“A place to stay, 'cause of all that snow…”
I only hope that, in such a situation, I am a good enough person not to snicker. Frankly, I rather doubt it.
Oh, I laugh out loud, while pointing.
Hmm… heat haze, mirages, bushfires…
…aah Christmas.
Another G&T?
Another long day, but here I am in . . . where ever the fuck this is. Oh yeah, Regina.
I made a good move yesterday by driving on. Only about 7 or 8 cm of new snow on my car this morning. Started out with flurries and blowing snow, but after Winnipeg it cleared up, and I sailed along.
Baby, it’s cold outside! Should I get one of those heater thingies installed on my car’s engine?
You don’t have one already? :eek: Yes, you should get one. Those electrical outlets you see in parking lots aren’t because we drive electric cars, you know.
Good to know you got as far as Regina. You’re within shouting distance now of Edmonton. Well, not really, but another day’s (long) drive ought to do it; assuming the weather cooperates. Be safe and good luck!
do you mean a block heater? Yeah, if you’re living in western Canada* it would be a good idea.
- does not include the lower mainland of BC
But I won’t. I have to make a side trip to Biggar, where my grandfather was born, and where I have been deputized to take a picture of the famous sign if it still exists.
My apartment in Ottawa had outlets in the parking lot, and I know what they’re for, I just didn’t know how required it will be for my car to start in the mornings.
You might want to be careful of making fun of Regina, lest The Last Saskatchewan Pirate show up and smite you.
‘Biggar is better’? Hehe!
Hey, I put it in my location without any rhyming jokes! Which reminds me, as I was coming into town, there was a welcome sign with what I assume is the city’s logo, consisting of what I assume was buildings, small on the edges and getting taller to the centre, but leaning apart from each other creating a sort of V shape. I instantly thought of good ol’ whats-her-name. Perhaps she’ll see this, and yell at me for remembering her location but not her username.
Here it is. Scroll down, it’s at the bottom of the left collumn, between the “Regina” and “City of Regina” text.
New York is big, but this is Biggar
We have a picture from the 50’s, but nobody has a clean copy. Plus now we’re in the digital age, y’know?
Oh, oh, oh, you’re very close to Dog River. I strongly suggest you go to [del]Dog River[/del] Rouleau, Saskatchewan and take pictures of the Corner Gas set there. It’s very cool.
And get a block heater. You won’t maybe need it; you WILL need it. You car might still start on the really cold days, but you shouldn’t do that to it. And chances are great that it simply won’t start if not plugged in. If your battery’s at all weak, you’re finished. You’re going to need a proper extension cord, too - a heavy duty, three-pronged grounded one. Canadian Tire will have what you need. You can probably see how long a cord you need after you get settled in Edmonton. Make sure you ask about plugging in your car when looking for apartments, too. Each unit should have an assigned electrified stall that will likely be charged to your electrical bill, but some apartments just expect people to park on the street and wing it (not easily done). You need a timer, too - you only need to plug your car in for about an hour, but who wants to run out and plug it in at 5 am?
You do know about gasline antifreeze and winter oil for your car, right?
I thought you were from Colorado, dude? They don’t plug their cars in there? You may not be as winter experienced as I thought you were. It’s cold here. Very cold. And likely to get colder. Don’t lick any metal outside in winter, no matter how fun it looks.
Denver is not in the mountains, and does not have a consistent winter climate. Even the mountains in Colorado do not get as cold as it will up here. I never had to do anything special in the mountains except make sure I had good tires. So… good advice, which I need. Thank you.
If Environment Canada is right about this being the coldest winter since '94, you can expect a couple weeks of -35 to -40 degrees for overnight lows some time in January. Chances of starting at those temperatures without a block heater are pretty minimal. Most cars will start without down to -30 or so, but at anything below -20 it’s pretty hard on the engine. Plus it will take longer to warm up. Speaking of which, when you get the block heater put in, consider getting a remote start at the same time. Being able to warm up your car without running out into the cold to start it is a wonderful thing.
I wonder why I remember it the other way? Oh, well.
You’ll need a block heater if you park your car outside for extended periods, while you’re at work for example. If you park in your garage at home, even if it isn’t heated, you probably don’t need one. As to winter oil or gas line antifreeze. They are both optional, imho, as many (most?) gas outlets sell gas with similar additives included. It depends on your vehicle, of course. I have a Subaru and it starts in the coldest weather every time.
Oh, okay. Let’s see, cold weather survival tips summary:
- Block heater.
- Block heater extension cord.
- Layers. Seriously. Buy long johns if you don’t have them already. I’m wearing mine as I type. (That’s hot, I know. )
- Good toque, mittens, scarf, parka, and boots.
- Stay dry. Moisture is the enemy when you’re really, really cold.
- Don’t lick any metal outside in winter, no matter how fun it looks or what your sisters tell you.
It’s stuff like the car that I don’t know about. I am good at dressing for the weather. Today I put on a long-sleeved shirt! Seriously, the first day I’ve worn long sleeves since I’ve been in Canada. I do need boots. And maybe I’ll let my beard grow longer. 
I’ve had a beard for some years now. Sometimes, it’s hot and uncomfortable in the summer, but it sure is nice to have in the winter. It’s not perfect, but it’s better than numbing my chin!