I just saw a TV newscast that showed that it is very cold and snowy, with many Eldorado and Placerville county residents without power. I sure hope our self described "city boy" is OK. As I recall, they don't even have power to lose.

Do we need to send a St. Bernard with a keg?

Just might have to...

Is this storm we're getting here in the east ice, sleet, snow or rain for you in WV?

We had an absolutely beautiful snow on Friday that left us with about 3 - 4 inches of cover. Today, every last bit was washed away in a fairly continual rain and temps around 40, at least in north central WV, about 2.5 hours from Ken's neck of the woods.

I'll bet JHAP will have some interesting stories when he gets back to civilization, some people just seem to attract weird events.

I'll bet that So. Ca. boy didn't pack enough warm clothes! I hope he threw chains in the vehicle!

"....some people just seem to attract weird events."

Word to Big Bird on that.

It's like a "...takes one to know one" kind of thing.

I've no experiance with that.

Anyone else see that lightening bolt?

Thank you all for thinking about DIED, DWIED, JWHAP AND JHAP.

The good news is that we are all fine.

JWHAP and I had quite an adventure. JWHAP is such a trooper, I can't even begin to express how much I admire her.

DIED and DWIED are fine. They have a great many trees down on their property. They were snowed in as well as us, worse in some ways in that power lines were down across the road that leads to their private road and until the utility company removed the power lines, DIED was stuck on his property. He will have a lot of work to do clearing trees, one 60 foot digger pine fell and just missed crushing his truck. As near as he can tell nothing hit is newly remodeled house.

I've had quite a learning experience and now know that there are some things that I need to invest in immediately, but were not in life threatening danger. We had water, we had food, and just enough heat to raise living quarters to about 40 degrees. We were not going to freeze to death but living was darned uncomfortable.

Thank you for starting this thread and thinking about us Ken. You are correct, we do not have power to lose, we are on 12V (solar charger and batteries) and fortunately the battery bank was fully charged.

This was a 20 year snow event. Normally our property will only get a dusting of snow (2 to 3 inches) once per year. This was quite different.



No. Make that two St. Bernards with two kegs. Captain Morgan and Coke please.

Jeez, don't you know it AP.

I wrote this in my incommunicado thread...



Boy did those words come back to bite me in the hind quarters....



As you can tell when Ricki took this photo I was not amused. I was tredging up to the shed for some tools. Almost knee deep in a snow drift.

Send that photo and your regards to al gore.

Like a good city boy I checked the weather on Saturday evening before we began the drive at 3 AM the next morning. It turns out that Weather.com is not a reliable report for our area. "Chance of snow", which they city boy took to be the 2-3 inch dusting, was, to say the least, not accurate.

We got to the property at 11:30 Sunday morning (after the 8 plus hour drive) and it was lightly hailing. We unloaded the 4Runner, got camp together, puttered around and then went to bed.

I woke up about 6 AM Monday morning looked out the window and saw this...

So enough with the snow pics already - how was the fishing??!!

Those pics are beautiful, even though they weren't what you were expecting.

Since we have a wood burning stove in our shop (AG building/work shop) we had made the decision to move cots into that building to sleep Sunday night. This photo is deceiving in that I am standing below a small hill so the snow level is not as high as it appears when compared to the trailer but still you get the idea.

We never had a chance to fish. We decided to get off the property when we could, which was an adventure in and of itself.

I can see why other niceties, like, say, oh, surviving, would have taken precedence! Glad you guys are back with all your fingers and toes - or least as many as you had to start with - still in place!

Monday morning we decided to get off the property. I don't have snow chains (a problem that will be rectified immediately) and didn't know how to properly operate my 4Runner in the snow (guess what, I do now!) so off the road the 4Runner went into a snow drift.

This photo was taken Tuesday morning after the snow had begun to melt.

Murphy's law never takes a holiday.

Loads of fun. Harhar. Glad you didn't ding it up. Hope that was the only adventure you had to deal with!

You guys were going to be gone a couple of weeks, weren't you? May we assume you're back home to the warm part of Cali?

JHAP, if you don't have much tire clearance on your truck these work well.
http://www.amazon.com/s/?ie=UTF8&keyword...sl_7ea4k3w7xm_b

After digging out the 4 Runner and getting it back on the road, JWHAP and I decided to hike our 1,100 foot long entrance road to see if we had any obstacles to deal with. This is what I meant about JWHAP being a trooper, she hiked up and down that road TWICE with her new knee and her hip that is need of replacement. Boys if you want hearty women, travel to Pennsylvania, the definitely grow them there.

We found two downed trees blocking the road. I hiked all the way up to the main road and found that our new neighbor (he bought the property adjacent to us) had driven out so I walked down his road to his house, he was home and graciously offered to help us get out.

We hooked up my tow strap to my 4 Runner and he began to two us out. Long story short, the strap broke but I put the pedal to the metal and was able to follow him out on my own power. I learned that driving in fluffy snow is like driving in the desert sand (which I have a lot of experience in), use the power to help you steer and keep momentum up, don't fall off the road or hit a tree and you'll be fine. If I had chains on we would have been fine getting out on Monday. Rest assured, snow chains will be aquired.

Yes, once we drove out we decided to head back to So Cal. The 4RNR is fine except a cracked windshield. We were supposed to be there until 12/20 but this storm and another storm that is moving into the area tomorrow night changed our plans.

Great stories! Glad you guys are both good to go.

Thanks AP. The 4RNR (V8, 4WD) seems to have good tire clearance. Which of those chain packages would you recommend?

I'm impressed with the 4RNR except for the loose nut behind the steering wheel. It has plenty of power, the mistake I made was using the 4 Low gearing set and then selecting low gear. Just too much power to the ground and not enough momentum. Once my neighbor (and later DIED) said probably normal 4WD (not 4 Low) would have been fine and use a higher gear for momentum. Ultimately I used 4 Low and second gear as my neighbor put it, jam the gas to the floor and let the engine scream, use the power to steer and all will be fine. He was right.

These are the cable chains I have and they work well but there are many good brands, just make sure they are the type that are easily put on, it will save alot of cussin.
http://www.jcwhitney.com/CABLE_TIRE_CHAI...0;0;2003907;0;0

Yea, you only need low range if your pulling or pushing something heavy, but your tires need to have good traction or you dig yourself a hole.
Glad to hear your adventure didn't cause much damage.

Thanks. Yep I learned some lessons:

1. Get snow chains.

2. Cedar is not good fire wood, sure it burns hot, but you need to add logs every hour. Not fun when you do that for two nights in a row. Get some Oak.

3. NEVER EVER taunt mother nature.

4. JWHAP and I are an incredible team together.

5. Even though an out of shape, 51 year old bean counter, when challenged I can rally and accomplish what needs to be done.

6. Humanity is full of bad examples of humans but that is the minority. There are still plenty of wonderful people to go around. My new neighbor is a fantastic guy and actually had fun helping us. DIED called me multiple times and I could tell by the sound of his voice that he was very concerned for us. I know that had he not had his own serious challenges to deal with that he would have driven the 20 or so miles in the snow to our place to check on us, yep he is that kind of friend.

I was afraid that was going to conclude with "after we got back to San Diego."

JHAP:

The only recommendations that I have about chains is to actually put them on a time or two at home in decent weather. It's no fun trying to figure out how to put them on when it's snowin' and blowin'.

I thought all So. Ca. people had chains if the did any driving in the mountains. I remember going snow skiing a few times and we had to chain up as we went up the mountain, or turn around and go home 4-wheel drive or not. If you've got 4 wheel drive, you need two sets, one for each corner, and don't expect to be setting any speed records.

JHAP, you are the man!

It looks like you had a great trip! You had great weather too, though a little on the warm side.

For crying out loud JHAP I didn't know you lived at Donner Pass!

When are you going back to the pond?

Esshup, I've never been a snow skier/boarder so I've had no use for chains. I do now! Yep I'll get two sets and funny you should mention practicing putting them on. I've never actually seen chains being attached to a vehicle. I though I'd practice it on a nice summer day to make sure I had the hang of it.

Dr. Dave, thanks. JWHAP and I rallied, got organized and made stuff happen.

Dwight, I know this is whimpy stuff compared to a normal winter at your place. The snow on the ground didn't bother me, it was the temperature inside the living quarters that was tough. We struggled to keep the inside in the 50's and did not succeed at night. I literally slept in two sets of long johns, two sets of socks, topped by a sweat shirt and sweat pants. We just were not set up for temperatures in the 20's. We will be in the future.

Cecil, funny you should mention that. When we were inventorying food and water I told Ricki, "look worst comes to worst we see deer on the property all of the time (we saw three nice deer just outside our fence line Sunday afternoon), it would be messy but I could probably take one down and we could eat it." She told me "I don't want to kill one of our beautiful deer!" I then asked her, "well how do you feel about the guy that lives down the road, he'd probably be easier to bag than a deer anyway."

Ewest, Monday morning after getting the 4RNR stuck and realizing that we might be stuck there for a week or so I told Ricki, no more cold weather trips. Tuesday morning when I realized that we were fine, uncomfortable, but fine, and that this would be a funny story for years to come, I decided to just enjoy the beauty of the surroundings and so I did. I stood at the window with a cup of coffee in hand and watched a large hawk land on a snow covered pine tree it was one of those moments when you realize how very beautiful nature can be. At that moment I realized how blessed we were to own our little slice of heaven. Yesterday we talked about a trip in January. I'll get snow chains, better fire wood and a few other supplies but this certainly hasn't changed how I feel about our place.

Another interesting observation that I had was on Tuesday morning when I was hiking up our road to access the drive ability of it. I came across sets of tracks in the snow. Even this city boy could tell that a kill had taken place. Two converging sets of tracks one large area of disturbed snow in which it was obvious that a struggle had occurred there, and then one set of tracks leaving and drag marks in the snow. I didn't find any blood but then again I didn't looks very carefully. I decided that it was probably wise not to follow the drag marks/exit tracks. I wish I had taken photos, I'll bet you guys could probably look at the tracks and tell me exactly what happened. But then again, maybe I don't want to know.

Drive around Sandy Eggo in them. Start a trend. In three years, every hot rodder, surfer, and gang banger in SoCal will be sporting tire chains on their rides!

You didn't see that guy down the road afterwards, did you?

I wouldn't worry too much about it. Probably nothing more than an angry mountain lion or a hungry bear. Or, it could have been Bigfoot. I understand there have been a number of sightings in your area -- both up north and down south. Lots of good descriptions on this web site: Bigfoot Encounters in California

I'm really glad to hear that you and Ricki made it out OK. Maybe you need to spend more winter time back in PA to get yourself trained in the ways of cold and snow.

Stay Warm,
Ken

P.S. If it makes you feel any better, Lynda slid off US Route 50 (same Route 50 that goes past your pond, but in WV/VA) on Wednesday night in a heavy snow squall that dumped about 3-inches snow in a very short time. No harm to her or the car, and neighbors got her out.

Only if the snow chains come a Gold/Bling Edition.

I was actually thinking about all of those. Bear, I figured would be hibernating wouldn't they? Plus they only eat honey and berries and never, ever city folk, right?

Mountain lion, could be, we certainly have plenty of them in the area.

Bob Cat is another possibility.

Big Foot, no worries, we're on pretty good terms since our prom date.

Angry Squirrel, very likely, I'm telling you, there are three or four squirrels at are place that I'm sure are stone cold killers.

JHAP:

When you get the chains, I think they also make tensioners to help keep them tight on the wheel.

Drag marks, huh? Interesting. I'm betting on a cat. If the prints were 2" or so in diameter of the chaser, then I think Bobcat. 3" or larger I'd guess Mt. Lion. How far apart were the tracks when the chaser/chasee were running?

Coyotes usually eat on the spot, and you're right, the bears should be hibernating, or close to it by now. If it was a bear, I think the prints would be pretty big in that snow.

If you're prepared, winter is a fun place to visit, but I prefer summer. That's why I like So. Cal.!

I looked at Off Road Warehouse for the chains and tow strap, but couldn't find any on-line. I think Pep-Boys carries chains, or you probably could do a one-stop shop on the internet. With as popular as it is to go out and play in the desert, I'd think that one of the off-road shops in the area would be able to set you right up.

http://www.jcwhitney.com/CABLE_TIRE_CHAI...0;0;2003907;0;0
You don't even have to move the vehicle to put these on.

I should have taken photos. I didn't pay enough attention to the size and shape of the tracks. It was interesting because you see a "Y" of tracks coming from different directions and then converging. Where the tracks converged the snow was all disturbed in a random pattern, then one set of tracks led away along with obvious drag marks. This all occurred along the edge of a small meadow area and then the single tracks/drag mark disappeared into the tree line (an undisturbed/natural area of our property that is dense with Cedar trees). I wish I had taken photos.

I really like those AP, I've bookmarked that link.

They look like they'd take up minimal storage area as well. I'm wondering how they perform compared to regular v-bar chains.

The cable chains work great, although they are not as aggressive as v-bar or regular chains. The plus is they are quick to put on and less chance of vehicle damage than more aggressive chains.
I've been using them for 5 years and they provide great traction on ice and snow.

Be careful buying cheap chains, (or even 100something dollar chains from Pep Boys)

My friends and I took a trip to Big Bear last Winter and broke/lost our set because apparently they are cheaply made. They were the cable type. I believe called Z chains. We had to buy chains from a 711 at 3 in the morning to get up the final hill to the cabin.

It was an adventure, but definitely a good time.

I made that trip many a time from Oceanside to go skiing. While I also made a number of trips to Mammoth Lakes area, it never was for the skiing, a group of us always went there for the trout opener, and at least a couple more times a year to fish after the opener started the season. A buddy had a time share there.

He would go there for the skiing, and had some horror stories to tell. (like going out the 2nd story balcony door just to be able to get out of the house)

just got cable back this weekend. ken, thanks for asking. jhap and jwhap had the adventure indeed.....we did ok to, got lucky on several fronts, but all is good... great pics jhap..i didnt take any this go around except this one to remember how freakin cold it got.....

Man that is cold DIED - so cold it froze that thing stiff as a rock. Look he is so cold and stiff he can't even reach up and brush the snow off his head.

I talked to my cousin who lives in Casper and works in the largest open pit coal mine in the U.S. He said last Tuesday night it was -29*F on the thermometer with the winds roaring. They cannot walk the big dragline over frozen ground (company policy) - they have to take a dozer, cut the frozen ground away to unfrozen ground, smooth it out then move the dragline. He said that it was so cold that the ground would freeze before they could get it smoothed out. They got it moved, but it wasn't fun.

If you've seen "Monster Machines" on the discovery channel, about half of that was filmed in their mine.