We hit the road, the holiday spirit in the air, with bags packed and excitement buzzing. Our destination? The coast. The journey, however, had its own plans.
Our departure was late, thanks to an exhaustive packing session that left us racing against the clock. I took the wheel first, navigating through a dense fog and over two challenging mountain passes. As we neared Washington, the fatigue from the drive started to weigh on me.
Handing the wheel to her near Coeur d’Alene seemed like a good idea, until the weather decided to turn theatrical. Rain pounded the windshield as she drove through Spokane, and then, almost as if on cue, the rain transformed into snow. The enchanting flakes quickly turned menacing, reducing our speed to a crawl at 40 mph. My nerves jangled with every mile.
Concerned about a potential rear-end collision, I urged her to pull over. Taking back the driver’s seat, I felt a renewed sense of control, especially with our new tires gripping the snowy road confidently.
Back in our makeshift land sub, the van, tension rose as we prepared for the night. Her suggestion to sleep with our heads downhill seemed weird, but her execution – flipping her sleeping arrangement and leaving me with a hanging clothes bag in my face – was less than ideal. Feeling isolated in the confined space, I turned away, alone in my thoughts.
It was a tough start to our road trip, a mix of adventure and challenge, of companionship and solitude. Yet, amidst the snowy chaos and a cramped van, there was a sense of something more, a journey not just across states but within ourselves.
Resources to Enhance Your Day:
- Road Trip Safety Tips
- Guide to Driving in Snow
- Best Practices for Packing for Road Trips
- Stress Management on Long Drives
- Exploring Washington’s Scenic Routes
On This Day in History
Let’s take a stroll down memory lane with these fascinating blog posts from December 23rd over the years:
- 2022: Broken – A chilly adventure unfolds as the writer braves -18 degree temperatures on a fat bike, headed to Ace for bolts. The aim? To assist River with some projects for an Oregon escape. A mini-epic journey that’s sure to have onlookers admiring the coolness.
- 2021: Escaping Devel Dust Part 2 – Another chapter in an ongoing story, though the details of this escape remain a tantalizing mystery.
- 2020: Shorty on the Jem – Details are scarce, but the title hints at a possibly intriguing or whimsical tale.
- 2012: Twas 2 nights before – A playful and possibly festive story, just two nights before Christmas. What surprises await?
- 2010: Rebuild – A gripping narrative about overcoming adversity, beginning with intense illness, a flood, and a 30-day eviction notice. A tale of resilience and rebuilding in the face of hardship.
- 2007: From Roundup to Lambert – A nostalgic journey to Lambert, Montana, complete with childhood memories and a frozen sled lesson!
- 2004: Its Brew Time – A relaxing day described with a hike, a plan for pizza, a hot tub, and, importantly, a Hefeweizen beer.
- 2004: In Demand – Reflections on job prospects and corporate changes at Adventure Cycling, mixed with a personal sense of humor.
- 2001: I Have Arrived in KC – A 13-hour journey concludes with the writer’s arrival in Kansas City, greeted by excitement and the final leg of the trip to Liberty, Missouri.
These snippets from history reveal personal stories, adventures, and reflections, each marking December 23rd in their unique way! 📅✨
Boneshakerbike 
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