Carrick to Calgary

After our weekend of snow + curry, it was down to the serious business today of snow + work i.e. getting to work despite sub-zero temperatures and snow on the roads. First step was getting the driveway cleared before we went anywhere - this is because if you drive on the snow, it compacts and turns into ice, which you want to avoid unless you want to turn your driveway into a sloped skating rink. So it was out with the snow shovel! Amazingly, the snow here is completely different from snow at home - it's like a dry powder, almost not wet at all, and you can't make good snowballs with it - they just fall apart. Consequently, all you have to do to clear the driveway is put your shovel on the ground and gently push it along - the snow just collects up in it and you can plop it onto the edge of the garden. You have to clear your section of the sidewalk every day too - if you don't do it yourself, 'The City' can turn up, clear it for you and then charge you for the privilege. We did ours before we left this morning, but judging from the rest of the street, most people seem to do it when they get home from work. It really wasn't hard work, and 5 minutes saw it all cleared.


Going


Going


Gone

Our normal 15-20 minute drive in to work was transformed by the snow into a 45-minute slog along Crowchild. Just heavy traffic, moving at a snail's pace - a lot like traffic is at home, in normal weather. It was only -2 or so, so there wasn't much ice and the traffic was moving too slow to be dangerous. Apparently the keys to driving in the snow are:

1. Leave a lot of distance in front of you in case you're rear-ended (!)
2. Get some good winter tyres
3. Avoid sudden hard braking or acceleration
4. Approach junctions cautiously
5. Watch for out-of-control vehicles


Icy road in Tuscany

Fun, eh? I've also been looking up how to get out of a skid just in case...

When we got out of work, it was -4oC and the car was freezing! We had to wear our big heavy coats and drive with gloves on until the car warmed up a bit. Traffic home on the Transcanada was much easier than on the way down. Then we went for a walk in the fresh snow around Tuscany:


Tuscany in White


Sunset Snow


Excellent 'Baffin' Snow Boots - guaranteed down to -40oC!


Ooops! Forgot my hat!


Well wrapped up


On the Boulevard

We finished the day by tossing a couple of chops on the barbecue, even though it was -3oC on the deck! We had to clear the snow off the BBQ, but it warmed up pretty quick!


Brrr!

At the moment (11pm), it's about -4 and the road has turned to ice, which might make the morning drive interesting. The forecast is for -8 overnight and then -6 in the morning, rising to a max of -2 in the day. It's gonna be another COLD day!

J&P