A Tale of the Road

Source

So on Sunday last I drove down to the Old Line State, the storm yclept Isaias was in the process of making its way up the Eastern seaboard of these here United States and I would, by necessity, have to drive right through it.

Yay ...

The day began with temperatures in the 50s, overcast, but dry. It was not to stay that way. Two hours in, roughly 1100 local, somewhere in Connecticut, the first drops of rain splatted upon my windshield as I sat in the parking lot of one of the multiple service areas along I-95. I remember thinking, "This does not bode well."

It did not.

Before setting off I checked the radar picture, both via Weather Underground and the Weather Channel. Yup, things were going to get sloppy.

I'd love to talk about all the lovely fall foliage I saw, which I did see along I-195 between Providence and Fall River, but what I saw mostly is what you see in that opening photo.

Yeah, moving clouds on the interstate, somewhere encased within each cloud was a motor vehicle. The really big clouds concealed 18-wheelers. To say that extra caution was warranted would be something of an understatement.

Something indeed ...

Only saw standing water in one place, and that was south of Wilmington, DE. Well, truth be told I didn't see the massive puddle (not quite the size of Lake Superior, but ...) until Blue was in its grip.

Fortunately I was not traveling at a high rate of speed but fast enough where the sudden slowdown and sheet of water engulfing my vehicle were startling to say the least. I think I went from 35 mph down to 10 mph in less time than it takes to say that.

I was surprised and somewhat pissed at myself for not paying attention. A momentary lapse which could have proven deadly had it been on the interstate and going faster.

One thing I will say for the latest instantiation of Google Maps is that the user community (via Waze, now owned by Google) reports various things like low visibility, flooded roads, and members of the local constabulary stalking the starship captains.

Guess they missed that one.

At any rate I arrived alive and somewhat the worse for wear at Chez Nuke et Tuttle only an hour or so later than normal. Fortunately traffic wasn't that heavy, lot of "brake tappers" out there though, you know the type, guy hits the brakes a half mile ahead and the "brake tapper" will follow suit.

"Dude, just take your foot off the gas!" I would bellow each time it happened. Still and all, can't be too cautious I suppose.

Better than the asshats who ride someone's bumper and have to be on the brakes constantly.

"Dude, just pass him!" I would bellow in those instances.

Good thing The Missus Herself wasn't aboard, then I'd have to "suffer" in silence.

I do get carried away with "commenting" on the skills (or lack thereof) of the other folks on the road. But my word, why are so many incompetents on the road?

I know, I know, I spent seven plus years driving with the very best motor vehicle operators in the world, so I'm spoiled a bit.

Still and all, I got to where I wanted to go. And that my friends, is all that matters.