Mother Nature

 I am writing this from my hotel room in Swift Current.  Yesterday I left Okotoks to beat what I though was a storm hitting Manitoba on Monday.  As I traveled down #1 highway, conditions just got worse and at Gull Lake I was in a long line of vehicles behind a semi going 60-70 kms.  The snow started to blow the closer we got to Swift Current and conditions were deteriorating fast. In all my travels I have never been storm stayed other than with family.  I joined the long line up at a hotel to secure a room.  As people like myself came in, I heard someone say they are full.  So, out with my phone to book a room.  In the past I have successfully booked hotel rooms with my phone, but for some reason it seemed like I didn't have a clue what I was doing. Nothing would work, and no one was answering my calls at the hotels. So, I did what I usually do and stopped the mania, it was not meant to be booked online.  By this time the lineup of people had gone, and I said to the clerk, "do you know if any hotels have vacancies?"  She said, "I just got a cancellation, and you can have that room".  I have been known to land on my feet and I would say this was one of those moments. The plexiglass prevented me from leaping over the counter and hugging this wonderful young person. It was chaos as people were bringing in their children, some appeared to have lots of luggage, others had none. The elderly was trying to get through the snow as the wind blew them about.  We all looked the same, tense drivers from #1, wet, windblown and hopeful to find a bed. The hotel staff were efficient, competent and couldn't have managed the situation with any more grace.  The calm in the storm to say the least.

Crazy storm

I am reminded of the time people were stranded on the highway between Brandon and Virden for two days.  Who is prepared for two days in their car.  Is it because we are so determined to get to our destination that we seem senseless when it comes to weather.  For me I thought I had a reason to be on the highway.  I was trying to beat the Colorado Low coming into Manitoba Sunday night early Monday morning.  I forgot when traveling from Alberta to Manitoba there is one big open province that pretty much does what it wants when it comes to storms. I thought I had checked the weather and understood what was ahead for me.  Clearly, I was dead wrong it was Oct 23, and anything can happen.   

It had already started to melt, but you get the idea.

That ice he is chipping is 2 inches thick

There is always so much good comes from these types of situations.  For me I was impressed with the consideration that was shown to others. I have always felt that most people have kindness within, it may just take a desperate time to bring it out. I have had lovely conversations with people I have never met, they seem to have time to talk and to truly care. We all ended our chats with, "drive safely and I hope you get home soon".  I just wish we remembered to always behave in that manner showing caring and compassion.  

I am amazed at the people that are striking out because the hotline says, "the road is open".  Others are going to take another highway around the one that is closed, same area just not closed. These people have babies and children and determined to get home even if it means they drive slow at 60 kms.  I believe it is the youth in them that provides the confidence to face the elements in a daredevil way.  I know forty years ago that would have been us.  The words "just go slow" means it is okay to some, to me it means stay put.  I got caught in this storm, but to deliberately to go out in it seems senseless. 

This was this morning

Just think about what you would do if you were storm stayed somewhere.  Probably some of you reading this already have.  My worst thought was I was going to have to spend the night in my car.  I am sure many did, since it is doubtful Swift Current has room for the entire #1 highway travel on a Sunday, no less. I was reminded by a new friend that "it could be worse; it is just a snowstorm".   

I used to say there are 3 things we can't control: birth, death and the weather.  As we all know birth is pretty much controlled.  For the most part, death is not controlled, but with the new assisted death it is becoming regulated for a small number of people. But we will never be able to control the weather.  Mother nature stands strong with her power and control over us when it comes to what weather she decides we need. That is why she is called Mother Nature not Father Nature.    

Of course, lessons to be learned from this experience in regard to traveling:

1. Always assume there will be a storm after September 1 and have your winter tires on.

2.  Make sure you carry your window scrapper year-round.

3.  Mini gloves are a must and heavier ones aren't a bad idea either. 

4. Find a good online site for highway conditions.  Those suckers are hard to find when you really need them.  Or like in my case, have a good friend who deals with that for you.  

5. Have enough food and water on board for at least 24 hours.  Stay hydrated and eat well. 

In closing I want to say, travel for me has forever changed.  Don't get overwhelmed that does not do one lick of good.  Make the right decision for your own safety, don't rush that decision and be practical.  Lastly, safety first. 

Nice little snow cover.
Wind was blowing but it was bright