I spend huge amounts of time in the snow. I mean HUGE. More than normal people; well, people who don’t actually LIVE in the snow.
Last weekend, my trip to the snow started like this: left work at lunch, loaded the car, started up some Taylor Swift on the iPod, and drove off in the early afternoon.
Everything started off really well. Driving up the hill, leaving the valley fog behind, we were making progress. Only five hours to Mammoth-no problem before dark.
We even had time to pull off the road and load up on caffeine – it was BOGO Christmas drinks, after all!
This is what a trip to the snow should look like, right?
As we drove uphill, things went downhill. Fast.
Momentarily switching on the radio, we heard the news about Newtown. Tears. Shock. Horror.
Then it started to rain. Not good. The Prius is a lot of things, but it is definitely not a snow car.
We checked the weather channel app – if we hurried, we’d make it over the pass and into Nevada. It would be smooth sailing after that.
Looks pretty, right? It was. Lily quickly grabbed the camera while Taylor boomed through the speakers. So cheery. A white Christmas?
Not so fast. Chains ahead.
Highway 50 isn’t called the ‘loneliest highway in the US’ for nothing. There were NO services, so I had to suck it up and bundle up. My daughter was watching. There was no one else who could do it.
Don’t be fooled by the smile on my face. It was all for the camera. Inside, I was starting to panic. Prius in the snow is not my favorite mode of travel.
My spirits were elevated when the CalTrans chain inspectors, amazed that I did it all by myself, fist-bumped me and sent me over the pass. It was only 12 miles-we could do it. It was only 4:00, and with a three-hour drive in front of us, I wasn’t too worried.
Forgoing our usual shortcut, we opted for the pass over into the Nevada desert. I ditched the chains – again, all by myself, and as snow turned to rain, I thought we were clear.
Damn Weather Channel app.
What looked clear actually became snow. Lots and lots of snow. But it was flat, and as we passed through Bridgeport behind schedule, I felt nervous but confident we could make it.
Compared to 50, Highway 395 is desolate. Flat and decorated with gorgeous rock formations and rivers, I usually enjoy the drive. But at this point it was getting dark, I was tired, and there was snow hovering way too close to the six-inch clearance of the Prius.
Suddenly, we saw it: the one and only traffic alert sign, pronouncing our need for chains. Now.
And like a beacon in the night, the Big Sky Motel appeared, equipped with a large floodlight. It was the only light on the road besides mine, so I quickly pulled into the parking lot and prepared myself.
Like a scene from Psycho, the motel door opened and a grizzled, shaggy man sauntered out in his sweatpants, with an equally scraggly dog following behind him.
“Want a room? Only $69,” he croaked. I smelled something – he must have been enjoying himself in the motel lobby.
Although I desperately wanted to say yes, I declined, but when he offered to help with the chains I jumped on it.
Ten minutes later, we were off. Until the chains broke. In the dark.
At this point, I felt like Wonder Woman. Faster than she could spin into her costume, I jumped out and pulled those suckers off. I was muddy, exhausted, and determined to make it before dawn.
We did.
This is the next morning, enjoying coffee in our favorite funky coffee joint, Stellar Brew.
And this view…what a reward.
She didn’t even mind spending the afternoon in the motel room, studying for finals.
And despite the struggle, the frustrations, and the hours and hours of driving – not to mention the ski race that was canceled, we ended up with a white Christmas after all. And a whole bunch of memories, too.
Comments: 13
Broken - mamawolfe
September 10, 2014[…] I’m one of those moms who goes to every game, every race, every meet. I could count on one hand how many times I’ve missed a competition. I’ve dug my nails into my skin when there have been falls and crashes, and whispered quiet thanks whenever they’ve gotten up and back on course. […]
Google
April 17, 2013Google…
we like to honor quite a few other online web sites around the internet, even when they arent linked to us, by linking to them. Below are some webpages really worth checking out…
Finding His Voice
March 4, 2013[…] the four of us were on two different mountains, one parent with each kid. As I was waiting for my daughter’s ski race to start, a text came through. Pulling my phone out of my pocket, hoping for an update from my […]
www.mariogamesonline.tv
January 28, 2013I don’t create a leave a response, however I read some of the responses here Spending Time in the Snow: Making Memories On the Way to Mammoth. I do have a few questions for you if you don’t mind.
Is it only me or does it give the impression like some of the responses come across like they are written
by brain dead individuals? 😛 And, if you are posting on additional online sites,
I’d like to keep up with anything fresh you have to post. Could you list of every one of your social sites like your twitter feed, Facebook page or linkedin profile?
http://www.mariogamesonline.tv recently posted…http://www.mariogamesonline.tv
Margret
January 19, 2013You’ve made some good points there. I checked on the internet for more information about the issue and found most people will go along with your views on this web site.
BCN
January 9, 2013Wonderful blog! I found it while searching on Yahoo News.
Do you have any suggestions on how to get listed in Yahoo News?
I’ve been trying for a while but I never seem to get there! Thanks
Jennifer Wolfe
January 9, 2013Hello Latisha,
I’m glad you found my blog! Have you tried writing for the Yahoo Contributor program? That’s how I got my assignments for Yahoo! News. Good luck!
www.juegosdesonic7.com
January 6, 2013Tremendous issues here. I’m very satisfied to look your post. Thank you so much and I’m having
a look ahead to contact you. Will you please drop me a e-mail?
my site
January 5, 2013I don’t even understand how I stopped up here, but I thought this put up used to be good. I do not recognize who you’re however certainly you’re going to a well-known blogger when you are not already. Cheers!
love you shelley
January 4, 2013Love you shelley
Jennifer Wolfe
January 4, 2013Why, thank you. I’m glad you enjoyed it!
Dr. Brandy Engler
January 4, 2013Thanks for your story of the Sierra Nevadas. I love it there. Here is my own Facebook post on my train trip through the Sierras: http://on.fb.me/VA0n2C
Jennifer Wolfe
January 4, 2013Brandy, you’re very welcome. I’m glad you enjoyed reading about my adventures in the snow…I spend a lot of time in the Sierras. They are an amazing place, for sure. Thanks for sharing your story, too!