A Collection of Daily Wisdom by Dennis Sylvester Hurd since September 2003.

It took a long time to get home after class finished at 5 o'clock this evening. I was planning to take Canada Way all the way into downtown New Westminster. It's called Eighth Street in our city's limits. I got into uptown and found police preventing traffic from going anywhere near the high school. Other than keeping all traffic from travelling on the near roads, they were not directing or re-routing traffic. After turning onto a side screen and being stuck for fifteen minutes, I did a U-turn and nearly doubled my route by going back up to Edmonds and down Kingsway, which becomes Twelfth Street in town. When I was stuck in the lines, cars going in the other direction were facing similar problems. One guy in a small car next to me asked if I'd heard what happened. He said he'd heard others talking about a high-school shooting.



I got home in about an hour whereas it usually takes about twenty minutes. The scary thing is realizing the impossibility of an evacuation by automobile. In the movies, generally people get out of town after a disaster. I realize how it'd be necessary to just leave the vehicle in the street and attempt to escape on foot.

I was home too late to catch any information on the news. I had to look on the Internet. At the present moment it seems as if the school is under lock-down just because someone maintained that they had seen a gun man. I guess everyone is erring on the side of caution. Although that's not good news, it's a damn sight better than finding out people had actually died from gunshot wounds.

Labels: cars, New Westminster

Seconds ago, as I opened www.blogger.com, a television commercial extolled a major benefit of having a new Pontiac. If one throws tens of thousands of dollars down on the table, it is apparently easy to buy ...

F - R - E - E - D - O - M.

In the commercial, initially, there was a fog of annoying, computer-generated responsibilities swirling around the driver's head like gnats on a hot day. Yet as the example driver headed out on a limitless empty highway, these items were sucked away in the draft created by his increasing speed. A fat guy, most probably a boss, was able to hang onto the collar the longest, but as soon as our alter ego was able to shift into overdrive, even that annoyance was loosened. The boss broke into pieces on the road as if made from painted ceramics.

Lots of new car ads imply easy access to speed and freedom if customers purchase specific vehicles. I guess my old Ranger is not such a beast. This must be why I find every street clogged with traffic whenever I venture out onto the tarmac. It seems my worries and blonde hair seldom fly with wild abandon as I speed down empty highways.

Labels: cars, opinions

I really cannot imagine living without a vehicle. I believe we, as a society, should continue to worship the concept of personal transportation.

Yes, going green is important. But I can imagine a planet where cars are carbon neutral. Think of the technological innovation that came from the push to land on the moon. Our modern landscape wouldn't look the same without the technologies that were developed. I'd like to see an equally determined focus on developing new technologies for personal transport. What a goldmine! The only way it could happen is through legislation. Mandating stringent vehicle gas consumption would be a good start. I'm not usually one to call for increased government regulation but the situation is warped by power and influence in the status quo.

Anyway, I decided to get all vehicle slap-happy because we took a very short little trip today. Although I've been able to look out the window and see the Fraser River for over eleven years, we'd never really been to its delta. Jay noticed the park-type designation on a map. We looked up the George C. Reifel Migratory Bird Sanctuary on the Internet. It is about 40 kilometers away and was worth the trip.

There were lots of paths to walk. There were also many ducks, geese, and blackberries!

Labels: cars, Fraser River, opinions, places

Statistics Canada released a rash of demographic data yesterday which was picked up by most of the press. Buried in the data was news of a greying population. At the moment however, I have a commanding lead:

Canada now has a record 4.3 million seniors, increased life expectancy and a declining birth rate.

The country's median age -- the point where half the population is young and half older -- has soared to an all-time high of 39.5 years. That number was 38.8 last year.

Last weekend, there were other old things at the Show & Shine
on Columbia Street in New Westminster, BC.

Labels: cars, New Westminster

I find it interesting that traffic, on a macro level, shows many of the same properties and characteristics as fluids.

During the past few years, I've taught afternoons and have avoided the morning rush hour. My classes do finish at 5:00 pm so I drive about eight miles home during heavy traffic. Initially, I used to travel between the Burnaby campus and New Westminster on Canada Way. Unfortunately, there is a huge volume of cars which exit off Route 1 at Kensington. So, for a time, I sped up Royal Oak and used Kingsway. Then, the development of a shopping center near Griffiths slowed things to a crawl in that area.

So, just like water finding its easiest route, I travel up Royal Oak to Oakland and then wind around through neighbourhoods to Imperial Street. This route is between the two larger ones mentioned in the previous paragraph. There are fewer waits at lights and in stop-and-go traffic.

Labels: cars, New Westminster

Getting home yesterday evening was a challenge. My class usually runs until 5:00 pm. Yesterday, however, I was looking out the window and the snow was really coming down. Thinking that evening classes may have been canceled, we didn't have access to the Internet in the classroom. I chose to cut things short by a half hour.

I didn't save much time in getting home though. After leaving BCIT at 4:30 pm, progress was extremely slow. I thought after getting up Royal Oak, it'd be smooth sailing. In fact it seemed to take forever. Finally, I parked on Columbia Street, in front of the SkyTrain station in the new parallel, back-in spaces. Although nearly home, it would've been impossible to get up Church Street and into this building.



Yes, I grew up in New England and back at a time when it had winters. Doing wheelies on the frozen lake in a Pinto taught me more about winter driving than all the driver's manuals on earth could have. Yet, there are a number of reasons why I was very stressed out last night:

The Vancouver area barely gets enough snow to merit an adequate number of road ploughs. So, when it does fall and the highway department crews are going full bore, they simply cannot keep up.

Nobody puts on snow tires, much less carries chains!

The majority of drivers have little experience on slippery roads.

Many streets and highways here have substantial inclines.

I drive a rear-wheel drive pick up truck but there's nothing in the back right now.

My commute to New Westminster was nearly two hours for the trip that generally takes twenty minutes. After an hour, some food, and a change of clothes, I returned to the Columbia Street and my truck. Then, I spun and slid my way up Church Street and into the building. My truck was finally safely housed downstairs at about 7:30 pm.

Labels: BCIT, cars, weather

I was used to annual vehicle safety inspections. I suppose it makes sense to test whether everybody's cars are roadworthy. In theory this precaution could cut down on accidents. When I'm out on the road, it'd be especially reassuring to know the other fools out there have brakes that work.

So, even after a decade, it still strikes me as a little funny that it's not necessary in British Columbia. We're not scott free though as there is vehicle emission testing. In order to re-register, because I live in the Fraser Valley, my truck must be checked to ensure it doesn't pollute. Until a few years ago, AirCare was mandatory every single year. Of course, practically no newer vehicles failed the testing. So, now vehicles newer than 1992 have to be tested every second year. Of course the fees were doubled when that came into effect!

New changes are coming for next year and there's a possibility that the whole program may cease to exist beyond 2011. To see the pdf version of my report card, click the image.

Labels: cars

Over we weekend, we walked around two public gatherings: the New Westminster Show & Shine and the PNE. At both places, it was good to see a US automaker actively pushing innovative, new models. The only of the big three that has a perky attitude and possible future is Daimler-Chrysler. Ford's laying off and there nothing special about any products that GM is producing. Just as in the 1970's, when the foreign car makers got their foothold in North America, Detroit is producing monster tanks. I cannot believe that it's what the buying public wants. Well wait; the market is proving me correct at the moment, isn't it?

Twice over the weekend, I ran into a new Dodge. The little 2007 Dodge Caliber is so me, it hurts.

I've had my Ford Ranger for ten years now and I know it will last a lot longer as it's only got 66,000 miles at present.

It's not so much we don't go anywhere. For example, the truck brought us out to Newfoundland and back on one journey. It's more that I don't work much. Most people's daily commute is what racks up the mileage. For many days, I leave it in the stall downstairs. Surely, when going downtown, public transit is faster, cheaper, and less stressful.

Still, I'm blogging this because I frightened myself. I really considered looking into buying a Caliber. Thankfully, reason and logic have returned. Phew, it was a close one though.

Labels: cars

I can't quite say why I'm up early today. I awoke before the SkyTrain was running. (If I concentrate, I can hear as the system runs at the foot this apartment building.) Rather than lie there I decided to get up. I've fed the fish and petted the hamster. I've made coffee. And for the last twenty minutes I have been plugging different destinations into www.expedia.ca.

My present class finishes up on December 2nd. That means I've more than a month off and although I'd be satisfied hanging near home, I feel obligated to, at minimum, check out what I could do for a week. I love testing different possibilities. I have a much longer attention span than any real-life travel agent. After all, they'd soon wonder if I were serious. Even the best of agents tire of customers who can't commit to a plan.

There are some amazing bargains from Seattle. How about a diagonal run to Orlando, FL for $200? Vegas or Reno hotels are cheap at $30 in the middle of December. This isn't the best time for Washington DC, is it? Domestic Canadian routes are not only frigid but too expensive. Whether it's the sunny US southwest, Mexico, or Central America, most Canuks end up heading south at the time of year.



This picture was taken during school break in 1983. As poor U of WA grad students, my roommate and I decided to hit the road. We had less than a $100 between us, I think. We were either really brave or extremely stupid. I remember sleeping right in the station wagon as it was parked on a steep San Franciscan street. Thankfully, the old beast didn't break down as we would've had to abandon it and hitchhike back up I-5.

Labels: cars, Seattle, travel planning

Thirty years ago, I was taking my Driver's Education classes, a needed prerequisite, to obtain an initial license. My 16th birthday occurred during the summer, so in order to take the course, I had to petition the Superintendent of Schools to enter the summer session in the neighbouring school district of Newport, NH. A whole group from Sunapee were in the same boat, so to speak, and decided to come along at the same time.



After three decades on the road I've only had one traffic violation. I was not even ticketed by an officer. In 2001, the picture above was sent to me by mail along with the bill for over $100. There wasn't much to do except pay it. Clearly, my Ranger pickup is entering the intersection after the light had already turned red. Damn you, Big Brother for being so observant!

Labels: cars, New Hampshire, Ranger

If you read this between 9:00 and 14:00 (GMT -8:00) we may be somewhere along this route. In fact, by clicking on the the first link I provided, you can get an idea of the first 100 kilometers. You may even see us on one of the Washington State highway cams. Just be on the lookout for a green, Ranger pickup with a black canopy!

DRIVING DIRECTIONS:
First, we have to head out of the building and down Church Street. We turn right onto Columbia Street and continue by following the route to the Alex Fraser Bridge, then down 91 to 99. Next, we drive through the Peace Arch border crossing and down I-5 South to Everett. At that point, we get onto Route 2 East but only to Monroe. After that, it's the leisurely drive south on Washington 203. In order to get to Snoqualmie, we will exit to Washington 202. If we bring along sandwiches, then Snoqualmie Falls might provide a nice view for lunch. Then, we proceed on to North Bend where we can hit I-90 East. Once we're over the pass, it's a short distance before exiting the Interstate. Finally, in the early afternoon, we'll be at Joel and Lynne's.

Labels: cars, Joel, places, Ranger

The Ford Ranger, which I've been talking about off and on all week, is quite underpowered. However, I'm satisfied with its tiny, 8-plug, 2.3 litre engine because it sips gasoline sparingly. Vancouver gas prices are estimated to be around $1.00 Canadian per litre all summer.

Apparently. the following means of transport also has limited weight capabilities.

Labels: cars, humour, Ranger

One tends to take a long-term relationship for granted. After nine years, things fell into a routine and there was simply not a spark anymore.



It was t-shirt weather so I decided to wax it yesterday.

In the early years, I was religious about waxing the truck every spring. I am not so sure I bothered in 2004 or perhaps even 2003! Yet, there was Turtle Wax under the seat. Hand waxing really is the only way to reacquaint oneself with a vehicle. The commerical car wash's super-Teflon, guaranteed mega-glossy wax coating is not really effective. It takes a real rag and hard work to rekindle those thoughts of new-vehicle love.

When applying car wax, one gets an up-close and personal view. It's obvious the car or truck will never look like it did when new, but somehow those scratches carry an understanding and value. "Oh, yeah that little dent occurred when I backed into the concrete post behind Blockbuster," you remember. "That scratch was made when we left it in a parking lot in Winnipeg."

My truck was never cool nor sexy. The reason I own it is because it's practical. But an hour and a half of time spent waxing made me remember the feeling when buying it. Although I can't remember doing so previously, I was happy enough to take a picture.

Labels: cars, maintenance, Ranger

Yesterday, the weather turned nice after a shaky start. What a full day! A trip down crowded Columbia Street in New Westminster provided many interesting sights. The Royal City Show & Shine has become quite an annual event! Next, we enjoyed a paddle-wheeler cruise up the Fraser until three o'clock. After that, guests came for dinner!

Labels: cars, New Westminster

I was a bit surprised to see that gasoline prices were around $2.00 / gallon when last driving in Washington State. It's tough to compare that to the prices paid here due to the calculations required. First off, the US is probably the only remaining place in the world where people buy by the gallon, so one needs to do a gallon-to-litre conversion. Then, there's the fact the Canadian dollar is worth just 73 cents (at the moment).

I made this Excel spreadsheet where I can plug in the exchange rate and the $US price for a gallon. This helped me to see that the present 91 cents Canadian per litre works out to be approximately $US 2.49 a gallon!

Click here ----> Launch Excel Spreadsheet

Labels: cars

I re-read yesterday's entry and decided that in 1983 we really didn't call Trevor's GMC Suburban an SUV. In fact, I wondered whether the term had even been coined yet. It took a bit of a search but I found an answer.

I am pretty sure that in reference to that vehicle we used a localized Kuwaiti term for GMC, pronounced as, Jimce.

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The Word Spy

The phrase sport utility vehicle (SUV) entered the language in the 1970s, although in its earliest incarnations it most often shows up as sports utility vehicle (as well as sports-utility vehicle and sports/utility vehicle):

"Four-wheel drive is increasingly popular. A decade ago, about the only U.S.-made '4 by 4's,' as the industry calls them, were Jeeps and International Harvester's Scouts. Today every truck manufacturer offers four-wheel drive not only on sports utility vehicles but also on pickups — where it is a more and more common option — and suburbans as well."
—Charles G. Burck, "Trucks Muscle in on the Car Market," Fortune, February 27, 1978

The abbreviation SUV didn't get a toe-hold in the lexicon until about 10 years later:

"Ford, meanwhile, is planning to freshen up or completely redesign all of its light-truck recreational vehicle products in the early 1990s, in part to take full advantage of expected demand in the SUV segment of the market."
—Al Wrigley, "Ford picks Budd to supply Bronco II components," Metalworking News, June 29, 1987

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Labels: cars

Some guys my age run out and buy themselves a Porche. I'm grateful that I don't have the means for such a useless extravagance! Actually, if I had more cash than I knew what to do with, I still don't think I'd own a swank vehicle.

In my mind, pieces of metal with attached wheels are simply transportation. Could this belief have germinated because dad provided me with a Ford Pinto in high school? Being able to get to another place was more important than the style in which it was accomplished. (Actually, simply getting there and back was sometimes an accomplishment!)

Don't even get me started talking about the fools who buy more car than they can afford and then have to work their butts off to pay for it (while it only sits in the parking lot when they are working.)

I do like the look of the Chevy SSR though. I think the design of the SSR reminds me of a Pug puppy; it's so ugly it's cute. One is even my current Windows wallpaper. Maybe when I decide to replace my 1996 Ranger in 2012, there will be cool new vehicles on the road.

I always thought by then I'd own a little spaceship like the Jetsons had!

Labels: cars, opinions

Here's a picture taken last year from the Glacier Highway (37A) in BC.
We were on a road trip just for pleasure. This scene is around a 1500KM
(900 miles) north of New Westminster. The highway heads to the cities
of Stewart, BC and Hyder, AK. The Alaskan panhandle juts down taking
more than one third of British Columbia's coastline.



Don, a regular reader and contributor, sent the following in response to Monday's entry:

"A travel gene is an interesting premise. I think it's more like we emanated from folks who started out travelling and we just grew up as a nation of travellers. It's sort of, "Well, we've come this far; what's a few hundred miles."

20 odd years ago, I stopped in Brighton, England to visit a couple I had known in Iran (I was on my way home from 'the Revolution', but they had fortuitously left 6 months earlier). I enquired about a couple who had been our friends and asked if they had seen them. They replied in astonishment, "Lord no. They live in Wales." That would have been a several hour trip (less than a day) on the train, so it was out of the question! Just this past summer I had a British colleague who was going to be in Eastbourne, further west on the south coast of England. I suggested that, if I got to Brighton, I might come and visit him. He replied, "But that would be at least 3 hours by train." As if that would be too long a trip.

I think the Continental Europeans are a little less intimidated by distance, but just yesterday I asked my Alsatian friends about driving from Strasbourg to Amsterdam. They both said, "I suppose you could do it, but it would take EIGHT hours." They have lived in Strasbourg for 20+ years and have never done it nor would consider doing it.

I think long distance driving is a North American and, in particular, a US thing. I don't know if Canadians do it. Think of all the 'Snow Birds' who drive south in the fall and back in the spring. And a lot of the long distance travellers, with or with gigantic Winnebagoes, are senior citizens, who in most any other country would not venture more than a few miles from home at that age.

In 1985, my 70-year-old mother and I, armed only with a AAA map, reservations at several Holiday Inns and tickets to the Grand Ole Oprey, started out from Bradford and ended up in Greenville, Mississippi a week later, spent a week there and then another week driving back to Bradford a different route.

We just look at driving distance in a different way partly because the US is so big and partly because we've always done it on relatively good roads and in fairly comfortable cars with lots of inexpensive road-side accommodation and cheap and convenient restaurants. And travelling long distance didn't require border crossings, a passport, changing money or hassles with a language. And very often, the places along the way or the destination was populated with old friends or extended family.

By the way, whatever happened to Howard Johnson's, the first franchised restaurant and motel chain which would have seemed to have been in perfect position to capitalize on today's travel oriented society. They've all but disappeared."

Labels: British Columbia, cars, Don

In 1985, I was not the man I am now. As simple proof, this picture was taken 40 kilograms ago! Note the Saudi Arabian plates on the Pontiac. It was a car I had when working in Taif. It had a 'history' and was probably one of the only cars in the Kingdom that didn't have factory-installed air conditioning; it didn't have any! On the day of the photo, Jay and I were exploring the empty beaches south of Jeddah. On another trip, I think I burnt out the engine ...

Labels: cars, Saudi Arabia

I was driving down from the mall yesterday and noticed how nearly all modern cars and trucks have hidden gas caps. All the little doors on the side of the cars suddenly looked strange to me. Are we supposed to think the vehicles don't need to carry around a cache of fossil fuel? Maybe designers just think it's easier not to have to deal with a gas cap. (Why?). As a kid for a few summers I pumped gas at Osborne's Garage. Those were the days before self-serve islands and I think gas was less than 50 cents a gallon. Designers of big old tanks such as Buick, Oldsmobile, and even Plymouth used to hide the caps behind rear license plates. At the end of each summer I always had a collection of them!

Labels: cars