I think it’s appropriate that I start this off by saying Merry Christmas, and Happy new year. I was fortunate enough to receive 3 weeks off work, from the 15th – 6th. Good bye Saskatchewan,  helloooooo Ontario! I had set two goals, the primary one was to complete my civic and drive it back, and the second one was to do so in moderation with getting fucking wasted aka letting loose at every opportunity that had arisen. I, to many people’s surprise, succeeded at both; it went something like this..

The weather during my first week back home was unreal, going from a -20 environment to a +10 degrees was on par with a southern vacation, or so it felt. So i totally took advantage of the the climate and spent the majority of the first week soaking some rays and turning some wrenches.. haha

Realistically the work load wasn’t overwhelming it was just the stupid elements, obstacles and mishaps that where so frustrating. Although the weather was fantastic for the first week i spent a good portion putting this car back together in snowy, cold as fuck conditions. But now that i’m writing this over 32 hours away from what you see below and looking back, it was all worth it.

This picture is slightly special only because it was a reminder of how i spent my 23rd birthday..

Moments before heading off to the shop to get tuned. Before i continue just want to give a shout to the many people that came out not only for moral support but to turn wrenches, some names that comes to mind; Tyron Sanders,  Jordan Mcnab, Shane Ramsden, Grant Duxbury, and Carolina Michelussi for allowing me the space to make this all happen.

I also want to give a huge shout out to Adrian down at Street Sports, I couldn’t have asked for a better experience. Now i can’t speak of what i don’t know, but when it comes to Honda’s this man knows his fucking stuff.

I received the car back on the Wednesday (2nd) at 18:00 and was expected to be at work for the following Monday (7th), a 32 hour drive away. It was a rather daunting risk as the reliability of the car was untested, but YOLO motherfuckers. Winter tires, new wiper blades, 16L of windshield washer fluid and 50$ in roadtrip food where the key ingredients to a successful trip.

At this point i had just arrived to Sault Sainte Marie, 4 hours into the trip and was filling up the tank when i got a whiff of what smelled like rotten eggs. Unusual i thought so i popped the hood and noticed my battery was not only emitting fumes but was oozing battery acid. Fuck.. where the first words to exit my mouth, in a rather subtle and calm tone. I quickly went over to Canadian tire, ripped the battery out, ran inside and hooked her up to a multimeter, 15.2V in comparison to the nominal 12-12.7 reading. Did some research and it was clear my battery was being overcharged and the voltage regulator on my alternator was pooched. Stubborn and rather determined I tackled an alternator and battery swap in the parking lot of the Sault Saint Marie Canadian Tire.

All in all the experience went extremely smooth considering the conditions. It left with with bruises, cuts, frustration and soaked from head to toe but two hours later i was back on route.

Leaving Thunder Bay I was passed by a Honda civic with Quebec plates, first thing that came to mind was military. So i followed him, at the next washroom break i approached him and asked where he was going? Answer with Edmonton.. First thing that exited my mouth, Military? No followed by a chuckle. I asked if he was crashing in Kenora and this was how i met my roadtrip friend, Jason Hamel. We convoyed from Thunderbay, ON all the way to Regina, SK and parted ways.

The trip took me three days, it was made possible with the liking’s of  tucker max’s audio books, various essential mixes and a vast collection of dabears mixes. It was safe to say by the end of this trip I couldn’t look at another chef boyardee overstuffed ravioli.

The first thing i did when I returned “home” was a long spirited drive at 9 psi. I get asked how it feels and the best answer I’ve come up with is the sense of accomplishment, it’s rewarding.

I want to end of this off not only by leaving you with some badass videos to recently hit the net but that you set some fucking goals for 2013 and make it happen.