Driving the Snow Belt

Was up around 545am. The kids were off school for spring break, but Mindy still had one day to go. I completed calisthenics then enjoyed coffee at the PC for a few. After waking Mindy, I got my laptop fired up for a work at home day. From my home computer, I checked the updated weather conditions for HV. Still snowing and expecting a 3-4 more inches before it’s all said and done. A slight chance of flurries through the weekend too. I was more than happy with the HV forecast. As for home, it was expected to be clear and in the low 40s, chilly but still pleasant. However, at the time it was cold, only 23 degrees.

Bella and Makayla were going into school with Mindy. She woke them around 7am. Mindy suggested I give her mom a call before taking the pug over at lunchtime. I spent about an hour working before heading out for a run. By then Mindy and the girls had left. It was a cold run. I ran three miles and was back home close to 815am. I didn’t plan to dig into work again until 9am. I was very productive using the next 45 minutes to organize for our trip, including carrying our skis to the livingroom then all of our ski bags and boots. I also carried up a tub to use for dry goods and then brought in two small cooler we planned to take.

Spent the morning doing what I do most Fridays, working on reports. Took another break around 1030am and loaded all of our skis into the Thule. That didn’t take long at all, five minutes tops. At some point I went upstairs to check on Jacob. He was in his room lying in bed listening to music on his iTouch. Let him know that I’d be taking lunch around noon and then he and I would take the pug over to Gloria’s.

Got stuck on a work issue until about 1215pm. Hollered for Jacob then he and I headed out with the pug, but not before giving a Gloria a heads up call. I don’t call Gloria very often, so I made sure to let her know that it was me calling. Yikes, she replied by asking “what do you want?” A couple million dollars, a new battery for my tractor, and fun weekend at HV.  I let her know that Jacob and I were about to head over with the pug.

Showed up at Gloria’s place about 10 minutes later. After a brief greeting, I struck up a conversation about the embezzlement fiasco currently being investigated at her church. We visited for about 10-15 minutes before heading back towards home.

We made two stops on the way home. One, at the bank drive-thru so I could get a little cash. Two, we stopped at Circle K to fill the Pilot’s gas tank, get a bag of ice, and also pick-up the winning Power Ball ticket. The Saturday drawing was for $330 million.

Jacob mentioned being hungry, and I would’ve taken him to lunch had I not been working. We just didn’t have the time to spend another hour away. We got back to the house after being gone something less than 40 minutes.

Thankfully, the afternoon was fairly quiet. Was able to take care of several administrative tasks. Around 230pm Jacob and I took five minutes to load everything into the back of the Pilot. Aside from our typical ski gear, there was only one suitcase, my large NIKE gym bag tote, a cooler, the dry good tote, and drinks. I topped off the windshield fluid too. The only things we’d need to load were personal effects and travel snacks.

I spent the rest of the afternoon working while Jacob played in his room. Mindy and the girls got home from school around 320-325pm. I asked Mindy if Makayla had somewhere to go. She reminded me that Chrissy was home. I was a little antsy about our drive to HV but not too bad. I waited to the last minute to stop working and power down. We walked out the door at 345pm. I had my Blackberry in tow just in case someone needed me for something between then and 530pm.

This time we packed enough snacks, including 4 large Wal-Mart subs to prevent any unnecessary stops. Everybody went to the potty before we left, too. As we buzzed around 270, Mindy called my dad to let him know we’d be gone for three days. He offered to put our recycling out on Monday morning. She also sent Lindsey a text letting her know we’d be gone.

Traffic got heavy as we neared the I-71 interchange. We guessed that would be the best chance for travel delays, that and the 20 mile stretch of 71N that goes from three lanes to two. Turns out, neither was an issue. We were making excellent time and the weather was ideal for driving – clear and 42 degrees. We were averaging 65mph and going 70 mph for the most part. The stretch between Columbus and 271 is longest single stretch (120 miles) and always seems to take longer than it should. After that the trip goes fast and is broken down into smaller increments (271 corridor – 40 miles, 90east to Pennsylvania stateline – 50 miles, Erie – 20 miles, 86e into NY & Lake Chautauqua – 35 miles, James town – 10 miles, Salamanca – 30 miles, and finally Ellicottville – 10 miles).

The weather began to change as we crossed over into NY state. No longer was the nice weather following from the west. Instead, there were winter clouds coming in off the lake. It helped that it stayed daylight until we reached Jamestown, NY. That’s about where it started snowing, too. Thankfully, though, it didn’t get too bad and we were able to maintain a pace of about 60 mph for the final 40 miles into Salamanca. I was shocked that no one asked to stop for a bathroom break. Bella slept for darn near the first 3 hours. Jacob, on and off. Mindy napped only briefly. The subs did the trick. They appeased everybody’s hunger.

Bottom line, we made excellent time (5 hours exactly) pulling into the Tamarack at HV at 845pm. Bella went with me inside for check-in. Room #213 actually one level below the main desk, which is on floor #3. Turned out, our slopeside room was on the same level as the underground parking. Sweet! And also just down the hallway from ski check as well as the fitness center and swimming pool. I sent Jacob for a baggage cart. He came back empty handed. I could tell he felt bad. I guess I should’ve gone with him. He’s so big I just expect him to be a lot wiser/smarter about those sort of things. Unlike his mother, he’s never one to ask.

I went back to the lobby and found one in the entrance breezeway. It only required one trip from the Pilot. Mindy was already in the room with a few carriable items. The room seemed a little small but would be just fine for its intended purpose. It didn’t take us long to get organized. Mindy unpacked her and the kids clothes into drawers. The only thing I unpacked was my running clothes, which I wisely stowed in the bathroom for an easy change come morning. Oh, I hung my shower kit in the bathroom too. Mindy I headed to John Harvard’s for a beer (up one floor). The kids didn’t want to go, but asked that we bring food back.

Felt great to pull up a stool at a somewhat crowded bar. There were 24 taps to choose from. I opted for the EBC nitrous IPA that was smooth, creamy, and best of all, hoppy! I think Mindy had wine. We spent about an hour there talking sipping beers. All totaled, I drank three pints. After the EBC nitrous, I enjoyed two Southern Tier IPAs. We also ordered a large pepperoni pizza to go. They also gave me a plastic cup to take what was left of my 3rd pint back to the room.

Back in the room the kids were quite pleased that we brought them a pizza. It was delicious. Far better than any of us expected. I don’t think we saw 11pm. Was out pretty quick after a long day and a long drive. Was very excited about the prospect of skiing in what everyone was touting as epic snow.