Visit our Popular Forums

thecatsandi · 12-07-2007, 07:52 AM

Well. I am all set to head east. I checked the weather Wednesday and everything looked good. I talked with a friend last night who I was planning on having dinner with on Saturday an the first thing he said "Have you chaecked the weather?" Yeah. "Check it again" Damn. Plan A (I80) and B(I70) are out.

Now it looks like I will be taking the northern route. That was un-expected.
I84-US20, possibly Creater of the moon, possibly Yellowstone, North to Bozeman, I90, I94 then south after the storm passes to Iowa City I80, down to I70.

Anyone ever been in Yellowstone in December? I would only be a short day visit I went last October and you all know what happened then.

Anything to look at in Eastern Montana?, North Dakota?(never been there), Minnesota?

I need a new plan before tomorrow. Help!

CanoeStream · 12-07-2007, 08:11 AM

Hi Michelle. I understand we're seeing a sequence of Alberta clippers. They are over & done with in 12-18 hours, depositing maybe 2-5" in a path that's not very wide -- except that you'll cross that path for sure when driving. There's supposed to be a storm going by here well to the south -- Mpls may get an inch Saturday night. Next snow predicted here is for Tuesday.

Get back to me if you're heading through the Twin Cities at rush hour. I pull through there quite often and there's only one way I'd do it - 694 across the north - but it has one unanticipated lane positioning after Fridley. Maybe a very very smart GPS would have it but I wouldn't count on it. I've got a dodgey driveway but it could handle a 31-er if done in daylight -- bivouac here if it works for you.

pmclemore · 12-07-2007, 09:48 AM

Pompei's Pillar and Little Bighorn Battlefield in SE Montana. Devil's Tower NW Wy, Mt Rushmore and Custer St Park in SD.

Then there is Virginia - we've got room.

Pat

thecatsandi · 12-07-2007, 10:43 AM

Bob,
If thing go well we weil be hitting Minnesota on Monday.
Minneapolis mid day to early afternoon. Then I will be turning south on 35. Weather permitting.

Boondocker · 12-07-2007, 10:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by thecatsandi

Anyone ever been in Yellowstone in December?

No, but I am willing to stow away

.

thecatsandi · 12-07-2007, 10:53 AM

Unfortunately Wyoming and South Dakota looks like it is going to get hit as well. Big Horn looks like a possibility. If the storm tracks a litle further south then Devils tower and Rushmore are a possibility.

thecatsandi · 12-07-2007, 10:56 AM

I called there info line about an hour ago. All roads are closed to wheeled vehicles except one. The one we are not using.
Looks like Creaters of the moon.... then Bozeman for the evening.

ibgl6 · 12-07-2007, 11:18 AM

Come to N.W> Florida NO snow all roads are open Sunny and 75 degrees light breeze just beautiful here today and no rain untill mid week.... It will be tight but you can park your trailer beside mine....Sam

CanoeStream · 12-07-2007, 01:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by thecatsandi

Bob,
If thing go well we weil be hitting Minnesota on Monday.
Minneapolis mid day to early afternoon. Then I will be turning south on 35. Weather permitting.

If you're going that direction I'd go around the southwest of the Twin Cities on 494 to 35W even if it was rush hour. You'd have to be way off track to have a problem where the interstate bridge fell just NE of Mpls' downtown.

Lake ice is too thin yet to pull out on the lakes. Drilling a hole thru the floor makes a mess. I'll loan you an ice auger if you want to try!

I've PM'ed my phone # if you need a refuge or have road emergencies.

clancy_boy · 12-07-2007, 01:45 PM

I have nothing to offer on sites to see as I have never been in those areas while traveling but I would like to say that you have the makings of a great adventure.

Wish it were me - post some pictures, Please.......

My trailer park spot is open. Give us an email if your in the area.

thecatsandi · 12-07-2007, 01:54 PM

I am headed that way! Florida by christmas!

thecatsandi · 12-07-2007, 02:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CanoeStream

If you're going that direction I'd go around the southwest of the Twin Cities on 494 to 35W even if it was rush hour. You'd have to be way off track to have a problem where the interstate bridge fell just NE of Mpls' downtown.

Bob,

Thanks! I hope all goes according to the "new" plan.
Getting to I90 is going to be the challenge. I had planned some scenic stops along the way but the weather is changing that.

Michelle

ibgl6 · 12-07-2007, 02:00 PM

Come on I am gonna smoke a fresh ham and a turkey for christmas (if i can keep the papers lit haha) or maybe thats me that will be lit owell come on...SAM it'll be a tight squeeze but maybe she'll fit

2airishuman · 12-07-2007, 02:31 PM

good luck and safe travels cats!

and check that weather again!

it IS tough getting across that pile of rocks in mile high country, but that isn't the big issue....

that long long long stretch of inland ocean bottom with the arctic air pushing down IS the problem zone...

even without much snow, 90 to 35 is a risky plan 'c' right now.

i'd really really consider cutting down to 70 or 40 or 56 or 66 and NOT going across the 'lakota land or into mini tow ta...

oklahoma, north texas, and arkansas are 40 or MORE degrees warmer than your current route right now....

so check the weather again!

regardless, be safe and take it easy.

2air'

thecatsandi · 12-07-2007, 03:16 PM

I 70 and I 80 are blocked by a large storm.

safari57 · 12-07-2007, 03:31 PM

Travel safe Michelle. The suggestion of heading South first and then East sure seems like a good one. You are going to hit ugly weather regardless, but improving the odds of good weather sooner is always a plus in my books. Which ever route you take, there's always a forums member or more who will likely provide suggestions for their area.

Take care,
Barry

pmclemore · 12-07-2007, 05:54 PM

Yup - I'd head south, too. No sense not enjoying the trip.

Pat

maxandgeorgia · 12-07-2007, 06:08 PM

Michelle, we all shudder, recalling your exit from Yellowstone last winter. Please reconsider before you head east across the mountains and windy plains in storm mode. We are even looking for some effects of this system Sunday into Monday here in Missouri. From the sounds of it, we'd not choose to head out in it short of some unplanned emergendy requiring it. Always cliche, but just as always true: better safe than sorry. Best wishes for fright-free travels from all your forum friends. See you in Florida...no ice or snow forecast for New Year's week there! ~G

thecatsandi · 12-07-2007, 07:38 PM

There is going to be no trip towards Yellowstone. The roads up there are closed and the roads leading to it are snow covered.

I am goign to have to look at the road conditions in the morning. I may be waiting a day.