Today dawned not quite as awful as it might have. Seems Fargo avoided much of the snow overnight so it wasn’t too bad getting underway, even if it was bitterly windy and sleeting. (That’s rain and snow together for the curious.) Of course, it didn’t take long to drive into worse weather.
I think the worst of the trip was between Fargo and Minneapolis where the road was washboard at best and slushy all over. In spots, you could see where the undercarriages of cars had plowed the tops for the snow furrows off. For a rather long stretch, traffic was driving in the left lane and passing in the right lane due to the left lane being in better shape. I think the worst was around the Avon rest area where the slip road had two ruts in the snow about a foot deep. It caused me some excitement as I ended up high centered just as a gust of wind hit and I ended up spun around in the snow bank. That was the most excitement, however, since I dug out the compact shovel from the trunk and cleared the snow from around the wheels and I was able to get moving again. (Did I mention it was heavy wet (and slippery) snow?) A kind gentleman stopped to render assistance but he tells me I had things under control.
After that, it was basically rain the whole rest of the way in with a brief bit at Wisconsin Dells that was dry. Of course, I took that opportunity to take a break and have some food so I didn’t get to enjoy much of the dry road conditions.
I have now arrived at the hotel in Elgin safe and sound and I even managed not to miss the turn for Tollgate Road. I noted in the parking lot as I was collecting my gear from my car that one of the other ‘Fest attendees has also arrived (from Minnesota so he also had to contend with the weather). Now I get to relax until Monday.