Home just ahead of the storm

Heading for home up US395 was a challenge. The wind picked up as we passed Crowley Lake. Then Jill found we had chain controls in two or three areas ahead. The first was at the scenic loop road from Mammoth. The road was only wet there, but it was beginning to climb for Dead Man Summit, so Les disconnected the Jeep and install the snow chains. Jill drove the Jeep ahead and Les followed. He was being passed by all other vehicles. No one else was using chains or driving the reduced speed limit. At the turn off for June Lake, Jill had pulled off to wait for Les. The road conditions app said this was the end of chain controls, but the was no sign stating that. There was only a little slush on the road over the pass, no ice. The chains required sign was turned away from view, so Les removed the chains and we drove on separately. At the north end of Lee Vining, we stopped and talked over the radios. The electronic sign in town stated high winds ahead, but nothing about chain controls over Conway Summit. We drove on, up over Conway and down to Bridgeport where we stopped for lunch. The winds, by the way, were just a light breeze, barely moving the wind socks along the road. We hooked up the Jeep again and continued on. There were no more chain controls. We got home and put both vehicles into their garages. The storm began to snow and blow after that. What a relief to be home.
By the way, part 2 of our spring trip was a workshop for Les in Santa Fe, NM. We learned as we got home that the instructor backed out and Bostick & Sullivan was trying to find a replacement instructor. So part 2 may be canceled and we may loose the cost of the flight. We are looking at options.Read more