Today, Sean left me the car and I was itching to get off base to a market.  I had a delay getting started this morning, finishing up my run and all by 10:30.  I thought about just going to Auchan (a Wal-Mart type store) or going to the Caserta market, one I haven't been to yet, and I was able to find the coordinates.  With no friends to go with me, I set out.  Stopping at the ATM, I thought "Well, if I can't get any Euro for the market" -the machine is down occasionally- "I'll just go to Auchan."  I was able to get some Euro, so I put in the coordinates.  Feeling like seeing something other than the interstate, I hit "Yes" to avoid the toll roads...hehe.  

As I was driving down a somewhat unsavory road close to base, our car started to act funny.  As I pressed on the gas pedal, it wouldn't go.  I swerved over to the opposite side where I could pull off the road, punched the gas a couple of times and it responded.  So, I continued on my adventure.  As I passed through the towns, the landscape became more and more rural.  Apple blossoms, pear blossoms, cherry blossoms, vineyards, olive tree groves, tiny village towns with mountainous backdrops at each turn...incredibly beautiful landscape.  Bright, cheer-y yellow flowers lined the country roads with some new purple one on the verge of popping.  I thought of my mom as I passed an embankment full of white and purple irises.  I was back on the DC Ragnar trail, in the middle of nowhere on a bright sunny day with cotton ball clouds.

 My GPS said my final destination was two minutes away, a mere right turn INTO A BUILDING away.  After a few turns and U turns, I accepted the fact that I wasn't going to find the market and turned around.  But, I decided to drive along this country road a bit more before heading back to support site.  

Once I felt it was time for me to head back-I was only driving for about 40 minutes, friends-I pulled over and input "Home".  Awesome!  I can just continue on straight and there's a right turn ahead.  Only, this right turn was the dirt and rock road you see below, but it connected with a more prominent road.  

I decided "OK, I'll just go."  As I bounced and bumped my way, I had visions of some "people" doing some scary "things" along this dirt road, my tire popping, so many things ran through my brain, and I calmly prayed out, "Jesus, please just get me home safely."

I made it to the paved road and drove home, and passed a shepherd and his flock on the way.  

I thought of going to the Auchan to pick up some food, but thought to just go home because I still had to walk the puppies and get some milk.  I pulled up to base, called Sean and briefly told him I had gone out to find a market and was back to base safely.  I stopped at the commissary for some groceries, decided I didn't want to lug tons of milk up the stairs today and would come back tomorrow for the big trip.

I got into the car...and it wouldn't start.    

PRAISE JESUS!  Praise Jesus that I didn't find that market and get stranded there!  Praise Jesus that I didn't stop at Auchan and get stranded there!  Praise Jesus that He got our trusty Santa Fe and me HOME!  

I broke two of the first rules we are told in AO:  Always tell someone where you're going and take a friend when venturing into new territory.  

Will I answer "Yes" to avoiding tolls in the future, absolutely.  

Will I take a friend with me when I decide to answer "Yes" to avoid tolls...YES!  

Did I find a great new little country road to possibly run on with a friend?  I sure did!  Once we get the car started and fixed.

Note:  I did stop the car for each picture...just never turned it off.