Some years later, I crossed Terlingua Creek with water above the headlights. My buddy, watching and a tad nervous, said he wasn't sure I'd make it after the taillights went under. But, I did.
Art
I had a somewhat similiar experience out in the Oregon National Dunes a few years ago.
One day a friend and I decided to go
wheelin’ out in the dunes after work. After a few hours of playin’ in the sand, and climbing everything in sight, we decided to explore some trails that led off into a small stand of pine and douglas fir trees..
As we are traveling down this overgrown trail, I hear over the CB..
“Dude, there is a lake at the end of this trail. It's not that deep, three feet or so, maybe a bit deeper.. I've been through it before with my old '84. It's easy... Besides, if you get stuck, I'll pull you out." Proclaimed Kent.
Being the guinea pig that I am, and not wanting to look like a chicken, I went first. As I nosed into it (in 4 Lo), and as the headlights started to submerge, I quickly stopped, threw it in reverse and backed out. After quick burst of nerves, and a change to 4 High, I again took the plunge. Keeping my foot on the throttle, I proceded into the small lake. As my hood vanished under the water, and as the noise of gurgling water filled the cab, I somehow managed to make it through. After stopping on the trail on the far side, I got out, popped the hood and took a look-see. After noting the dry air box and filter, I knew that my engine had survived. Then it was my friends turn.
He, and his ‘85, were not so lucky. After creeping into it and then traveling right into the center of the lake, the water got its revenge. His stock intake had sucked in water like a Dyson vacuum cleaner. All manner of rattling noises started emanating from under his hood. After leaning out his window, and giving me this “Oh, Sh*t!” look, he managed to slowly creep through the watery muck to the far side where I was..
Swearing could be heard bouncing off the surrounding pine trees, as we both stared at his blue '85 Toyota. Kent then popped his hood so we could inspect the damage. Water was pouring out of the stock intake and onto the grill. After more swearing by Kent, he turned, walked to the bed of his truck and grabbed his tool box.
In minutes, the valve cover of the 22RE was off. A mix of water and murky motor oil dripped down the block.
More swearing and staring ensued.
After some time had passed, the valve cover was put back on, and the hood was slowly closed.
"Dude, you're going to have to tow me back to my uncle's ATV shop. We'll take a closer look at it once we get over there.."
As I pulled his '85 out of there, I couldn't help but savior the moment. Me, and my "Inferior Tacoma", towing his "Superior and 100% Japanese built" 1985 back to civilization.
The next day I get a phone call from Kent. The watery dunking had bent two rods, #3 and #4. A new (rebuilt) 22RE was on its way from a shop in California as he spoke.
Obtw, his truck hasn't been in anything deeper than a mud puddle since that day out in the dunes..
