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As predicted by the beastly forecast, the snow began to stick on Wednesday morning. Best laid plans kicked into action as the South Eastern nurses gathered together in a Waterford hotel. The suspense of what lay ahead obstructing many from the nights sleep they would soon crave. Arising before dawn and setting off before breakfast could be served, the nurses drove to work through deepening powdery white stuff.11.43 paid hours later, no wiser, stranded!

Night shift arrives, the night staff arrive, army style. Only those quick off the mark made the last 4X4 out. With transport stood down in the thickening blizzard, the girls from the D.O.P. battened down the hatches. Curling up in corners, coveting covers, spurning the morn. The boys who made base camp warm in their beds, saving strength for the return journey ,this time on foot. 300 stories and 3 miles later the graveyard shift were relieved. A new day like any other. The Easterly brute would not discontinue however.

This time hoorah. Trucks. Sound and safe, back in that Waterford hotel basking in commradarie.  Rain at dawn. Thawing. Busses revving, excited grins. Curse the untreated carparks, stranded again.