Woo Hoo He Has Passed

Today Mick passed his Class 1 Canadian driving test, in road conditions which would keep UK drivers at home and off the roads, so that's a little bit of his stress gone for now, but he still has to pass the theory test.
He was very happy with his instructor, Weldon at SK Driver Training who had lots of patience.
Andy asked some questions in the comments section of my last post, so I'll try to answer them here.



Yes Andy it is Christmas looking, and the decorations don't seem to get vandalised like they might in the UK.

Has the Volvo got a crash box too?

There are three tractor units at SK Driver Training Ltd, a Volvo, Kenworth and a Freightliner and they all have the Eaton Fuller 'crash box', which he says take a little getting used to.

What's it like doing your training in the sub zero temperatures? You must be spinning out all over the place?


One of the reasons for coming over in winter was so that we would not be surprised by the conditions, and Mick thought it was very important to get driving tuition with snow and ice on the ground.
Spinning out has not been a problem, but delicate use of the gas pedal is required, and minimum use of the brakes. Working outside the truck in sub zero conditions is required, as the pre trip can take 45 mins, but you should be well wrapped up and probably will end up sweating anyway.
The danger of wind chill should not be ignored even if you feel warm and all exposed skin should be covered to prevent frostbite.
It feels strange to us soft Europeans when we first feel the ice forming on the inside of our nose.

How are you coping Cath?

I am finding it very difficult to cope in the nice, warm cosy, Lethbridge Lodge Hotel, with free wireless internet access, full size fridge, microwave, large TV in the living room, TV in the bedroom, coffee making facilities and swimming pool and hot tub a minute away, but I struggle on lol.
On a serious note I am quite content and even thought it has been as low as minus 23 we have been getting out and about and enjoying the City and the Canadian hospitality.
As you will have read in earlier posts we have also been lucky enough to meet some very nice people since we have been here.
My feelings and emotions may change completely when we start to travel around Canada and the lower 48 US states in the truck (Mick has been lusting over Dave Caldwells new truck lol), but so far I am very happy.

Is the winter clothing expensive?

Mick bought some strong, warm, comfortable steel toe cap boots for $69, but his other clothing he brought with him, although the material on his English winter coat takes on the consistency of a crisp packet after 5 mins in the sub zero tempratures, but he did bring it strictly for work, and during the pre trip it gets pretty dirty.

He also has a couple of smaller jackets which, when combined with a hat and scarf are ok for short trips.
Tell Amanda to forget about fashions during Canadian winters as the choices seem very dull, and warmth and comfort seems to be more important.
I brought jeans, jumpers, tee shirts and long johns (not joking) because you will need them, the cold will cut straight through denim. My winter boots came from Walmart, they were graded to withstand temperatures of minus 20, they cost $40, they are nothing to look at but keep my feet dry and warm. I also bought a winter coat at Walmart, again it is not a fashionable one but it does the job, that cost $85.

Thanks for the best wishes guys.

This is just after Mick finished his test today.