September 4, 1990, 2010

FIRST 5 YEARS:(Tuesday-Monteagle, Tennessee)
I was up and getting around by 3 AM CST. The moon seemed as full as it was last night which made the travel through this beautiful green scenery that much more enjoyable.

I left Monteagle (Rocky Top) around 3:15 AM CST and headed southeast on I-24; my first challenge was the steep grade that takes me off of the mountain top. This company I drove for didn't go in for engine brakes(Jake Brakes) so these downhill grades were most the time slow and tedious. Got down the mountain fine and past all the fireworks stands before going into Georgia. I-24 going into Georgia for about 7 miles and then back into Tennessee and into Chattanooga. I just kept moving right through Chattanooga to I-75 which I took south into Georgia. Followed I-75 down through the "carpet and rug" area of northern Georgia to the north end of Atlanta. Took the I-285 loop to the west and south of Atlanta until I got to I-75 again; their I continued south. Took the bypass for Macon(never saw any city) and stopped at our fuel stop in Cordele, Georgia. I NEEDED A BREAK BAD!! It was now 9:45 AM EST and I had bunch. They put a lunch buffet out at 10 AM EST so I enjoyed it. After eating, I fueled(44 gallons) as I had no idea where I would have my next fuel stop and this area is a little foreign to me.

I Continued down I-75 until I came to Tifton, Georgia. There I took Hwy 82 to the southeast for about 40 miles to Pearson, Georgia. Out of Pearson I went south on Hwy441 right into Homerville.

After entering Homerville, I came to a "T" intersection and had to decide which way to turn. Not knowing, I got in the left turning lane. Over the CB radio came a voice asking me if I was looking for the Dollar Store Warehouse. It was the town Policeman. I told him yes and he told me that I needed to turn right. He then said to make my left turn and about a mile there was a huge parking lot I could turn around in. I made my left turn and he followed me. He pulled off a couple blocks before I got to the huge parking lot. He then got his radar gun out and pointed it my way. When I was turning my rig around when I heard, "Hey Myrtle, You need to slow that car down. You know you shouldn't be driving that fast into town". Then Myrtle came back and said she was sorry and that she would drive slower next time. It reminded me of Andy Griffith and Mayberry. It was really neat!!!

I found the warehouse and checked in at 1:15 PM EST. I was surprised as they said they could unload me but it would be at the next warehouse. I got over there and backed up to the dock and the unloaders got right on it. This was strange as warehouses for store chains are usually really strict about dock times. OH WELL????

I was unloaded by 3 PM EST as the paper towels I was carrying were on cardboard sheets and they had a fork truck that could pick them up easily. I thought about calling in but I had called in and told dispatch I was here. Their store warehouse here had a place I could stay for the night and I had a phone so I was set. I really wanted to walk around the downtown and I did. I got back to my truck around 8 PM after walking around and eating a small amount-cheeseburger, onion rings and a real good malt- at the downtown cafe. Couldn't get good TV reception so I just listened to my radio, wrote and when to sleep...