Back on the On Ramp: Week 12

Week 12: Dec. 6-12 “Home Sweet Home”

Saturday, December 5th we began our northward trek with the idea of stopping off in the Reno, Nevada area to visit family. The clouds of uncertainty surrounding the weather predicted for the area added to the drama of our trip. Below zero temperatures and snow were lurking on the horizon. Even at home in the northwest, temperatures in the single digits were expected. After spending the day in the sun in 70 degree weather in Loma Linda last Friday, our bodies were in for a shock. The scenery surrounding our trip up the east side of the Sierra Nevada mountain range on Saturday was spectacular.

Early Saturday evening we arrived ahead of the storms in Verdi, Nevada. We were faced with the dilemma of cutting our visit short and heading out the next morning before the onslaught of the snowstorm or waiting it out. This was one of the “no clear cut answer” situations with both scenarios not looking too favorable. Two added elements weighing in on the decision included a retirement party for Diane’s sister set for Sunday night and getting back home in time to see off our middle daughter’s family for a month long stay in Arizona. It did not help matters that we had not seen them or our new little granddaughter in 10 weeks.

The urge to head home ahead of the storm seemed prudent even though I did not feel all that comfortable with the decision. Regardless, we headed out from Verdi Sunday morning. That’s when the fun began. About twenty miles out we encountered a huge traffic tie up. Later we learned there had been an accident ahead of us that closed the freeway for three hours. While sitting on the freeway going nowhere I thought back to the night before when I had prayed for some direction on the timing of the remainder of our trip. The answer was not apparent when we left that morning but sitting stuck in traffic it now was staring me in the face: “Central Truckee Exit Ahead.” I first thought we might as well pull off and wait this mess out but then it soon became obvious this storm was just kicking into gear and the brunt of the bad weather was still ahead. With this new direction we whipped around and headed back to Verdi with thoughts of enjoying the comforts of a warm home.

The snow continued to fall throughout the day but it did not deter us from heading out for the retirement party for Diane’s sister Sunday night. The family connection in Reno circled around a big table at Macaroni Grill was a lot better than driving in a blizzard and wading through the numerous accidents that snarled the freeway throughout the day. The storm did not loosen its grip on the area until Monday evening. The forecast showed clear skies for Tuesday, yet still with sub freezing temperatures awaiting us for our next opportunity to continue our trip north to Vancouver. Monday night found us shoveling and plowing a foot of snow off the sidewalk and driveway to clear the way for our departure.

Tuesday was indeed a beautiful bone-chilling day. With our hugs and goodbyes all in order, off we headed riding on the security of our four-wheel drive Toyota and a favorable forecast. Even though the trip took an additional two hours the scenery made it worthwhile. Once we made it to Mt. Shasta it was clear sailing the rest of the way home. Upon our arrival, it was still uncharacteristically cold, but we were home!

Getting reconnected with our family was first on the order, with the remainder of the week getting caught up with being away for two and a half months. It is good to be home!