Slip Sliding Away
Winter of 2000-2001

The worst Alaska winter conditions are windy, rainy and warm. In 2001 we could have skated down the driveway. Putting gravel on the driveway was like throwing marbles on glass.

One afternoon while working in my office, I heard a tremendous crash. I looked out the window to see a fully loaded lumber truck tipped over the bank and smashed into our shed. Our driveway is directly downhill from a steep access road to subdivisions up the hill, so on warm, icy mornings we watch bumper cars as people attempt to drive to work. The lumber truck had been attempting to go up when it lost traction and came hurtling backwards through the intersection. It's a miracle no one was hurt--a truck that heavy would have demolished any car it hit.

Fortunately, when the truck tipped over the bank, one of its outriggers dug in and absorbed most of the momentum. Nothing in the shed was harmed and the insurance paid for repairs. The insurance company has our best photos, but the one above will give you an idea.

About a month later, Dennis went to get his morning newspaper. Water trickled down the icy slope, so he stepped carefully. He was almost to the top when he fell on his stomach and slid 80 feet or so down the natural water slide we called a driveway. That made him angry, more determined than ever to get the paper. He scrambled through the woods and gained the top, only to fall on the way down and slide another 80 feet on his back. He was thoroughly soaked when he got to the house.

He was lucky. On January 4, I took a single step off of our deck, fell and broke my left foot. Later, while limping around the living room, I kicked the couch and smashed the middle toe on my right foot. Have you ever tried limping on both feet?

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Source: www.SusanCAnthony.com, ©Susan C. Anthony