November.
Winter is approaching in here in Ottawa, Canada. Dreary, cold days, with the mercury dropping below zero degrees Celsius, and drizzle on the roads. The salt trucks haven't been out yet, but it won't be long now and then the driving season is truly over for this 718 owner. I'd like to snag one more day of sunshine and dry, salt-free roads for one last quick rip around and a wash and brush up before the GTS goes into the garage on the battery tender for the dark days until April.
A big thumbs down to our dealership that resisted our attempts to pick the cars up in Halifax when they landed on Canadian shores at the beginning of September. We could literally have had a full month and a half of Canadian enjoyment to tack on to the European fun, but they made no effort to stretch even a tiny bit beyond the bare minimum. Despite there being a Porsche outlet in Halifax, and an internal process at Porsche for customers to be able to pick up their cars at alternate dealerships, our dealer just flat out refused. All it needed a bit of willpower and some rather small effort for them to make it happen for us, but unfortunately they chose not to. Noted.
So, instead, we clocked an extra 1800 kms to pick the cars up in London, and THEN take them out to see my folks in the Maritimes. I mean, that HAD to happen as there's no way I could keep it all a secret for another six months! Amazingly, the surprise on their faces was as genuine as it was warm - they truly had no idea and it was a joy to reveal the cars to them in the very driveway that has hosted so many of my cars over the years. Huge grins, shaking of heads, and true appreciation for the fun of the whole adventure, not to mention the amazing machinery basking there in the cool late October air. Then a rapid rip back to Ontario before the threatening snow in the forecast came good. Made it all the way back only just ahead of the weather front. Michelin Pilot Sport 4Ss do not like the snow and freezing temperatures, of that I am quite certain. Phew.
The forecast is looking decent for this weekend, so as long as the precip holds off, I should be good. A last little drive just to listen to the engine and feel the thrust of all those 'torques'; a top up with 94 octane, and an overinflation of the tries to prevent them 'squaring off' sitting all winter, and I can back into the garage and close the door on the elements.
Once the car is safely ensconced for the duration, I have plans for some proper paint correction polishing to take care of the few swirls and halos that are remnants of the rough and ready washes I had to do over in Europe. I'll keep the garage a little warmer which will allow me to work on the paint at my leisure so that when springtime rolls around, that Carmine Red will be just ready to explode into the sunshine.Springtime is roughly mid-April here, or basically when the city stops putting down salt, and the spring rains have washed the roads clean. Street sweepers head out, and that's the signal for the sports cars to emerge, blinking in the sunshine, ready to stretch their legs and begin a full fresh summer of automotive amusement. Just like this driver.
So, back to waiting it will be, although this time the anticipation of the spring will be that much more delicious, as I can pop down to the garage every day and take a peek if I want.
It's here. It's real.
Now waiting for spring.
~ Luke
