"damningly that the antennae for the towers are pointed down."

The radiation pattern of the cell antenna is certainly REDUCED directly above the tower, and the signal MOST LIKELY used a tower off to one side or the other (especially since you claim there were NOT any towers in the immediate area- Thus the signal directly above the tower has no significance. Or do you want to change that, now?).

As for aiming "at the ground", the 3 dimensional pattern would be set to INCLUDE the ground surface- the REST of the pattern would be in the air.

Now you are claiming that you can't use cell in tall buildings?

The point is that a low power signal can be received HUNDREDS of MILES away IF IN DIRECT LINE OF SIGHT. At the frequencies involved, THAT is not subject to debate.

Sort of like those airplanes talking directly to control centers and airports: If they can see them, they can talk to them. At 30,000 FEET ( less than 5 miles) they can see a good distance.