Nathan Martinelli, a vanlifer and traveler from California, has experienced countless moments on the road. Yet one situation surprised him more than anything he had seen before.
While hiking along the cliffs and admiring the view, Martinelli noticed a dark shape at the base of the drop below.
When he looked again, he realized it was a cow, trapped and drained of energy. The animal had collapsed near the cliffside and was completely unable to make the climb back up.
The cow stared up at Martinelli as if hoping he might offer a chance at escape.
A Risky Attempt To Save Him
The moment Martinelli saw the cow, he knew he could not walk away.
He carefully made his way down the rocky area toward the shoreline, scanning for anything that might help. He eventually found an abalone shell and began carving small steps into the cliff wall.
During the entire effort, the cow remained focused on him, as if sensing that help had arrived.
When Martinelli began the climb back up, he signaled for the cow to follow.
“I knew if that cow didn’t want to get up, there was no way I could get him up,” Martinelli told The Dodo.
The cow seemed to understand his intention. Bit by bit, he started to climb. His confidence grew with every step, and soon he moved past Martinelli, who was only halfway up.
But then the situation became dangerous.
The cow veered in the wrong direction, placing both himself and Martinelli, who was positioned directly below him, in immediate danger.
“I was under him. I knew if he would have slipped, he would have taken me out with him,” Martinelli said.
A Safe Return To Higher Ground
Thankfully, the cow shifted back toward the mountain wall, regaining more secure footing. Martinelli kept his hands on the animal to steady him and prevent a fall.
Above them, Martinelli’s friend waited anxiously, offering encouragement to the frightened cow.
At last, after a stressful climb, the cow reached the top. Once he stepped onto the grassy ground, he appeared to release a long breath of relief.
From below, Martinelli watched with pride as the cow moved across the pasture and reunited with his herd.
For the stranded animal, the timing could not have been more fortunate. And for Martinelli, the unexpected rescue became one of the most memorable moments of his travels.