Transportation,  Travel

Not Heading West

Parked and waiting out the storm

… or anywhere today! In fact nobody is going anywhere as I70 is now closed. Blizzard conditions, blowing snow and cold temperatures, are the culprits. In the above image you can see some of the trucks parked at the TA. Some are camped in their trucks and some have wandered in to the cafe for food and conversation. The blizzard is roaring now as the freezing rain that left ice everywhere is now being covered in a beautiful layer of white snow. The worst of the snow fall is west of here so that gives me hope I can get out of here tomorrow.

I had a couple of neat things happen today. Someone I worked with years ago contacted me on Facebook to let me know she and her husband live close to where I’m at. As it’s too nasty to be out, we picked up the phone and had a wonderful conversation. I also received a response to my weekly email to family and friends back in Colorado and discovered Mike and his wife, Ing, are stranded at the St. Louis airport. So we picked up the phone and chatted a while. So close but yet unable to meetup.

Waiting to Park and to fuel up

I watched all those trucks exit off the interstate and turn in to the two trucks stops wondering where they were going to fit them. I am amazed at how they park and the skill they have to park them.

Being towed up the exit

I’m surprised at how many trucks, and cars, are still heading out in these conditions. This truck, after being pulled out on the highway, headed east.

My car at noon

I wonder if I’ll find it in the morning.

Retired. Having fun with photography. Journal daily. Meditate daily. Learning haiku/poetry. Have a love for fountain pens.

12 Comments

  • Mary ann

    I was hoping, after glancing at the weather, that we’d read your next update and find you had stayed put! I guess you could have headed for Kansas, but you didn’t for some reason…so I hope you are able to kick back and relax a bit. Stay in the moment and stay warm :). Be safe, Monte.

    • Monte Stevens

      I second guessed myself late last night but it is what it is. I will wait it out then drive until I get there. It should be tapering off by tomorrow but that may be in the afternoon. They then must have the roads cleared for anyone to travel. Looks like you guys are having a time of it and it may get even worse for you. Stay warm and at home!

  • pj

    Well, you were able to document part of what’s already being called the ‘Blizzard of 2011’ anyway. Good job making the best of the situation.

  • Steve Skinner

    Oh how I remember the days when my car was encased in ice like your car — I was raised in New England. I can also say that I don’t miss it!! When you finally do hit the road again, have a safe trip.

  • Alan Findley

    nice shot Monte, be extra cautious as you head west-it has not been great around here
    the past couple days. Not a ton of snow but
    record breaking cold temps and a heavy layer
    of ice below…be careful and good luck alan

    • Monte Stevens

      It’s been a long trip and I’m still not home. I stopped after 13 hours of driving in Burlington, CO. When I leave here I’ll scoot to the airport to get my parking pass and the process for a security badge started. Hope to be at my sisters by 9:00 tonight.

  • Anita Jesse

    Your provided us with some outstanding pictures of the nasty blizzard. I hope you were able to relax in spite of the stress of being stuck like that. At least it was lovely to have the unexpected phone visits.

    • Monte Stevens

      I’m finally here and have no desire to step near another automobile. 🙂 I discovered I do not travel in a car as well as I did when I was younger. I need to stop more often to stretch my back and empty the bladder. 🙂