I’m bedding down tonight just west of St. Louis at small place called Foristell, MO. I left Columbus early this morning and got in about 9 hours of weaving around semi’s along I70 before the weather became a problem. The first 4 hours I was enjoying clear blue skies then things began to change. I decided it was time to stop and get a hotel when the slick-as-snot freezing rain was building up on my wipers and making visibility almost impossible. I stopped twice to clean them off. The bad news is it’s suppose to turn to snow later and continue on throughout tomorrow. I may be here a while and still have about 850 miles to go. The above image is the grill of the car parked next to mine when I checked in. Needless to say, my car looked the same. What amazes me are the vehicles still on the road. Of course I will admit those going west are probably commuting home while those going east are trying to keep ahead of the weather.
After checking in to the room I “skated” next door to the truck stop and scarfed down some cajun grilled catfish, the perfect truckers meal. Now I’m stuffed. I have a clean bed, warm room and will soak in a hot tub of water before slipping between the sheets to read. Hopefully, tomorrow I can safely keep moving west, closer to home. 🙂
12 Comments
QPB (Mary Ann)
Nice to hear from you–while watching the storm approaching (which is now here), I couldn’t help but wonder if your path took you through the pink and blue clouds on my weather channel screen. Be cautious, drive safely!
Monte Stevens
Snow started to fall during the night and is expected to get heavier as the day moves on. In second guessing myself, I wish I’d tried to get to KC. Oh well, that is not living in the moment.
Earl
Monte, I didn’t see this post until this morning. I hope you had a good nights sleep and that the weather will cooperate with your travels today. Be safe!
Monte Stevens
Thanks, Earl. I just checked and I70 is pretty much covered across the state as the snow picks up. I may be here again tonight.
pj
Sounds like it may be wise to stay put for awhile if you can. It looks like a real mess out there. I hope it breaks soon so you can continue your journey home.
Monte Stevens
Yes, not going anywhere for awhile. I was in the lobby talking to a couple of gentlemen from Lincoln, NE and are in the same predicament. I went ahead and paid for another night. All the reports I’m seeing on local news is that the worst is yet to come. 🙁 How is your journey?
Anita Jesse
What a shame to be interrupted when homeward bound. On the other hand, perhaps the day of rest will make the trip better. Perhaps a couple more long soaks in that tub, another tummy full of good ol’ trucker’s food, and a few naps will fortify you for a relaxed drive during the remainder of the trip.
Take care of yourself. I join the rest of the crowd in wishing you a safe and pleasant journey.
Monte Stevens
I like the way you think, Anita! The hotel has a continental breakfast so I indulged in one biscuit and sausage gravy. Not healthy but again something a trucker would eat. There is a large water tower across the interstate that I no longer can see due to the snowfall. Maybe I need to write a few posts for future use.
Paul
So, let me get this straight: You are driving INTO colder weather. LOL. Turn around, Monte. Turn around!!! 🙂
Monte Stevens
LOL Actually I ain’t driving anywhere! Here I sit in hotel next to a truck stop. sure not what I expected when I left yesterday morning. And, you are right about the cold. I hear is is not getting above zero today in Colorado. Where’s Hobbs when I need a roommate?
Ken
Make the most of this bad situation, Monte. A creative person like yourself can find something to distract himself while waiting for the weather to cooperate.
Monte Stevens
I’m thinking of a few things to do and already have some done. It may be that I really do need this time.