Seattle to Bozeman,MT

[James Russell]

	Just a little college story involving my Audi, no it is not a dirty one.
Three college guys and myself made a trip out to Seattle and back in my
1984 Audi 4000 S Quattro with about 185,000 miles rolling on the odometer.
The way out was pretty easy, no problems, no snow, no fuss.  The way back
was a different story.  
	We got a late start out of Seattle.  We were on I-90 eastbound and about
to go over the first pass and all the the warnings out. Like traction tires
required, snow and ice ahead, variable speed limits in affect. So I had
traction tires, Bridgestone Blizzaks WS-50, also I can lock the center and
the rear differentials, so I wasn't concerned about traction.  As we
started up the pass, the traffic got heavier.  The right lane was well
travelled and had the traffic associated with that, while the left lane was
snow covered and empty.  So when I came across a slow mover, left lane I
went.  It was snowy from the start of the pass almost all the way to
Spokane, about 220 miles.  While in the 45 speed cap, I decided to lock up
the differentials. Going into the left lane was no problem and we stayed
about 45 mph.  When the speed zone was over I unlocked the diffs and off we
went.
	This car was great in the snow!!!  I had fun, I watched my limits and
enjoyed it.  I think there were a few people that thought I was crazy, but
I have spent a year plus in Bozeman Montana, and the winters here are much
more intense that pretty much anything in Washington, I lived in Western
Washington for about 17 years.
	When we reached Montana the snow had slowed and I was able to use my 100
watt Bosch Rally lamps.  When the traffic was no where to be seen, on the
lamps went.  It was like the sun came out again.  I also used my electronic
deer whistle, I guess it was working correctly since I didn't see any deer,
nevermind it being hunting season and all.
	All in all, the trip was excellent and I learned alot about my car.  The
only odd thing was that my windshield wipers got confused, when in the off
position they continued to work in the intermittent setting. When I moved
the lever to the intermittent setting and use the windshield squirters and
then put the lever back into the off position the wipers stayed off, bad
relay or just confused? I don't know.
	I just wanted to put in a good story in for the holiday season.  I hope
you all are safe and warm for the winter.

Thanks 

Brad Russell
jbr at montana.edu

1984 4000 S Quattro