Over the weekend we spent most of Saturday doing yard work to get ready for the winter months ahead. This was the last mowing of the season but things didn't go as smoothly as they should have. Twice I got into trouble with the machine. Luckly I was not hurt nor was the mower damaged. The lesson I learned on Saturday was if you are doing something and have a gut feeling that you shouldn't be doing it you should listen to that little voice inside. It is probably right!
When I got the machine turned off I was at the edge of a 25 to 30' drop off by a ravine. More excitement than I ever care to have. To help the situation there were trees there that would have prevented me from going over but while it was happening I didn't know that. I only knew that I had to get the machine turned off as fast as I could.
Bruce came to the rescue and tied a rope onto the mower.
In no time at all the mower was back on safe soil. After a brief rest I headed back out to finish the job, making sure I stayed away from the ravine.
The second situation was much later in the day and I still am not sure what happened. It was muddy and I don't know if the mower just slipped on the mud and before I knew what was happening the mower was once again in charge of a bad situation. I was afraid that I was going to go up the steep slope and was certain the mower could roll. I don't even remember how I stopped the mower but I did. Talking later with Bruce about it he said that it wouldn't have rolled, sure wish I would have know that little bit of information at that time.
The first plan of attack for getting the mower out didn't work. It kept getting more stuck in the mud.
Bruce then headed onto the roadway and pulled the machine up the slope.
No damage and no injuries.
I know my daughter, Cyndi, is upset with me about the mowing. She doesn't believe me when I say I have learned from this. It won't happen again. I am listening to the inner feelings and staying away from slopes and ravines. I'll even wager a large bet with her that it won't happen again.