The snowstorm that hit Ohio and dropped over 20" brought nearly everything to a stop. As much as I love our two Mercedes and my BMW, none of them could get past the garage door. I also own a '96 Land Rover SE7, and have developed a new appreciation for its abilities. An old thread about "best and worst" vehicles pretty much blasted the LR. While I took it in stride, since some of the cars quirks have admittedely upset me over the years, I always knew it was one of the most capable and rugged off road vehicles around. But, I had no idea what it could do in the snow! For over 24 hours, while everything was shut down, I used the LR to transport my medical staff to and from work. Many of them lived in town, usually on side streets, and some lived in very rural areas. In most cases, I was the first vehicle to enter a street AND get back out. There were other four wheel drives out, but I pulled out a stuck Ford F250 diesel, a Ford Explorer, a full size Chevy 4x4, and a Toyota. The prize, however, was at the I-75 off ramp in Sidney, Ohio. The ramp was closed due to a stuck tractor-trailer and numerous other vehicles (all 4x4) behind it. I was able to drive around, and then I hooked a chain to the semi and pulled him clear of the intersection which allowed other 4x4s to use the ramp. It may not ride or handle like a Mercedes, but I didn't see anything else going where I was able to during this storm. Think I'll keep it around for the next 20-year storm.

.."hooked a chain to the semi and pulled it clear..."

Please tell me more of this "Miracle on the Interstate".

Mark

O.K., so maybe it's not quite as impressive as it sounds. The semi had made it nearly to the top of the off ramp. Most of the snow was packed by this time, but it was still very uneven since no plow had made it through. With the uneven snow, taking on a glaze, and a slight grade, he wasn't going anywhere. Myself and two 4x4 pickups were able to get around on the left side, and they went on. I had a 10" chain with tow hooks in the back, so I asked the driver if he thought there was any chance I could provide enough pull to get him moving. He said he was willing to try anything. He opened his front license plate cover to access a tow connection, we hooked up the chain, I locked the differential in four wheel low and started pulling. I think to the surprise of both of us, he easily came up the ramp and onto the I-75 overpass. We unhooked, shook hands and went our separate ways. Now, I guess I should also tell you that I was so emboldened by this little adventure that later that same day another semi was at the Route 36 exit, similarly stuck. I again hooked up, but to my dismay, couldn't budge this one. His right rear tires had slid off the pavement and were deeply embedded in snow. I was whipping around at the end of the chain like a cat's playtoy. Still, I think LR should pay me a stipend for advertising. I'm sure the people who saw the first truck being pulled won't forget it.

Often just a little 'extra' is all that is needed.

Merry Christmas,

Mark

I wonder how well everyone got around in southern Texas with Friday nights snowstorm? In some areas- 12 inches of snow fell. Victoria, TX received 12 inches. Even up to 3 inches near the extreme southern coast. They said that the measurable snow fell as far south as northeastern Mexico- on the coast. Unbelievable.

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2004 Toyota Sequoia Limited 4wd
1991 Lincoln Town Car Executive
1991 Cadillac Sedan DeVille
1988 Mercedes 300SEL
1972 Chevrolet Caprice Kingswood Estate 9-passenger wagon
1973 Pontiac Grand Ville
(Prior MB's: 1974 240D, 1985 380SE, 1984 190D, 1993 400SEL)