So I have a new friend in town from South America. I've been telling him for weeks that it wasn't cold out yet.Today it was cold out.
It wasn't as cold as it will get around late January or for a good chunk of February, but the wind chill made it -31 Celsius this morning. That's -23.8 for the Fahrenheit folks.
Anyway, I thought a post offering tips to new Canadians and visitors might be needed.
Welcome to Canadian winter. Officially, we're a little more than a week early as the 21st is the day it starts. I'm sure they've noticed our sun is hardly around. That will slowly get better from the 22nd on.
Remember a few weeks ago when you joyfully frolicked in the snow because you hadn't seen it much/ever before? You'll likely be wishing for it to leave like the rest of us unless you fall in love with sports like skiing, snowshoeing, or snowboarding. Personally, I feel ice skating is the best of the options and the Rideau Canal doesn't stay open all winter since it doesn't stay frozen all winter.
Dressing in layers is an important skill to pick up. Fleece and wool are great for one of the layers because they keep you warm even while wet. You want to try to be warm without sweating though. There are some great athletic sweat wicking items for under layers. Long Johns are great and so are thermal weight socks.
Keeping your hands, face, and ears covered is important as frostbite can be severe. Google image search that if you want to have nightmares about your toes or fingers falling off. You should have something on your head because much of your body heat is lost there. Good boots like Sorel are recommended.
The bus is almost always late. Mackenzie King is a great bus stop with heat if you're around Rideau Centre. A number of buses go through there and they have a digital schedule up that's close to accurate. Also, if you take the bus from the North Gloucester area to the college, it's worth ignoring every 95 you see and getting one of the others that goes there as the alternative is always being late for class.
You need snow tires. All-seasons are NOT good enough for winter driving.
A tea light candle can save your life if your car breaks down. The flame in a small space like a car can keep you warm until help arrives.
If you didn't like hot beverages before, you might start.
Dry your hair before catching a bus. I didn't used to in high school and now I wonder how I survived the 30 minute walk with frozen locks.
Electric heating pads that automatically turn off are fantastic.
Hot baths are wonderful things too.
You might want to put plastic on your windows to cut heating costs and stay warm.
Soups, stews, and chili are extra yummy this time of year.
There might be more, but I'm tapped out for the moment.
Guid cheerio the nou,
R~