Here we are in southern California. We left Portland, OR Tuesday morning for what should have been a straight 24 hour drive down to Barstow. As we headed to the mountain passes, we came upon hundreds of trucks, pulled over beside the highway and stopped in the right lane. All were putting chains on. Apparently it was beginning to snow and there were inspectors at every entrance to the highway checking for chains. Trucks without them had to exit. So we got to chain up for the first time and headed into the mountains at 5-10 mph to start with and then got up to about 30-35. Needless to say, it was a little stressful and very slow-going. We actually went through more snow in December in Flagstaff without chains, but they are required here. As we passed into California, we were listening to the weather radio and the areas requiring chains. We got to the area where they said we could unchain, stopped and took them off, went two miles down the road and the chain-up sign was flashing again! So we stopped and put them back on!! When we finally were able to take them off for good, the radio was now stating that the highway we just drove down was closed from the Oregon border to where we were! Last truck through again!!
It was wonderful to move down through Sacramento, then across the Mojave Desert, through Bakersfield and on to Barstow. It was about 60-65 degrees and after we unloaded and had some lunch, we were able to let the dogs out to play for awhile without being on leashes. They chased the ball and each other and just generally had a good time.
It's still amazing to me the differences in the landscape as we drive. We were here in December, and yet it's like seeing it new again! I hope you enjoy the new slide show.
No comments:
Post a Comment