Fri – 16 Dec/16

Hi Folks:

Yesterday we hooked up the car and motorhome in Liz (Nick and Marty’s) driveway in Ingleside. Our drive is too short and the motorhome blocks the sidewalk.

They had us over for supper and lent us Liz’s car to go home for the night.

We set the alarm for 6:30 a.m. and hit the sack

We were up just before the alarm and started to do the final preparations for leaving. We packed Liz’s car with all the last minute items that can’t stay our overnight (meds, some foods, etc.). These things don’t do well when it is -40 F.

We put the last items into the RV at Liz’s and set up the BrakeBuddy in the Del Sol. All towed vehicles over 1000 lb require a braking system in virtually all provinces and states.

Hugs and Kisses and we were on our way about 8 am (just a Liz was leaving for work and Nick was driving Marty to school).

This was the only chance for getting out with a narrow window for decent driving weather. The Watertown, NY to Syracuse, NY stretch is usually treacherous with “Lake Effect Snow”. This often causes “Black Ice” and “Whiteouts” along that stretch of I-81. This can occur even on days that the sky is clear. Mini-storms can blow in off of Lake Ontario any time the conditions are right.

The “Window” began this morning (about 1 a.m.) and should continue until we get through. Even though the sky is clear the wind blowing over the Great Lakes (not frozen over yet) causes a high dew point that leaves a frozen coating on the road.  This is similar to water droplets that form on the outside of a glass when filled with a cold liquid on a hot day. At -40 F the moisture in the air coats the road and freezes in a very thin layer. This means driving very carefully with no “sudden moves”. A few that were going a little too fast for the conditions ended up “Parking” in the ditch.

We passed through the U.S. Customs and crossed the 1000 Island Bridge about 9:30 a.m.

Once into Pennsylvania the driving conditions improved with dry roads through to our night destination (Walmart – Winchester, VA). Our only stops were for fuel. First, as we entered NY state  (Dellinger's Last Stop on I-81 at Exit 49),

then the Flying J’s at New Milford, PA

and Falls Church, VA. We had thought about staying here overnight; however all the RV parking spots were filled with vehicles. Being Friday night they were probably in Denny's for supper.

Truck stops are often just inside a State Border so truckers can fill and save $$ before entering a state with higher gas taxes. Prices can vary as much a $0.50 or more between states.

We continued about 10 miles down the road to our usual stop at the Winchester, VA Walmart. This is the closest one just off I-81 Exit 313. Here RV’s are allowed overnight (I don't think the other Winchester Walmart's allow overnighters). The stop here contained a surprise. Where we used to park in the lot has been replaced with a huge Walmart gas bar. There were at least a few long rows still available and we managed to find a slot at the end next to a transport.

As usual we went into the Walmart and found a few items we didn’t know we needed. Our supper at the instore McD’s was an adventure. Charlotte’s Big Mac was missing a beef patty and the fries were frigid. We finally got a re-do. There were only 2 workers and most folks waited at least 20 minutes or more and still ended up with wrong orders. Someone else got mine first before passing it on to me. So much for fast food!

At least it was warmer here than the -40F temps we left at home; but it was still way below freezing. We add a few extra blankets for warmth.