Freedom and escape - but almost not

It all looked very promising. The lane was mostly clear and our gravel parking area had lost most of its snow. Today was the day to drive out.

Not so fast! Where should I go? The smaller roads are still not cleared and I really only needed to get some protein for supper and tomorrow's lunch. I needed a destination. Libraries were closed, schools were mostly closed (although I couldn't think of even one of those I wanted to go to). So, I asked my local experts, Mary and Brian. They weren't able to think of anywhere accessible but ultimately did suggest the walk into the golf club from the main street. It was paved and clear. Yesterday they walked there from home. Today I decided that would be my destination, but from the main street.

Then as I was about to leave, they were attempting to escape in Brian's car. It is a bit uphill to the paved lane and sure enough, despite some innocuous looking slushy snow and loose gravel, it took some time to get to the paved lane. Almost to the edge of the asphalt and the wheels started spinning.

Hmmm, how would I approach this? Brian had turned his car around to face the lane. I would just back up that little hill. Hah! Not so fast. I had to make several runs at it, with Brian keeping an eye on things. It had to be a relatively quick run but I didn't want to end up smashing into their vehicle now parked in the lane, up a little ways, making sure I got out.

Eventually I met with success and we proceeded into town. Getting to Aldi was not much of a challenge as far as the roads were concerned. What was a challenge was the fact that the roads were not cleared to the edges and folks just park any sort of way that is kind of but not really, off the main thoroughfare. This applies particularly on curves and corners. With that successfully negotiated I got to Aldi, purchased the needed supplies, including a mini bottle of wine for Wednesday night at the hotel, and headed back to the main street.

There was no place to park that looked easy enough to get into and then out of. I tried the library lot and found the spot a bit precarious so managed, after a few tries, to get out of the slush and back onto the road. Might as well go up to the pharmacy next to SuperValu and buy a replacement eyeliner pencil.

Parking was easy. I had spied a good spot on the left side of the lot. The spots on the right were not completely cleared because the snow had merely been pushed forward, and took up about 25% of the depth of those spots. It was not a problem until I wanted to back out and the car opposite, was sticking out into the lane. Once again, disaster averted, I decided to go and find a parking spot at the golf course.

Good plan. Not possible. After turning into the lane I found their gate closed and locked. No dice. OK, back down the street. Not a spot to be found that was easily accessed. Market Square? Nope. Folks had parked nice and far apart so spaces were already taken or blocked. OK, back home it is.

This time I parked in the space just at the turn of the lane, out of the way, on the paved part. Brian had cleared it prior to my arrival back home, and I pulled in, leaving all four wheels on the pavement. Leaving should be a no-brainer. There doesn't seem to be snow in the forecast.

So, here I am back again in the cottage. Nothing to report and nothing I feel like doing. I've packed up the clothing I'm donating in the big purple suitcase I'm also giving away. That's off to the thrift shop tomorrow afternoon. The remainder of my stuff does fit in my two small bags so all is well.

Once again I managed to fill space with pretty much nothing at all. I'll upload and add a photo later of the mess of the parking area after the two cars had finally gotten free.