In western MN the climate changed - cold, fierce winds and then ice on the road. Miss Breezy (an appropriate name, given the weather) was blown sideways in a slip and slide manner. We were so thankful there was little traffic (actually, some of the highway had been closed), especially when we needed 2 lanes to stay on the road. Many people were caught unprepared by this fierce, early storm.
Our goal was Murdo's Pilot gas station. They allow overnight parking. Since we didn't know we would run into such major weather, we hadn't properly prepared and were short on water and possibly propane (as it turns out, we weren't interested in showering, and we had more propane than we thought). We were about 140 miles away from son Alan's place. He had a run to make east, and said he would stop by us on the way. When he does long hauls, he leaves home early.
We ended up in Murdo, SD, quite traumatized! It was only about 5 p.m., but we could go no further. Snow was blowing, sometimes obliterating the road and landscape. It was about 30 degrees - 10 less with wind factor. Our awning was blown back and out of the cover, flapping and ripping in the gale winds. At one point we stopped so Roger could attempt to secure it a little better. He didn't have winter clothes, so we put my ear muffs and scarf around him to try to provide a little protection. His hands just shook as he worked! Heather was driving and pulled off alongside a semi to hope for some protection.
After pulling into Murdo and finding a place among many semis, we snuggled in under most of our blankets until about 6 a.m. when we got a phone call from Alan, saying he would arrive in an hour or so. He was driving 35-55 mph in his semi, pulling his 53' flatbed trailer.
We got up him and served breakfast, assuming he'd continue on east - on a work run.
But we weren't sure what to do, not wanting to face the weather we had the day before. Alan tried to assure us it would get better, but the forecast didn't agree with him! After about an hour, he decided he'd turn around and accompany us to Rapid City. (He saw the many semis in the ditch, along with several cars and one R.V., and knew the highway patrol was urging people to stay away - even closing some sections.) What a blessing! We felt so honored and it gave us much assurance. Up 'til then we really didn't know what to do.
He followed us and at one point said later, "I saw your lives flash before me!!" It was not a fun drive, but God graciously got us here. We hooked up and the sun came out on Saturday. It has warmed up.
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