Saturday, March 26, 2016

Reflections


Thinking back on the nine or so hours spent in a ditch in a Prius hasn’t been fun. Humility isn’t my strong suit.

The spring storm wasn’t technically a blizzard but when your vehicle is slowly being buried by drifting snow the distinction is moot.

All these years of packing a winter survival pack paid off. Sure was glad to have that balaclava while out in 35+ gusting winds.

Cell phones are a great comfort.

The habit of keeping the fuel tank topped off paid off.

Our family trait of not quitting and pressing on can be over done. That road closed sign doesn’t apply just to pilgrims.

While I’ll drive a car with traction control that can’t be turned off if I’m paid to do so, I will never own one, ever. Had I been able to turn off the traction control, I could have gotten back on the road. I have years of experience getting unstuck and know several ways of doing so.

My ever loving sister will never let this incident be forgotten, ever.

Need to have reading material in the survival bags, both the winter and the summer bags.

Having the ability to pay a tow truck on the spot paid off.

Having a taste of what a refugee faces makes me determined to never be a refugee.

In spite of all our modern “progress”, Mother Nature can damn well kill you, and in short order.

Before summer arrives, need to unpack and check the contents of the summer survival bag. At the same time check the winter bag before putting it away.

I take no comfort in the hundreds of motorists who found themselves in my situation.  I’m better than that, damnit! (Yeah, I can hear my sister snort) The tow trucks are still pulling out abandoned vehicles.

Occasionally you come across the phrase, “Africa wins again!” Perhaps we should have our own phrase, “Winter wins again!”


10 comments:

Ami said...

But... hey!! Look on the bright side! You're alive and able to share your experience with everyone. :)

I drive a Toyota, too. But there is a little button available to turn off the traction control. And I'm careful to avoid snow and ice as often as possible. :)

My backpack has quite a few things to keep me company if I am ever off the road and waiting for a tow truck. I will add a book to the car box. Oh, and a spare pair of reading glasses.

Well Seasoned Fool said...

Always have two extra pair of glasses along with my geezer goggle slip overs.

Coffeypot said...

Move South! All you will have to worry about is ice in the winter, but if you run off the road, there will be a Waffle House withing walking distance for coffee and good eats.

Well Seasoned Fool said...

Don't do heat and humidity. I'll visit the South in the winter but summers are spent in the high Rockies.

Old NFO said...

It always does... Just glad you're okay! And agree on the traction control!

Momma Fargo said...

Egads! I can't believe you managed to do that with all your driving skills. Word...need a 4 wheel drive in those conditions. Prius=summer car.

Well Seasoned Fool said...

Only think hurt is the ego.

Well Seasoned Fool said...

I drive what I'm paid to drive.

CenTexTim said...

"I have years of experience getting unstuck..."

That also implies you have years of experience of getting stuck.

Just kidding - I have little experience driving in snowy/icy conditions, so I'm not passing judgement on your driving abilities.

Well Seasoned Fool said...

My driving abilities can always be questioned. Getting stuck is part of ranch/farm work and back country exploring. If the traction control could be turned off, I would have jacked up the front tires and put my floor mats under the tires. Remove the jack, back up a few feet, repeat as needed until back on the road.