Learning to Drive in the Snow (Part 2)

Yesterday, I showed you some photos from my recent trip to Bigtown Boise and alluded to the fact that I learned how to drive in the snow in the process. I'd also like to think that I built up the story enough to make you think that it's actually worth telling. (It really isn't.)

The way that I taught myself how to drive in the snow is very similar as to how fathers teach their children to swim... well, my dad doesn't know how to swim so I don't know this from firsthand experience, but I've heard about it.... ANYWAY, I threw myself into the deep end of the pool by accepting an offer to drive my best friend and her nice friend to Boise, Idaho. In the middle of winter. Without snow tires or 4-wheel drive.

But first! Some photos of day two of my winter getaway.

A local told us that "Winter had finally arrived." because the previous day's high of 19 degrees wasn't winter.

Just two girls enjoying the beauty of Mother Nature.

Just giving you one example of why I should never be a fashion blogger. Oh? Scarves aren't supposed to be worn that way?

After walking miles, in the snow, uphill both ways to the art museum that was closed, we stopped to use the bathroom at the "Library!".

Unsafe ice on the way to Whole Foods.

The first home in Boise.

Not to be confused with the trailer that Andrea and Michelle live in.

As you can see from the photos, it was snowing. And that was the weather that we drove home in. The short freeway time in Idaho was pleasant and free of ice or snow, but Oregon was a different story. As soon as we crossed the border we were greeted with a freeway coated in snow over a layer of ice and a welcoming light up sign that read: "EXTREME WEATHER WARNING! WATCH OUT FOR ICE! YOU'RE ON YOUR OWN, SUCKERS! TRY NOT TO DIIIIEEEE!!!" Apparently there is some sort of budget crisis (who knew?) in Oregon that results in I-84 being cleared only by semi-trucks' tires and anyone willing to risk their lives to visit friends. "SNOW TIRES REQUIRED. CARRY CHAINS." was also a friendly sign for someone like me, who forgot her chains at home in the garage and doesn't have snow tires because tires are expensive. But, with every sign, my stomach felt a little sicker, my grip got tighter, and my prayers to God were more fervent. By the grace of God, we sang Taylor Swift songs and made it home safely.

And that is the story of when I learned to drive in the snow.

P.S. Erina, if you are reading this, I want to apologize for keeping it a secret from you that I had never driven in the snow before. I know that was one of your criteria for this trip (must have 3-5 years of experience of snow driving). But, hey, we made it home unscathed.