It feels like I’m back in New England again. A snowstorm just covered the whole state with the white stuff. Originally, we were in the 2-4 inch zone. Then, they increased that to 4-7 inches. Now, at the conclusion of the storm, we have about 10 inches on the ground.
Unlike New England, we’re not set up to handle this kind of snow in Arkansas. I did see a county road grader go by, acting like a snowplow. We don’t have a plow here. We don’t even own a snow shovel because this is so rare here. On the plus side, temperatures have warmed up, with highs in the 30s and lows in the 20s, temperatures that I now know how to handle in the van without difficulty. This means we’ll go through diesel for the heater more slowly, stretching out how long we can go before we need more. We made a big shopping run on Wednesday and are prepared to stay in for several days until the roads hopefully improve a bit.
The main reason I swore I’d never camp where it could snow was the mobility issues. I never wanted to drive the van in snow, especially towing the trailer, and time limits in camping areas would likely require that I’d have to at some point. That is not an issue here. I can stay parked indefinitely, and we have four-wheel-drive vehicles to get around in while it’s still slippery. The other reason was the cold temperatures, but I now know I can handle 20s and even teens if I have to.
I still don’t enjoy snow and cold. It was a big reason why I left New England in the first place. But I’m making the best of it. I don’t have to worry about missing work or commuting in slippery conditions. Temperatures will be in the 40s and even 50s next week (though refreezing overnight), meaning it probably won’t stick around very long. Besides, Melissa is here and makes the inconveniences of snow and cold worth it.
Bear is quite happy with the situation. He’s a Great Pyrenees, so he’s made for this weather, unlike the heat and humidity of summer.
Even the kittens are enjoying a bit of a frolic in their first experience in the white stuff.
A friend sent me this. It’s true, and I’m sharing it every chance I get. My northern friends are telling me there’s very little snow in Massachusetts and southern New Hampshire and that we’re welcome to keep it down here.
Smokey Da Van 