Monday, December 31, 2012

Happy New Year and Yes, I Survived the Drive from LA to Reno

I can't believe it's been so long since I've posted, but it's been an action packed week.
Our Christmas was very nice.  Quiet, relaxing, fun.

THEN



The day after Christmas Mr. Tennis and I headed to Reno, NV to check up on The Nephews and pick up my brother, Mr. Connor and bring him back here to LA.

We left about 8am in the morning and had planned on an 8 hour drive. You know what they say about making plans.....



We hit the Sierra Nevada mountain area about 4pm and started seeing signs about "chain warnings". Huh?
Good thing we stopped for gas and talked to the attendant inside.  Yes, it was snowing and icy up on the pass through the mountains and the highway patrol was requiring everyone to have chains to go through.
Huh?



Bought some chains just in case (we weren't even seeing snow at this point) and started what we thought would be a 2 hour drive through the pass.



Did I mention it was The Donner Pass?  Google it if you aren't familiar with the story.
To put your mind at ease, if you are familiar, we started out with two adults and two dogs and ended our "2 hour drive" with two adults and two dogs at 11:30pm. Took us over 6 hours to make the drive at a snail's pace and one container of Christmas cookies.  
Good thing for the dogs we had those cookies.

Yes Mom there are still cookies back here, stop looking at me like that!


Here's some pictures of what turned out to be quite the driving adventure for four Floridians - one who grew up in Canada and completely forgot everything there was to know about driving in the snow!

You know what they say about a full moon (well, almost full, but it might as well have been)







The donning of the chains...



Lots of cars in ditches, but the Floridians made it to their Reno hotel.

Everything looks better in the light of day...




The Bostons channeled their inner Husky and handled the snow quite well.



And of course, seeing cute nephews made the trip totally worthwhile!

Mr. T and 18 month old Sebastian

Three month old Theodore.

Aaaaaah.

So, what did you do the week after Christmas?????

Next up:  drive back through the mountains in the light of day and our stop at Carmel and Pebble Beach.








12 comments:

Unknown said...

Sounds like quite an adventure! Glad to hear that you were able to navigate the snow and make it safely.

Happy new year

rottrover said...

I'm glad you didn't have to eat Mr. Tennis in order to survive!! OMD!! BTW, we met a BOSTON at the dog park near us. Yes, he was in the "big dog area" and a total doll! Hope to see you soon!

Mr. Connor said...

What an adventure !

Chatty Crone said...

I did that once in January - you think things are okay and then all of a sudden - slick snow! Thank God you made it.
To a wonderful new year - 2013! sandie♥

Unknown said...

I have to congratulate my dear floridians for tackleing all Cal. can dish to you. Mr. T Looks like he belongs handleling those chains. The Bostons were brave. I'm so glad you are back home.Happy new year to all.

Heather said...

Ooh Yuk! I hate traveling by vehicle at the best of times, don't like to be the driver either, but in the snow, ugh! That pic of the view from the front seat (the one below the one with rear lights of the car in front), just freaks me out because it is so like when we have to drive in the snow at night.... gives me the shivers just thinking about it! Glad you arrived safe and sound... safe driving on your way home! In the meantime, Happy New Year! Cheers!

centerofgravity said...

I haven't seen snow like that in many years and have never driven in snow quite that bad before either. I sort of figured that neither one of you had driven in it before either. g\lad you made it ok and that you shared pictures of it too. Especially, loved the picture of you in your side view mirror as you're taking picutres of the truck's chains.

Happy New Year, dear friend.

CG

Mullin Avenue Workshop said...

That sounds like a somewhat scarey, but as well interesting drive!
Snow can look pretty, as seen in the morning photo, but driving in those conditions would be very hard, and dangerous. Especially with the wet snow conditions.
I love the pictures of the Bostons and the snow, this must have been their first time to see the cold stuff?
Lovely photos of your nephews - they are sure cute.
Happy New Year Ann and family!!
Brenda

Debby@Just Breathe said...

Still working on my Christmas post.
Wow, that was quite a drive you had. We have yet to buy snow chains. So different from having snow tires in Chicago! Glad you made it safe and sound. Can't imagine having Skye in the car that long but I think she would do well. I think she would love the snow. I think we need to take her to Wrightwood and try it out!
Happy New Year and all the best to you and your family in this new year! Debby

Anonymous said...

Scary! All the best to you and your family in the new year. Sweet little ones in those last photos.

Patricia @ 9th and Denver said...

Oh my sweet goodness! I've not seen snow chains in years!
That trip would have had my nerves in a bundle. I used to not be bothered about things like that...but 'worr-uh, worr-uh, worr-uh'

sounds like tons of fun--FOR Y'ALL! Glad the Bostons made the trip and had cookies!

Pat

RURAL said...

Oh my gosh that was quite the trip...is it normally like that?

Good to hear that you made it safely back.

Jen