Jodi from NE OR has been in Nevada for 5 weeks canvasing and asked for help on OR4RP.com I answered.

While making lodging arrangements, my nephew Justin called to tell me he was driving from PDX to Reno, NV to help as a paid intern for the campaign since he impressed them with his volunteer debut in IA the week before.  This was the perfect solution since my car was recently stolen, I'd no money for a plane ticket, and time was short.

The plan was to arrive in Reno where we split up - Justin to the campaign and myself with grassroots. This should be a fun variation since I've canvassed Vancouver in icy, cold weather several times.

We travelled I-5 to California, hoping to make the trip in one pass in 9 hours - it didn't work out.  Snow flurries, icy roads, and 20 foot fog visibility greeted us at Mt Shasta, 4000 ft elevation.  The emergency radio indicated our pass through Hwy 89 was even more trecherous. The electronic highway billboards indicated chains were mandated and the highway was lined with trucks - we were the only car of the mile long convoy. 

A fellow with state issued reflector gear asked us if we wanted help putting the chains on.  We obliged, then he told us the fee was $15.  "It's common knowledge."  Sure, buddy.  We gave him the cash and crawled on.

Upon reaching the other side of the mountain, the weather lightened slightly and we removed the chains.  It was late, we were tired, so we opted to stay at a little hotel and hit the road at 9am.