Back From The Post Office

Above, after getting the Jeep out of the garage. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

A little while ago, I returned from the post office at the Flying J to check my mailbox and mail my bills.

Although we had more snow last night/this morning, there was less slush on the roads than yesterday. My thermometer says it's 40° outside. The snow is melting. 

Since I put the Jeep into 4WD to get it into the garage yesterday, I am now doing it automatically. I had no problem in getting it up the garage ramp today. 

We're supposedly going to get more snow this afternoon. At least that's what the National Weather Service says (30% chance today and 40% chance tonight).

Today

A 30 percent chance of snow showers. Patchy blowing snow between 1pm and 2pm. Cloudy, with a high near 36. West wind around 15 mph. Total daytime snow accumulation of less than a half inch possible.

Tonight

A 40 percent chance of snow showers. Cloudy, then gradually becoming partly cloudy, with a low around 17. West wind around 10 mph. New snow accumulation of less than a half inch possible.

We shall see.

Made It To The Post Office (and Back)

Above, after getting the Jeep out of the garage. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

It is days like these that I'm glad I got the ol' Jeep!

I drove it down on the slushy roads to the Flying J to go to the post office. Interstate 40 looked nice and clear, but the side roads are still icy and snowy.

Above, on the way to the post office at the Flying J. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The Jeep handled the roads just fine with its big tires. I wouldn't drive the Mustang in these road conditions (it is having starting problems anyway).

Above, heading back up my street to the house straight ahead. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The only issue was getting it back into the garage. The garage ramp was covered in snow and the Jeep fishtailed to the side as I was trying to drive it up the ramp. It veered backwards and to the right, almost to the edge. I put it into 4-wheel-drive and it went up the ramp with no problem. Whew!

Actually, the whole trip was fun.

Winter Prepping

Above, the ol' girl comes in handy for snow driving. Photo by Armadn Vaquer.

With tonight's freezing temperatures coming, it tells me to start stocking the pantry with canned and packaged foods in preparation for when the snows arrive, making the roads undrivable.

Usually, the snow season doesn't wait for winter to arrive in Jamestown, New Mexico. We get some snow in October and November occasionally.  

I have some canned and packaged goods along with plenty of meats in the freezer. 

When I do absolutely have to drive down to the Flying J to get my mail, at least the Jeep is in good running condition to drive there in four-wheel drive (4WD) if necessary.

I've Been To The Mountaintop

Above, on the mountaintop today. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Today, I took a drive on a road in Six Mile Canyon that I've previously been on for about a quarter mile. This time I took it to a top of a mountain.

It was a bit of a rough road in spots, which required putting the Jeep into 4WD for the climb up and the descent down. It got a good workout. I am guessing that this particular peak is somewhere west of Barometer Mountain on the Google map.

Above, the Jeep at the top with the road in the background (center, left). Photo by Armand Vaquer.

While driving on the road, the fresh smell of the pine trees was enjoyable. It was warm out (in the upper 70s to the low 80s).

Above, trees were a little sparse as the ground was flat rock. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

While in Six Mile Canyon, I saw only one other vehicle. If we're going to be stuck with "social distancing", this is a great place to do it.

The Jeep performed fine during the drive.