The day started normally enough, I set off on my trip to work in Sarnia which I had done many times over the previous 30 years traveling to various industries to repair Forklift Trucks.
The weather was not overly bad in London but of course the bad spot is all ways just past Strathroy. As I passed the intersection for highway 25, the snow was starting to come down a little more and traffic was moving slowly but not unusually slow. Then it happened. We stopped and that was it for 36 hours
The hours ticked by… I made a few phone calls to let people know I was in a traffic jam on the 402 and that I had my emergency winter kit on board. I had quite a bit of fuel in my vehicle, and luckily my wife had packed me extra food just in case! Day turned to night and the fuel gauge was going down as was the temperature. It was uncomfortable and concerning being stuck out in the middle of nowhere, suddenly there was a knock on my window and covered in snow was a young man holding a large jug of water asking would I like some. “Great, ” I said as my supply was getting low. He asked how I was doing and I replied ok but pointed that I was a bit concerned that I would run out of fuel. He suggested that I could move out of my van and join a fellow worker of his who is alone in a van behind me with a bit more fuel on board. “Sounds good!” I said, as I had a feeling it was going to be a long night.
By this time I had called 911 a few times and was told to stay put until help came. I of course had kept my wife up to date with what was going on. Gathering up a few things I left my vehicle and went to the one behind me, opening the passenger door I was quite shocked to see a man who greatly resembled my late father in-law Henry come in out of the cold the welcoming voice said in a familiar accent “Hello I’m Henry” the man replied! We spent the night chitchatting about everything and nothing while waiting for help to arrive. I had quite a mental boost meeting this “angel” as the night was proving to be a bit of a challenge. The snow was building up considerably as the wind had picked up causing some drifting, night turned to day and then finally the sound of snowmobiles was heard. Slowly people emerged from their igloos, one at a time we caught a ride into the service station just off the 402 , warmth and a toilet were very welcomed.
Later in the day a policeman finally arrived stating we would all be taken to the local arena where we were given food and were able to lay down and rest in sleeping bag , this was a fantastic thing to happen as we had felt totally abandoned for the previous day! I really don’t know who to thank for the hospitality provided but it really saved the day.
As the day progressed the roads were cleared , and later we were taken by school bus to our abandoned vehicles and allowed to continue on our journey.
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