A SCHOOL BUS DRIVER? ME? Part Three

Here is part three of my School Bus story. I felt this would be a good time to share another vignette, as I start back to work next week.
Of course the pictures have nothing to do with the text.
All the pictures were taken at The English Gardens this last summer.

This segment is titled:
Road hazards

 Seasons change and the. Crispness of fall has changed to the bitter cold of winter., bringing with it another set of challenges for the bus driver, A soft snowfall the night before has left new loose snow over the fields and roads. Overnight the wind picked up and by morning there is considerable drifting. Hoping that school will be cancelled, the driver listens carefully to the radio, but today at least there are no cancellations. 

Bundling up carefully, he makes his way out to a cold, stiff bus. Brushing snow off the hood and windshield the conscientious driver goes through the regular inspection routine, in spite of the wind and cold. This day brings with it a whole new set of circumstances. The turn arounds at the driveways can become somewhat tricky as snow has obliterated any sign of yesterdays tracks.

Because of years of experience and careful training each pick-up and turn around is made safely. As the bus reaches town limits, the driver breathes a sigh of relief, for the worst driving is over for now and the children will once again be delivered to school safely. The challenges have been faced and met successfully and deep inside, each driver feels a sense of satisfaction and fulfillment for a job well done.  

  The arrival of spring also brings some trying conditions. Where, in winter you try to cope with snow, in spring you face seemingly endless stretches of road that has turned into a thick and slippery puddle of mud. Everyone looks forward to the roads drying up but that usually leaves ruts and potholes to contend with.

Bus drivers are often heard complaining about the roads but if we were honest, I believe we would all admit that when we have conquered a particularly difficult stretch of road successfully, we know that this is what it means to be a professional driver, and that feels good.

Happy and safe travels for another year.