Holiday Travel

The drive to Homer was mostly uneventful, and by that I mean “The Longest Drive To Homer In The History Of Drives To Homer Ever Amen.”

Of the 300 people stupid enough to brave the Seward and Sterling highways today, 298 of them were travelling north behind two state plows. 290 of the vehicles travelling north were big pickups with 4-wheel-drive, and 8 were Subarus with all-wheel drive.

Then there was me and my front-wheel-drive neon with non-studded winter tires that have been driven on for two years straight, winters and summers alike. Behind me was one large pickup with four-wheel-drive that was unhappy with my chosen speed (slow), but not willing to go around me even when I slowed down to indicate my desire for him to go around me. Also headed south were no state plows of any sort ever.

There was terrible visibility for 90% of the drive even though my mother and oldest brother kept assuring me that “the sun is shining! right now! serious!” in Homer. The sun was shining, this is true. But it only shined for the ten miles north of Homer; the rest of the highway was snow-snow-snow.

I only went into the ditch once. But I called my dad and he came and rescued me. Just like he always does because I’m “the girl” and he “loves me better.” Isn’t that right, John?

It just happened to be in my parents’ driveway.

I made it all the way from Anchorage to Homer through blizzards and quarter-mile visibility and lots of snow and ice on the roads only to get stuck in a ditch within sight of my parents’ house.

This is going to be an awesome Christmas.

23 December 2006 · 21:11:03

3 love notes

Now I’m jealous. I remember the entertainment of watching people maneuver the driveway, guessing among ourselves if they have enough speed, stay high enough on the big corner, or can back down the length of the massive hill to try it again. We never minded towing anyone out of the ditch (maybe due to the fact we were gaming at their expense). Forget the fact that your the “favorite”! Sissy! Good to hear you made it.

love, john at 24dec06, 07:45:38

My problem was that I shifted into second gear just before Smiths’. As soon as I did I knew I wasn’t going to make it. Stopped halfway up the corner and had to back down to try again and then I BACKED INTO THE DITCH across from Smiths’ driveway. Way to go, Valette.

love, Valette at 24dec06, 09:22:43

Oh I have been in that ditch many times….I think I even backed into it, everytime! Glad to hear you made it…but I was hoping to have you over Christmas.

love, Heidi at 24dec06, 10:29:42

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