Dear friend and comrade, Honey Bunny (HB), recently called me to say that she’s moving from Seattle to Dallas, and asks if I can come with to help her out. While most of her household will be going into a POD, the cats, houseplants, and HB herself, must be transported by car. She’s covering airfare to bring me up and send me back, food, lodging, and mochas, while I will provide company, moral support, cat wrangling services, and commentary.
Here’s the problem: this happens in a little over a week. As in “2000+ mile trek from frozen northwest through really frozen Rocky Mountains to mostly frozen north Texas”.
We’ve made this trip before, but it was in July, and our biggest problem was finding shade when we had potty breaks and all the Denver hotels being booked because of some sports game. This time? I’m worried.
HB drives a Mitsubishi coupe which she keeps in good condition. She will be getting it serviced before we go. However, she seems to think that we can travel the same distance in the same time. I’m thinking, in the middle of winter, we need to be ready to increase the time by a minimum of 50%. She says she has an emergency kit, but it’s mostly chocolate. I’m a big fan of chocolate, but it doesn’t start fires, build shelters, or signal helicopters for help. I’m probably being a little overly worried.
The current route is from Seattle to Salt Lake City to Albuquerque to Dallas. The weather in those cities looks . . . okay for the next 10 days. I’m more worried about the long stretches of lonesome, snow covered highways in between, as well as another round of blizzards. Both of us have some experience driving in snow and we’re both sensible enough to slow down and be careful.
Those of you who live in the north, drive lots in cruddy winter conditions, or have lots of roadtrip/moving experience, I’d really like your advice. I’m looking specifically for:
- expected or likely dangers driving long distances this time of year
- ways to minimize risk
- tips, sympathy, ideas
Thanks!