» Road Trips Y.E.P.

Could you survive being stranded on the tarmac for hours?

March 17, 2010 — Debbie

On Saturday March 13, 2010 passengers on a Virgin America flight from Los Angeles to New York spent more than six hours stranded on a tarmac, received little food or water, and had to take the last leg of their journey by bus – arriving some 14 hours after they departed.

The flight left Los Angeles International Airport about 20 minutes late. As it neared New York, John F. Kennedy Airport was experiencing dangerously strong winds of 60 mph or more and the plane was forced to divert to Stewart International Airport, about 70 miles northwest of the city.

The plane stayed on the tarmac at Stewart for more than six hours as the pilot and crew monitored the weather and seemed to promise a nearing departure again and again – and the passengers grew increasingly frustrated. (click HERE for original article)

I have traveled thousands and thousands of miles and have been stuck on the tarmac, diverted to other airports, delayed in airports…you name it. If you travel, it’s only a matter of time before something happens to delay you. Are you prepared for that? Would you be able to endure a “stranded on the tarmac for hours” nightmare? No food, no water, antsy passengers. (more…)

Posted in Crazy Weather, Road Trips, Taveling by Air. Tags: Atlantic America, Flight 404, Traveling by Air. No Comments »

To Grandmothers House We Go…

November 21, 2008 — Debbie

The whole country is getting ready to spend the Thanksgiving Holiday with friends and family. Can you smell the turkey cooking.? The aroma of homemade bread and pumpkin pie permeating the house? I’m drooling!! I can’t wait to get there.

Millions of families are going to jump in the car and hit the highways. They will be focused on one thing and one thing only…Grandmas Pumpkin Pie.

Little thought will be given to car except making sure it has fuel. It seems every year we hear of tragic incidents of motorists getting lost or stranded. What if there is an accident and you are stuck on the highway for hours. I remember one year Interstate 5 was close in southern Oregon due to snow and hundreds of people were stranded for a couple days. They had to send emergency supplies in via snowmobiles.

ALWAYS check weather and road conditions. The Weather Channel has up to date forecasts. Program the road condition numbers for the states you will be traveling through, into your cell phone.

Just a little preparation can make a world of difference. Here’s a little excerpt from my “Car Kits” Page
Be sure to check out the rest of the list.

Water-ALWAYS carry a couple gallons of bottled water in your vehicle. Cycle your water regularly. Watch for overheating in the summertime and freezing in the winter.
Blanket-A warm blanket can come in handy for a variety of reasons. Fold it small and tight, put it in a plastic garbage bag and just forget about it.
Food – Pick foods that will not be affected by temperature extremes such as crackers, granola bars and so on. Rotate these foods on a regular basis.
Wetwipes-For a quick clean up.
Toilet Paper – It’s worth a millions dollars when you need it and don’t have it.

A basic car safety kit is always advisable go to my “Car Kits” Page or Click HERE for a great selection of ready to use kits.

Don’t forget to throw in some fun activities for the kids.

Safe travels and have a wonderful Thanksgiving.

Debbie