We're driving in Winter. Weather, Cold and Snow is our main concern as the freeways could be closed down and prevent us from moving East. We set off from Colorado Springs, eastward across the Great Plains, heading for Kansas City before turning North at the last minute to get up to Minnesota for the holidays, where we knew it would turn REALLY cold.
We timed it quite well, ducking under a storm and only hitting snow once we crossed the Minnesota border. Once in St Paul, Dawn's family rescued us from a frozen death and we spent a couple of happy weeks living on Dawn's Mum's cooking: Cheezy Potatoes, Ham, Prime Rib and Home made Baked Beans!! Yes, Dawn's Mum tempted fate with the baked beans!! Sister Becky and family also took very good care of us. We had a great time catching up with the kids - Alex can call us anytime - our number is '666'. Temperatures were just too low to go outside much, so we focused on indoor activities through this entire episode.
After Minnesota, we headed straight south to warmer clim's. Once in Tennessee and Kentucky Lattitudes, things warmed a little , but not much, and we took a small weather window to go out and see the Great Smoky Mountains. We had never seen Rhododendron growths of such colossal sizes. A pity it was winter as they must present quite a show in May/June. We also took the opportunity to drive Natchez Trace Parkway, which runs from Tennessee to Mississippi, which must be absolutely beautiful in the summer.
