Winter driving in Canada

[Dave L]

Here are a few pictures from today. I had to meet with a new hire and also conduct some interviews in NorthBay, about a 3 hour drive north.






pretty isnt it?

Here is when the snow started and the wind picked up




folowing a pick up truck, you can see the faint red glow of a tail ligt of the truck about 30 yards infront.





Having had enough I stopped had a coffee and decide to turn back. The car of choice today was the Saabaru with 4 wheel drive and snow tires. I had thought of continuing due to the "good" current weather but the thoughts of another foot of snow and driving back in the dark made me turn back for good.

[Dave L]

The drive back

Curve ahead??? Where???



Stopped on the side of the road due to an accident up ahead



The accident, a transport truck in the ditch with the police helping set up flares




10 minutes ahead, a police car off the side of the road into a snow bank




I did make it back in one piece and saw 2 transports in the ditch, the police car plus 4 other cars in the ditches.

[Dave L]

turns out they closed the road.

Highway 400 closed to traffic just south of Parry Sound




Dec 11, 2009By: Sudbury Northern Life Staff

Highway 400 is still closed to both southbound and northbound traffic just south of Parry Sound because of “deteriorating weather and road conditions,” according to the West Parry Sound OPP.

Southbound traffic is being re-directed back to where it came from at Seguin Trail Road, and northbound traffic at 12 Mile Bay Road.

There is no timeframe for the highway to be re-opened at this time.

“Police have closed the highway for the safety of the public and would like to advise people that travel should be avoided today. It is best to stay at home,” stated a press release from the police.

“With this announcement the West Parry Sound OPP would like to remind all motorists that driving on a road or highway that is closed is an offence under the Highway Traffic Act of Ontario. The fine for driving on a closed road or highway is $150. Insurance companies may not cover you for damages resulting in a motor vehicle collision on a closed road or highway.”

[Dave L]

I had to go up the 400 as an alternate route because HWY 11 was closed. Perhaps that should have clued me in

Section of Hwy. 11 near Bracebridge now closed
Posted 5 hours ago


Hwy 11 N/B and S/B lanes between Taylor Rd and Cedar Lane closed in the Bracebridge area due to poor weather conditions. Zero visibility in some areas.

Section of Hwy. 11 near Bracebridge now closed - The Barrie Examiner - Ontario, CA

[Cdnone1]

Kind of makes me home sick.
My parents live in Thornbury and say it has been snowing for 3 straight days. My brother wants to get up to Craiglieth to ski this weekend but I don't think that is going to happen.
when I was 17 I paved part of The Trans Canada Highway in Hearst. It was the longest, loneliest summer a 17 year old could have but I sure made some $$
DO you ever get up that far?
Stay safe
Steve

[imcarthur]

And THAT is why my territory is in the Southeast US. I just couldn't handle the winter driving anymore. I was a rep in Ontario for 20 years. I have driven through many similar nightmares on our highways. Take it slow & just let all of the crazed SUV'rs who think they are invincible blow by.

Ian

[Dave L]

Originally Posted by imcarthur

And THAT is why my territory is in the Southeast US. I just couldn't handle the winter driving anymore. I was a rep in Ontario for 20 years. I have driven through many similar nightmares on our highways. Take it slow & just let all of the crazed SUV'rs who think they are invincible blow by.

Ian

Are you hiring

Seriously, I was a mfgr rep for 6 years

[Zef]

Yup..the white **** is arrived...!

[exc911ence]

I'm not a fan of winter...



... MUST return to the west coast in 2010. Must!

[imcarthur]

My s-i-l in Aspley says it hasn't stop snowing for more than 2 days. 2 1/2 feet so far. We only have 3 - 4 crusty inches in Toronto.

I just returned from 2 days in Boca Raton/West Palm Beach. Record high temps at 91F degrees or so both days. My wife hates me. She had to shovel . . .

Ian

[JJ 911SC]

Originally Posted by Zef

Yup..the white **** is arrived...!

as in Caca Blanc...

[JJ 911SC]

Originally Posted by imcarthur

We only have 3 - 4 crusty inches in Toronto.

Ian

Ian

Don't worry, the Army is on it's way again... like the last time. lol

[imcarthur]

I will accept no blame or remorse etc for the stupidity of my mayor.

But kudos to AC. I got to the airport early Wednesday in the midst of the storm & the airport was a mass of cancellations but my flight to Miami left only 35 minutes late.

Ian

[Zef]

Originally Posted by JJ 911SC

as in Caca Blanc...

You got it right...best time of the year to work on the 911...in the heated garage when listen x-mas song, a cold beer in one hand and a #13 wrench in the other...yup...le caca blanc is here....

[s_morrison57]

I love that stuff, in picture form of course, thats not even good sledin weather.

[slow&rusty]

I hated driving the 400 in Winter and did it for many years..from North of Barrie to Richmond Hill. That road can be very dangerous with the drifts.

Brings back not pleasant memories.
Be careful out there this winter.
Yasin

[Joeaksa]

Hmmm, now I know why the roads here in Arizona are full of cars with Canadian license plates this time of year!

[Dave L]

Originally Posted by JJ 911SC

Ian

Don't worry, the Army is on it's way again... like the last time. lol

Haha, I love it. Although I will admit to living in Toronto at that time. I remember wondering what the big deal was.

[JJ 911SC]

Originally Posted by Joeaksa

Hmmm, now I know why the roads here in Arizona are full of cars with Canadian license plates this time of year!

and as soon as I stop buying toys... I'll retire again and you'll see one more Canuck plate