We wanted to end our kids Christmas break with a fun weekend away in the mountains. We drove to Big Bear on Friday which is about 2 hours away from us. They were expecting the biggest snow storm in years. We only see snow once a year when we go to Whistler and this year we didn't go, so this was irresistible! After booking an over priced room and putting our doggie in a dog kennel for the first time ever, we drove up Friday morning. It was lightly raining when we got there and throughout the day it started coming down harder and harder. By the time we left the movie theater (after seeing Water Horse - the highlight of our trip - haha!), it was raining hard and the wind was so strong. We headed to a pizza parlor and I decided I must have the flu as I felt so sick I couldn't eat.
We returned to our room, all soaked from the strong rain. This is when the fun really began. We started watching the news and if I felt sick before, I was getting more nauseated by the minute. They were saying that the storm had caused debris to fall on the roads blocking the main/most direct way back down the mountain. They predicted rain all night turning to snow, LOTS OF SNOW. We didn't think we could drive home on Sunday as planned at this point. We went to bed, worried sick that we had made a mistake by coming up here during a storm. Then the electricity went out. Pitch black, me sick using my phone to periodically walk to the bath room expecting to throw up (which I didn't thank goodness). Blackness - total blackness with no flash lights or candles. I was so worried thinking we would be stuck up there for days with no heater to warm us and no food as all the stores/restaurants would have no electricity. I was imagining the WORST and I just wanted to go home.
We finally got a couple hours of sleep in our uncomfortable beds/cold room and the electricity came back on by morning. When we woke up, we decided to head for home immediately. It was still lightly raining and not a drop of snow had fallen. We packed up and took the back route home (which was safer with less risks of mud slides) and four hours later I was never happier to be in my house! And we didn't end up missing the perfect snow filled weekend as it continued to rain until Sunday morning when the snow finally started, right when we would have been driving home. I only took about 5 pictures since we didn't really get to have much fun - and none of them turned out - here is an example!
So a big lesson learned - stay close to home when a big storm is expected! I am feeling much better now although I'm very sad that the kids are all going back to school tomorrow. Hope you all had a wonderful weekend! Suzy
As I kept reading, I was waiting for the awful part! I thought you were going to tell us you were in an accident in the storm or that someone broke a bone skiing. Thank goodness it was just an upset tummy and one night of cold - probably gave you good excuses to cuddle close ;). SO glad you are home safe and sound!
Posted by: Ally | January 06, 2008 at 05:16 PM
Sorry you had a rough trip! Hope you're feeling better! This weather is so goofy in the winter. I don't like to travel myself because of it.
I'm in Chicago and it was -2 degrees this past week, yes, I said negative 2. Today, it was 65 and all the tons of snow we had was melted. Crazy, crazy, crazy!
Posted by: Carla | January 06, 2008 at 07:02 PM
Sorry about your weekend. What a bummer. Glad you are feeling better.
Posted by: Kristi Smith | January 06, 2008 at 08:24 PM
Glad you all made it home safe and that you are feeling better.
Posted by: melinda | January 07, 2008 at 03:19 AM
AWE she looks so sad! The poor thing. I'm sorry it wasn't what you had all hoped for. BUT it's a memory I'm sure you will look back on and laugh one day. I'm sure some things were funny or cute. I hope you feel better now Suzy. Our snow melted and it feels like spring today. I already miss the snow. Have a great day. I will send you pictures soon. I have to decide which ones!
Posted by: Janette | January 07, 2008 at 08:15 AM
Holy cow! That's aweful!!!
We usually only see snow once a year here too. It's when we go to the mountains to cut down our Christmas tree. But for the last 3 years in a row now... there has been no snow on the mountain. So... alas... no snow. But at least we didn't get stuck in a storm with the flu! Poor thing!
Glad you're some and safe!
Posted by: Amy Hummel | January 07, 2008 at 10:41 AM
Awwww, so sorry about your weekend, I spent mine finishing up the awesome Christmas album from the class I took from you!!!!!
Posted by: Deb | January 07, 2008 at 12:17 PM
How awful!
Sorry you didn't feel well, and you didn't get to play in the snow. :(
Posted by: Colleen Stearns | January 07, 2008 at 04:15 PM
Sorry your weekend was so bad... and no snow either!
Why is Chloe hovering what looks like a hole? No wonder she is screaming! What is that?
We don't have holes in Australia... =D
Posted by: Lynette van Barrelo | January 08, 2008 at 12:08 AM
HAHAHA Lynette - you are funny! This is a planter - just no plants in it. She does look like she is about to fall in though! Ally, I guess things could have been much worse - it is all in the perspective! Suzy
Posted by: suzy | January 08, 2008 at 06:20 AM
So sorry to hear your trip wasn't "the trip of a lifetime".
I did have to laugh though...
Only here in So. CA would you find such a sweet little girl dressed in a heavy coat, gloves and hat, but still wearing CROCS!
too cute!
Glad all is well now.
Posted by: Mary Ann | January 13, 2008 at 11:19 AM
Oh goodness Suzy -- I read your email and just had to sigh. We had reservations to go to Big Bear that same weekend (we try to go every year) but canceled them when we heard about the storm. We had just about the same experience a few years ago up there and spent the entire time in our hotel room looking like we were going to kill each other! Big Bear and rain are not a good combination. Glad you made it home safely!
Hugs, Kim
Posted by: Kim Caldwell | January 21, 2008 at 09:58 PM