Some Snow

[ellyssian]

While parts of the country are getting hammered - 20" at a shot - this is only the second real, measurable snow since January 1st. That first time was barely enough to plow, this was a bit more but still just the minor league.

Justin and I went out last night and plowed the nature center. Had a chance to speak to one of the residents (a number of homes are off of the two LGNC-owned dirt roads) who usually plows, and he was surprised that the LGNC was having someone plow, but happy for any help I could give. Eases their burden - although it seems the two guys who plow both live off the same flat road, not off the hill that leads up to the parking lot. That latter part is my big focus.

Anyway, discoveries last night: If someone was to read my fortune, they'd very likely find that Everblades are likely to be in my future. The stuff clung to the wiper blades, and we had to stop several times to scrape the blades clear so we could see. Not like the tunnel-effect of the snow wasn't enough to reduce visibility to maybe two feet in front of the plow. Additional lights for the front might also be in order - now I know why the HID lights are $3000. Probably worth it. I suppose I'll go for two additional lights instead of replacing the plow lights. The work lights also need to go up ASAP, because backing up was almost blind, which is not Of The Good.

Today, Justin started the vehicles and then headed to class. I cleared them, which was easy on account of the rain, and annoying on account of the rain - soaking my jacket so much that it puddled when I set my arm on the center console! I backed the truck down, then took the two cars (or car and small SUV, really) down. One pass up the driveway with the V, and then angled to the right to clear the right most edge, and two passes as a scoop to clear the rest. Went much faster than the first time, of course.

Went back to the nature center and cleared the lot again, as well as one V pass down the hill. I could have skimmed the top off the stuff on the flat road, but it was fairly clear, and the weight of the ice brought some evergreens very low. I didn't want them to catch in the ladder rack and break or tangle. Some of them were so low, they'd catch in the grill...

So that's that. Even remembered to stop and get milk on the way home. After circling once. =)

Comments

[patrixa.livejournal.com]

We got only a little bit of snow: 7-10 inches, then sleet and now rain. I was supposed to go to a client in Alton, 20 miles away down a road (State Rd 11A) only 2 lanes wide, hilly and curvy. Fortunately,yesterday I told them I won't come in the storm. Another volunteer whose husband would take her there in a 4 wheel drive was able to go. The other day, sliding 20ft or so backwards downhill, backing into a plowed driveway and having all the warning lights come on, was enough to convince me I do not need to drive mountain roads in snowy icy condition, pretty as the scenery might be. Route 11A goes right by the entrance to Gunstock Mountain's ski slopes; at Alton is a large narrow bay of Lake Winnipesauki, with about 50 bobhouses scattered from one end to the other. Yesterday was bright and sunny; the drive to the client's home was interesting if bumpy -- frost heaves are so bad there are warning signs for them. Some of the dips are so big, locals call them sink holes!

Anyhow, I'm glad you have a big heavy truck to drive when you must go out in these conditions.