Hello Officer, my name is Summer

Our travels today did not go anything like we planned when we left Spearfish.  Let's just say I'm glad my mama is not a Meteorologist.  She would get fired.  We drove in snow and wind from Spearfish all the way to Rawlins WY.  330 miles in snow that took us over 6 hours.  We had periodic white-out conditions, mostly due to tire spray.  Here's what I learned on that stretch of our travels:

• My dad has a lot of confidence behind the wheel, and a lot of patience for my mama.
• My mama talks a lot about:
• Safe following distance on dry roads.
• Safe following distance on snow covered roads.
• The speed limit.
• Safe following distance in general.
• "Arrive Alive" rather than trying to beat your GPS goal.
• What happens when the wind blows across newly fallen snow on an untraveled roadway.
• Did I mention safe following distance?

Not only do I have the gift of a good sniffer, but I am also good at picking up on my mama's moods.  About halfway between Gillette & Rawlins, I started panting in the back seat.  I wasn't hot.  I was nervous, like my mama.  I panted for an hour & a half until we got to Rawlins.  My mama needed a bathroom break for 90 minutes, so she was antsy to find a clean bathroom.  As we came into town the speed limit quickly changed to 30mph.  If you paid attention to my notes above, the speed limit is one of my mama's favorite talking points, so she politely said "it's 30 here" and then looked back at the map on her phone.  As my dad pulled into the Conoco station, he calmly said "I think I'm getting pulled over."  

Carbon County Wyoming has pretty nice officers from what I can gather.  The nice young man asked my dad if he knew why he was pulled over.  I thought it was awfully nice of him to ask!  My dad rolled down my window and the officer enthusiastically greeted me with a "Oh HI puppy!"  I instantly liked this guy and he smelled pretty good too.  My mama later explained to me that he has a pupper that goes to work with him everyday too.  In his line of work it's called "K9".  From the sounds of it, it's a lot harder than my office job.

My dad should have received a speeding ticket for 44 in a 30.  Instead, he received a citation for 35 in a 30 which reduced his fine from $180 to $60, and also won't go on his driving record.  While the nice officer helped my dad understand the consequences of speeding, he also allowed me and my mama to use the bathroom. He was a really nice guy.  

The minute we left Rawlins and got onto I-80, the roads were clear, the sun came out, and my mama and I finally relaxed.  My folks had a goal to see Park City and/or Provo while there was still light.  We made it, and were in awe.

Just a mere 6 hours ahead tomorrow before we arrive in Rancho Mirage.  I overheard my parents talking about some things we are going to do there.  I am pretty stoked to get out of the car, stretch my legs, and see what's in store.

Love,

SummerGirl