The Alabama Snowpocalypse Diary

January 28, 2014

10:47am

Dear Diary,

I just left the offices and entered into the warehouse where there is mass chaos. Everyone is yelling and making there way to the front. I am not entirely sure what is going on. I will fall into the crowd and investigate this madness.

10:54am

Dear Diary,

I have surfaced from the dark pits of the warehouse to discover there is snow outside of the facility. It appears to be sticking to the roads. I will soon abandon the facility and set my sights on the safety of my home.

11:03am

Dear Diary,

The country roads are packed. There must be trouble. I will turn on the radio to find out more.

11:19am

Dear Diary,

I have made it onto the interstate 65. There is hardly any traffic. I am confused as to why I am hearing horror stories broadcasted on the radio. Snowpocalypse.

11:29am

Dear Diary,

I just passed over Hwy150. Gridlocked. I am worried the stories I am hearing are true. I must get gas before proceeding to my final destination. I will be forced to stop in Hoover to replenish my fuel source.

11:32am

Deary Diary,

I am at a stand still on the exit ramp. I have made numerous calls to shoe stores inquiring about a pair of running shoes. All attempts have failed. Running home is out of the question without a reliable shoe. My work boots will not suffice.

11:59am

Dear Diary,

I am still on the exit ramp. There is worry the car in front of me will continue to slide backwards until it connects with my car.

1:53pm

Dear Diary,

I have made it into the mall parking lot. I must relieve myself inside and possibly search for food.

2:15pm

Dear Diary,

Food is out of the question. Every thing is shut down. I will continue in my car towards home.

3:30pm

Dear Diary,

I have moved 20ft in the past 1hr15mins. I am caught in a no man's land where there is no possibility of refuel for miles. I am afraid I will run out of fuel.

4:22pm

Dear Diary,

I have consumed most of my rations: a banana and granola bar. I only have gels remaining. I must begin to think of possible shelter.

5:00pm

Dear Diary,

I have obtained an offer from a local resident for housing for the night. I will park at the next safe place and formulate a plan.

6:03pm

Dear Diary,

I have safely parked. I will replenish supplies in the local store before preparing the trek up to the residency.

6:06pm

Dear Diary,

I have messaged the local to inform her of my travel plans. I gathered the necessary supplies: granola, water, and wine. I estimate 6ish miles between my current location and my destination. I am in high spirits.

6:36pm

Dear Diary,

I have been stopped by several motorists. They have inquired about using my phone to contact loved ones. I welcome the break. Running in work boots and jeans is extremely uncomfortable.

6:47pm

Dear Diary,

I have crossed the bridge. There is no movement from the hundred of cars in route. I have passed multiple abandoned cars.

7:00pm

Dear Diary,

There is no hope for the motorists traversing the hill. The brave cars are sliding back down as soon as they start gaining ground.

(Abandoned cars on top of the hill)

7:15pm

Dear Diary,

I am at the base of the neighborhood. Abandoned cars are abundant. I now will begin to climb the many hills of the neighborhood. Wish me luck.

7:30pm

Dear Diary,

The roads are dark and icy. I have reached my destination.

8:00pm

Dear Diary,

I took the warm shower offered to me by the local (Sunny). She now has provided me with hot soup and grilled cheese. I am grateful. There are two other locals residing inside the home. I can only assume these are her offspring.

8:13pm

Dear Diary,

I am full. Homemade cookies have been placed in front of me. I will stick to protocol and consume two to ensure they are safe for further consumption.

9:00pm

Dear Diary,

The wine has been opened. Delightful stories of ultra running and trail running are being shared. All is well with the world.

11:32pm

Dear Diary,

I have retired for the night in the purple room.


January 29, 2014

6:00am

Dear Diary,

I am awake, but there is no movement in the house. I shall stay in the purple room until the locals begin to stir.

7:17am

Dear Diary,

I hear movement. Sunny is preparing coffee, pancakes and sausage.

9:05am

Dear Diary,

The news is broadcasting the snowpocalypse devastation. I pray all is safe.

11:09am

Dear Diary,

We have bundled up and prepared empty backpacks. We are venturing down to the local store for supplies. Mia will accompany Sunny and myself on the trek.

12:04pm

Dear Diary,

We have packed our bags full of supplies and have started the trek back. I have established contact with law enforcement. My brother in law will have his trooper car at the base of the neighborhood. I will hike the supplies up to the residency and trek back to begin the journey to my abandoned car.

12:39pm

We spot an elderly man with a cane at his mailbox. We established contact. We safely aid him as he walks back to his home. He is safe. We carry on.

1:09pm

Dear Diary,

I have said my goodbyes. I am forever grateful to Sunny's family for their hospitality. Hopefully one day I will have the opportunity to repay them for graciously opening their home. I will now stop for a quick snack before continuing my journey.

1:47pm

Dear Diary,

I have established contact with my brother in law. I am currently in route to my car.

2:09pm

Dear Diary,

I have set off for my home. I am hopeful.

2:40pm

Dear Diary,

This will be my last entry. I have safely arrived at my destination. I am home. I am safe. I am blessed.


The Alabama Snowpocalypse. There is no one to blame. It was a freak system. It is not the meteorologists fault. The temps were below freezing and within an hour of snowfall, roads were frozen over completely. Other parts of the country may make fun of us for the state of emergency due to 1in of snow... but we as a state... we are not prepared for this type of situation. It RARELY happens. I am more than thankful for the kindness of Sunny and her family for opening their home to me. I cannot begin to thank them enough. They are a part of the local trail running group BUTS and until this past Sunday on top of Shackleford... I have never officially met them. The trail running community never ceases to amaze me. Throughout the past 48hrs I witnessed first hand so many people helping out their fellow neighbor and have heard of so many more amazing stories of genuine kindness. I will continue praying for all those who were caught in the storm with no place to go. We should take this as a lesson learned... to always be prepared for anything.

Till tomorrow...