officially had my first REAL scary moment on the road trip

we were in the black hills of south dakota, yesterday. before leaving the area, i filled the tank and headed southwest (on our way to colorado).

the highway through wyoming was a two-lane road. there were no mile markers, there was no civilization, no other vehicles on the road, no cell service, no radio signals, no signs of distance before the next city, DS fell asleep.

i didn't know how far i had to drive before i could find ANYTHING.

as i saw the gas needle slowly moving, i started to FREAK OUT.

i slowed down and turned off the AC to help conserve gas.

the first time i saw another vehicle on the road i almost cried of happiness. when i saw the first "X miles to the next city" sign, i did cry a little. when i saw a gas station, i thought my heart was going to explode.

i was at a little over a quarter tank when i fueled up, but it felt like i was on fumes. i just didn't know how long it was going to be. i didn't even care that the gas was more expensive than any other gas i had come across.

never want to feel like that, again!!!

Re: officially had my first REAL scary moment on the road trip

It is scary! Thankfully you found the "oasis" just in time. That's the thing about the west, wide open spaces, small towns and 24 hour gas pumps are few and far between so make sure you fill up at every opportunity! You might want to think about a small gas can in the trunk too!

I found out the hard way when I road tripped with a friend in January many years ago. We drove my friend's 4x4 and I wasn't used to the amount of gas it consumed. I passed a truck stop thinking I have 1/2 tank, it'll be fine. Nope. We were on fumes when we pulled off the road and ended up camping in the truck at a gas station waiting for it to open. It was a cold few hours, but thankfully not one of those -30 degree nights!

Re: officially had my first REAL scary moment on the road trip

So glad you made it, I know that feeling! I was driving home late at night during the winter from visiting a friend at Binghamton. I noticed I was getting low on gas and figured I'd fill up at the next rest stop or exit. I didn't realize that most of the gas stations upstate close early. There was snow on the ground, it was freezing out and every station I came across was closed. Just as I was about to totally freak out, I passed a sign that said there was a 24 hour gas station in a few miles. I have never been so happy to see any sign in my life!!!

As said before, definitely start filling up when you see a station! That is scary that they're so far apart out there!

officially had my first REAL scary moment on the road trip

yes!!

DS and i have agreed that we will be constantly topping off the tank from now on.

officially had my first REAL scary moment on the road trip

Thats the worst feeling ever out there! I always make sure DH fills up when we stop at the truck stops!!

Did you love black hills??? My FAVORITE little town ever!!! Cant wait to be back out there in a few weeks! Are you stopping to see Devils peek at all?

officially had my first REAL scary moment on the road trip

That's so scAry ! It reminds of the plot from wrong turn or some other horror movie,lol !

Re: officially had my first REAL scary moment on the road trip

Yes I remember on our trip same area you are now actually it was literally middle of no where and all of a sudden a tiny town appeared ...

officially had my first REAL scary moment on the road trip

We didn't do Devil's Peek. Today, we went to the local county fair.
Tomorrow we'll be going up to Rocky Mountain National Park and Estes Park. Can't wait!!

Yes, it really did feel the first scenes of a horror flick!
So happy to be in the midst of civilization!

officially had my first REAL scary moment on the road trip

So glad your safe!

Re: officially had my first REAL scary moment on the road trip

OMG I know that feeling. Happened to me years ago up in the area of Howe Caverns. I really thought we were going to have to sleep in the car.

Glad you found a station

officially had my first REAL scary moment on the road trip

Sorry you were scared. I try to keep old fashioned paper maps with me at all times of a road trip if only to refer to in case of emergencies. Our trip from NY to TX included them too, but I'd toss them out as I went on. Personally, I love those rural areas of nothingness. Just not at night!

Its always a good idea to know a rough estimate of how many miles you can get on a tank (not exactly to E but to about 1/8) then underestimate it further and make sure your route always has stops inside that range.

Enjoy the rest of your trip!

Re: officially had my first REAL scary moment on the road trip

When you drive through the desert (I assume you might) in the Nevada area TAKE warning of the signs.

I have not driven through there but all the signs say "Make sure you have water for a few days, make sure you are full with gas..." etc.