Snow Wimps of Seattle

My bus arrived on time today.  Amazing event considering we have 5-6” of snow-slush.  That slush is pulling the bus around.  It’s a funny sensation to slide in a vehicle this large. 

I grew up in the mid-West and eastern Washington and I even completed driver’s training in the winter in Wenatchee in the snow.  I gradually became a snow wimp living in Seattle for 30 years.  I’m happy to say I’m only a snow wimp in Seattle as I have no trouble driving over the mountain passes and in Wenatchee in the winter.  There’s a difference. 

I really wimped out this time because I can telecommute.  I didn’t want to stand in the cold and wait for a bus which may never come.   I know 28 degrees is balmy this time of year in many parts of the world but its cold for Seattle.  My first snowfall in Seattle was an eye opener.  I couldn’t figure out why everyone was in a panic.  I got in my car, managed to drive 2 miles in one hour so I gave up and drove home.  Seattle and the surrounding area have little snow removal equipment.  It also doesn’t snow as much as slushes.  Snow shovels are in short supply or most residents don’t know how to use them.  We shoveled out sidewalk and drive, one of a handful on our block who did. 

I even keep a small shovel in my car.  It’s saved my bacon more than once.  One year, I had 3 appointments.  Determined, I braved the snowy roads.   I got stuck at all 3 places. I dug myself out at all 3 places with that shovel.  I used to live at the top of a steep hill.  You’d think I’d learn but I went out when it started to snow.  Coming home late, I literally dug my way up the hill.  Make progress, get stuck, dig, make progress, get stuck, and dig.  It took an hour to go 500 ft, but I made it into my covered parking spot. 

I don’t live on a steep hill anymore and I have an all wheel drive vehicle.  I’ve also learned my lesson.  I just don’t go out in Seattle when the roads are snowy.  Except maybe late at night when no one else is on the road. 

Got any “stuck in the snow – I should have known better” stories?  I’d love to hear from you.