Posted by Will (in MI) on Saturday, December 25, 2004 at 8:03PM :
In Reply to: Merry Christmas From Snow Coverd Kentucky posted by Matt in- IN/KY/CO on Saturday, December 25, 2004 at 5:36PM :
I left South East MO the morning of the 22nd and headed back to South East MI. I normally go up I-57, to I-70, to I-69, to I-94 (Through Indy). Well, I started out and on;y got 30 miles into IL on I-57 before the big rigs jack-knifed and brought all traffic to a halt.
There I sat in the left lane, two big rigs from a turn around. Now I was in the 2WD Super Duty and wasn't going to risk trying to plow through the 9" of snow on the shoulder. After about 30-45 min. I noticed a set of lights coming from behind me in on the shoulder. As it got closer I saw it was a 4x4 RAM. Well it passed buy throughing snow with two other 4x4's following behind. Just as I started to pull out, the last 4x4 (Explorer) stopped and I waited.
By the time they were clear I noticed a snow plow now coming up the shoulder. Following it was several other trucks and car's. Well the snow plow driver was looking for the turn around to head back south, and wasn't really plowing the shoulder, leaving about 4" deep snow. Once he passed some of the car's tried to continue on the shoulder in the 9" snow, and brought the shoulder traffic to a halt.
Finally enough of the vehicles cleared enough for me to hit the shoulder and get headed south again. It took me 2 hours to get to the point before heading south, and only 1 hour to get back.
I toped off the tank and decided to go home the long way, through St. Louis and Chicago. I knew I-57 would be a mess for a while and figured I-55 would clear up/off before I made it to St. Louis.
Well I-55 was snow covered about half way, but "Benton hill" (if you ever travel I-55 North in South East MO, you know the spot, where the land goes from being flat to hills) had a clear lane and didn't slow down the traffic.
Just as I hit the IL/IN/MI, I-94 snow belt there were flurries falling. the cleared and when I got to Chelsea MI the snow had started. By the time I got home the roads were turning white. It was after midnight and the long way added 70 miles and an hour to the normal 600 mile 10 hour trip, but I was home with the wife and kids in time for Christmas.
My Parents/Brother got hit with 14" of Snow in South East MO and they closed I-55 just south of where I got on and headed North. I should have left Tuesday Night, but made the Mistake of waiting, but 18 hours after getting out of bed, was safe and at home.
I grew up in SEMO and your wight, the least little bit of snow and everything comes to a halt.
PW Content: I remember back in 81/82 I had come hope from College for the weekend. While home they called for a bug storm. Since I had to get back to Rolla, Pop let me drive the '79 Power Wagon back so I would be sure to make it. I was glad he dis, as I approached St. Louis they closed the roads, and looped around from I-55 over to I-44. the Snow wasn't too bad, but the Ice was the real problem. Got 30 miles away and hit a patch and slid into the medium. Well the ice covered steep bank was more than the tires could grip. Snow was up to the bottom of the drivers door window, but I could go back and forth, but not up and out. Got pulled out and made it the rest of the way.
Pop tried to get me to take the Black 4x4 Ram back this trip, but left it with him. I was sure glad I had put new tires on the Super Duty last week! They were the best tires for the road conditions I've ever had.
Merry Christmas,
Will
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