A succession of three storms began Thursday morning about 5 am. It was 23˚F (-5˚C) and coming down fast. I wish I had the camera with me waiting at the bus stop that morning. I must have been quite a sight clutching my lunch bag and stomping my feet to keep warm as the snow piled up on the creases of my black jeans.
As the day wore on the snow didn't let up. By 11 am, the courthouse sent everyone home and closed. By noon Brad's work sent everyone home too. He stopped by my office and waited for me to close. It took him 45 minutes to get the 20 miles to town. Our office had some stubborn clients that insisted they drive through the snow to sign their wills rather than reschedule for next week. There was a 20 car pile up on I-5 and it was closed Southbound by Albany. Another crash south of Albany closed the northbound lanes.
We were finally ready to leave my office by 2:30. By this time at least 8-10 inches of snow covered the ground and it was still snowing.
We hunkered down at home with the pellet stove blazing still amazed at another snowfall this winter. The last was in early December - technically that was still Autumn.
Unfortunately, due to the driving conditions, we had to cancel plans of going to Portland Friday to meet up with a friend. I am sure the plans will be rescheduled, but it was still disappointing.
It also snowed all day yesterday, but the temperatures were a little warmer - almost up to freezing. Another 8 inches or so fell during the day yesterday. This morning we woke to a good 16 inches of snow and had to dig the car out to go to coffee this morning. Did I mention the freezing rain hit this morning too on top of the snow?
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| (Birdbath in the backyard yesterday) |
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| (Another backyard picture - yesterday) |
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| (The driveway this morning. Car was bare when we parked it Thursday) |
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| (Back tire after some shoveling) |
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| (Our snowy front yard this morning) |
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| (Rev'it riding pants and Bog boots - a waterproof combination for snow removal) |
And I took a few photos on the way to coffee.
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| (Leaving the neighborhood) |
We visited at coffee this morning for a few hours. It was a small group. PolarBear was there with his daughter and they'd picked up another friend that didn't want to drive in. Just the 5 of us so it was nice to visit with a small group.
After coffee we stopped for a few groceries. The rains are making the snow heavy and tree limbs are breaking and taking out power lines. One grocery store was using back-up power so people could still shop, but no one could buy refrigerated goods. If the temperature drops a little, they'll have to throw it all away.
So for now we are at home drinking mugs of hot coffee and enjoying the peace and quiet with nowhere to be until Monday morning. It is raining fairly heavy and the temperature is hovering just above freezing. The streets are still full of snow.
A good day to watch a movie and dream of summer road trips on two wheels.
For those interested here are a few local news stations to view the coverage of Snopocalypse II.
And a link to local webcams at OSU: LINK
- Au Revoir
" Winter is nature's way of saying 'Up Yours'." - Robert Brault
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Wow, that really is some serious snow. Great pics. I laughed out loud at the snowed under coffee bar. Good thing you PNW people take coffee so seriously. Sounds like a nice little adventure and a good long visit over coffee. I'm sure that friend will reschedule one day. 😉
ReplyDeleteI know it isn't a lot of snow for some places but it is pretty epic around here. Portland is pretty much shut down now because the freezing rain is so bad.
DeleteI love the pics! We just don't get weather like that where I am. I've always enjoyed extreme weather and kinda have this romantic notion of sitting my a fire with a good book and looking out at the weather going crazy...on goes another log...
ReplyDeleteI probably woulda just stayed by the fire rather than going out for coffee...
It seems that when we have warm weather we want it cooler and vise versa. I think that is why you are dreaming of resting by the fire.
DeleteWe don't mind the snow so much if we don't have to go anywhere. More amazed at the amount of snow at this point and laughing at the reactions of people.
Nice pictures of the deep snow, now it's time to take the dirt bike out as it may not tip over. Too much snow. I heard that there is now more snow clearing equipment around the area. I hadn't heard that about I-5, I wonder what makes folks insist on driving through a storm? Though I must admit that I enjoy being outside when the snow is coming down unless it's the heavy, wet stuff.
ReplyDeleteWith more weather like this, maybe it's time for a Ural...
Thanks Richard. Not a lot of snow compared to what you are used to but sure odd for us. At some point chains were required on I-5 and now Salem is requiring chains on all vehicles because of the freezing rain. Mountain rescue crews were picking up hospital staff in Salem to take them to and from work as they couldn't get in.
DeleteI don't know if a Ural would like 16 inches of unplowed snow.
Well that's sure a lot more snow that we have here in the Denver Metro area.....a URAL does great but above ten inches of snow, things get "iffy". Your exhaust pipes start to "float" and the pusher provides no traction....
ReplyDeleteFunny to think we have more snow than you do right now. I bet Raceway cancelled their Ural demo days they were doing in Salem today.
DeleteI heard about your Pineapple Express on the news! I am happy for the water you will get out of this, filling the streams and lakes, but OY! What a heavy load! That's roof collapsing stuff. We often get this type of snow in the springtime. It's worrying and not always welcome. I hope it leaves soon and all returns to something a little more "normal" for you. I admit I love to drive in snow that deep :^)
ReplyDeleteLuckily the storms are now coming from the southwest so they are warmer. We got up to 35 today and it is 32-33 out there now and raining. Still at least 10 inches on the ground but it is really heavy now. Freezing rain all around us though and trees are coming down. Luckily we still have power. Candles are out just in case though. Supposed to be in the 50's towards the end of the week next week. yay.
DeleteThe Subaru handled like a champ with no slipping at all. Brad loves that car. Said he'll never give it up, lol.
This seems to be the winter that never ends ... Everywhere!
ReplyDeleteYes yes. We are lucky we didn't get the deep freeze the east coast is getting or that we got last time. No frozen pipes - hooray. Now if the roof holds up to the weight of rain soaked snow we're good.
DeleteHoly smokes, thats a lot of snow. Hey I thought you told me it doesn't snow in your area? Did Brad get the bike out and do more donuts on your front lawn? Thats strange they throw out the food when the power is out when its actually colder than the refrigerated temp which is 2-4°C and outside is -5°C. Just store it all outside.
ReplyDeleteHope you enjoy your snow dump, I'm off to NZ tomorrow to ride on the non snow filled roads.
Steve, you're always such a tease. You and your warm temperatures and bike trips, lol.
DeleteNo more donuts on the lawn for Brad - he is still sore from his dirt bike mishap last Saturday. And no, we don't usually get snow. Maybe an inch a year if that. This year has not been normal.
They throw out the food because even though it is probably safe to eat the health department won't let them sell it as "people could get sick". My mom used to work at a store and it would drive her nuts to throw away perfectly good food, but even the employees couldn't take it home because the cooler/freezer temps dropped below a certain level.
Have fun on your trip - take lots of pictures for us.
Now that is one dedicated coffee aficionado .. or 5 of you :)
ReplyDeleteI have to admit with the temps being over 40 celcius here a lot lately I'm loving your pics, and really wish I could frolic in all the lovely whiteness. I know it causes problems but I'm with Andrew, I can just picture myself curled up next to an open fire with a good book after completing my snow man.
Oh and love the gum boots!!
DeleteThis time of year all your sunny pictures are welcome sight to us. Of course, come summer we'll all be bitching it is too hot. Snow can be fun. We thought about a walk yesterday but Brad's ribs are still sore and we would have been soaked.
DeleteThe boots are nice and fairly warm, but aren't very high so I had to wear the riding pants. Nice to have garden boots that aren't plain black though.
Very pretty to look at but no doubt frustrating to live with. Stay safe.
ReplyDeletePretty yes, but only frustrating when it hampers plans or you have somewhere to go. At least we are above freezing today and it is starting to melt.
DeleteWe were visiting family in Northern Germany. Temperatures were 14C (57F), it was sunny albeit quite windy. Does that help much?
ReplyDeleteI beginn to miss snow… we had nothing but wet stuff so far. I expected the Black Forest to be different from the wet coast.
Are you saying we've gotten more snow that you've seen at your house this year? That does seem odd. I wonder if you'll get hammered with snow next year. We don't seem to be able to predict weather like we used to as it is ever changing.
DeleteI could tell that you Westcoasters were feeling left out, what with everyone else 'enjoying' winter. There appears to be enough winter around for us all from the way things look up there in the northwest corner. The Coffee Culture looks like an oasis, or opposite of oasis, whatever the term might be, standing there proud and alone.
ReplyDeleteHope your pines and everything (and 'one) get through it OK.
I figured you were sick of snow and sent some out way. Always so kind and thinking of others you are.
DeleteCoffee Culture is our favorite coffee place. They are locally owned, have a few locations in town, and roast their own beans. The owner rides a motorcycle too, which is a bonus.
Woke to 33 degrees this morning and things are trying to melt. I don't think it will be all gone by tomorrow so the commute might be fun. Luckily I can just take the bus while hubby takes the car - he has a 23 mile commute to my 3.
Trobairitz:
ReplyDeleteso far we have NO SNOW. our roads are bare but we did hit a record low yesterday of minus -8.8c, the lowest since 1939, I am feeling so sorry for you. I also was thinking of Portland for that m/c show but we had to go to a luncheon on Sunday. Also heard the roads south of Seattle were all iced up on Fri and Sat. Up here the sun was out and nearly T-shirt weather just above freezing
We have some minor snow forecast tonight perhaps 2cm (< 1") but tomorrow is a Stat Holiday. This big storm seems to have gone south of us
bob
Riding the Wet Coast
No snow on the horizon around here by that means that Winter has returned as in -30°F this morning. (didn't ride today)
ReplyDeleteBrrrr. I think I'd take the snow over the cold. No frozen pipes this way.
DeleteWe can't really relate down here in Sunny San Diego. But I take it's pretty cold.
ReplyDeleteIt isn't really cold, just a damn inconvenience. Luckily it warmed up to above freezing and has been melting since Saturday. Major roads are clear but the side streets all have 10 inches or so on them - slushy messes they are.
DeleteThat's unreal! I just couldn't hack it in weather like that. I'm so spoiled down here in So Cal.
ReplyDeleteEnjoy your time together at home. :) I wonder how many babies will be born in October this year in all the Snowpololypse areas. . .
Smooches,
Sash
SashMouth
It was above freezing yesterday so we ventured out for a walk. The 3/4 of a mile was the hardest as it was our neighborhood street and a multi-use path that was full of snow. harder than walking through sand, that is for sure.
DeleteFunny about the babies. Always a baby boom after bad storms - what else are you going to do if you can't go anywhere? May as well 'snuggle' for warmth. :-)
Brrrr! Can't complain about the torrential rain we got in Nor Cal from the same storm system. At least I still rode, so can't complain at all..
ReplyDeleteStay warm and dry and safe in the Winter Wonderland!
No matter how bad our weather, there is always someone experiencing worse. We still complain though, it is in our nature.
DeleteI'd rather have the rain too.
holy crap trobairitz, thats some snow... pretty, but wow. is that common there? talk about one nutty winter! we've had major drought conditions here, yet last weekend brought torrential rain and flash flooding. go figure. hey, you mention ^ taller boots. i just found some that may be fab for all conditions, including riding! blondo, viviane's. completely weatherproof, super grippy, soft leather that i can shift with. i'm digging 'em. maybe worth a looksy...
ReplyDeletehappy valentines day to you three :)
This much snow is very rare for us. The most we've seen since we moved here in January 2001.
DeleteThe boots you mentioned look pretty cool - I googled them - but I can't do leather. The vegan in me says no way.
We are lucky our snow is not melting faster or we'd be flooding too (knock on wood) it is 45 out there right now.
Happy Heart Day to you and Cinco too.
Brandy I live for storms like that! When else would I get to test the limits of our four-wheel drive!
ReplyDeleteOn a non-snow level, what model of Revit pants do you have. I am about to pull the trigger on a pair of Revit Enterprise pants, and haven't been able to find anyone with an opinion.
Brad has been testing the Subaru and is loving it. I am on the bus and I'm fine with that.
DeleteMy Rev'it pants are the mens Rev'it Sand pants. Love them. Had to go with mens so they were long enough. They've never leaked on me. I've had them for about 2 years or so now. They have a thermal layer and waterproof layer on the inside (making them 4 season) and the cargo pockets on the legs (one of my favorite features) have never leaked either. I've been impressed with quality and fit of my Rev'it pants and two jackets I have owned so far.
Don't you just love that your moto pants are so versatile?! I used mine last winter in the snow and I was toasty as a bug in a rug. We were supposed to get snowmaggedon yesterday, but it didn't materialize on the South Island, north island however was a different story they got quite a bit of snow. It's raining like crazy here now. I was actually looking forward to some of the white stuff.
ReplyDeleteWho knew riding pants were so versatile? I don't mind snow when we only have an inch or so but this was so crazy and unexpected.
DeleteNow that's some snow. The pictures were pretty amazing...the last time I saw snow like that was when we lived in Colorado. It's funny because here in Texas they shut everything down if they think we might see a little freezing water on the roads. I don't dare imagine what would happen if it did something like that here.
ReplyDeleteStay warm and stay safe.
Cheers,
Curt
Live Free. Ride Hard. Be Happy
www.curtcarter.com
Hey Curt. Thanks for stopping by.
DeleteWe normally see an inch or so a year and that is enough to shut down the schools, but this was crazy enough it shut down the town. Schools closed, courts closed, the city offices closed, and a lot of stores closed. It was odd. Nice going home early from work on Thursday though.
The close our schools for ice too as they don't want the busses running on black ice.
Your photos make nice postcards, rather like Victorian street scenes, or bathing machines with women swimming in woolen corsets. Actually living through it all sounds appalling. Mind you the water is still too cold to swim in comfortably here so it isn't all peaches and cream.
ReplyDeleteI couldn't image ocean water warm enough to swim in. The Pacific is always so cold up here.
DeleteThe rains have returned and the snow is melting. Life goes on. The sun will return then we can complain about the heat too.
I passed the temperature sign at the entrance to the university with the swim team posing for a picture. -15°F, swim suits and bare feet in the snow. Should've taken a picture.
DeleteYou guys are so much heartier up there. I don't think you'd catch anyone doing that around here. Luckily we are back to typical Oregon weather. Pouring down rain and 47 degrees this morning. Almost all the snow is melted, yeah.
DeleteBeen watching that on the news and seeing a friend's Facebook posts about it as she struggles with it in Portland. Pretty to look at, not pretty to deal with. Stay warm and hope for sunny skies.
ReplyDeleteYes I'd agree, pretty to look at but no fun trying to get somewhere. We have friends who lost power Saturday morning and just got power back on yesterday. They were not amused by the storm, lol.
DeleteNo sunny skies in sight for us but we've warmed up to 47 so I am happy.
We got nine inches of the white stuff here in north Carolina. Largest amount we've had in about ten years. Odd, I actually had to step down to get in my truck yesterday in the driveway. Someone said earlier we might get some more next week, maybe.
ReplyDeleteIt sure has been a weird weather winter. Places getting unusual amounts of snow. Glad ours didn't stick around too long. Hope yours doesn't either.
DeleteWow, it looks a lot like Minnesota in those photos. Not good at all; you've dashed my hopes of moving to a more motorcycle friendly climate. I spent some time shoveling this morning. The snow is two feet deep in the yard now, and over three feet near the driveway. I hope it melts soon for you!
ReplyDeleteIt is not usual for us to get this amount of snow, especially twice within 2 months. Should be every 10 years instead, but nooooo. Technically you can still ride year round here, but it isn't as warm in the winter as it used to be.
DeleteMelted and the typical rains have set in. Luckily it warmed up to high of the low 50's though.
Sure looks pretty but I can imagine it's a damnable nuisance. We've just got the wind and rain to contend with here at the moment.
ReplyDeleteYou said it Nigel. Pretty but a nuisance. Luckily the rains have come back. Rain and wind are the norm for us in the winter. Although I don't think we've gotten near as much rain as what you've been deluged with.
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