Sunday, April 26, 2009

Scary Mountain Passes

Last Friday I got a call from my dad asking us to drive down to Pagosa Springs to meet him at Franks. No problem. Except that my husband has finally got some wells to drill and would be spending the weekend getting his equipment ready to leave the yard. Which meant I would be doing the driving to Pagosa by myself .....well, by myself with five kids in tow. I am fairly used to going places without Alan as his job doesn't always allow for him to take off in the summertime, but drive to Pagosa is a bit of a challenge.

But with a determined heart we set off at 7 am Saturday morning. Our first stop was the bank. I never leave home without my credit card and at least 40.oo in my pocket. You never know.
Then it was straight to Wal-Mart to rent some movies from the RED BOX. I LOVE the RED BOX. Also know as saving a mothers sanity box. The kids happily watched a flick while I drove valiently on over the mountains.

To get to my brothers house I have to drive to Silverton (thats pass number one). The road has many hairpin turns and switchbacks as well as some none existent shoulders. You do not want to day dream even for a second on Red Mountain Pass or you might wake up well you know.

Once at Silverton we immediently started on Coal Bank Pass (thats number two). It was at least as bad as the first. But the kids were happily involved in their movie. Except for Emily, who had chosen about that time to get carsick. Well she didn't upchuck, she just threatened to repeatedly. Finally we arrived at Durango, where we stopped for gas and snacks. As an experienced mother I allowed all the kids a drink and candy. This is not a time to preach good nutrition habits, this is a time to keep children happily sugared up and starting at a screen. We still had 50 miles to go.

We found Franks house without incident and the kids enjoyed their time with my dad & their cousins. We decided to spend the night because the thought of driving the passes at night gives me the willies. Plus I really didn't want to risk Emily making good on her promise to upchuck in my van. We made it home with out incident, but the next time dad wants to see the grandkids I'll stay home and get the equipment ready and Alan can take the kids.

12 comments:

Jules said...

LOL, I can imagine your car ride very clearly. That is a scary pass. Ryan and I went to Pagosa Springs on our honeymoon (almost exactly 10 years ago (in 1 week)). Red Mountain pass was actually closed on our way there, so we had to go all the way to Cortez and around the LOOONG way. Then on the way home, Ryan wanted to leave Saturday night (our check out was actually Sunday) so by the time we left Saturday night, it was late. We then was driving between Durango and Silverton (the passes had opened up) and we ended up driving on snow packed roads, in the MIDDLE of the night. I actually saw a wolf cross the road. Talk about SCARY. I mean those roads are scary regardless of snow and dark. I was freaking out! But anyway, I hope you had a nice time down there :) Did you go to the Hot Springs?

Anonymous said...

LOL, I can just see YOU getting the equipment ready! How about giving your dad and Frankie a MAP to your house?

meNmykids said...

I'm all for the map!

Amber Lois said...

It is good for you. But I would want Alan to Drive also.

Anonymous said...

We went to Silverton many years ago to see Bro. Herb Gray, and if I remember right, it is above the timber line, a town with no trees. Seems kind of weird. I was pretty young then, and the ride (even with your uncle driving) didn't seem so bad.

Sabriena said...

Wow, it sounds extremely thrilling... in the not-so-good sense of "thrilling"! I am PRETTY SURE that I would have chosen to wait until the following day, also. Glad you made it safely.

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