. Do you mind if Piper and I get out of the van before you try it?"

Seth said that was fine. In fact, he would prefer it.

I thought that was settled so I sat back and tried to enjoy the scenery.

All of a sudden, Seth gunned the engine and headed for the side of the road. The van tilted precariously as gravity did battle with momentum. Seth stepped down harder on the gas pedal, and somehow we stayed upright and made it across. 

"Holy crap!" I exclaimed, as we coasted to a stop. "I thought you were going to let me out!"

"I saw the line," he explained. "I had to go for it before I chickened out."

"Well, it worked," I said with a shaky sigh. "We made it. Happy anniversary."