Era (Erie) Burtis
Wyoming Rancher
Heading my late grandfather's advice, and knowing winter is coming, checked and repacked my daily possibles sack. A roller bag/backpack, it goes into whatever vehicle I'm driving.
Two winters ago I was in Cheyenne during a blizzard and decided to return home. Ignoring the barricades closing Interstate 25, started South. Ran off the road. The Prius I was driving won't let you turn off the traction control so I spent the next six hours in the ditch. No problem as I was prepared.
Had I been able to disable the traction control, I would have jacked up the car, put the floor mats under the driving tires, and backed out of the ditch. Might have taken a few tries but I only had about eight feet to go to get back on pavement.
That whole kit was under $200 including the thrift store sourced backpack.
16 comments:
You are a very smart feller. I always had a go bag and a tub of supplies in my vehicle in Wyoming. I will say now that I am in the land of no wilderness and virtually no snow...I have become lazy.
Hmm. You can take the girl out of Wyoming, but you can't take the Wyoming out of the girl? You are messing with the stereotype.
Smart. It really is.
I live in the city. Very close to everything I need. So I keep water in the trunk. And a blanket and flares and emergency med kit. A cane in case I have to walk any distance. I can do maybe a mile before I'll need it. Food (fruit, granola bars) and medication in my backpack all the time.
I probably would not keep all those things if it weren't for my husband putting the idea in my head. He always takes care of me. :)
I don't want to get caught on the freeway for 12 hours like some of those poor saps last year during the snow/ice. At least not unprepared.
Often "smart" comes after bad decisions, yours or others.
I always bring a heavy 'camp quilt' in addition to those necessities. Yes, you have to decide how much stuff you are going to pack, I also carry a firearm and a tomahawk, but those things are simply preferences in the better to have than not need than need and not have.
Taking account of my age and physical fitness I pack what will keep me alive in place for a week. Alive, not 5 star hotel comfortable.
Firearms, on my job, are a problem. I travel in three state, have company policies, enter hospitals, airfreight facilities, and am subject to TSA inspections. I don't want to leave a weapon in the vehicle unattended, even with the vehicle locked.
Personal vehicle and personal travel is a different story.
I'll have to update my "emergency kit box" I always carry in the Jeep after I get to FTC.
And I'm going to have to learn all about chains. I've never used them, but I definitely want to carry a set of four. All Wheel Drive is cool, but there's times the TIRES require more bite than they have by themselves. I understand that much....
I wouldn't bother with chains for a 4wd unless you plan on being in mud. A good set of studded tires will see you through any Colorado winter.
I was already planning on getting 4 steel wheels and four snow tires for winter use.
I had studded tires on the rear of my 1969 Charger back when it was a new car, and I lived in Illinois. I'm sure the technology has greatly improved since then!
I carry chains year around because of many miles on dirt roads. Have used them once in ten years and I have 2wd.
I thought there were times when chains were required to use certain roads? Not off-road trails, but generally open public roads?
Any brand of tire you prefer? The Jeep guys seem to like BFG All Terrain TA's.
Chain laws for commercial trucks only.
I buy most of my tires from Discount Tire on 10th Street in Greeley. Discuss my needs with them and go with what they recommend. They have never 'steered' me wrong. Tires and tread compounds keep evolving and I don't want to spend a lot of time on something I buy every few years. That is me. Some folks enjoy the research and exchange of ideas and that is OK. Part of being a car nut.
My son's Focus will get new tires on 9/22 along with a four wheel alignment. The tire is made by Michelin but without the premium for the name. We talked 'tires' with the staff for about twenty minutes. The cost, out the door, will be around $302.00. I'm confident their recommendation will work best for the commute he faces on I-25 in winter. Many times he will be driving on snow covered black ice.
I'll change mine to the 'winter' selection in November. I don't blame you, and us old farts were 'taught' by our betters that safety trumped comfort.
I've dealt with America's Tire a lot out here. They're owned by the same company and seem pretty competent.
Snow covered black ice sounds REALLY nasty. I've probably driven on it in Illinopis, but I'm going to be VERY careful my first winter there. I haven't really driven much in winter weather the last 30 years or so!
Last winter was unusal. You may have an easy winter to start.
Think many of us have survived being uncomfortable. We learned PPPPPP.
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