Weather, Road Closures and Scrapbook Stores... Oh, My!

Well, you never know what travel will bring when you are full time RVers.  The number one unknown we have found that we will always contend with and have no control over is the weather and road closures, especially in Wyoming!

Last Tuesday, on the day we were scheduled to go to Laramie, we woke up to snow.  I hadn't expected it, but Russell said he had.  (I guess we were higher in elevation than I had thought when we stopped for the night.)  It wasn't a lot of snow, but enough to stick and it made the roads a little treacherous, especially when driving an RV and towing a car.

Thanks to Russell's skillful driving, we did make it to Laramie on time and unscathed, even though I-80 was closed when we got in and had gotten settled.  We were thankful to be able to celebrate the holiday with my brother-in-law and sister-in-law, even though again on Thursday, I-80 was closed due to high winds. Truckers and folks who were trying to get to their holiday dinner, were parked all along the highway and side streets.  We were fortunate.  We only had to drive a few blocks and could get there without the Interstate.  It was great spending time with Rhett and Alicia during our time in Laramie, visiting and seeing the sights that were open during the winter (things are VERY seasonal there) or over the holiday weekend.

Along with visiting various shops and antique stores in the old town area, one of the best things we did was go to the local scrapbook store, Scrapbook Tree.  -- Those who know me, know that I try my best to be exclusive to my Close to My Heart products.  It is VERY rare that I purchase from anyone other than myself; however I had three more Christmas ornaments I wanted to make as gifts and the rest of my CTMH holiday themed paper was back in Reno, packed in our storage unit!  -- UGH!

It was Black Friday when we went stopped at Scrapbook Tree, not realizing they were closed to decorate for Christmas, but the shop owner, Manni saw us pull up and was quite the hostess to me and my family.  When she found out I was from out of town, she let me in to have a look around the store, and gave me a tour of her crop spaces, even though they were closed.  She apologized for the mess repeatedly.  While looking around, I recognized some long ago retired CTMH papers/artwork being displayed.
Russell, who isn't afraid to talk to any one, asked her if she was familiar with Close to My Heart.  She indicated she was a previous consultant, but terminated her status when she opened her store a number of years back.  Her husband, Joe, and Russell hit it off as well, as Joe is quite the wood worker too.  Manni and I chatted and she asked if I had a current catalog.  (Of course, I didn't have them on me, as they were back in the RV, but I promised to bring her them on Saturday, which I did.)  We all chatted some more, I purchased the paper I needed (as well as some magnetic shims for my Cuttlebug), and my brother-in-law even purchased a few items, even though he doesn't understand why I am such a fanatic of scrapbooking.  Manni was a joy to meet and if you are EVER in Laramie and need paper, go see her!

Anyway, back to the weather...
Russell and I woke up to a beautiful sunrise on Saturday.  We planned to spend the early party of the day with Rhett and Alicia before they had to go to work.

We weren't scheduled to leave Laramie until Sunday, but just after noon on Saturday, while out antiquing again with Rhett and Alicia, we heard a winter weather storm warning indicating that Cheyenne, which is located about 45 minutes east of Laramie and which we needed to go through was predicted for a blizzard the next morning through Tuesday!  So needless to say, even though it was a beautiful day, we said our good-byes to Rhett and Alicia earlier than expected and headed back to the RV to pack up and leave before they closed the road once again the next morning.  We wanted to get in front of the storm instead of being in the midst of it or chasing it from behind along with everyone else.  Although from this photo, you would never guess there was a blizzard expected.

There are things along this adventure we can control, or at least be prepared for, but weather is not always one of them.  We remain flexible and have allowed extra days into our travels.  We carry extra water, we have sufficient groceries, and always make sure the propane tank is full.  It's part of the journey we have embraced and we take it one adventure at a time.

Until next time in our zany travels...
Roberta
The Traveling Crafter


P.S.  I finished the 3 ornaments I wanted to do, thanks to Manni and her hospitality!  (I'd post a picture, but they are a part of Christmas gifts...)