The carless have caved

I pass this epically awesome antique barn so often, and finally stopped to grab a pic of it.

Turns out I'm a fair weather carless person... As long as I can bike, not having a car is not a problem. But now that the cold November rains and early snows are upon us, bringing bitter winds and slippery roads, it is entirely unpleasant, uncomfortable, and inconvenient to not have a set of wheels in the driveway.

My parents have very kindly offered to rent/lend their car to us for the next few months, mostly to help us, but also to see how they fare with just one car. It might be basic, without power windows, power locks, power mirrors, a CD player, iPod hookup or all the new-fangled gadgetry, but it is 4-wheeled freedom, and we are very grateful and appreciative to have a car once again. Plus, it's standard, which I love driving, and the very best part of all, is the tape (yes, tape) of vintage Janet, circa 1989, in the cassette player. Turns out I still remember all the words.

Another view along the drive to my parents that I've been meaning to photograph.

I am quite ashamed to say how glad I am to have a car again. It feels like a certain sense of freedom and opportunity has returned, because let's face it, for the months we didn't have a car, we hiked less, ran out of groceries more frequently, didn't bother going to movies as much, and so on. But we did end up doing a lot more things nearby, and we saved money, and saved the earth a little bit too. I don't regret the decision in the slightest, and I would do it again... during the fair weather months from April to October.

Here is a run-down with commentary, of the car-alternatives we used:

• Biking: everywhere, all the time. As long as I've got my paniers and bike basket, I can run most of my errands with ease. And as long as it's mild out, and depending upon where I'm going, I'll bike even if it's raining, until it gets too cold.
• Walking: we discovered a lot of great grocery stores nearby, and with a backpack you can pick up everything you need.
• Renting: for weekend trips or if we saved up a bunch of weekend errands. We have an Enterprise within walking distance (even though "they pick you up," it's not often worth the wait). Tip: reserve the economy model online, and chances are they'll upgrade you for free when you get there. We drove a lot of different cars, and rarely was it the budget model we reserved (though I also didn't love being upgraded to the SUV's — why does everyone think bigger is better? I'll take Corolla over the Escape any day). Also, Enterprise often has a weekend rate of $10 per day, which is super cheap. Sign up for their email newsletter and you'll find out when the deal is on.
• Car-pooling: we are so lucky to have so many great friends who support us not having a car, and also have similar interests so would drive us to ultimate frisbeen games, or other shared activities. I struggle with feeling like a mooch... but I really do believe that if two or more people are going to the same place from a similar area, it makes sense to travel together — that said, now that I've got a car, feel free to give me a call, and I'll pick you up!
• Car-lending: we had so many kind and generous offers from friends to let us borrow their car to go to a movie or do a grocery run, and we accepted a couple of times, but our fierce independence and feeling that it was too unequal or that it was too much of an inconvenience for them meant that we generally biked, walked, or took the bus instead. But I want to sincerely thank and acknowledge how kind our friends and neighbours are, and we are so grateful for their friendship and support.
• Car-sharing club: Ottawa has Vrtucar, but for our style of usage, it never seemed like a convenient option. Since we got back from our trip, a new parking space has opened up about a 10-minute walk away, but still, by the time you factor in membership fees, hourly rates, how far you'll be driving, etc, it's generally cheaper and/or more convenient to rent.
• Cabs: without the cost of car payments, insurance, oil changes, etc, the occasional cab trip becomes affordable. We did use a cab a few times, but honestly, we still both feel resistant to forking over $20 for a ride across town when the bus costs $3.
• Public transit: Ottawa has an extensive bus system, and generally speaking, it's reliable and easy. A few of the main routes have stops near our house, so it's a great option and it's how Mark commutes to work. That said, now that winter is arriving, it's much less fun to wait at the bus stop in the cold. But you sure can meet some interesting characters on the bus, which is way more entertaining than driving by yourself in your car.
• Long-distance bus: Greyhound is not what it used to be! I went to Peterborough recently to visit a good friend (who kindly offered to pick me up from the bus station), and the drive was great! Punctual, comfortable, clean on-board washrooms, and free wifi! Crazy! Not like the Greyhound of my university days, that's for sure. Tip: buy your ticket online, it's cheaper.
• Train: took the VIA to Montreal and it was similarly great: comfortable, fast, affordable, and also had free wifi. By the time you factor in the high cost of parking in Montreal, the train is a great option. Again, buying online is cheaper, especially if you can book in advance.

So it goes without saying that to make it possible to go carless you need (1) awesome friends, and (2) to live in a city. I grew up in the country, where there is no public transit or grocery stores within walking or biking distance, and unless you work from home and raise your own food and live off the land, a car is essential.

Plus, a car means the freedom to pull over and take photos of things along the way (hence the photos from this post).