diff --git a/lava-collector b/lava-collector
index 3c4d22b..ec8e8c0 100644
--- a/lava-collector
+++ b/lava-collector
@@ -34,8 +34,12 @@ end
 local function returnToBase()
     print('returing to base')
     while ForwardCounter > 0 do
-        turtle.back()
-        ForwardCounter = ForwardCounter - 1
+        print('ForwardCounter: ' .. ForwardCounter)
+        if turtle.back() then
+            ForwardCounter = ForwardCounter - 1
+        else
+            print('hit a block on the way back, I am stuck!')
+        end
     end
 end
 
@@ -52,7 +56,8 @@ local function despositRefill()
         end
     end
 
-    os.sleep(5) -- wait for the buckets to be returned
+    print('sleeping for 15 seconds, waiting for the buckets to be returned')
+    os.sleep(15)
     turtle.suckUp(16)
 end