Driving in the country is a totally different experience.
There are gravel roads. Have you ever driven on a gravel road? Yeah, me either. Until I got married and moved to the middle of a big field with only gravel roads going in and out. Here are a few important things for a city girl {or boy} to know before to driving on the gravels.
1. There is no real speed limit. Where we live there are no speed limit signs posted. Maybe your gravels are different? But here, no signs. Some people drive very slow and some drive very fast. Awesome.
2. There are no yellow lines. A given. But think about it. Hills and curves and some people driving slow while others drive fast. You may stay on the right side all the time {and I applaud you if you do} but most people will drive down the center of the road.
3. You will slide. Yep, it’s not pavement. It’s loose rock. I may have looked like a drunk cat the first time I tried to drive down a gravel road.
4. You will be the last to get plowed out during the winter. Lots of snow here in Iowa {more on that another day} and that means lots of plowing snow. So be prepared to be snowed in a couple of days when there is a big snowfall. And make friends with someone who has a snow blower.
No city girl. I do not mean this snow blower:
I mean this snow blower:
5. Gravel = Mud. In the winter there is a crazy amount of snow. But in the spring and summer there is an awful lot of mud. Gravel roads turn into little streams. Pot holes become the size of your car. Seriously, be prepared for a lot of mud all over your vehicle and a lot of bumps as you try and maneuver your way around the gaping holes. On the plus side, you will be able to quickly identify your car when you are “in town”.
6. Behold the power of the 4 wheel drive. I’m sure you city girls know all about how there are vehicles with 4 wheel drive. But did you know there is a 4-high and a 4-low? Oh yeah. My personal tip: leave 4-low alone. This 4-high will help you get to work on days your little city car simply wouldn’t make it. Through the muddy, half washed out gravels. Through the snowfall. Or when they lay new “gravel”. And by gravel I mean rocks. It’s like driving over big rocks. I guess it eventually turns to gravel, but in the meantime it is more like driving your car down the railroad tracks.
So there you have my six invaluable tips for learning to drive on the gravels. What about you? Do you have any great tips to share for surviving gravel roads?
Enjoy driving on that pavement,
Shelley says
OK I agree 100% with all of these. AND I am LOVING LOVING I mean LOVING these posts!!
Becky says
Thanks Shelley! It is only two days in but I’m loving the challenge this is bringing and how much reflecting I’m doing 🙂
Hannah says
Haha! My tip is avoid them if you can! Lol!
Becky says
a good tip for sure! 🙂
Tiffani says
HAHA! I literally was laughing out loud while reading these…”drunk cat” was my favorite I think. LOL! Those of us that grew up with them don’t really think about it, so it’s awesome to hear a new perspective. Way to go 🙂
Becky says
glad I could provide a little humor – and it’s true! 🙂