Yes, people the Southeast is REALLY getting hit hard with ice and snow. I mean, this morning everything here in North Carolina was fine. The situation looked like it couldn't be anything overly serious. However, I was still worried because of the forecasts. I was working my job at Shoeboxed today. At about 12:00 PM, Carson (my girlfriend) called me. She told me the inclement weather has just hit Garner. I was in Durham, there was nothing happening. My Mom was doing her grocery shopping today. She told me the snow was starting some. I decided I should head home early. I asked the boss, he told me it was all right. So, I decided to head home early. I clocked out and then I was on my way. However, today I REALLY regret coming over to work today. I beginning to think I shouldn't have come at all. The forecast did call for some inclement weather today. That turned out to be an UNDERSTATEMENT! But coming home was anything BUT EASY.
I left at about 12:30, I went on to 15-501 to head home. However, during that time the snow really came piling down faster and heavier than usual. When I reached a certain point on 15-501, I felt my anti-lock breaks on my car. When that happened, you know its a BAD sign. What's worse it was 27 degrees Fahrenheit (that's -2.78 degrees Celsius for those of you who live outside the United States). I mean we got 2.5 inches in just 30 minutes (that's 6.35 centimetres for those of you who live outside the United States). For some of you in this world that may not sound like much, but in North Carolina we DO NOT have round the clock plowing and salting. So, without plowing and salting, that much CAN be DANGEROUS.
While on my way home I had to move REALLY slowly. Often only 3 miles per hour (and yes, that's 4.8 kilometres per hour for those of you who live outside the US. Hey, what can I say, we don't use the metric system here in the US, so I just thought I would make things clearer for non-Americans). There were times the snow piled up in my rear windshield. There were times, while my car was stopped, I had to go out and wipe it off myself. Both my mother and my girlfriend were worried sick. They called me while I was driving. Mom and I had to think of some plans. She and I first thought it would be best if I park at Harris Teeter (since it's close to home) and she can take her Land Rover to come and pick me up from there. The Land Rover has four wheel drive and can handle snow better than my Acura can. But I mean, 15-501 was SO SLOW. Fortunately, there were many cars on the street to provide heat so the snow doesn't stick. Mom called me some for a checkup on where I was. She told me Carson has been calling a lot, too. Mom told me Carson has been praying a lot for me (she is such a sweet girlfriend). I mean it was really slow. They slowest points happened around the traffic lights. We had to decide who goes first the people on the road, or the people who were trying to pull onto the roads. It was hard to move for some people. That's why, even when WE had the green light, we had to let other people cross so they can get on. MAN, IT WAS A REAL NIGHTMARE!!
And the nightmare got WORSE! While I was on 15-501, all routes were blocked after the intersecting street Manning. That meant that I would HAVE to take Raleigh Road on to Farrington, THE LONG WAY. I took it. I called Mom about the situation. It really sucks because I wasn't sure what the roads will like in Farrington. I mean, Farrington is a back road. There isn't as much traffic driving on it to melt the snow some. I mean, on this trip back home I was so scared and frustrated. I was worried that car could get stopped. My car could slip into a tree where my car could be damaged or worse I could be injured or killed. Or maybe slide off a bridge. Usually, I am not scared to cross bridges, but when there is some son and potential ice, that's when my fear kicks in. However, I had NO choice. In fact, I don't know if I EVER encountered this combination of fear and frustration in my whole life. If I have, I don't remember it. However, I got through it. Before taking Farrington, Mom told me that all gates of the Governor's Club (our neighborhood, it's a gated community) were closed. I had to park at the Food Lion and walk to the gate. She told to see if she can pick me up or if I would need to take the the Governor's Club shuttle services. They had heavy trucks with four wheel drive. I successfully parked at the Food Lion on Governor's Drive, just after Farrington. Here are some pictures to show you what I went though right after I stepped out of my car.
Well, this is a photo after I parked my car. I parked it outside of the Food Lion.
Here is a picture of the snow storm at dusk. It was very beautiful However, not very convenient.
Had to cross this traffic light and ask if my mother can get me in her Land Rover, or if I needed to wait for the shuttle.
I had to walk half a mile in this slush. That would be four fifths of a kilometre for those of you who live outside the United States. It was a pain in the butt. It was cold. I mean, I think the temperature went down one degree to 26 degrees Fahrenheit and for that would be -3.33 degrees Celsius for those of you who live outside the US. Well, just thought I would make things clearer for Non-Americans. But the point is, IT'S COLD!! And not expecting to encounter this kind of weather, these next two photos show you all I had on to wear.
This
And that! I was prepared for this kind of weather. I didn't expect to be home so late. Just a light jacket, jeans, and sneakers. No gloves, no boots, no hat. I asked if my mother can pick me up in her Land Rover, but the GC advised all people to stay inside. They told me I will HAVE to wait for a shuttle truck. I couldn't get a photo from the Governor's Club's front gate because I didn't have to wait long for a shuttle truck. I was able to get on quickly. That was GOOD LUCK for me! I sent a text to Mom letter her know I was going to be home shortly.
This footprint shows you how the snow quickly piled up. Yep, I quickly became THAT deep. And we usually don't get snow like this here in North Carolina. Fortunately, I made it home okay.
I called my girlfriend to let her know that I made it home, and I am just fine. She was REALLY happy to know that I made it back safely. Now, I know how Odysseus and his men from Homer's poem The Odyssey felt on their way back home. But this trip home took a ludicrous six hours! I was just SO happy to be back safe and sound. Unfortunately, I got some more bad news, The UNC/Duke Basketball game was cancelled due to the inclement weather. That sucks!! As you know I am a UNC fan and Duke is UNC top rival, especially in Basketball. When will the reschedule the game? I don't know. I just hope UNC kicks Duke's butt when they do. GO TAR HEELS, GET THOSE BLUE DEVILS!! I don't think I ever want to drive though another situation like that. I think this kind of an adventure coming home is enough for me. What's worse is that the snow is supposed to ice up tonight. That will make the roads even slicker. I don't know if I will be able to go to work tomorrow. I think what faced today was bad enough. I don't think I could and would do it again tomorrow, especially when I would have to deal with ice as well as snow. That would undeniably make things worse. I wonder if I get too repetitive. Oh, well. This last photo below is a photo of my back porch. Well, though I'd include it. It's beautiful. Well, good night everybody. I just hope I don't lose power. So, I thought I would post this message on my blog just in case. Best to do it now.
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