When I woke up this morning, it was snowing heavily and it didn't stop for several hours I think. Which meant that roads were nearly impossible to clear and conditions in some places could get tricky. I was okay though: the bus and I took it easy and we got everywhere we needed to without too much delay.
I finished at midday and my first stop (during another bout of heavy snowing) was the physio. After that it was home. Now, to get to the house, I have to drive UP ↑ the hill. Which I did. Until I didn't. The car started spinning, the direction changed and I stopped. I put it in reverse (right into the grass), back in forward gear, but nothing. No movement. *Sigh*
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| Definitely not its regular place. |
Since there was enough room for the other cars of the household to drive past, I felt I might as well leave the car until the snow is gone again. I won't need the car for a few days anyway. I made my way to the house and as I tried to enter, my landlord's brother came out. He had had difficulties as well, although not to the same degree) and was now going to shovel snow.
After about an hour I thought: even though he is shoveling snow, it might freeze over later and then there could be trouble. Because if somebody tries to get past my car, gets into trouble and then hits my car... So, I decided to get the car out. One way or another.
On with the heavy duty snow clothes and shoes and out I went. Brother had just finished shoveling and drove off (past my car, no problem) and I started the car. Within seconds the car started beeping. Seat belt! That sorted, I drove forwards. Well, I say drove, more like tried, because it wouldn't budge. Reverse was a bit easier, but still not enough movement.
I got out, removed snow, removed some more snow and got back in. Beep beep. Oh *&^%$&^&*!! In the end the car was at right angles in the drive. In other words: no car was getting past me! And then it hit me (figuratively speaking): don't try to go up ↑ the drive, go down ↓ it! Which I managed in about three seconds flat. And because the drive had been shoveled, it was easy backing up ↑ the drive again to park the car in its regular spot.
Excitement!
Jeepers Creepers look at that snow. Whew...thank goodness your route went smoothly and you got home and now you and your car are safe where you should be.
ReplyDeleteHugs madi and mom
PS we had 7" of snow on Wed.in one day. Some years we don't even get 7 in an entire winter. I'm hoping that is it for us for the winter.
Hari OM
ReplyDeletemany a long year past, I did a snow-driving course as part of the advanced driver's licence; but it boiled down to, nothing can really help if the conditions take you into the edges! Carry old blankets in the boot - to place under the wheels for grip; carry a shovel; carry blankets and flask inside the car. Prepare for the worst, celebrate the better! Stay warm. And safe. YAM xx
The thing I found that helps me most: slow down. We have a lot of hills (some quite steep) and it is just a case of starting off as slow as you can, just in case something happens and you pick up speed. Once you're going, you're going, no matter how much snow training/driving you have done. But, keeping the speed low, distance to other traffic bigger than normal and just using common sense: that helps.
DeleteAs for me being stuck: I was at home and even if I hadn't managed to get it out, I would have waited until the snow had melted (next week, when I don't need the car) and then I would have gotten it out.
Hari Om
DeleteYes, the slow means slow application is the best general advice. And long spaces between vehicles. Sadly, we are finding that not too many folks here are showing that 'common sense'!!! YAM xx
Sounds like you had quite the adventure!! Glad it all ended well!
ReplyDeleteGood thinking, Mara.
ReplyDeleteI have my moments!
DeleteWow! It looks just like a snow squall in WNY! Once a few years ago, one of our cars, which was parked in our sloping driveway, started to slide all by itself down the driveway. Fortunately, it didn't hit the other car, and didn't make it out to the road!
ReplyDeleteFortunately once the slope in the drive is negotiated, the parking itself happens on the flat. Otherwise, my car would slide down the drive, then down the road towards the main road, cross that and come to a stop at the funeral parlour at the other side! I would hate for that to happen.
DeleteOoh, fortunately we park on the flat, but if not, my car could roll down the drive, then down the road, cross the main road and come to a stop at the funeral parlour! It doesn't bear thinking about...
DeleteWoooooooooooh! Sneeuw! <3
ReplyDeleteNiet zoveel als waar wij waren, maar het is mooi!
DeleteGlad you got that sorted. It just didn't seem like a good place to leave it when I saw that first picture.
ReplyDeleteGlad you were able to move the car! Burr.....
ReplyDelete