We had a good dump of snow overnight and left full of expectation in our two cars. The first leaving at 8:30, and the second leaving at 8:50.
At the permanent police check was a sign words to the effect of "snow chains are obligatory". The police said nothing except to confirm we were from New Zealand and tell us to turn on our head lights. So with our studded tyres we were away.
The snow deepened as we topped the pass and continued down the other side. It was a careful and uneventful drive. Then only a few kilometres from Cerro Castor Ali B let the car drift a little too far to the right and ran off the edge of the hard tarmac (hidden under the layer of snow). Driving back onto the hard surface there was a twitch and Ali's rear wheel drive reaction failed to help control the situation.
The result was a tango, with a gentle pirouette finishing with a kiss of the armour guard with a touch of Latin American bite! On the opposite side of the road facing the right direction (i.e. we'd done a 180 degree spin).
As we were sliding,
- Ross was thinking: Shit, there goes the insurance bond
- Erena was thinking, as we watched the Armco getting closer & closer: ‘crap, I hope we don’t roll!’
- Matt said: Ah, looks like we’re crashing....
- Alistair was thinking: Crap!
Fortunately there road was clear of traffic, and the speed was low. The only damage was to nerves and a small dent to the rim of the passenger rear tyre. Phew!!
Authors: All the occupants.
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