Re: The Travel Out Days

sticks wrote:

On 5/1/2025 8:51 PM, Carol wrote:

sticks wrote:
 

On 4/30/2025 9:25 AM, Ralph E Lindberg wrote:

On 2025-04-29 20:47:31 +0000, sticks said:

 
One thing is for sure, I will never again plan going over the
mountains in cold conditions again.  Too much stress.  I will take
the southern route getting to Utah or AZ next time.  If that
means 4 days, so be it.

 
I remember the transfer from San Diego to Norfolk VA.  Don can't
drive due to medical issues.  We packed the car with everything
critical and Charlotte's bed/playpen.  Something told us we'd need
it.
 
I planned the southern route as far as possible with only 2 planned
diversions.  Don wanted to see the Alamo so we stopped there.  In
Birmingham I wanted to meet an old friend so we stopped there.  Rest
was 10-14 hours driving for the most part.  Frequent stops to change
Charlotte's diapers.
 
The first motel had a loaner crib that fell apart as soon as we put
her in it so we rearranged the back of the car and used the Grayco
pack-n-play.  We kept it on top of the various bags and boxes after
that.
 
Not knowing what to expect, I'd snagged snow chains (didn't need but
had incase) and had winter tires put on the car.  We escaped all the
snow and only saw it as we were entering Norfolk and it was snowing
fairly heavy as we pulled up to the inlaws.
 
The final stint was almost 18 hours driving with minimal breaks as
we knew snow was headed in and I was determined to get there first.
Yes, alternative plan was hole up in Richmond but fortunately it
held up just long enough.  Norfolk got 10inches of snow in the end
but less than an inch before I got us to Don's parents who were
housing us until we could get into our apartment (pre-rented when
in San Diego with help of Fleet and Family Services, a military
associated assistance to us Navy as we transfer.
 
If not familiar with Norfolk/Virginia beach/'Hampton Roads' area, we
are the east coast 'snow line'.  Most years we get only a dusting of
snow but we have odd years with a foot or more.  We are only funded
for snow gear for the average.  That means almost nothing.  I knew
enough to scoot home before it or wait 3 days for melt off.

 
 
Mostly pretty good weather there, but when it snows big, man it is
hell.   I was there once when all the pines were leaning over from
the heavy wet snow.  My one boy is a cop just up the road in Richmond.

(snips but glad you made it safe!)

Yes, we are a funny area.  1 inch snow halts the city.  4 inches causes
panic.  Reality is just stay home and let it melt off.  They only have
gear for the interstates.  Those later try to catch major throughways
but residential areas aren't touched.  Last I checked, they don't sell
winter tires, just 'all season'.