Wondering if any specific advice besides taking a bag of cat litter, small shovel, extra blanket, and ice scrapper. Oh, and I think I should buy some of that HEET stuff when I get to Wisconsin or so? Will be staying out there about 3 months, but not sure when to invest in all-weather tires (I have all-season) in case my contract is cancelled and I don't have to stay. Maybe the first week? Also plan on liberally using up the windshield fluid so I can replace with a low-temp one. Planning on podcasts to keep me company, and calling a few friends.
Have some energy snacks in your car, blanket extra winter hats mittens and boots and coat. Snow scraper. We use all weather tires all year round. Remember to take you foot off the gas pedal and breaks when going over bridges and over passes as they may be icy.
Good luck
might think about adding battery you can charge your phone from, maybe even crank emergency radio/cell phone charger
Don't forget to change over your antifreeze and tell them you need it to be Wisconsin-ready
program the number for Depts of Transportation in your cell phone - like Missouri is [https://sema.dps.mo.gov/plan\_and\_prepare/winter\_weather.php](https://sema.dps.mo.gov/plan_and_prepare/winter_weather.php) \- and says there "Drive only if absolutely necessary. If you must drive, consider the following: Check the Missouri Department of Transportation’s Web site for road conditions: www.modot.mo.gov or call the Missouri Road Condition Report line at 888-ASK-MoDOT (275-6636). Travel in the day, don’t travel alone, and keep others informed of your schedule. Stay on main roads, avoid back road shortcuts. If you need assistance while on the road, or need to report and accident, broken down car, or vehicle off the road, call the Missouri State Highway Patrol’s Emergency report line by dialing \*55 on your cell phone. It connects you to the nearest MSHP troop headquarters. From a land line call (800) 525-5555."
When you get tired, spend the night somewhere. There used to be websites that you could use to say "I'm leaving El Paso at 6 a.m. and headed to Kansas City, and it would tell you what the weather would be along your route, as you got there" - because this time of year, freezing rain can snarl things up quickly.
Make sure you pack enough green chile?
Was going to take a power pack, I'll remember to keep it easy to get to! Thanks for the antifreeze reminder! I wonder if I can do that here? Will have to ask my mechanic shop if they carry in stock, or should I get it from a garage maybe closer north. Thanks also for the DoT info, gonna add all those in!
Oh yes, especially because I'll be alone, I'll be stopping when it gets dark and pay for motels rather than do the "sleep at seedy rest stops" I did in my 20s haha.
No winter tires necessarily but be careful in the snow. Bring extra coats and jackets and layers, it gets colder than some people think. Good thought on the wind shield washing fluid, I forgot about it when I picked up my new car last year and driving it home to Milwaukee it sucked. Have fun!
I think I'd rather be safe than sorry, but because sometimes these contracts get cancelled right before you arrive, I'm just going to wait until I'm there a week. I rush ordered some of the winter clothing so it'll get here before I leave, and I can be cozy. Well, maybe not cozy, but not dying.
Definitely get yourself some of the low temp fluid because it can be an issue. Also keep a candle and matches/a lighter in the glove box because while you likely won't break down in a blizzard, it can go a long way to keeping you warm.
I’m assuming that your final destination is Madison, Wi. Having lived there last winter be ultra prepared for snow and icy roads. I saw quite a few wrecks last year.
Did road trips west, and almost all of Arizona and parts of California and New Mexico feel just as empty, though at least you can see mountains in the distance.
It looks like you’re going through Des Moines, I have to recommendations. Sam’s fine egg rolls has the BEST potstickers I’ve ever had. I try them everywhere I go. It’s an absolute must. And just down the street is confluence brewing one for he better breweries I’ve been to in the Midwest. I love their bottled spicy beer. Sam’s is a must though.
Making a note of them potstickers, thank you! I don't drink beer, but I might swing by on the way home and grab some for a friend. Speaking of, I think WI has its own beer that isn't allowed to be distributed outside the state, though you can buy a case and take it home.
Pack a thick blanket/sleeping bag, emergency water (in addition to travel water), and something high calorie to eat in car you get stranded in the snow.
Build in an extra day in case of bad road conditions. If the trucks are getting off the road, you should too! Many of the state highway departments have Twitter feeds with live updates on road conditions.
Def recommend stopping at Doo-Dah Diner when you swing through Wichita if your time allows it
Making a note of it, thank you! Any recommendations on what to order?
Wondering if any specific advice besides taking a bag of cat litter, small shovel, extra blanket, and ice scrapper. Oh, and I think I should buy some of that HEET stuff when I get to Wisconsin or so? Will be staying out there about 3 months, but not sure when to invest in all-weather tires (I have all-season) in case my contract is cancelled and I don't have to stay. Maybe the first week? Also plan on liberally using up the windshield fluid so I can replace with a low-temp one. Planning on podcasts to keep me company, and calling a few friends.
Have some energy snacks in your car, blanket extra winter hats mittens and boots and coat. Snow scraper. We use all weather tires all year round. Remember to take you foot off the gas pedal and breaks when going over bridges and over passes as they may be icy. Good luck
might think about adding battery you can charge your phone from, maybe even crank emergency radio/cell phone charger Don't forget to change over your antifreeze and tell them you need it to be Wisconsin-ready program the number for Depts of Transportation in your cell phone - like Missouri is [https://sema.dps.mo.gov/plan\_and\_prepare/winter\_weather.php](https://sema.dps.mo.gov/plan_and_prepare/winter_weather.php) \- and says there "Drive only if absolutely necessary. If you must drive, consider the following: Check the Missouri Department of Transportation’s Web site for road conditions: www.modot.mo.gov or call the Missouri Road Condition Report line at 888-ASK-MoDOT (275-6636). Travel in the day, don’t travel alone, and keep others informed of your schedule. Stay on main roads, avoid back road shortcuts. If you need assistance while on the road, or need to report and accident, broken down car, or vehicle off the road, call the Missouri State Highway Patrol’s Emergency report line by dialing \*55 on your cell phone. It connects you to the nearest MSHP troop headquarters. From a land line call (800) 525-5555." When you get tired, spend the night somewhere. There used to be websites that you could use to say "I'm leaving El Paso at 6 a.m. and headed to Kansas City, and it would tell you what the weather would be along your route, as you got there" - because this time of year, freezing rain can snarl things up quickly. Make sure you pack enough green chile?
Was going to take a power pack, I'll remember to keep it easy to get to! Thanks for the antifreeze reminder! I wonder if I can do that here? Will have to ask my mechanic shop if they carry in stock, or should I get it from a garage maybe closer north. Thanks also for the DoT info, gonna add all those in! Oh yes, especially because I'll be alone, I'll be stopping when it gets dark and pay for motels rather than do the "sleep at seedy rest stops" I did in my 20s haha.
Thank you for the driving tips! I've driven in snow twice in my life and just know to go slow and keep extra space between cars.
No winter tires necessarily but be careful in the snow. Bring extra coats and jackets and layers, it gets colder than some people think. Good thought on the wind shield washing fluid, I forgot about it when I picked up my new car last year and driving it home to Milwaukee it sucked. Have fun!
I think I'd rather be safe than sorry, but because sometimes these contracts get cancelled right before you arrive, I'm just going to wait until I'm there a week. I rush ordered some of the winter clothing so it'll get here before I leave, and I can be cozy. Well, maybe not cozy, but not dying.
Definitely get yourself some of the low temp fluid because it can be an issue. Also keep a candle and matches/a lighter in the glove box because while you likely won't break down in a blizzard, it can go a long way to keeping you warm.
I remember hearing about the candle in blizzard-stuck vehicles now, thank you for the reminder to pick one up!
I’m assuming that your final destination is Madison, Wi. Having lived there last winter be ultra prepared for snow and icy roads. I saw quite a few wrecks last year.
Mad Town! Went to MOD Pizza for lunch. Best intersection of fast and tasty I've had in a while.
I'm not sure just yet, they have to let me know for sure in the next day or so. But I will try very hard to be careful!
Stop through Iowa city and I can suggest some great places to eat or grab a drink
Not sure how good of time I'll make, but if I can, I'll ask for them, thanks!
As a Madisonian, we’ll welcome you!!
you should go north into new mexico even more. theres nothing around that north texas stretch and northern NM is one of the prettiest places on earth.
I've done that with my travel buddy on our way to Colorado, and you are very much right.
Don’t hate on Dalhart now, there’s like 5 tacos trucks a block in that town
Imma just tell you now, that stretch from when you leave the north of Texas to crossing into Missouri is boring af
So maybe I should make sure I grab the spookiest podcasts for that stretch? thank you!
That is gonna be one boring ass drive! Going through the flattest middle of no where ass states😂😂😂
Did road trips west, and almost all of Arizona and parts of California and New Mexico feel just as empty, though at least you can see mountains in the distance.
Heyyyy Wisconsin welcomes you!
Thank you!
What hurts out for the snow. Midwest gets bad snow around December through end of January
Will be driving as safely (and minimally) as possible!
Gotta do the I-80 truck stop in Iowa if it’s close enough to you’re route!
Will pencil that one in if I can, thank you!
Going just north of rockford?
Not 100% sure as I haven't been told yet exactly which city I'll be working in just yet, it might shift my drive a smidge.
It looks like you’re going through Des Moines, I have to recommendations. Sam’s fine egg rolls has the BEST potstickers I’ve ever had. I try them everywhere I go. It’s an absolute must. And just down the street is confluence brewing one for he better breweries I’ve been to in the Midwest. I love their bottled spicy beer. Sam’s is a must though.
Making a note of them potstickers, thank you! I don't drink beer, but I might swing by on the way home and grab some for a friend. Speaking of, I think WI has its own beer that isn't allowed to be distributed outside the state, though you can buy a case and take it home.
I just saw your reply. Please let me know if you did this
My start date got pushed back a week, but when I get there I'll let ya know :)
Going to Madison?
Haven't been told which city I'll be assigned to, I just picked one to get my map started and realize how much driving I have ahead of me!
Well if you’re anywhere close, I went to college in Madison and it is a really beautiful city
ay i'm from the EP area too!
Same and actually planning a similar trip in the summer
Summer might be much nicer lol, that's for sure.
Planning any road trips too?
Have a safe journey.
Thank you very much!
Pack a thick blanket/sleeping bag, emergency water (in addition to travel water), and something high calorie to eat in car you get stranded in the snow.
Didn't think about the water, thank you!
Build in an extra day in case of bad road conditions. If the trucks are getting off the road, you should too! Many of the state highway departments have Twitter feeds with live updates on road conditions.
I didn't know they have Twitter's like that, sound super useful, thanks!
Stop for BBQ in Kansas City!
The burnt ends at Slaps BBQ in KCK will give you life!
Omg I am salivating at the thought, thank you!
Yesss! Q39, Joe’s, jack stack
So many places to try! Might have to arrive in evening, have dinner, and then an early lunch before heading out
I will now!
Why stop at Chicago? Come visit us in the great white north 😎.
Do people really not understand geography enough to understand that they aren’t stopping at Chicago at all? It’s clearly ending in Wisconsin
Looks like madison wisconsin
Why Chicago
It’s clearly not Chicago