Cross-Canada: Day 11

While in the Toronto area we had set up a half-day maintenance program, not only for the Equinox but for the staff as well. After visiting a few Shell Stations in the morning we thought it was a good idea to have an oil transfusion for our now beloved Equinox. The vehicle didn’t require this as it had come off its first service before we left Vancouver. We were also using Shell’s Nitrogen Enriched Gasoline all the way across the country that also helps eliminate the build up of sludge in the engine. We felt that since we were running the vehicle for more than 9 hours a day it would be good for preventative maintenance and a chance to see if everything was still working as it should. We have had absolutely no problems with our Equinox so far but it is sometimes, in a journey such as this, to make sure everything as it should be. Part of this check is also to top up all the fluids to ensure that everything is lubricated, greased and all reservoirs full for the remainder of the journey.
Our Equinox passed with flying colours, the only comment was “that the old oil still looked brand new”. So we are now ready for the remainder of our adventure.

We were not just doing some maintenance on the vehicle, we were now changing crewmembers. Jessica Braun has to return to the real world and start preparing for her normal life as a schoolteacher. Jessica has been such a valuable member of the team, especially keeping the spirits of both of us up during our Prairie rain marathon! I couldn’t have chosen a better travel partner for this leg of the adventure, her enthusiasm,  energy and great ability to put up with my smelly feet will be greatly missed. For this I would like to thank her and wish her all the best with her new career in education.

 

Replacing Jessica is Kristie Weeks, Kristie is a member of the Production Department at Carguide magazine. She jumped at the chance to play an active role in the adventure and was excited to travel “down east” for the first time. I am sure her spirited sense of adventure will help us through any challenges that are still to come.

Also joining us for the Quebec portion of the journey is Guy Lahaie. Guy has more than 20 years experience within the advanced driver training side of the automotive industry. His command of the French language is certainly  going to make our trip across Quebec far smoother.