Well day one was not pleasant driving. It was windy and rainy most of the way - especially around the Columbia River. But we made Eugene in fair time and had a good night's rest. TODAY, day two, was another matter entirely. Let me quote the weather report in effect as I write this.
Northern California:
CHAINS ARE REQUIRED ON SINGLE AXLE DRIVE VEHICLES TOWING TRAILERS FROM 3 MI SOUTH OF DUNSMUIR TO WEED (SISKIYOU CO)
A HIGH WIND ADVISORY IS IN EFFECT OVER THE ELKHORN BRIDGE & OVER THE ELKHORN CAUSEWAY /NORTH OF SACRAMENTO/ (SACRAMENTO CO)
A HIGH WIND ADVISORY IS IN EFFECT FROM 2.5 MI SOUTH OF THE JCT OF SR 89 TO YREKA (SISKIYOU CO) - TRAVEL IS NOT RECOMMENDED FOR CAMPERS, TRAILERS OR
PERMIT LOADS
NORTHBOUND TRUCKS ARE BEING SCREENED 10 MI NORTH OF REDDING /AT FAWNDALE/ (SHASTA CO) - DRIVERS MUST HAVE MAXIMUM CHAINS IN THEIR POSSESSION IN ORDER TO PROCEED - PERMIT LOADS ARE PROHIBITED
Click on the link below to see a 20 second video we have posted on You Tube--only 20 seconds captured from a very stressful two hours in blizzard conditions,
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tSFTNgNwYhg
We are now safely sitting in our assigned campsight in Redding but we should have listened to the forecast and the winter storm warnings and stayed in Medford. We did not want to screw up the schedule so we pressed on and were almost sorry we did. We got over Syskiyou Pass no problem but around Dunsmuir we hit a blizzard and I am not kidding. We have video to prove it. Heavy snow and winds in excess of 30 knots. We got lucky and fell in behind a snow plow and followed it until it left the freeway to turn around and go the other way. From there on it was more or less down hill and we eventually got back in the good old rain. Here in Redding the rain and the wind continue but at least we are safely "camped" for the night. We will see what tomorrow brings but another day in high winds and rain does not sound like much fun for a third day in a row.
On the plus side the coach has performed beautifly. Still, driving a billboard in heavy cross winds is a challange. The main trick is to just slow down.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tSFTNgNwYhg
We are now safely sitting in our assigned campsight in Redding but we should have listened to the forecast and the winter storm warnings and stayed in Medford. We did not want to screw up the schedule so we pressed on and were almost sorry we did. We got over Syskiyou Pass no problem but around Dunsmuir we hit a blizzard and I am not kidding. We have video to prove it. Heavy snow and winds in excess of 30 knots. We got lucky and fell in behind a snow plow and followed it until it left the freeway to turn around and go the other way. From there on it was more or less down hill and we eventually got back in the good old rain. Here in Redding the rain and the wind continue but at least we are safely "camped" for the night. We will see what tomorrow brings but another day in high winds and rain does not sound like much fun for a third day in a row.
On the plus side the coach has performed beautifly. Still, driving a billboard in heavy cross winds is a challange. The main trick is to just slow down.
Try to send a message here. It looks like it is better you than me driving through the storm. I get enough of that back home. Good luck you two. Will be following your blog. Jeanne and I both miss our neighbors. Griz does too! Hopefully talk to you later.
ReplyDeleteDennis & Jeanne
dennis406@bresnan.net jeanneh7@hotmail.com