When this winter storm is over and I can get on the bike again, there are some things I will want to do — or at least think about — before the next storm hits.
One is to look for some gizmo you can strap on your shoes for traction on ice. That would have been handy to have when I tried to walk outside on Saturday. I did step outside briefly but gave it up before I landed on my butt.
Second, I might look into a covering for the truck, which was parked in the driveway because the garage was full. Since Saturday a thick and hard to remove covering of ice has made the vehicle useless even if sand had been spread on the roads to town.
Third, we could have used more bird seed. We didn’t run out, but we also didn’t spread a lot of it around.
Some time ago I quit putting out sunflower seeds because of the mess involved. The seeds drew plenty of squirrels, and I worried the residue under the feeders would also attract rats.
So we might get a bag of seeds to throw out only when the ground is covered by ice on top of snow.
Then, we had no problem with groceries and other supplies, and I’m very grateful that the power stayed on. But it might be useful to think ahead to a period of forced isolation longer than the four days the current episode has taken, so far.
The forecasters say this cold spell should end Wednesday. Let’s hope they are right. But who knows when the next one comes, how long it will last, and how severe it will be.
For years in Oregon we have told each other we should be prepared for a monster earthquake. This quake, said to be likely within the next 100 years, could destroy buildings, highways, bridges, pipelines and electric power lines.
If and when that happens, it will be nothing like a few days stuck in the house because of treacherous roads.
But weather events like this one might drive home the message to all of us: No matter how prepared you think you are, it’s not possible to be prepared too much. (hh)
Some kind of cover could have prevented the buildup of snow and ice on this truck.
o
LOL – We just ordered some of those clamp on things this afternoon. Haven’t been able to step out the door since this stuff began, not that either of us wanted to, but if there was a real need to do so, we would have had a heck of time! They’ll get tucked into the back of the coat closet, just in case, for next time.
My daughter in law just sent me photos of homemade crampons she made. It looked like she used a flat metal plate with a number of holes that is used to connect pieces of wood. She put nails through the holes, not sure how she kept them in place, probably an adhesive. Then she strapped the plates around her boots. They worked well enough to get a few things done outside.
I think a sports shop would carry something that would serve the purpose.
That is some good advice, Hasso! Too bad we’re all procrastinators.
Having natural gas as a backup kept me warm while others froze in their own house or apartment. Now we all know City of Corvallis Administrators and Planet Savers are never wrong, but in this case they are a little short of being right. Eliminating natural gas could get somebody killed. Tough luck.
Garage full? Most of us have the same problem. I have looked at mine and wonder why? Why do I have this thing or that thing? Is it needed? When was the last time it was used? I’m thinking a small dumpster and a major house cleaning then the car can go where it belongs.
Glad you are doing well in this wonderful cold Hasso. It’s quite beautiful out there this morning as it is melting, the sound of the drips and cracks is quite nice.
-Shawn
Clean out your garages, folks! On my entire street, I only see 2 families putting at least one car in the garage. One of them is me. I even got the car out on the icey driveway just to run the engine so the battery was happy. Time to get rid of stuff you don’t need, or it wouldn’t be there in the first place.
Just google non slip shoe grips for ice
In Finland they put tires on with studs for the winter. Was crazy seeing a bike going down the sidewalk in the snow, no issue.
I guess I can chime in and say I’m “over” this winter storm. Also, after 9 years here in Oregon, I have decided to relocate to Las Vegas in the fall. I know — yes, there is heat but having lived in west Texas for 16 years, I know about heat. That’s not to say I dislike the weather here. I just have reached an age where I need more sunshine and warmer temps (and I rather not move to Florida, thank you for suggesting). Although there is always Arizona? Anyway — that said, I do strongly suggest putting on some kind of spiky footwear and/or strap related gear that will safeguard your adventures on the ice/snow. I borrowed a pair from my housemate after nearly falling 3 times. Thankfully, I did not land on my rear end (unlike a few years ago in Portland where I injured myself during a bad ice storm). I wish we had a garage but this old house (130 years old in fact) does not have one. So the elements are clearly in control of my vehicle’s outward appearance for the foreseeable future. I, too, am glad for the power remaining on (I feel for those folks in other Oregon areas who have been without power for days now — been there/done that). I hope everyone remains safe and definitely make a list of things to keep on hand for such events because they will surely occur again.
The answer is Yaktrax – I have used them before and they work on ice – and with poles they are even better. I checked with a friend in Canada and she confirmed that her family uses those also.
Agree. I’ve used mind quite a lot these past few days. Love ’em.
I use Winter Walking with carbide studs for ice. They slip over boots for about 41 bucks on Amazon.
I have Yaktrax and poles that I have used in the past and they work. I didn’t use them this time, but it was nice to know I had them in case I absolutely had to venture out on the ice. Otherwise you are pretty helpless.
Carol L.
I have had Yaktrax (the coil type) for about 20 years. I love them and have no issues walking on solid ice. They are amazing and worth the purchase.
im more than happy it’s over with.