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A Cold and Slow Drive In Today
Tuesday, 22 January 2013 12:42Tuesday Is The New Monday
Since I had MLK Day off yesterday, today is the first workday of the week. And the list of school closings and road incidents was long. Temp in Allendale this morning was about 4°F. Windchills at -12°F. But we both managed to get out early. Mrs. Dr. Phil because she was due downtown GR at 8am. Me, because I expected my 1¼-1½ hour commute to take 2 hours today -- which it did.
Actually, the drivers I saw were all behaving themselves. I only saw one vehicle in the ditch and it was going the other way on I-196, on a stretch identified as slippery on the traffic reports. The early birds are the ones who usually ignore reality and forget what winter driving weather is like. So we were driving at 10-20 mph under the speed limits the whole time -- mostly 15mph under. The roads were icy, but only twice did I find myself in a lane which felt a little squirrelly. Reduced speeds, lower gear, 4WD and an easy touch on brakes and steering, did just fine. Maintain good intervals. Use four-way flashers when traffic slows ahead to warn those behind. All covered.
The sun is playing hide-and-go-seek, but it is amazing how much more pleasant the drive is when there's light. (grin)
Heading west on the M-6, I realized that there were very bright sundogs on either side of the sun. Didn't have any Nikons today, so this is with the little Sony. The dark angled bit on the lower left is from one of the little lens cover petals which apparently has been sticking lately -- it's freed up now. This is on the ramp from M-6 West to US-131 South. (Click on photo for larger.)
©2013 Dr. Philip Edward Kaldon (All Rights Reserved)
Second shot showing the sundog on the right side. You'd think the first picture was blurred, but that's actually snow and lens flare on the green signs. THIS shot is blurred, so I'm not putting in a larger version.
©2013 Dr. Philip Edward Kaldon (All Rights Reserved)
Getting ready to go to second class. My office is 63°F. Why?
Dr. Phil
Since I had MLK Day off yesterday, today is the first workday of the week. And the list of school closings and road incidents was long. Temp in Allendale this morning was about 4°F. Windchills at -12°F. But we both managed to get out early. Mrs. Dr. Phil because she was due downtown GR at 8am. Me, because I expected my 1¼-1½ hour commute to take 2 hours today -- which it did.
Actually, the drivers I saw were all behaving themselves. I only saw one vehicle in the ditch and it was going the other way on I-196, on a stretch identified as slippery on the traffic reports. The early birds are the ones who usually ignore reality and forget what winter driving weather is like. So we were driving at 10-20 mph under the speed limits the whole time -- mostly 15mph under. The roads were icy, but only twice did I find myself in a lane which felt a little squirrelly. Reduced speeds, lower gear, 4WD and an easy touch on brakes and steering, did just fine. Maintain good intervals. Use four-way flashers when traffic slows ahead to warn those behind. All covered.
The sun is playing hide-and-go-seek, but it is amazing how much more pleasant the drive is when there's light. (grin)
Heading west on the M-6, I realized that there were very bright sundogs on either side of the sun. Didn't have any Nikons today, so this is with the little Sony. The dark angled bit on the lower left is from one of the little lens cover petals which apparently has been sticking lately -- it's freed up now. This is on the ramp from M-6 West to US-131 South. (Click on photo for larger.)
©2013 Dr. Philip Edward Kaldon (All Rights Reserved)
Second shot showing the sundog on the right side. You'd think the first picture was blurred, but that's actually snow and lens flare on the green signs. THIS shot is blurred, so I'm not putting in a larger version.
©2013 Dr. Philip Edward Kaldon (All Rights Reserved)
Getting ready to go to second class. My office is 63°F. Why?
Dr. Phil
