"Faith dare the soul to go further than it can see." ~ William Clark. You may well remember William Clark and Meriwether Lewis. On May 18, 1804 Lewis, Clark, and 45 others departed into the area West of the Mississippi River. They didn't have any idea what they would possibly encounter nor if they would make it back alive, yet they went. Into the unknown - prepared. Of the 45 who departed only one, Sergeant Charles Floyd died from suspected appendicitis. That's it. An expedition which lasted two years in the early 1800s, in the vast wilderness, only had one casualty.
Last night, on I-95 between Fredericksburg and Dumfries, VA hundreds of motorists were left stranded due to inclement weather conditions which included almost a foot of snow. Many motorists abandoned their vehicles and went on foot in search of shelter. Other motorists asked various drivers for food and water. All in all it was a clusterf*ck. Heavy rains preceding the snowstorm prevented the Virginia DoT from laying salt. To compound the problem, it occurred on a Sunday with thousands returning home from the holiday season.
Now, this is where the hosts of your favorite podcast take umbrage with some of these folks. We're talking about the ones who were "crying and sobbing" in the vehicles and who were calling 911 for someone to come rescue them. To be blunt - these people were woefully unprepared. Keep in mind all three of us spent considerable time living in/around Washington, D.C. We've traveled that stretch of I-95 hundreds of times. We know what it's like to be stuck in traffic. We've driven that stretch of highway while breaking fresh trail in a half-foot of snow and more falling. We know a thing or two, because we've seen a thing or two - but so have these folks who acted like they were on the dark side of the moon.
First, anyone who has spent any amount of time in Northern Virginia knows you don't get on I-95, I-495, or I-295 unless you absolutely have to. You damn sure don't do it on a Sunday afternoon after a holiday weekend. If you must, you better have a full tank of gas and an empty bladder. If you don't - you're asking for trouble. Secondly, the weather is not a secret. Meteorologists began warning about a possible "snow event" as early as last Wednesday. Granted it was originally forecasted as minimal snow, but if there is one thing you always anticipate when it comes to D.C. snow - it's probably going to be worse than forecasted. Even if it's not - you know traffic is going to be insane and add rain into it, you need to adjust your travel plans. Come back early. Take alternate routes (I-81 through Shenandoah had minimal issues) and be prepared.
Since some of you missed Episode 24 "My Prep Plan is to Neegan Your Ass" we'll help you out a little here. I'm including a list of what is in my vehicle which will allow me to sustain myself in the event I am caught in a snow event - this will be winter specific but some items are always in there:
Pelican/Contico Case
Camping stove (with extra fuel)
Backpackers meals - enough to last 24-36 hours. (This is not meant to be Shoney's all you can eat buffet - it's intended to keep energy levels up and keep you alive. You may end up feeling hungry, but you will live. Suck it up.)
Lighter
Pine "fat" lighter (If I need to make a fire other than on my camping stove - can also use a candle-powered heater. Again - it won't keep your entire body warm - but it will keep you from freezing to death. Don't use inside your car - sad i have to mention that)
Army wool blanket (for when it is chilly)
Sleeping bag (for when it's really chilly)
Gloves (wool)
Beanie (wool)
Socks (wool - can also double as hand warmers and if you have to start walking dry socks to put on later will not only save your little piggies, they will instantly make boost your morale. Nothing is worse than having wet AND cold feet)
Mini-liquor bottles (you can barter with these - and if you're going to be stuck on the interstate for 15 hours - maybe have some)
Flashlight/Headlamp
Spare batteries for your flashlight/headlamp
Ibuprofen
Jumper cables
Self-recovery (come-along/pulley)
Foldable shovel
Cat litter (helps tires gain traction on ice/snow if you're stuck)
Extra car charger for your phone (you will invariably misplace the one you have now. Trust me)
Handheld CB radio. (They're handy, cheap, and you can pretend you're in Smokey and the Bandit)
Windshield ice scraper w/brush
It should go without saying that you should be checking your spare tire for serviceability prior to every road trip.
List is not all-inclusive and there are things I should probably add to be fully prepared. The last thing - the most important tool in any survival kit is YOU. Your survival plan should never include "well, I'll just ask someone to help me." Ever. COVID should have taught us all to be prepared. The winter storm in Texas should have reinforced that. Be smart. Be self-reliant. Your safety and that of your family is YOUR responsibility. No one else's.
No one is coming. It's up to us.
Until next time, friends.
