HiWay to Mexico 2008 Day 1

We were on our way at 0600 hrs. and we now know why this first day is a day to work out all the "bugs" with the vehicles. Because of the snow overnight we had to deal with road splash and soon discovered that 3 of the vehicles' windshield washers were frozen. We had to stop more than a few times to clean the windshields with snow. We also had to figure out our gas gauges which necessitated a few more stops for gas. Then we discovered that Mike and Glen's ambulance needed a big transfusion of oil before getting to Edmonton. It took 4 litres and then was diagnosed with a leaking rear engine seal. The rest of the day had us all concerned with the health of this ambulance. We met the 4 Rotarians from Edson with their fire truck and big bus and continued south. We are only able to travel about 150 kms. before the fire truck needs to be refuelled. At the first roadside refuelling stop near Red Deer Ken & Bev's ambulance took sick next; the transmission wouldn't move out of reverse. So this required a tow into Red Deer. Everyone was concerned that the 2 ambulances would be in the Canadian Tire sick bay until Monday so the 5 remaining vehicles pushed on to Calgary. But a quick repair to the transmission linkage with some duct tape and some GUNK additive to the oil pan and the ambulances were mobile and playing catch-up with the rest of the convoy. We stopped in Calgary to load up some used fire equipment and headed for Lethbridge arriving there at 2030 hrs. After a late supper we got to bed about 2330hrs.