Driving towards Colorado I began to feel an impending sense of doom. I began to see flashing road signs warning semi’s that they needed to have chains for their tires. The radio warned of snow ahead. I silently berated myself for planning a road trip west in the middle of November. What on earth had I been thinking? Or more like it, why had I NOT been thinking?
As I chewed off one too many finger nails, my husband reminded me where we lived and he was pretty sure that Colorado snow was the same as Ohio snow. His teasing did little to calm my nerves.
Did I mention that we’d not even seen our first flake of snow?
My teenagers thought it was funny that I was over-reacting, because truly I was. And as my husband drove on into the dark, wet, rainy night, I began to imagine all kinds of scenarios, like our rented Suburban veering off the side of the mountain, or sliding down the steep mountain road, unable to stop. I could only think of some the steep passes that we had encountered previously on our trip and visualize what they must look like covered in ice and snow.
My husband finally figured he needed to pull over or I was going to have a heart attack, or more likely make myself sick with worry. At least, that’s why he claims that he stopped. I think it was really because he realized that it was impossible to drive from the west of Colorado to our home by morning. We had nothing to lose by stopping for the night.
I would have hugged and kissed that man repeatedly, but well, we were sharing a room with our teens. And in their words, that’s just gross for old people to act that way—you know– the hugging and kissing.
It wasn’t long before the kids were settled in, happily texting their friends, my husband was flipping through the channels and I was pounding out a blog post, just in case we died, so my family at home would know that we’d really had a great trip up to that point.
The Quality Inn & Suites in Glenwood Springs was a great property and located in a beautifully scenic location, which we found the next morning as we were leaving. I’m sure guests enjoy walking along the river on the paved trail in warmer weather. I know I would.
We were up fairly early and headed for snow but I had prepared myself for the day by adding a few drops of lavender essential oil to my morning bath and taking a couple Happy Camper capsules, which I had packed just in case the road trip proved stressful. I should have taken a few when we debated whether we’d stop at the Cadillac Ranch in Amarillo, Texas.
It turned out snow in Colorado really does look like snow in Ohio. Imagine that. And thanks to the 4-wheel drive, we really didn’t have anything to worry about.
I think this part of the trip was harder on my 18-year old than me. You see, he’s a snowboard instructor and driving past all of those ski resorts near the Vail Pass was a bit hard for him to take as it really made him long to hit the slopes and fit in some jumps. But we pressed on, my husband eager to continue towards home.
And what did I learn from this experience? Well…snow happens.
© 2014 – 2016, Tonya Prater. All rights reserved.
Cheryl says
January 21, 2014 at 8:50 amBeautiful photos of the mountains with snow, Tonya. Still not a big fan of this “Snow Happens” theory. LOL!
Tonya says
January 22, 2014 at 12:00 amI’m not a fan of “snow happens” either but it sounded better than the first thing that popped into my mind! 😉
Kiera @EasyTravelMom says
January 20, 2014 at 10:35 pmEven though I’m from New England, I would have been freaking out driving through that snow! Good for your husband for stopping and moving on the next day. I, on the other hand, would have hid in my hotel room 🙂 And like your son, would have eventually snuck off to the slopes!
Tammy says
January 14, 2014 at 12:33 amI grew up in Canada and then lived in South Dakota, so I’ve seen my fair share of snow and bad weather driving. And you know what…I still hate it 😉 When we got hit with the icy weather this past December or first winter in Texas…I was devastated that we couldn’t even avoid it this far south, LOL!
Jessica Detwiler says
January 13, 2014 at 11:50 pmWe just moved from Ohio to Florida. For a job- but also to get away from the snow. 🙂
Jenni says
January 13, 2014 at 10:06 pmGlad everyone is okay! Snow isn’t for everyone.. coming from someone who isn’t a huge fan of it 🙂
Karen says
January 13, 2014 at 9:20 pmI hate driving in any kind of bad weather, snow, tornado warnings, rain. I’f park and wait it out but my husband always just kept going.
Tonya says
January 13, 2014 at 10:19 pmOur husbands’ sound alike. Mine will drive through just about anything. He picked me up at the airport last week and I was driving home in the snow and could not see a thing. I could barely make out the exits off the interstate. He had me pull over so he could drive and kept right on going. Ughh…
Wendy says
January 13, 2014 at 9:17 pmI live on a mountain in CT and I WILL NOT DRIVE IN SNOW. Well, while it’s snowing. I get it!
Tonya says
January 13, 2014 at 10:20 pmA little bit of snow, I can handle but not so much on an unfamiliar mountain. Turned out the pass that was supposed to be really treacherous wasn’t so bad after all.
Crystal Green says
January 13, 2014 at 9:16 pmI understand your concern and worry. Sometimes our sixth sense just kicks in and we can’t stop it. Sometimes it’s there for a good reason. I’m glad you’re husband stopped.
I definitely can relate to your son’s feelings concerning the snow. I’m that way concerning going by horse ranches.
Tonya says
January 13, 2014 at 10:21 pmThe way I look at it, if we need to drive in bad weather, we can at least do it during the day when visibility is normally better. Especially on unfamiliar roads.
Theresa @ Faith and Family Reviews says
January 13, 2014 at 9:16 pmI tend to overreact when we drive at night.
Beautiful photos. I’ve never been to Colorado.
Tonya says
January 13, 2014 at 10:22 pmColorado is beautiful- even with the snow. It’s just gorgeous. I hope to go back sometime- and spend more time.
Kerri says
January 13, 2014 at 9:15 pmDriving in snow can be scary! I love when the storm comes out of nowhere and you feel like you cannot see a thing. So glad you were all safe!
Stephanie says
January 13, 2014 at 9:15 pmI’d be right there with you, eyes peeled, holding the “oh $hit” handle and praying. 🙂 Funny story, loved it!
Tonya says
January 13, 2014 at 10:25 pmlol- Yep. You get it. 🙂
LyndaS says
January 13, 2014 at 9:14 pmI wish we would get snow here in the South, at least when the temperature is in the single digits. Might as well have something to enjoy about the chill.
Tonya says
January 13, 2014 at 10:26 pmHey, if it’s going to be cold, it may as well snow. Right?
TerriAnn @ Driving Mama says
January 13, 2014 at 9:14 pmGood thing everything ended up okay and everyone was safe 🙂 Some roads are just not made for ‘inclement weather’ driving so I totally understand your concern.
Sara Phillips says
January 13, 2014 at 8:44 pmSO glad nothing bad happened and you all stopped for the night!
We don’t get snow here, so I would have been doing the same thing you were – over-reacting and worrying!
Meg says
January 13, 2014 at 6:01 pmSo glad to hear you ended up having a safe drive!
O-H!
Rachel says
January 13, 2014 at 2:03 amSnow does happen!
I am from St Louis but now live in the south. I love that we moved away from all the snow and ice. Of course the first year we moved here, we got like 8 inches of snow and everything shut down.
Stephanie Person says
January 13, 2014 at 12:07 amLOL! These pictures are beautiful though!
jeanae says
January 12, 2014 at 11:21 pmI’m a southern native, but I’ve lived in New England. My friends and family can laugh as much as they wish; I don’t take chances with snow.
Rachael says
January 12, 2014 at 10:56 pmOh this was funny. Here in ND you don’t drive period if you don’t know how to drive in snow. I’m still not a fan of mountains and snow though. Lovely pictures. Makes me want to head to Colorado.
Kat B. says
January 12, 2014 at 10:51 pmBeing from Alabama, snow always makes me nervous. I know I couldnt drive in the snow.
Kait says
January 12, 2014 at 9:52 pmI’d be freaking out too! I was raised in northern Indiana so I learned how to drive safely in the snow. Down here in Indy they have no idea!
Megan @ That Neat Blog says
January 12, 2014 at 7:28 pmHehe! I hate the snow and really have no idea how to properly drive in it. They don’t teach us in NC!
Kasandria says
January 12, 2014 at 7:23 pmLOL I’ right there with you about driving in the snow! I like to look at it just not live in it.
Kas
Marisa says
January 12, 2014 at 5:41 pmI live in beautiful CO so I am used to the snow, but I will admit that I avoid driving up the mountains in the winter. It scares me too much! lol
Kelly @ A Girl Worth Saving says
January 12, 2014 at 4:22 pmOh la, I hate driving in the snow so I am right there with you. Thankfully my husband loves driving in the stuff because I refuse to.
trisha says
January 12, 2014 at 4:06 pmThis first time I drove in snow I had a HEART attack. I probably drove maybe once after that and I also slid on black ice. I am not a good cold weather gal.
Trisha
Tammilee says
January 12, 2014 at 12:43 pmThis totally made me giggle. I am the same way when I see the snow warning signs. I always thing there is going to be a huge blizzard.
Anne says
January 12, 2014 at 10:28 amI hate driving in snow, and I agree sometimes the best thing to do is just stop and wait for it to pass.
Elaina says
January 12, 2014 at 10:22 amGreat post! Sometimes our mommy instincts lead us in a direction no one else can understand but a fellow mommy!
Jennifer H says
January 12, 2014 at 8:13 amLOL I would’ve been scared as well. I’m glad to hear all turned out well and you had a great trip.
Kelly @ Texas Type A Mom says
January 11, 2014 at 10:53 pmI used to live in Colorado, so I recognize these shots from I-70. We’ve traveled over the pass in some scary conditions ourselves. So glad to be in warmer territory now!
Robin Gagnon {Mom Foodie} says
January 11, 2014 at 8:39 pmVery lovely scenery though.
Crystal says
January 11, 2014 at 1:00 pmHa! I’m from Illinois and I’m sure the snow here looks about the same, too. I am so not a snow driver, however. I do love my Jeep’s 4 wheel drive, though.
Tonya says
January 11, 2014 at 4:33 pmI’m glad to know that I’m not the only one who detests snow driving!
Singapore Mum Blog says
January 11, 2014 at 9:06 amhaahaahah so funny! and I love those pictures!!
Cat Davis says
January 10, 2014 at 10:57 pmLOL glad you made it through there safely. 🙂
Jenn says
January 10, 2014 at 9:53 pmPounding out a blog post just in case you died. LOL! Sounds like something I would think about. #bloggerproblems
Michelle says
January 10, 2014 at 9:47 pmI’m the worst backseat driver and would be freaking out! lol Beautiful pictures though!
Digna (autumn blues) says
January 10, 2014 at 9:23 pmYes the dreaded word, “snow.” We have had more of it so far this year in PA then I care to talk about. I so feel you when it comes to driving in the snow. Personally, I am more afraid of other drivers, those who don’t know how to drive in the snow or drivers with bad tires than my hubbies driving.
Julie says
January 10, 2014 at 8:50 pmI’ve lived through ten Colorado winters now (after growing up in Texas) and I still get stressed out. My first winter here we slid into a curb and banged up our car, and even though we weren’t hurt I’m still scared to drive in the snow and ice.
Nicole Orozco says
January 10, 2014 at 8:36 pmToo funny! I try to avoid driving in the snow as much as possible. I think I am worse now that I have kids!
Heather Lawrence says
January 10, 2014 at 7:30 pmOh your post made me laugh!
We have snow as early as October and as late as June here so we have had LOTS of experience driving in the snow.
Now parking and getting out….that’s another story!
Katie says
January 10, 2014 at 6:17 pmdid you get to enjoy the hot springs in Glenwood Springs? It’s funny how people think driving in Colorado is so hard – they actually take pretty decent care of the mountain roads. Denver city roads, not so much.
Hanan says
January 10, 2014 at 6:12 pmNever been to Colorado, but living here in E. WA it looks like that right now. Even after years of living here, it still gives me anxiety driving in it.
Billie @ Rowell Reviews says
January 9, 2014 at 10:36 pmOh man, I remember when I went to Colorado I white knuckled it the whole time. Snow happens here in Iowa, but we’re pretty flat, lol.
Jennifer Mecurio says
January 9, 2014 at 5:54 pmI remember all too well driving in Colorado during the winter. It can be very scary especially up in the mountains where you see straight down and you feel like any second you will fall off
Jennifer @ My Sweet Sanity says
January 8, 2014 at 9:38 pmYou had me laughing! I would have been just like you! I’d have had a panic attack or 20 over something that happens all the time in Chicago, Wisconsin and Indiana (where I spend most of my time).
Kenda says
January 8, 2014 at 8:06 pmWe’ve only been through CO once and I freaked out just because of the temperature (no snow in sight). Apparently high altitude + low temps has an affect on our SUV and it just STOPPED moving. (that’s what they guys at the garage said in town, at least) Definitely understand your travel worries!
Tonya says
January 10, 2014 at 11:16 pmOh my goodness, that would scare me to death! Did it start moving again or did you need to be towed? We had a rental so I’m really glad that it didn’t stop moving. I would have totally freaked!
Chelle @ oh just stop already says
January 8, 2014 at 6:44 pmI laughed the whole way through. I’m the same way. I ‘freak’ over driving in snow while everyone around me laughs. Glad you guys had a great time and you’re able to laugh.
Ellen Christian says
January 8, 2014 at 5:22 pmLOL snow definitely happens here in Vermont too.
Jessica says
January 8, 2014 at 4:12 pmYes, old people should definitely not hug and kiss! We’ve driven through mountain passes with snow and it is always very, very scary.
Mel {MamaBuzz} says
January 8, 2014 at 1:48 pmThis made me giggle just a little. I’m always the one freaking out (especially on steep mountainsides with no guard rails; if you don’t like heights, don’t ever drive to the top of Mount Evans in CO, LOL), and Dan’s all calm and peaceful. LOL Your photos make me want to get in the car and drive to Colorado, though, to see snow on the mountains. So beautiful and peaceful with the wind whipping down through the passes.