Another option would be to ask around the airport you are stranded at
to see if you can find a ride to or near your home base.

A few years ago I was doing some aerial exploration about 50nm
from home base with my daughter on board. Suddenly something
smelled hot. There was no apparent change in engine or electrical
function, and no smoke - but something was obviously amiss. So I
headed for the nearest airport and landed. An inspection revealed
a hole in the left exhaust collector - and scorched paint on the
cowling (source of the smell). No question but what the plane was
unairworthy. Since repairs would require ordering parts (and it was
a weekend to boot), I secured the plane and headed over to the office
to inquire about possibilities. When I did so a woman standing nearby
said "My husband could have taken you - but he just took off" Bummer.

Then she said "Tell you what - I have plenty of time - I'll drive you
to your home airport". And so it was. About an hour's drive each way -
and she wouldn't accept any payment. There are still good Samaritans
out there!

I later had the plane repaired where it sat, then bummed a ride with
a co-worker (who was passing through that town on a field trip) to
go and retrieve it.