Tom Hanson / Canadian Press files
I have company helping me write my column today: a skunk that I accidentally trapped in my attached garage overnight, who now is comfortably entrenched under a cart at the back of the garage.
I discovered him last night while he was dumpster diving in my recycling bin and thought he’d left — which he had, for a bit, before coming back to lurk in the garage when I closed the door for the night.
Of course, I didn’t know that, so when I went in the garage this morning to clean up the recycling, the cats led me to my guest under the cart. He is welcome to stay all day, but tonight I’ll encourage him to depart via the door I will leave open for him. He’s such a gentle and beautiful animal. I just hope he doesn’t spray in the garage; that would take a while to de-scent.
However, the intended focus of today’s column is another "animal" I’m about to fire up: my 13 horsepower, 45-inch cut Troy-Bilt snowblower that must be made ready for the winter to come.
Yes folks, it’s the time of year to get the winter-warrior weapons serviced and ready for action because, from this point on, we never really know when that big dump of snow could stop us dead in our tracks. One good Colorado low and we’re in it up to our necks.
I have a big, long driveway here in Headingley. I used to clear it with a regular snowblower, which, depending on the dump, could take a moderate or ugly amount of time. Then I got an old Jimmy 4x4 and put a plow on it, but that wasn’t really any better, because the snow builds up along the sides of the driveway as you push, then fills in more quickly and deeply when a strong wind brings in more drifting snow.
Then one day, while walking through Canadian Tire a few years ago, I spotted it — the weapon of my dreams — that 13hp, 45-inch cut Troy-Bilt snowblower I have partnered with ever since. My buddy.
It throws even deep, heavy snow a long way — such as into your neighbour’s yard if you like — and leaves nothing built up along the side of the driveway to cause drifting. Three or four passes between the house and the street after any blizzard allows any vehicle out — and it’s so easy to steer via brakes. It’s self-propelled of course, has the big dual wheels for great pushing power and, with electric start, is extremely user-friendly for man, woman and, yes, even some teenagers. It’s so much fun to use and even chase the grandchildren with!
The only thing that’s ever stopped it was a soccer ball I didn’t know was under the snow as I attempted to cut a path across a very densely covered backyard. Just a big "whomp" and "Jaws," as I sometimes call it, shuddered to a standstill. The belt blew instead of the shear pins, which required a trip to the doctor to cure.
Now it’s time to change the oil, make sure the bolts are all tight, check to make sure the gear case is full and wait for snow.
I wouldn’t mind waiting till March, but that’s not going to happen. One late blizzard and it’s done.
Jaws is not the only snow machine I have to prep for winter. I also have two snowmobiles that need some love. I haven’t used them much in the past few years, but now that the grandkids are older and like to ride, maybe I’ll use them a little more.
Correction: I use one of them; the other will soon be hitting the "for sale" section.
Y’see, when you are 68 — as I am — and even if you’re still healthy and seemingly fit, there are some very important words you feel you may not live long without.
They are "electric start." One of my snowmobiles, a ’94 Polaris XLT Special, is a three-cylinder with pull start. I mean, generally it starts on two or three pulls, but as all of you with a pull start anything know, there comes a day when it says, "No, 40 pulls or I’m not moving," in response to which my man brain says "Sure, go for the heart attack, hero."
So it’s out of here. And if I find I need a second one, it will have — all together now — ELECTRIC START! Have a great weekend.
lmustard1948@gmail.com
