Planning a road trip to the Methow Valley in the winter is a great idea! The shimmering snow and crisp, crystal-blue skies are definitely worth the drive. Twisp, Winthrop, and Mazama are magical winter time stops for a road trip. Follow Hwy 20 in to Twisp. You may want to make Glover Street Market (on Glover/Main Street) your first stop. They have really tasty food and an excellent juice bar. Swing in to Winthrop where you can go ice skating or skiing for the afternoon. No gear? No problem! You can rent it all right in town! Stay overnight with us at the Pine Near. We are just one block above Main Street in Winthrop. Meander down to the Rocking Horse Bakery in the morning where there will be espresso and an assortment of breakfast goodies waiting for you. While you are in the Methow Valley take a breathtaking drive right on up to Mazama. Rent some snow shoes and spend the morning exploring in the snow. We recommend you stop by Mazama Country Store for a homemade bagel. They are to die for!
Now, here are some tips for Winter-time Road Trips...
Tires and Traction:
You should have at least 1/8-inch tire tread depth
and proper inflation. Cold temperatures have a lowering
effect on tire pressures—check frequently to
maintain adequate inflation. Carry chains or invest
in winter tires (for mud and snow). In some states,
you can use studded snow tires, but they are illegal
in others. Traction devices often greatly increase
your stopping distance, so control your vehicle carefully.
"All-season" tires are not your best choice
for poor conditions outside the sanded, sheltered
streets of a city—make sure you have good lugged
snow tires if you are traveling through heavy snow
country.
Know the difference
between standard brakes and ABS brakes, (click
here for more about this) and how to use each.
When using ABS, press the brake and hold it. Do not
release the pressure. With standard brakes, use threshold
braking. Press the brake pedal until the wheels begin
to lock, then release just enough pressure to get
them rolling again. It is important to have your brakes
serviced so they do not pull to one side or the other.
Recommended Equipment:
- CB radio
- Cell phone
- Scraper and brush
- Folding shovel
- Jumper cables
- Tow rope
- Sand or cat litter
(for traction)
- Flares
- Blankets
- Cold weather clothing
(like insulated coveralls)
- A good flashlight (cold
kills batteries, make sure they're fresh and carry
spares)
- High-energy food (see
sidebar)
- Drinking water
- Medications for longer
trips.
- A can of lock de-icer
(don't use hot water on glass or locks—it will
only make things worse)
This is no time to
get stuck with a flat tire, so make sure you have
a jack, lug wrench and an inflated spare tire in good
condition.
Get last minute information
on weather and road conditions— The
Department of Transportation (DOT) Web site is the
best place to start. Washington Department of Transportation You need the latest information—weather
FORECASTS (like those in newspapers) are notorious
for unreliability! Ask about any potential avalanche
conditions along your route.
Last but not least:
Let someone know where you are going and when you
plan to arrive.
Source: http://www.roadtripamerica.com/travelplanning/Winter-Driving.htm
See you at the Pine Near RV Park and Campground :o) www.pinenearpark.com
