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My MT Winter Road Rant
- Dec 19, 2008 at 11:47 AM
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- Comments (4) Total Views (45) Everyone can see this journal post.
I've lived in MT for 10 years now.. for 8 of them I've been a licensed driver. And I have come to this conclusion~I need a summer home.
First off, being as it IS Montana, people are oddly insane when it comes to overlooking the fact that is has indeed precipitated in the form of snow.. or that when there are one of *these* (-) little babies in front of the number on the thermometer, its frickin COLD. But no, its Montana.. we don't cancel schools or businesses for silly things like that. Unless you've moved here from another state like me, you've never even heard the term "2 hr delay" and ones like "closures" and "cancellation".. probably more like a rumor you heard once, or a far off distant dream. Yesterday, the road I live on drifted shut.. I'm talking between 2 ft and 4 ft drifts, depending on the spot...and you want me to bring my kids to school through (literally THROUGH, theres no way around..) that? (well, maybe not MY kids just yet, as the oldest is 3.. but still) Even when busses don't run here, you're expected to get your kids to school.. And I oh-so fondly remember one year that it was 40 below, and busses did run.. halfway there.. see, diesel fuel FREEZES.. so busses were dying along the highway. Great job school officials who determine cancellations.
Next, my rant to the drivers. Some people here seem to labor under the false impression that if you have 4 wheel drive, you are invinsible. And if you don't have 4 wheel drive, you might as well move. I can certainly see the perks, but in my 8 yrs of drving here, I've NEVER owned a 4WD vehicle. In fact, for the 1st 5 yrs, I drove a REAR wheel drive truck *gasp* and yet here I sit. I'm freaking amazing.. and lucky to not have been ran over by the other dumbasses "driving" around.. I use that term loosely. In spite of the complete idiots who fly down the snowpacked & icy highways going 80 (which, note to you, 10 MPH over the speed limit even in beautiful driving weather) Good for you really.. but uh.. you realize 4WD doesnt have any effect whatsoever on your STOPPING ability, right? Just checking.
Finally to the snow removal dept of the MTDOT.. you'd think with snow being one of our claims to fame (you know, snow.. big sky.. very few people..thats us!) You'd better know how to deal with it by now. It snows in other states too. In fact, I saw more snow in SW Pennsylvania than I've EVER seen here, yet never in my LIFE have I seen a place where *IF* the roads are plowed, theres a giant mountain of snow left in the center lane. I guess thats where you 4WD gods get your glory.. you can make a left hand turn through that 10 ft snowpile. Second.. its called salt.. seriously..deicer.. SOMETHING. But no. Here in the great state of Montana, we plow (well, if you're lucky) down to the bare ice and either call it a day, or MAYBE sprinkle on some sand, OR, my personal favorite, GRAVEL! (Another claim to fame we have in MT is either replacing your windshield on an annual basis, or learning to live with the breaks.)
But thats just my opinion. I have to go grocery shopping today, so I can't stay holed up in my house waiting for spring.. cross your fingers and pray for me.
Tags: 4wd, broken windshield, deicer, gravel, idiot drivers, montana, mt, plow, salt, snow, winter
Comments:
Phoenix baby, Phoenix. I'm rallying for April or May 2010. How's that sound? Start saving now! lol
I live in Vt. and know how you feel. My fave is when there is a half inch on the ground and they plow but when there is a foot and a half they take DAYS to get to it. GAHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!
Ah, Montana. We got 2 feet of snow here in Spokane the last two days. woke up yesterday to 18". About 3pm, I see on the news that they have (finally) decided to close the mall! Good god! Who are these idiots who insist on Christmas shopping in 18" of snow! Vehicles stuck everywhere (including ours) and the whole city was declared closed yesterday and today. It may be spring before the city gets to plowing our side streets, let alone alleys. Good thing we have good neighbors who helped us dig out the car and the alley and our parking space today. Good luck with your street.
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Oh good Gawd Girl! I know exactly what you are talking about! I lived in Montana for My whole life up until the last 2 years.....And Kalispell I spent the last 19 of them in...... I only remember A "snow" day for school maybe 3 times..... We are planning on Coming up to Montana on Monday to spend Christmas with my family in Kalispell. I am hoping for a winter Miracle and hoping the storm settles by then. I can't even begin to tell you about how many white outs and drifts I have been stuck in there... I so remember your pain...Wyoming is a lot like it only the wind is OUTRAGEOUS here....... Good Luck with your shopping!