Day 5 on the road. We're hot. We're tired. We're out of ice. We decide to stop at a Pemex to use the facilities and add some ice to the cooler. The facilities are no problem. They are easily accessible from outside, stocked with soap and toilet paper, and clean. Small favors.

The ice is another story. The machine is outside and locked, so I can't just grab a bag and go to the counter. That has become my preferred method of procuring ice in Mexico since it seems to be way beyond my abilities to properly ask for a bag of ice. I walked inside, approached the cashier, braced myself, and said, "¿Una bolsa heilo?" To my great surprise, she nodded, grabbed a set of keys, unlocked the freezer, and handed me a bag of ice.

I took my prize and went running back to the truck, yelling “Chuck! Chuck! I asked for a bag of ice – and got one!” Its the small triumphs that make a difference.