Our guests included Ed and Leslie, Sam and Alicia, and Tracie and Wyatt. The ride to the mountains was easy enough - boys in one car, girls in the other . . . as usual. We arrived in NC about 2:00 a.m. Eastern time and went to bed soon after. All but Barry, Canon, and I were going to Sugar Mountain early the next day to do some skiing. While everyone else skiied, we hung out at the house, taking naps and watching TV. Sometime in the mid-afternoon, it started snowing. They were the tiniest of flakes, barely worth mentioning, so Barry and I decided to go into Hendersonville to eat lunch and go to the grocery store. By the end of our lunch, the snow was definitely coming down harder, but we didn't think a thing of it. We stopped at the store but only got some snacks and drinks because we were planning to meet our friends back in Saluda for dinner when they returned from their trip. This was a major mistake.
Once we got in the car to start the 20+ mile trek back to Saluda, we realized how quickly our little snow flurries were impeding our safe travel. Our first call to our friends included a discussion of the possibility that we might just want to eat quickly before heading up the mountain to the house. The next call - only minutes later - involved the introduction of the idea of take-out and eating at the house. Soon after, Barry instructed me to call our friends and inform them that we were going straight to the house, and they should follow suit. It is important to mention here that while we were on a windy, two-lane road, our friends were on a major interstate and were not feeling the stress of the icy roads as we were. I'm pretty sure they thought we were overreacting.
There is so much that I could write about to clearly illustrate the stress and anxiety that accompanied that twenty-mile stretch of road, but I'm pretty sure if I tell you that it took us over an hour and a half to drive it, you might get the idea. There were cars on the side of the road, cars (including ours) fish-tailing from side to side as the wheels grasped for traction on the icy pavement. All I could think about was the fact that if something happened to our car, I was going to have to figure out how to keep Canon warm, safe, and somewhat happy until help could come. Thankfully, my husband is somewhat of a stellar driver, and I was not faced with this predicament. But I will say that I had my doubts as we drove up the mountainside along a road with no guardrail. Prayer works, people!
We had to park about 1/4 mile from the house and walk straight uphill the rest of the way, but I accepted that situation with a smile. I carried Canon while Barry pushed a stroller full of groceries up the steep drive. When we finally arrived at the house, we got back in touch with our friends who, apparently, were experiencing some of our stress and anxiety. They decided to pull off and spend the night in a hotel. Barry was relieved! We watched the Opening Ceremonies for the Olympics and enjoyed a family night.
Our friends returned the next day (on Ed's birthday!) and we were eager to share our stories in person. We spent the rest of the trip enjoying the snow, relaxing, and sitting by the fire. Sam and Alicia brought Canon this adorable bear suit. I have to admit, I was a little skeptical when I first opened it, but it was perfect for our Snow Day!
This is my parents' mountain house. It's truly an amazing place - you can't help but be happy here.
That night, we decided to go into town for dinner. We knew the risk we were taking and ended up having to walk back up the hill again to the house. Barry carried Canon this trip, and I am so proud to report that he was worn out and his back hurt from carrying him! I really can't brag too much about my strength . . . I was running on pure adrenaline when I carried him up the night before.
The next day was Valentine's Day, so the boys surprised us all by cooking a huge delicious breakfast. Sam even brought Alicia an enormous Valentine's balloon. Canon especially enjoyed it.
We loaded the car later that afternoon and headed south. Though filled with some very desperate memories, we had a great time with our friends. I think next time, we'll go in the Fall when the leaves are changing. I've never heard of anyone being stranded by fallen leaves.
