I've arrived in Corsicana, Texas, and the dinner for the Class of '65 starts in about an hour. Here's a little story of my journey. For almost all the distance it was just fine. Then, about 20 miles from town, the skies opened up. Hardest rain I've ever driven in. But everyone was being sensible, so it was no big deal. Drive slowly, lights on, etc. I was within .8 of a mile from my exit when the traffic stopped. Completely. Both lanes.
I sat there for about 15 minutes, maybe 20. No movement. None. I took a peek at the shoulder. It looked clear, so I decided to go for it. I pulled onto the shoulder and got to the exit with no problem.
The problem arose after I took the exit. It was about 200 yards to the light where I needed to turn. There had been an accident there. Luckily I was able to get into the lane I needed to be in before traffic piled up and blocked me. I sat there for about 10 minutes, but I finally got to the light and then to the hotel.
I just took a look out the window. The traffic on the Interstate is still at a dead stop. The rain is light now, so that's not a problem. I have a feeling there won't be more than a handful of people at the dinner. I may have made a big mistake by coming. I'm trying not to think about what the trip home tomorrow might be like. Yikes.
The Internet connection here seems to be going in and out. I'll try to post this before I go silent.
7 comments:
After that harrowing drive, I hope the original Carl Benson's Wildcats will be providing music tonight (with Carl's mother on the saxophone).
Have fun!
JohnD
There is a flood emergency in the area as more than a foot of rain has fallen. I45 remains closed in both direction. More rain is foretasted tonight before late tomorrow the whole mess shifts southwards towards Houston as remnants of Cat 5 Hurricane Patricia surge north across the Hill Country and Houston.
May I suggest you stay put at the hotel for a couple of days.
I second Kevin's suggestion. Stay at the hotel until the rain passes--which may be a few days. Please don't drive through standing water. Take care and stay dry!
Forecast for the hotel area is now 7 to 10 inches more of rain overnight as the rain areas keep training across the area. Here in our part of Collin County there has been about 5 inches and the gauges say across DFW there has been anywhere from 7 to 10 inches.
Yes, stay put if the weather doesn't improve. Just you and a roomful of saucy maids sounds like a good way to kill time.
FWIW, I was a member of the Class of '65. Not that school, of course.
Stay safe, old-timer, and if you do drive in this, write out a note leaving all your books to me--and get it notarized.
What Cap'b Bob said - I graduated that year too.
The morning forecast here said that a "huge stretch" of I-45 remains closed. It looks like there should be improvement by Sunday as the storm moves east and north (watch out, Houston and New Orleans) but forget today. And Sunday might be tough for traveling too.
Be safe!
Jeff
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