Day 7: Swift Current to Calgary

John Leblanc

CALGARY –Today, we had less than 600 km between Swift Current and Calgary to drive. With uneventful weather and good traffic, Day 7’s leg can go under the "easy" column.

A good time, then, to go to the email letter bag and answer some questions readers have been firing at us since we left Halifax last Thursday:

Have you had to sleep in the Smart car yet?

Well, the seats are really supportive. And I guess if we had to, it wouldn’t be so bad.

But in fact, nagging editors looking for daily updates mean we have to book hotels that have high-speed Internet. Unfortunately, this ruled out any funky B&Bs or off-the-beaten-path inns.

In fact, tonight we’re staying with friends in Calgary, Don & Yvonne.

Nothing against the Holiday/Comfort/Days Inns we’ve been at so far. But here, the movies, minibar, continental breakfast and Internet are all free.

Did you have to pack extra-light to fit your luggage in the Smart?

OLIVIA LEBLANC FOR THE TORONTO STAR

All the luggage you need for a week on the road.

Not really. We each had a standard carry-on, plus a case for my laptop and another for my CDs. We could have fitted more luggage behind our headrests. Plus, there are plenty of built-in nooks and crannies for things like cellphones, cameras and wallets up front.

What’s the road food been like?

We’re trying to make good time. Which means only one meal per day has been of the sit-down variety. Plus, we’re sitting all day in the car to begin with. Too many calories can make you want to have a nap around 3 p.m.— not good for keeping the Smart between the lines.

For snacks, I prefer Gatorade and Junior Mints (mmm, Junior Mints). Olivia prefers those horrid, odd-flavoured chips like ketchup or dill pickle, and anything that begins or ends with the words “ice cream.” But her favourite sightings are A&Ws.

OLIVIA LEBLANC FOR THE TORONTO STAR

Not exactly recommended by Canada's Food Guide.

“I thought they were only in malls,” she admitted early in the trip. “But they have actually restaurants too!”

That’s how I like to raise my kids — sheltered.

Who’s been winning the battle over the choice of music?

Patience is the key here.

Knowing she’ll be disappointed, I first let Olivia seek the radio dial first. After she has realized west of the 100th meridian (where the Great Plains begin) is Tim and Faith country, she then moves to the iPod. That’s when I count on teenage laziness to work in my favour.

“Dad! Why isn’t the iPod charged?!”

“Because that’s your job, remember? Now pass me my CDs, please…”

Day 7: Wednesday, June 27, Swift Current to Calgary
Distance: 570 km
Average fuel consumption (L/100 km): 6.12
Weather: Sunshine, 21 C
Smart car sightings: 1

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