"Live in such a way that those who know you but don't know God, will come to know God because they know you."

Thursday, January 26, 2012

Once Upon A Snowy Day...



Ok, this  picture is as close as I can come to a blizzard or white-out conditions in the mountains. :)

It was the winter of 2005  after we had celebrated an early Christmas with my son, that I had to take him to the airport in Salt Lake City, Utah. He had been able to come home on leave to be with us for a week or so in November. (I hope I am getting the story right, my chemo-brain is still here).

The trip is about an hour and a half on a good day. We left early in the morning. It wasn't too bad going to the airport. So we got there in one  piece. Saying good bye was so hard. 

I went back by way of Parley's Canyon, which some of you may know is quite exciting in the winter weather. Actually that part of the trip was a piece of cake.  Everyone was going 30mph on the freeway. You don't see that too often on Utah freeways. I got to the overpass near Heber and it was soooo hard to see. White-out, almost. After a little ways on it cleared a little. I didn't have any trouble with sliding around. Whew! That was good. 

As I was getting off the freeway, about 45 minutes later, I fish-tailed a bit down the ramp. I was driving our big ol' Ford 4 wheel drive truck, Big Blue. :)

I got into town and called my husband from the grocery store.  He said it was bad out in the mountains where we lived and to be careful. I think he said that he couldn't even see the gate at the entrance to the property just a block or so down the road. He was very worried.
This part of the trip was scary.  There are many curves in the road, horrible winds on the flats, and a few places where you can drive off the road, down the hill and into the river. This drive takes about half an hour on a good day. I said another prayer and headed out of town and into the mountains. Just a side note: town is in Wyoming, home is in the moutains of Utah just over the border, sorta south of town. :)

I don't remember if I passed any cars at all.  I might have been the only brave or dumb one on the road that day. lol   The Wyoming side of the border was relatively mild, weather-wise. It was the Utah side of the border that was scary. We lived  just one mile into Utah from the border.

I was just driving along, minding my own business, when all of a sudden I couldn't see a thing.  It lasted about 10 seconds. Not long but when you are driving you can cover a good bit of road in 10 seconds. When it cleared I was on the other side of the highway. Oh my goodness!!  This kept happening so I slowed down a little. And said, biting my lip 'Heavenly Father please don't let me be on the other side of the road every time.' This went on for about 5 minutes or so ( I was driving slowly). Then I was just about a 1/4 mile from home. I was thinking YAYYYY. 

Then from the other direction I saw 3 lights coming towards me. Ok, I thought, there can't possibly be 3 people crazy enough to be driving motorcycles in this weather with the roads like they are. Oh my goodness, again!! Snowmobiles, on the highway! Oh no! If I end up on the other side of the road at the time they are going by...ah... well....

So another quick prayer and a couple minutes later we passed each other. WHEW!  A white-out moment before and after they went by. How would it have been if I had gotten all the way through Salt Lake City, up the canyon, through town, across the border, only to wipe out within a few blocks from home?  

From the gate I don't remember seeing the house.  But I was home safe and sound. But oh my what a wild ride it was.

Take care everyone have a wonderful day.







7 comments:

  1. That was a very scary and horrible ride home. I don't go out in the snow if I don't have too. My husband bought me a SUV, 4 wheel drive and I still get nervous!
    I am glad to read you prayed and the Lord was right next to you guiding you back home safe and sound.
    Have a blessed day.
    Tricia

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  2. So scary this post was Janet. Glad you had a friend riding with you. One that can perform miracles and looks like He did for you that day. I have never had to drive in snow or ice but one time and it was really scarey for me. Hope I never have to again. Don't see much snow here in Ga, and when we do everything comes to a stand still. Even over a dusting. Have a great day and stay warm.
    Angela

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  3. Scary, I bet you had to peel your hands off the steering wheel. I had a scary trip like that once driving home from Gunnison to St. George. There was a wreck on the highway in Cedar City and they had to detour us. I couldn't see anything and slid off the road. Thankfully the Lord sent us an angel that towed us out and followed us down the Black Ridge till we got to St. George, then he just took off. I had to peel my hands off the steering wheel when I got home. Almost kissed the ground.

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  4. What an adventure!
    I've been in some of those white out conditions before too.... and they are scary.
    Thankfully our Heavenly Father protected and blessed you with safety.

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  5. I don't like to drive on the major highways when it's snowing ~ to many crazy people.
    Glad you made it through and you were able to tell us your story.
    The picture is beautiful!!!
    Prim Blessings
    Robin

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  6. Janet-Now THAT was a wild ride!!.I'll bet your sense of relief was overwhelming when youwere safely home! Our last show of the year is up in the snowbelt and is always white knuckle time. There is one area that is flat and open where the wind whips across and is often a whiteout. I'm always holding my breath through there. Glad you made it home ok!! Jan-Life on Buttermilk Hill

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  7. Wow, what a story! I'm so glad you were OK! I love snow, but I don't like to have to drive in it.

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Thank you so much for your sweet comments. I always enjoy hearing from you. Have a wonderful day. :)