the "pass"

when it snows and becomes cold, the mountain and its deadly "pass"...are, as they seem. mercy is given to no one. motorists are left to wonder at the cruelty.

this day began like any other. the first snow of the winter had begun to fall, but only an inch or two were forecasted. motorists everywhere, began to hop in their cars and head for the road that would take them over the "pass".

As the "pass" is neared, brake lights are seen, and the traffic begins to crawl. used to accidents and traffic delays, the motorists content themselves with the pace and start up the mountain.

the local geese see what lies around the bend. they scoff at the notion of what the motorists will find when the "pass" is reached.

"look, look", said one to another,
"long those people have been waiting,
for a chance at some skating!
if they only knew, oh brother!"

but, they didn't know, those motorists. work was awaiting, calls were coming, and for an unknown reason, the cars were at a halt.

10, 20, 30, and 40 minutes the motorist crawled, trying in vain to see around the next bend just what was up ahead. The radio announcers just said it was slow, but no further explanation did they know.

wait, wait, what's that up ahead? three cars slowly start up the pass. there is no accident, and not a flashing light can be seen. why, then oh why, what is that unseen?

It is the "pass." the deadly terrifying "pass." suddenly, a hint of what's up ahead is caught. three cars seem to crawl and then wobble.

"Is it slick up ahead?!" the driver excitedly notes. "oh, wow, it must be bad."

slowly, slowly, the pass is approached. it is realized with each foot that danger lies ahead.

suddenly the van directly to the front begins to swerve and fish tale! the driver hits the breaks. as soon as he tries to move he begins to lose control again. as he tries to go up and over the pass, he begins to slide from the left lane, to the right lane in onto the shoulder, where he stops-terror stricken.

from behind a large Fed Ex truck begins to swerve and lose control. it's then that the green Honda begins to swerve. to the right and then the left he goes. gingerly he tries to stay on the road. the driver's hands are sure, as the passenger cries out in terror. inch by inch the pass angrily taunts, "go ahead, try, you are foolish dots. dots of people in little cars, nothing to my awesome, mighty, slippery tar."

three other cars slide to the right shoulder as it becomes impossible to stay on the road. the Fed Ex truck works his way up, over the pass, and he beats it! a little 4-wheel drive Subaru has no fear of the pass.
the brave green Honda, and its driver and passenger have come to a complete stop. the road is terrifying! there are cars swerving in front and in back. the driver, in a brave attempt gets the Honda over to the left shoulder and put its wheels into the gravel! then, traction, blessed traction.

the Honda is finally allowed to rest his poor, cold tires, as the pass is cleared and the descent begins.

funny, the road, so normally busy with rush hour traffic, is quiet as one by one each car tries to beat the "pass." the light snow is enjoyed, as is the sanded road. how fun to drive over 5 miles an hour.

a little fear is felt when it's realized that the "pass" must once more be crossed later in the day. but, then it's realized; the "pass" has been beaten once, it can be beaten again!





*extra drama added for effect :-)
**Route 7's name is left out to protect its delicate sensitivity
***driver: Peter, screamer: Julie
****event: drive to work this am!