We’d planned on spending the day at Isla de la Piedra with Jessica and Lourdes, but the usually perfect weather in Mazatlán had changed to a downpour seldom seen in the winter.  It rained for 12 hours straight, and the drains around town were trying their best to handle the challenge.

So instead of walking that night we took the car when we went to dinner (another delicious Pizza Moreno meal!) and headed home past the Plazuela Machado.  Originally we were going to have a drink outside and listen to some music, but a drive by was going to have to do, instead.

We drove along Heriberto Frias, and when we approached Mariano Escobedo near El Faro Coffee we detoured in six inches of water around a city sign indicating they had been working there.

Thunk!  Our right front tire was in a hole about 10 inches deep!  It was raining hard, too! And of course Jess and Lourdes had a 7 am flight the next morning, meaning we had to head to the airport at 5:30!

Thank heavens for a patron and the owner of El Faro, who dialed up the city tow truck.  We bought coffee and stood under the awning to wait.

Then the Transito Police showed up.  The driver got out, waded through the calf high water and started discussing what had happened with us (and thankfully Lourdes.)  The El Faro owner came out and told what she knew – that the city had been working on the pothole but left when it started raining, putting a sign over the hole.  Some people parked and moved the sign, and when they left they didn’t put it back, and then when the rain started really piling up no one could see the hole.

The 300+ pound transit officer said that the city only has one tow truck and that it wouldn’t come.  He suggested he help us get it out of the hole, so the three of us ladies and the huge transit officer waded in again and he practically lifted the car by himself out of the hole and to safety.  We were all soaked up to our knees.

And that’s what happens all the time around here… people doing nice things for each other.  We were so lucky to have such generous people help us – and yes, the car was fine and we got to the airport without further mishaps!