Yep, it had to happen. What with travelling 64kms to work and back every day (round trip), I always knew that it would just be a matter of time. Well, today I was in a bit of a rush - had to get to the shop to buy the nammi (sweets) to give to the kids that come to sing up at the school tomorrow (on ash wednesday in Iceland children dress up and entertain, in return they are hyped up with sweet things) and potatoes to have with the salted horse that we were having for dinner tonight.
Anyway there is one "blind" hill on the way from the school down to the main road. Now I should know after all this time that snow tends to accummulate at the top of the hill. Well, I remembered this as I was reaching the crest, when I realised that I was no longer in the tyre tracks of previous vehicles but rather heading towards the soft edge...... seconds seemed like they turned to minutes... and I was losing control of the car. Trying to remember not to brake - not to turn the wheels too hard....and feeling the car go further and further off the side of the road. The embankment is around 8 ft and at a 45% angle, I was at this stage concerned that if my velocity kept going I would just roll down what was left of the hill. Thankfully, the snow was quite thick and so slowed the car right down and I came to a stop with the car facing in the right direction but at an angle that I did not much care for.
I don´t think that I have ever jumped out of the car so quickly - ever. The car had stalled so I just turned the key off and jumped out. Took out my mobile and called the school for someone to come on a tractor to pull me out... ofcourse during the conversation the battery went flat.
A few minutes later one of the teachers from the primary school came by, asked if all was ok and I sent her on her way, next came another teacher from the Uni, asked if I wanted a lift back to the school, I was still sucking on my cigarette so declined. Shortly thereafter the priest stopped, another employee of the school and the road services truck... I was certainly being well looked after - lots of offers of lifts and warmth. Anyway, took the road services guy up on his offer - a drive in his car to the school and back whilst the tractor made its way, kept me warm and occupied. Did I mention that it was minus 2 with strong northerly winds - combine that with my shock and you will know that I was shaking quite a bit.
We met the tractor and passed it again on our return (the road services guy´s job is to check the roads to see where they need the dozer to come and clear the snow) I gave him a hint I think... Anyway, we get back to the car just before the tractor. Road service guy and the guy from work get the car back on the road and pointing towards home.
I made it to the shop just in time, bought more sweets that I have ever done (I think it was my need for sugar that was influencing me). Did I mention I was driving on empty? Ah yeh, a classic car day for me.
