December 31, 2010
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December Ranch Trip 2010 – VII
~*~*~*~*~
Although we had originally planned to stay at the ranch
until Friday,
plans evolved during the week and we decided to head back Thursday evening
(which would give us a full day of fun, plus the added
bonus of a night drive).However.
Thursday morning the winds were high.
Snowfall increased steadily.
The dogs gamboled happily,
and so did the kids,
as the novelty of snow is a rare joy
for desert dwellers.
Paul got to wear his Minnesota hat,
And after The Boy (here sleeping upside down in his sleeping bag)
woke up,
he had to try the hat too.
There was an early morning snow fight…
But as the snow increased,
Paul went up to our neighbor’s place
and checked the weather forecast.
This
brought the enlightening news
that the whole area was covered by a winter storm warning
until 5pm,
with 5-6 inches of snow predicted on the ranch,
and 10-20″ in both Show Low and Payson,
our two options for driving home.
By 8am Hwy 40 was closed,
and we
decided to pack and bug out,
and were on the road by 8:30a.m.
The ranch road, here partially clear…
there, not so clear…
Heading down the winding 60/40 at a very slow speed…
Out on the highway, a snow-plough on the opposite side…
Heading into Show Low…
The drive should take about 40 minutes,
and took more like a couple of hours.
We left so fast,
Paul did not have a chance to grab his sunglasses,
so he had to wear mine.
Happy carefree kids!
At the gas station in Show Low,
we pulled in behind a local
who had not yet brushed off his truck.~*~*~*~*~
