The road Grader was right on time!

To drag me back onto the road, that is.  For some reason, the grader was a day or two late (!) coming by to remove the snow from the local road.

Conditions were not that bad, however, there were only two wheel tracks in the snow, and even us big 4x4’s had been dragging bottom.  I pulled well to the side upon meeting my next-door neighbour on the road, and with the deep snow and barely freezing temps, my front wheels were like useless rudders, and I was slowly slipping off the shoulder with every attempt at extrication.

 

The neighbour stopped, but it was so slick that his 4x4 in the driving lane could hardly pull itself, let alone me.  Just when we had decided to go home for some better shovels and sand (or wait for spring?), along comes the grader!  I just hooked my tow web to him and was back on the road in no time.  But you can see why I am waiting for slightly better conditions before attempting to drag a loaded 5th wheel down that same road – and risk meeting some over-width drill rigs or such.  So – I am still holding fort at home keeping the fireplace company, waiting, just waiting for the perfect day.  Sure hope that is somewhat prior to April!

All I can say is that I’ll bet the Bayfield Bunch, and that Wandering Willy guy, and Tioga & George are pretty jealous of me right now.  They are stuck in the land of sand and cactus, and sunburn, cheap(er) fuel, cheap(er) food, cheaper (almost free) beer, and have to worry about getting sand in their sandals, while I am luxuriating in another wonderful 7 month long winter wonderland!

Besides, if I get stuck in the snow, I can always use sand.  If they get stuck in the sand – what do they use.  See my point there?  I won’t rub it in too much, as I know they are all really miserable down there.  In fact I hope to even get down there and share some of the misery with them before this year runs out!

Sunrise here now is 0834, and sunset is at 1624, and you can almost knock an hour off both ends of that equation to allow time for the sun to rise above, and set behind the trees.  At least when I finally get moving, the days will almost be getting longer .

Ms Hailey, the reluctant snow-leopard decided to brave the elements outside for a little while.

I think she was trying to give me a hint when she hopped onto the roof of the truck camper (our home away from home for summer travels), as if to say – let’s GO, already!

For the second time, I hope that this is the last post before this roadtrip blog actually goes on a ROADTRIP!

Christmas is coming …