Decisions Decisions... To Drive Or Not To Drive

Hey Rainy D Was just checking the tt tracker for anyone near me to invite for prime rib. Sorry you are about 300 miles away in Rawlins and thought "what is she doing out here?" I drive that stretch from Rawlins to Utah a lot and all I can say is listen to wydot. That whole I80 thru wy. Is a tough piece of road especially in the winter. Storms can blow up out of nowhere. If you're comfortable driving take it easy and cautious. If not stay put. I've seen WAY too many tractor trailers taking a nap out there. Wish you were closer I'd come get ya to spend the holiday with my family. Merriest of Christmas to you and sorry you're shut down on the holidays Such is the bizarre life we lead

Thanks guys. Yes Rick, both loads had appts today on Christmas eve...walmart loads. the one I brought from PA which was for 0800 was fully loaded, but I wasn't driving over ice through the mountains in the dark. Not happening. I had a goal to get past elk mtn, which I did and messaged dispatch to change my appt. They said they would but never did.

The new load which was light had a big window but the forecasts kept changing all night. The winds were so violent it rocked the truck all night and counteracted my bunk heater. It pumped out hot air but the drafts coming in were massive. Then it started snowing.

I didn't even set my alarm and when I woke it was bright and sunny and calm. I made a list of possible stops and headed out. Once I got to Utah it was pretty bad with sleet, snow, ice, wind...everything for about 30 miles then just rain. I delivered and am now parked at the terminal in SLC.

Funny thing is I spent Easter shut down for two days in Laramie Petro. Easter to me means cute little fluffy bunnies and tulips, not two feet of snow. Now I'll be shut down Christmas. Oh well. For now it's raining, but nasty stuff is coming.

For awhile though, I was expecting jack Nicholson to jump out at me with an ax. Creepy dark, snowy, and that foggy cloudy mountain stuff lol

Bart that is solo sweet thanks! What am I doing here is right!!! Almost temtping to go lease just to NEVER come west again hahah

At least you made it to the other side of Parley's.

But day-am. I had just driven through there this morning. I would have stopped and grabbed you on my way to Denver, this morning, had I seen this thread.

This is just an opinion and everyone has to decide what's right for them. I cannot tell you when to go and when not to ...

However...

I'll drive a light trailer in 45-50+ wind gusts. But I'm used to it. Through the night, I drove between 65 and 70 mph, only because the road was dry.

When there's wind PLUS ice, I'll drive between 35 and 50mph.

I watch the www.wyoroad.info all the time, while I'm on the road because the conditions change constantly. I also call their 511 line every couple of hours.

When the wind gusts are up to 60+ and the website and 511 say that light trailers are prohibited, I either take US30 instead of Elk or if that's closed, like it was Tuesday night, I take I70 through CO.

Again, you can't drive what doesn't feel right under your wheels so those of you out there wondering, you have to make that determination yourselves.

Glad you're safe, Rainy D.

-mountain girl

I dropped my last load and this one is headed to MN. Chain law in effect for WY, so I'm tempted to go down 70 even if it adds miles. But...for some reason I keep getting errors on the dot sites. Maybe they are overrun or the snow is affecting my signals.

I just hate not being familiar with the roads and area. If in drove this place over the summer I'd feel more knowledgeable.

The Colorado site isn't all that great, .....Iiiii think, anyway.

The number for CDOT is

303-639-1111.

At the MOMENT, the only chain law is on EB I70 at Vail pass.

The chain law on I80 is for the "Three Sisters" between Evanston and Ft. Bridger.

You drove Parley's summit yesterday, so to give you an idea, the passes on I70 are no more difficult than that -just longer.

I might be inclined to take 70 this morning, as typically, there's very little wind and the snow plow drivers do a way faster job than in WY. SO FAR, there are no chains.

I70 is not that bad. Just take it slowly. It's a lot of turns but the landscape and views are incredible, and since you're driving in the day, it's a lot easier.

Just follow the speeds for truckers. The guidelines are very good. Stay in lower gears and don't burn out your brakes. The extra miles aren't too bad.

Be safe. It's not as bad as everyone thinks, really, as long as the chain laws don't go up. -and they might not, if the snow plows can keep up.

Stay safe and good luck. You can do it.

-mountain girl

Thanks mountain girl

You're welcome, Girlfriend. Any time.

-mg

You're welcome, Girlfriend. Any time.

-mg

We decided to sit this one out. I just saw the first snow flurries of 1 of 2 snow storms coming in. We're gonna get sandwiched at Little America I-80 WY. And just 9 days ago I was sitting in 70 degree sunshine in Florida.

Hey Rainy,

I just checked the CDOT line again. High wind advisory closer to Denver. Still no chains unless you're traveling East over Vail Pass or on Loveland Pass.

Whatever you decide is safe for you is the best decision.

Nancy, glad you're at Little Am. It's nice and clean. Friendly.

Merry Christmas.

-mountain girl