When the RV Became a Reptile Rescue (and other Tales from the Tow Hitch)

Hey fellow wanderlusters! So, last week's trip to Big Bend National Park was… eventful. Let's just say my meticulously planned itinerary went out the window faster than a tumbleweed in a Texas dust storm. We'd envisioned breathtaking sunsets, peaceful stargazing, and maybe a little too much campfire s'mores. What we *actually* got was a crash course in desert survival (mildly) and an unexpected wildlife rescue operation.

The helpful tip for today? Always, *always* pack a headlamp. Seriously, even if you're only planning a quick sunset stroll. I underestimated the darkness in the park, stumbled over a rock (minor scrape, I assure you), and then… there it was. A tiny, wide-eyed desert tortoise, stuck upside down in a crevice. Now, I'm not typically a reptile enthusiast, but seeing this little guy struggling was enough to make me forget about my aching ankle. After a few minutes of careful maneuvering (and a healthy dose of panic), we got him safely back on his feet. Lesson learned: even the smallest creature can bring unexpected adventure to your trip.

The funny part? My husband, usually the epitome of calm, completely lost it. He's terrified of anything with more than four legs and less than a hundred pounds. His frantic attempts to "rescue" the tortoise from a safe distance involved a stick, a lot of yelling, and surprisingly, a detailed explanation of his childhood fear of turtles. The entire scene was so absurd, I actually started laughing so hard I almost dropped the tortoise again. We ended up having a good laugh and I managed to gently nudge it towards a safe patch of ground, as it's certainly not advised to interfere more than necessary.

Looking back, that little tortoise incident was a perfect microcosm of RVing. It's unpredictable, sometimes a little messy, occasionally terrifying (my husband’s reaction!), but always ultimately rewarding. You never know what adventures await around the next bend, literal or metaphorical. Embrace the chaos, pack that headlamp, and remember to appreciate even the smallest moments, even if those moments involve a stressed-out husband and a rescued reptile. The unexpected twists are what make these journeys truly memorable. Happy trails!