Dancing in the Snow!!

Well...didn't quite make Montana today but am sooo thankful to be in a lonely motel room in Wall, South Dakota...damn glad for cold weather, snow and winds as I am just plain fortunate to be alive.

They always say 'give them space' when the snow plows are out on interstates plowing and I thought I had but found out it wasn't quite far enough for the huge drift the plow blade exploded into the air!  Have you ever seen the movie The Mummy where you can see the sandstorm coming from a distance and then, all of a sudden, bam!! it's right on them and you can't see anything?  That's pretty much what happened to me this morning. 

I had just passed a car and a loaded semi tractor trailer maybe 30 seconds before and was still in the left lane when the snow plow hit what must have been a massive drift.  The next thing I saw was this huge wall of snow coming at me.  I had just enough time to grab the steering wheel with boths hands and break hard.  For a moment I remember closing my eyes as I just knew I was going into the ditch or worse was going to be rear ended.  When the impact didn't happen I opened my eyes, looked in the rear view mirror, and like a horror movie scene the semi tractor trailer grill and front window were fast approaching the back of my truck.  I am positive the driver had anticipated like me and stepped hard on his brakes also cause if he hadn't I wouldn't have had that split second to swing into the right lane as he swung towards the left shoulder.  I don't think there was a foot between our vehicles as he passed by me.  There had to have been a guardian angel sitting on each of our shoulders.

So you see, I really should have been able to make Montana (or at least Rapid City) by tonight but after the near miss I needed some time to compose myself as I was badly shaken.  For the remainder of the day I didn't quite drive the speed limit and was hypervigilant for ice and snow and a shiver would run down my spine every time I saw another snow plow which there were a few.

But...never mind me now...all is good...I'm going outside to dance in the snow...it's a good night to be alive!!

Happy Trails

Well...just a quick post before I hit the road for Montana in the morning.  The snow finally stopped here late morning after about two days of a steady but light snow fall...37 out of 51 days we've had some type of snow precipitation and are around 50 inches for the season so far.  A fair amount for here but by no means a record yet and pales in comparison to many other places in the U.S.  As it is it looks like I have a two day window of time between snow falls and will probably run into snow once I get to the Black Hills of South Dakota but as long as it's daylight out and not a lot of wind shouldn't be any problem. 

This being Tuesday night several of my favorite shows are on tv so I've not really pulled myself away from the tv to pack so I have been mentally doing a list of what I need to take.  Of course, mental lists will lead me to forgetting something but it won't be a deal breaker if I do...just gotta watch my shows!  Priorities you know?!

Anyways...hope to post a few pics while I'm in the Big Sky Country of Montana but family time will take priority...am so excited to see everyone!! 

Until then...cheers!

To Tour or Not to Tour

I am not a world traveler...yet.  So this is an entirely new experience preparing for my trip Down Under.  I am now beginning to see why doing a tour overseas is so popular...let someone else book your hotels, meals and sites to see and just go along for the ride.  But that is not what is happening for me and despite my slight protests I am having a blast scouring the internet looking at places and things to do.  As it is I have quickly come to the realization that one month's time in Australia just isn't going to cut it to see everything there is to see so there will be plenty left over for that second trip...whenever that might be. 

I do, however, have a 'secret' weapon that others do not have...I have a native Victorian in greater Melbourne who is going on this adventure with me so I've yet to make a decision without her input or suggestions which makes it 100% easier than ever.  If not for her I would have long ago given up and checked out one of the many tours to Australia.

I had considered starting a separate travel blog but as I am still very new to this thing called blogging I think I'd best not push my luck and take on more than I can 'chew' as mom would have said.  So for now the plan is to blog snippets here and there about the trip, during the trip and more than likely alot after the trip...hope you come along for the ride!