FIRST 5 YEARS:(Wednesday-Joplin, Missouri)
Woke up around 3:00 AM CST and couldn't go back to sleep. I got up, fueled(61 gallons) and hooked back up to my trailer. I checked in with dispatch and was rolling on I-44 west by 4 AM CST. Big full moon this morning but it set shortly after I left Joplin...I watched it set as I was going southwest as it did.
At Oklahoma City I got on I-40 west bound. Outside of Oklahoma City, I stopped for a short break and then onward. At noon CST I stopped at the "Just a Truckstop" in Amarillo, Texas and had the lunch buffet. I wasn't in a hurry so I watched the end of some movie that was playing in the movie room. It must have been close to 3 PM CST when I started west again.
Into the beautiful sky country of New Mexico I went and onto Santa Rosa for my driving 8 hour break and fuel(98 gallons). Walked around the store a little while and then went to my truck and went to sleep.....Halloween night...
About Me
- The Protraveller...
- Starting as a preschooler, I remember my Grandfather bringing me rocks from his trips he took after he retired. Each rock had a story to tell. In the sixth grade, I watched a freeway be built and then wondered where all the trucks would go. I remember in high school looking at the mountains and wanting to travel. I did many jobs BEFORE trucking but I always wondered what driving would by like. I really wanted to see things and drive a big truck. So after almost finishing nursing school, a divorce and three cute little kids, I became a truck driver. While earning a living, I found myself enjoying North America and seeing the land and people. NO ONE ENJOYED TRAVELING MORE THAN ME. There are two things I have enjoyed in this life and they are traveling and writing. I use to call myself "Protourist" but my Mother-in-law and Wife would become upset with me as they know I really love THE "travel" and not THE stopping to see things. I now call myself "protraveller"(I like it with a double "L") and my Mother-in-law and Wife are now happy!!! I love to write and this blog gives me the opportunity to share my past and thoughts with the public.
October 31, 2010
October 30, 2010
October 30, 1990, 2010
FIRST 5 YEARS:(Tuesday-Indianapolis, Indiana)
I had my alarm set for 5:30 AM EST to wake up and did. I got up and went into the truckstop and got some munchies and water. I took I-74 to I-70 which I took west. Continued west on I-70 into Illinois stopping in Effingham for breakfast at 7:30 AM CST.
Ate breakfast at our truckstop in Effingham and talked with the other drivers until 8:45AM CST when I decided to fuel my truck. This fuel stop has someone fuel it for me so I don't have to log during it. I took 112 gallons which is less than I thought I would have to as I left it run so much due to low batteries. At 9:15 AM CST I was heading west on I-70 again toward St. Louis.
In St. Louis I got on I-44 west and headed for Joplin(Missouri). I stopped for a short break by Stanton. Missouri and then onward. Got into our yard in Joplin at 4 PM CST and had to go through the service inspection bay. They wanted to do a bunch of things to the tractor and I told them about the batteries. I dropped my trailer and parked my tractor by the service building, leaving the engine on because it might not restart.
I walked over to the truckers' lounge at dispatch and didn't see anyone I knew. Walked back to my tractor and the shop had it in working on it. They were checking my batteries; they found 4 bad ones. They replaced all my batteries with new ones. I napped until they had my tractor done. When they put my tractor back in the yard, the time was close to 10:00 PM CST and I just stayed in the bunk and continued sleeping...
I had my alarm set for 5:30 AM EST to wake up and did. I got up and went into the truckstop and got some munchies and water. I took I-74 to I-70 which I took west. Continued west on I-70 into Illinois stopping in Effingham for breakfast at 7:30 AM CST.
Ate breakfast at our truckstop in Effingham and talked with the other drivers until 8:45AM CST when I decided to fuel my truck. This fuel stop has someone fuel it for me so I don't have to log during it. I took 112 gallons which is less than I thought I would have to as I left it run so much due to low batteries. At 9:15 AM CST I was heading west on I-70 again toward St. Louis.
In St. Louis I got on I-44 west and headed for Joplin(Missouri). I stopped for a short break by Stanton. Missouri and then onward. Got into our yard in Joplin at 4 PM CST and had to go through the service inspection bay. They wanted to do a bunch of things to the tractor and I told them about the batteries. I dropped my trailer and parked my tractor by the service building, leaving the engine on because it might not restart.
I walked over to the truckers' lounge at dispatch and didn't see anyone I knew. Walked back to my tractor and the shop had it in working on it. They were checking my batteries; they found 4 bad ones. They replaced all my batteries with new ones. I napped until they had my tractor done. When they put my tractor back in the yard, the time was close to 10:00 PM CST and I just stayed in the bunk and continued sleeping...
October 29, 2010
October 29, 1990, 2010
FIRST 5 YEARS:(Monday-Monroe, Ohio)
Found,when I woke, that there were two other trucks from my company parked next to me. We all were up around 8 AM and went in to eat breakfast together. The meal was an average bought meal in an average restaurant. The company I had breakfast with was good and enjoyable. We all called dispatch as we were all waiting for loads. I was number 1 on the Cincinnati area TRB and didn't get a load assignment until 10 AM EST. I don't remember where the others went.
After I got the assignment, I went back to my truck and made sure my paperwork was all caught up and my trailer was clean-well, pretty clean-as I am picking up tires for Flagstaff and Phoenix area. My appointment time was 3 PM EST in Mason, Ohio. I left for Mason shortly after noon EST and checked in when I got there. Our company had a representative that took care of the loading, paperwork and lumper's fees so I didn't have anything really to worry about. I was backed up to the dock shortly after 2:30 PM EST and loading took place after that.
When I was ready to go after 6 PM EST, I decided to take Hwy 42 south to the northern section of the Cincinnati loop( I-275). Went west to I-74 and into Indiana where I traveled toward Indianapolis and after 8:30 PM EST I stopped at the truckstop on the southside of Indy for the night...
Found,when I woke, that there were two other trucks from my company parked next to me. We all were up around 8 AM and went in to eat breakfast together. The meal was an average bought meal in an average restaurant. The company I had breakfast with was good and enjoyable. We all called dispatch as we were all waiting for loads. I was number 1 on the Cincinnati area TRB and didn't get a load assignment until 10 AM EST. I don't remember where the others went.
After I got the assignment, I went back to my truck and made sure my paperwork was all caught up and my trailer was clean-well, pretty clean-as I am picking up tires for Flagstaff and Phoenix area. My appointment time was 3 PM EST in Mason, Ohio. I left for Mason shortly after noon EST and checked in when I got there. Our company had a representative that took care of the loading, paperwork and lumper's fees so I didn't have anything really to worry about. I was backed up to the dock shortly after 2:30 PM EST and loading took place after that.
When I was ready to go after 6 PM EST, I decided to take Hwy 42 south to the northern section of the Cincinnati loop( I-275). Went west to I-74 and into Indiana where I traveled toward Indianapolis and after 8:30 PM EST I stopped at the truckstop on the southside of Indy for the night...
October 28, 2010
Oct 28, 1990, 2010
FIRST 5 YEARS:(Sunday-Monroe, Ohio)
Absolutely nothing exciting or note worry today...well the little store in the parking area had some really great tasting ice cream bars of which I bought six today. Basically stayed in my truck, typed and watched TV all day. Afraid to turn the engine off because the batteries have been low. Side
Note: Security-trucking
Because of the easiness of opening a locked door I saw yesterday, I hooked a light chain from one door through the air horn cable and to the other door. I made it easy to disassemble and reassemble. I used it when I was sleeping in the trucks from then on out.
Absolutely nothing exciting or note worry today...well the little store in the parking area had some really great tasting ice cream bars of which I bought six today. Basically stayed in my truck, typed and watched TV all day. Afraid to turn the engine off because the batteries have been low. Side
Note: Security-trucking
Because of the easiness of opening a locked door I saw yesterday, I hooked a light chain from one door through the air horn cable and to the other door. I made it easy to disassemble and reassemble. I used it when I was sleeping in the trucks from then on out.
October 27, 2010
October 27, 1990, 2010
FIRST 5 YEARS:(Saturday-Monroe, Ohio)
Sleeping with day haven broke and sun up a little ways; there came a knock on my door. The knocker was a driver from my company who was parked down a couple trucks. He had locked himself out of his truck and wanted a metal coat hanger. I gave him one and went over to his truck with him. He was in his truck in a short time using the hanger. Made me wonder how safe I was.
After Robin Hood, the handle of the driver who locked himself out, got in his truck and got a couple things done, he asked if I wanted to have breakfast with him. I did and after breakfast he had to get going as he was under a load.
Since I got up, I had my engine turned of. I started it before Robin Hood left and it started but wasn't very healthy. I decided to let it run. I had made a check call and talked with maintenance was was told to let it run. Dispatch told me to call back tomorrow as they had nothing for me. I typed on my computer and watched my TV(not exciting). This truckstop had no movie room or other things but a couple video games, for the truck driver...
Sleeping with day haven broke and sun up a little ways; there came a knock on my door. The knocker was a driver from my company who was parked down a couple trucks. He had locked himself out of his truck and wanted a metal coat hanger. I gave him one and went over to his truck with him. He was in his truck in a short time using the hanger. Made me wonder how safe I was.
After Robin Hood, the handle of the driver who locked himself out, got in his truck and got a couple things done, he asked if I wanted to have breakfast with him. I did and after breakfast he had to get going as he was under a load.
Since I got up, I had my engine turned of. I started it before Robin Hood left and it started but wasn't very healthy. I decided to let it run. I had made a check call and talked with maintenance was was told to let it run. Dispatch told me to call back tomorrow as they had nothing for me. I typed on my computer and watched my TV(not exciting). This truckstop had no movie room or other things but a couple video games, for the truck driver...
October 26, 2010
October 26, 1990, 2010
FIRST 5 YEARS:(Friday-Williamsburg, Iowa)
Cool night and didn't have to run the truck. Got up and went to start the engine and my power supply had a problem. Wondered what I could do and three things popped into my head: call a wrecker, ask someone for a jump or sit and hope Nick(the driver I had been running with who was to meet me here today) would show up as he promised. Well, calling a wrecker was my last option and there wasn't another truck with a driver that I could see, so I hoped for Nick. Counting on other drivers just wasn't something I could count on-from experience. Well, I sat around and hoped that Nick would drive up and sure enough, here he came. We got me started and then went in and had breakfast; I had the one pound steak breakfast.
After breakfast we jumped into our trucks of headed east on I-80. As we cycled the quad-cities we separated as Nick was going to Chicago and I was going to Cincinnati. I took I-74 south and then southeast in Illinois. Traveled through the farmland of America, passing Bloomington((stopped for break and fuel(136 gallons)) and Decatur and going into Indiana. On to and past Indianapolis following I-74 around the western and southern part of the loop. Followed I-74 into Ohio.
Entering Ohio, I had to get on the northern loop as the customer is in the northern section of the town. When I go to I-275 east I took it it I-75. Went south on I-75 a couple miles, following directions and found the customer. Friday night and my delivery date was Monday; I asked the guard if I could get unloaded tomorrow. He said that receiving would be able to answer that and let me in. I drove to receiving and asked. They said they would unload me then. I got unloaded by 11 PM EST. After unloading I drove to the Stoney Ridge truckstop north of Cincinnati. My day ended as I drove into the truckstop...
Cool night and didn't have to run the truck. Got up and went to start the engine and my power supply had a problem. Wondered what I could do and three things popped into my head: call a wrecker, ask someone for a jump or sit and hope Nick(the driver I had been running with who was to meet me here today) would show up as he promised. Well, calling a wrecker was my last option and there wasn't another truck with a driver that I could see, so I hoped for Nick. Counting on other drivers just wasn't something I could count on-from experience. Well, I sat around and hoped that Nick would drive up and sure enough, here he came. We got me started and then went in and had breakfast; I had the one pound steak breakfast.
After breakfast we jumped into our trucks of headed east on I-80. As we cycled the quad-cities we separated as Nick was going to Chicago and I was going to Cincinnati. I took I-74 south and then southeast in Illinois. Traveled through the farmland of America, passing Bloomington((stopped for break and fuel(136 gallons)) and Decatur and going into Indiana. On to and past Indianapolis following I-74 around the western and southern part of the loop. Followed I-74 into Ohio.
Entering Ohio, I had to get on the northern loop as the customer is in the northern section of the town. When I go to I-275 east I took it it I-75. Went south on I-75 a couple miles, following directions and found the customer. Friday night and my delivery date was Monday; I asked the guard if I could get unloaded tomorrow. He said that receiving would be able to answer that and let me in. I drove to receiving and asked. They said they would unload me then. I got unloaded by 11 PM EST. After unloading I drove to the Stoney Ridge truckstop north of Cincinnati. My day ended as I drove into the truckstop...
October 25, 2010
October 25, 1990, 2010
FIRST 5 YEARS:(Thursday-Pine Bluff, Wyoming)
Nick, the driver I was running with, and his wife, with me, went into the truckstop and had breakfast. Around 9 AM MST we took off east on I-80. We both stopped at Big Springs, Nebraska at our fuel stop to just get fuel(114 gallons). Because of the weight of our loads, I decided to formally weigh my unit and got legal.
Nick and I talked talked on the CB radio across Nebraska and into Iowa. We stayed on I-80 heading east. Nick and his wife wanted to stop at our Des Moines, Iowa truckstop and I didn't. I stopped for a break with them and then pushed on to Williamsburg(Iowa) where Nick said he would meet me tomorrow morning.
Getting to the truckstop and restaurant I really liked, I had the one pound steak dinner and then watched a movie and a half in their movie room. After the movies, bed time....
Nick, the driver I was running with, and his wife, with me, went into the truckstop and had breakfast. Around 9 AM MST we took off east on I-80. We both stopped at Big Springs, Nebraska at our fuel stop to just get fuel(114 gallons). Because of the weight of our loads, I decided to formally weigh my unit and got legal.
Nick and I talked talked on the CB radio across Nebraska and into Iowa. We stayed on I-80 heading east. Nick and his wife wanted to stop at our Des Moines, Iowa truckstop and I didn't. I stopped for a break with them and then pushed on to Williamsburg(Iowa) where Nick said he would meet me tomorrow morning.
Getting to the truckstop and restaurant I really liked, I had the one pound steak dinner and then watched a movie and a half in their movie room. After the movies, bed time....
October 24, 2010
October 24, 1990, 2010
FIRST 5 YEARS:(Wednesday-Bonanza, Utah)
Had my alarm set for 6:30 AM MST as I remember-been here before-these guys are bussed in and I will have enough time to get ready for the day. Nick, the other company driver and his wife also got up as I told them how it worked here. I met his wife and she sure seemed odd for even riding on a big truck; she was small, frail and very quiet. We where talking as the bus of workers from Vernal drove in.
Nick and I checked in and had to wait about an hour so as the workers could start working. Most the workers had to get into protective clothing-head to feet-before they could work. After the workers were ready, we were taken to the loading docks about a quarter mile away. We both backed in and I was loaded first. Loading took awhile and I got done before Nick was started. I decided to wait for Nick at the main office.
I was in signing my paperwork when one the the mine managers came in to talk with the head fellow. I heard them talking and the manager was going down into the mine to take something to a miner. I asked if I could go with him. He asked the head fellow who said I could as long as I wore all the required gear...
We went to a house with gear in it and I was given stuff to put on; a hat with a light on it, a tag with a duplicate tag left above ground and a canister for turning carbon monoxide to oxygen(I asked about how to use the canister and was told not to worry about it as I would be dead by the time I realized I needed it. It was just required to be worn by OSHA). We were lowered into the mine in a cage about 3 x 7 and standing 7 feet. We went down 875 feet and out to the miner. Boy it was dark & cool. After coming up I had to take a shower and get some of that "stuff" off of me. All the miners took showers before returning to home.
Nick was loaded and waiting for me when I was ready to go. It had been an interesting day. We got weighed on their scales as these loads were very heavy. We both were around 78,000 pounds, enough for fuel though. We crossed over to Hwy 64 in Colorado on good roads that weren't on the map, saving us a good 50 miles. We drove up to Dinosaur, Colorado and then followed Hwy 40 east to Streamboat Springs where we stopped after dark for Chinese Food(good stuff!!!). After eating, we had a steep grade to climb; low gear range for what seemed a good 30 minutes. Got over it and took Hwy 14 to Hwy 125 northbound. Beautiful valley by night. Caught Hwy 127 and took it into Wyoming and onto Laramie. In Laramie, we then followed I-80 to the Nebraska border, stopping at Pine Bluff for the night...
Had my alarm set for 6:30 AM MST as I remember-been here before-these guys are bussed in and I will have enough time to get ready for the day. Nick, the other company driver and his wife also got up as I told them how it worked here. I met his wife and she sure seemed odd for even riding on a big truck; she was small, frail and very quiet. We where talking as the bus of workers from Vernal drove in.
Nick and I checked in and had to wait about an hour so as the workers could start working. Most the workers had to get into protective clothing-head to feet-before they could work. After the workers were ready, we were taken to the loading docks about a quarter mile away. We both backed in and I was loaded first. Loading took awhile and I got done before Nick was started. I decided to wait for Nick at the main office.
I was in signing my paperwork when one the the mine managers came in to talk with the head fellow. I heard them talking and the manager was going down into the mine to take something to a miner. I asked if I could go with him. He asked the head fellow who said I could as long as I wore all the required gear...
We went to a house with gear in it and I was given stuff to put on; a hat with a light on it, a tag with a duplicate tag left above ground and a canister for turning carbon monoxide to oxygen(I asked about how to use the canister and was told not to worry about it as I would be dead by the time I realized I needed it. It was just required to be worn by OSHA). We were lowered into the mine in a cage about 3 x 7 and standing 7 feet. We went down 875 feet and out to the miner. Boy it was dark & cool. After coming up I had to take a shower and get some of that "stuff" off of me. All the miners took showers before returning to home.
Nick was loaded and waiting for me when I was ready to go. It had been an interesting day. We got weighed on their scales as these loads were very heavy. We both were around 78,000 pounds, enough for fuel though. We crossed over to Hwy 64 in Colorado on good roads that weren't on the map, saving us a good 50 miles. We drove up to Dinosaur, Colorado and then followed Hwy 40 east to Streamboat Springs where we stopped after dark for Chinese Food(good stuff!!!). After eating, we had a steep grade to climb; low gear range for what seemed a good 30 minutes. Got over it and took Hwy 14 to Hwy 125 northbound. Beautiful valley by night. Caught Hwy 127 and took it into Wyoming and onto Laramie. In Laramie, we then followed I-80 to the Nebraska border, stopping at Pine Bluff for the night...
October 23, 2010
October 23, 1990, 2010
FIRST 5 YEARS:(Tuesday-Provo, Utah)
Having gotten my first drop done yesterday, I was up and heading north on I-15 by 6:30 AM MST and backing into the Sandy delivery point shortly before 7:15 AM MST.
We were unloading at 7:30 AM MST. Finished the Sandy(Utah) store and went on to deliver in Kearns, Salt Lake City, Bountiful, finishing the day at Roy. The only problems I encountered today was having to back in to the stores in Sandy, Kearns and Roy off of busy street. I did it though.
After I finished with the Roy store, I called dispatch and was told to pick up a load of natural asphalt in Bonanza, Utah going to Cincinnati, Ohio tomorrow morning. I had been to Bonanza before-in the middle of nowhere-and so I took the time to make sure I was stocked up on food and water before I left the Salt Lake Valley.
I stopped at our fuel stop in Salt Lake and fueled(126 gallons) and then headed east on I-80 to Hwy 40. At Hwy 40, went south through Heber City(Utah). This area makes me feel like I am literally on top of the world. The late evening was beautiful, even with just a quarter moon to light the terrain. Got to Vernal(Utah) where I took Hwy 45 south to just a "hair" above Bonanza. I went to "Little Bonanza" actually. I got to the waiting area just before 10 PM MST and found the lot empty. I parked and as I was doing my paperwork, another truck from my company pulled up next to me. Said "hi" to the other driver on the CB radio and we talked about this place a little. I had been here before and I was ready for it. The other driver, Nick, had his wife with him and she kept him stocked up on supplies....Both trucks shut down for the night...
Having gotten my first drop done yesterday, I was up and heading north on I-15 by 6:30 AM MST and backing into the Sandy delivery point shortly before 7:15 AM MST.
We were unloading at 7:30 AM MST. Finished the Sandy(Utah) store and went on to deliver in Kearns, Salt Lake City, Bountiful, finishing the day at Roy. The only problems I encountered today was having to back in to the stores in Sandy, Kearns and Roy off of busy street. I did it though.
After I finished with the Roy store, I called dispatch and was told to pick up a load of natural asphalt in Bonanza, Utah going to Cincinnati, Ohio tomorrow morning. I had been to Bonanza before-in the middle of nowhere-and so I took the time to make sure I was stocked up on food and water before I left the Salt Lake Valley.
I stopped at our fuel stop in Salt Lake and fueled(126 gallons) and then headed east on I-80 to Hwy 40. At Hwy 40, went south through Heber City(Utah). This area makes me feel like I am literally on top of the world. The late evening was beautiful, even with just a quarter moon to light the terrain. Got to Vernal(Utah) where I took Hwy 45 south to just a "hair" above Bonanza. I went to "Little Bonanza" actually. I got to the waiting area just before 10 PM MST and found the lot empty. I parked and as I was doing my paperwork, another truck from my company pulled up next to me. Said "hi" to the other driver on the CB radio and we talked about this place a little. I had been here before and I was ready for it. The other driver, Nick, had his wife with him and she kept him stocked up on supplies....Both trucks shut down for the night...
October 22, 2010
October 22, 1990, 2010
FIRST 5 YEARS:(Monday-Provo, Utah)
Woke up this AM and called into dispatch. I asked if there was anyway that I could start delivering my load of tires today. Dispatch called the first stop-Provo Store- and got an OK for a 2 PM unload and I took it.
I got my room for another night and went and had lunch across the street at the "pretty good" buffet. After eating, I drove to my first drop and got there at a little before 1 PM MST. I told the manager that I knew I was early and thanked him for letting me unload today. He said no problem and backed me up to the unloading door. We started unloading shortly after I got backed in.
After unloading, I just went back to my motel room to wait for drop #2 in Sandy(Utah) tomorrow morning. In my motel room, I just did what I did yesterday and waited for tomorrow to come..
Woke up this AM and called into dispatch. I asked if there was anyway that I could start delivering my load of tires today. Dispatch called the first stop-Provo Store- and got an OK for a 2 PM unload and I took it.
I got my room for another night and went and had lunch across the street at the "pretty good" buffet. After eating, I drove to my first drop and got there at a little before 1 PM MST. I told the manager that I knew I was early and thanked him for letting me unload today. He said no problem and backed me up to the unloading door. We started unloading shortly after I got backed in.
After unloading, I just went back to my motel room to wait for drop #2 in Sandy(Utah) tomorrow morning. In my motel room, I just did what I did yesterday and waited for tomorrow to come..
October 21, 2010
October 21, 1990, 2010
FIRST 5 YEARS:(Sunday-Provo, Utah)
Nothing exciting today and so I stayed in my motel room and typed on my hard-driveless computer and watched TV. I snacked on munchies I had bought and stored in my truck. Rented the room for another night. My friends in Orem(Utah) were not home so I just kept myself busy and entertained...
Nothing exciting today and so I stayed in my motel room and typed on my hard-driveless computer and watched TV. I snacked on munchies I had bought and stored in my truck. Rented the room for another night. My friends in Orem(Utah) were not home so I just kept myself busy and entertained...
October 20, 2010
October 20, 1990, 2010
FIRST 5 YEARS:(Saturday-Cortez, Colorado)
I was up at 4 AM MST and heading toward Monticello, Utah by 4:30 AM MST on Hwy 666. WHY??? For some reason I don't like the Utah weigh station east of Monticello and hoping to get by it before it opens, and I did.
I got to Monticello and turned north on Hwy 191. Right after turning, I pulled over and parked so I could visit an opened convenient store and get some munchies to have for breakfast. I got a cheap package of salty hot dogs and a quart of chocolate milk. I ate the hot dogs before I started driving and drank the milk as I drove north. This stretch of road is interesting with all it's strange beauty. Before getting to I-70, one travels through mountains-many used for biking and motorcycle riding-and desert floors-showing old volcanic tubes. Also, as I have written before, one passes the attraction Hole in the Rock.
I got to I-70 and took it west to Green River(Utah). Off the western town exit, I came to the convenient store with alot of truck parking that I liked to stop at. I parked my rig at 8 AM MST and laid down for a nap as I was tired. No TV or radio to listen to so I just popped in a cassette and listened to it as I went to sleep. I was up at 11 AM MST and in the store. This store sold 3 hot dogs for a dollar; I bought 9 of them...with catsup. I ate 4 of them and headed north on Hwy 6 toward Price and Helper, Utah.
I went over Soldier Summit and down into the Utah Valley, ending up in Provo(Utah), sitting in the parking lot of the motel I used at 2 PM MST. I checked into the motel for the night and ate my last 5 hot dogs...
I was up at 4 AM MST and heading toward Monticello, Utah by 4:30 AM MST on Hwy 666. WHY??? For some reason I don't like the Utah weigh station east of Monticello and hoping to get by it before it opens, and I did.
I got to Monticello and turned north on Hwy 191. Right after turning, I pulled over and parked so I could visit an opened convenient store and get some munchies to have for breakfast. I got a cheap package of salty hot dogs and a quart of chocolate milk. I ate the hot dogs before I started driving and drank the milk as I drove north. This stretch of road is interesting with all it's strange beauty. Before getting to I-70, one travels through mountains-many used for biking and motorcycle riding-and desert floors-showing old volcanic tubes. Also, as I have written before, one passes the attraction Hole in the Rock.
I got to I-70 and took it west to Green River(Utah). Off the western town exit, I came to the convenient store with alot of truck parking that I liked to stop at. I parked my rig at 8 AM MST and laid down for a nap as I was tired. No TV or radio to listen to so I just popped in a cassette and listened to it as I went to sleep. I was up at 11 AM MST and in the store. This store sold 3 hot dogs for a dollar; I bought 9 of them...with catsup. I ate 4 of them and headed north on Hwy 6 toward Price and Helper, Utah.
I went over Soldier Summit and down into the Utah Valley, ending up in Provo(Utah), sitting in the parking lot of the motel I used at 2 PM MST. I checked into the motel for the night and ate my last 5 hot dogs...
October 19, 2010
October 19, 1990, 2010
FIRST 5 YEARS:(Friday-Amarillo, Texas)
Easy going day today as I have a lot of time to deliver this load. I had the breakfast buffet and then I got ready to leave. I was gone at 11 AM CST, heading west on I-40 toward New Mexico. Once again, I was impressed with the skies and how they change-for the better-as I enter New Mexico.
I got to our fuel stop in Santa Rosa(New Mexico), fueled(102 gallons), and parked my truck. I went into the truckstop and bought me three pairs of pants as they were on sale and looked good.
Left west on I-40 to Clines Corners and then took Hwy 285 toward Santa Fe. I hadn't been through Santa Fe before so I decided to see it. When I got to Santa Fe, I looked around as I drove through it. I LOVED IT! What can I say? Hwy 285 hooks up with Hwy 84 and I followed it(Hwy 84) into Colorado. At Pagosa Springs, Colorado, I took Hwy 160 west toward Cortez. The highway was far too mountainy to want to take again. I got to Cortez and stopped at the truckstop at Hwy 666 & Hwy 160. I stay there for the night. Tired and decided to just go to sleep...
Easy going day today as I have a lot of time to deliver this load. I had the breakfast buffet and then I got ready to leave. I was gone at 11 AM CST, heading west on I-40 toward New Mexico. Once again, I was impressed with the skies and how they change-for the better-as I enter New Mexico.
I got to our fuel stop in Santa Rosa(New Mexico), fueled(102 gallons), and parked my truck. I went into the truckstop and bought me three pairs of pants as they were on sale and looked good.
Left west on I-40 to Clines Corners and then took Hwy 285 toward Santa Fe. I hadn't been through Santa Fe before so I decided to see it. When I got to Santa Fe, I looked around as I drove through it. I LOVED IT! What can I say? Hwy 285 hooks up with Hwy 84 and I followed it(Hwy 84) into Colorado. At Pagosa Springs, Colorado, I took Hwy 160 west toward Cortez. The highway was far too mountainy to want to take again. I got to Cortez and stopped at the truckstop at Hwy 666 & Hwy 160. I stay there for the night. Tired and decided to just go to sleep...
October 18, 2010
October 18, 1990, 2010
FIRST 5 YEARS:(Thursday-Dallas, Texas)
I checked in with Dallas dispatch and was told go to the termination and pick up a load of tires to Salt Lake City area. The dispatcher knew I liked loads that way.
I got to the terminal in Lancaster and got dispatched on the load. It starts deliveries on Tuesday. I filled my fuel tanks(172 gallons), hooked up to the trailer, did a vehicle inspection and parked the truck for awhile. I went into the truckers' lounge and waited for the pizza guy to come around selling pizzas. He came and I got me a sausage pizza to take with me.
It was 12:30 PM CST when I left the terminal yard with my pizza sitting next to me. I took I-20 west to Hwy 287 and followed it up through Ft. Worth and on toward Amarillo(Texas). This drive between Ft Worth and Amarillo on Hwy 287 is soooo long. The whole drive there, I stopped only once, in Vernon, Texas for a break. I bought a soda pop(soft drink for you Canadians) and was on my way. I had half my pizza left so I ate it while I drank my soda.
I got to the "Just a Truckstop" in Amarillo at 8:15 PM CST and still wasn't very tired or hungry. I went to the movie room and watched two full movies, after buying a soda pop, before I went to bed...
I checked in with Dallas dispatch and was told go to the termination and pick up a load of tires to Salt Lake City area. The dispatcher knew I liked loads that way.
I got to the terminal in Lancaster and got dispatched on the load. It starts deliveries on Tuesday. I filled my fuel tanks(172 gallons), hooked up to the trailer, did a vehicle inspection and parked the truck for awhile. I went into the truckers' lounge and waited for the pizza guy to come around selling pizzas. He came and I got me a sausage pizza to take with me.
It was 12:30 PM CST when I left the terminal yard with my pizza sitting next to me. I took I-20 west to Hwy 287 and followed it up through Ft. Worth and on toward Amarillo(Texas). This drive between Ft Worth and Amarillo on Hwy 287 is soooo long. The whole drive there, I stopped only once, in Vernon, Texas for a break. I bought a soda pop(soft drink for you Canadians) and was on my way. I had half my pizza left so I ate it while I drank my soda.
I got to the "Just a Truckstop" in Amarillo at 8:15 PM CST and still wasn't very tired or hungry. I went to the movie room and watched two full movies, after buying a soda pop, before I went to bed...
October 17, 2010
October 17 1990, 2010
FIRST 5 YEARS:(Wednesday-NASHVILLE, Tennessee)
I got plenty of sleep last night and so when I woke after 5 AM CST I was ready to go pretty much. I got up and went into the truckstop and got some munchies; I was gone toward Memphis by 6 AM CST. I continued on I-40 into Arkansas and stopped at the "Just a Truckstop" in West Memphis. I hung around and had the lunch buffet before I left west on I-40 again.
When I got to Little Rock(Arkansas) I took I-30 west(southwest actually). Followed I-30 into Texas and on to Dallas. To get to the receiver without an 8 hour break, I will go over my 10 hour rule about a half hour. I took the chance and went over the 10 hour rule. I found the receiver in Dallas by 5:15 PM CST and they were still open with a second shift working. I checked with the receiver and they said they would unload me and they did. After unloading, they said I could sleep on their property and I said yes. I watched TV while I tried to go to sleep...
I got plenty of sleep last night and so when I woke after 5 AM CST I was ready to go pretty much. I got up and went into the truckstop and got some munchies; I was gone toward Memphis by 6 AM CST. I continued on I-40 into Arkansas and stopped at the "Just a Truckstop" in West Memphis. I hung around and had the lunch buffet before I left west on I-40 again.
When I got to Little Rock(Arkansas) I took I-30 west(southwest actually). Followed I-30 into Texas and on to Dallas. To get to the receiver without an 8 hour break, I will go over my 10 hour rule about a half hour. I took the chance and went over the 10 hour rule. I found the receiver in Dallas by 5:15 PM CST and they were still open with a second shift working. I checked with the receiver and they said they would unload me and they did. After unloading, they said I could sleep on their property and I said yes. I watched TV while I tried to go to sleep...
October 16, 2010
October 16, 1990, 2010
FIRST 5 YEARS:(Tuesday-Columbus, Ohio)
Was up and going by 6:15 AM EST, finding the warehouse open. I walked to receiving and was told to back up to dock number 7, which I did after they signed for the seal on the trailer. While they unloaded my trailer, I ate 10 of the hamburgers I bought yesterday. After getting unloaded, I went down the road and parked in a lot next to a White Castle fast food restaurant to wait for my next load.
I got my next load by 11 AM EST; it was to pick up a load of glass in Zanesville(Ohio) and take it to Dallas, Texas. ....delivering to take place on Friday. I got to the glass plant in Zanesville at 12:15 PM EST and checked in with the shipping department. I was told to back up to the open dock and so I did. I was loaded and out of there by 1 PM EST.
Well, back toward Columbus(Ohio). Before getting back to Columbus, I stopped at our fuel stop in Buckeye Lake(Ohio) and fueled(107 gallons). Followed I-40 onto Columbus and took I-71 south. Into Tennessee and down to Nashville where I stopped for the night at our fuel stop at 6:45 PM CST . I ate the rest of the White Castle hamburgers I had bought yesterday.
Was up and going by 6:15 AM EST, finding the warehouse open. I walked to receiving and was told to back up to dock number 7, which I did after they signed for the seal on the trailer. While they unloaded my trailer, I ate 10 of the hamburgers I bought yesterday. After getting unloaded, I went down the road and parked in a lot next to a White Castle fast food restaurant to wait for my next load.
I got my next load by 11 AM EST; it was to pick up a load of glass in Zanesville(Ohio) and take it to Dallas, Texas. ....delivering to take place on Friday. I got to the glass plant in Zanesville at 12:15 PM EST and checked in with the shipping department. I was told to back up to the open dock and so I did. I was loaded and out of there by 1 PM EST.
Well, back toward Columbus(Ohio). Before getting back to Columbus, I stopped at our fuel stop in Buckeye Lake(Ohio) and fueled(107 gallons). Followed I-40 onto Columbus and took I-71 south. Into Tennessee and down to Nashville where I stopped for the night at our fuel stop at 6:45 PM CST . I ate the rest of the White Castle hamburgers I had bought yesterday.
October 15, 2010
October 15, 1990, 2010
FIRST 5 YEARS:(Monday-Memphis, Tennessee)
Monday and happy of it. Hoping to get out of here today. I was at the terminal by 7:30 AM CST where I sat in the truckers' lounge with the other drivers waiting. A little past 10 AM CST I was called to the dispatch window. I had a choice of three loads and I took the shortest mileage; I still don't know why. I had to go pick a load of TVs up at a warehouse not too far from the terminal a couple miles to the east.
Since the TVs wouldn't weigh much, I fueled(74 gallons), did a vehicle inspection and was on my way to the shipper 10:30 AM CST. At the shipper, I backed up to the dock as instructed and waited a short time before I was loaded. I was out of there by 11:30 AM CST.
Headed east and north on I-240 to I-40 eastbound. I hadn't eaten yet today so I stopped at a restaurant buffet I liked at the exit for Brownsville, Tennessee. I did a fast buffet and consumed alot of chicken. Was back eastbound on I-40 after only about a 30 to 45 minute break.
At Nashville, Tennessee, I got onto I-65 north and went into Kentucky. Followed I-65 north up to Shepherdsville(Kentucky) where I stopped and got a couple dozen hamburgers from the fast food restaurant White Castle. I put the hamburgers away for later.
Drove up through Louisville to the Ohio River where I grabbed I-71 toward Cincinnati, Ohio. I basically stayed on I-71 to Columbus(Ohio) where I took the loop(I-270)east to the street I needed on the southeast side of town.
I got to the warehouse just before Midnight EST and parked outside it. I just went to sleep after setting my alarm clock to 6 AM EST.
Monday and happy of it. Hoping to get out of here today. I was at the terminal by 7:30 AM CST where I sat in the truckers' lounge with the other drivers waiting. A little past 10 AM CST I was called to the dispatch window. I had a choice of three loads and I took the shortest mileage; I still don't know why. I had to go pick a load of TVs up at a warehouse not too far from the terminal a couple miles to the east.
Since the TVs wouldn't weigh much, I fueled(74 gallons), did a vehicle inspection and was on my way to the shipper 10:30 AM CST. At the shipper, I backed up to the dock as instructed and waited a short time before I was loaded. I was out of there by 11:30 AM CST.
Headed east and north on I-240 to I-40 eastbound. I hadn't eaten yet today so I stopped at a restaurant buffet I liked at the exit for Brownsville, Tennessee. I did a fast buffet and consumed alot of chicken. Was back eastbound on I-40 after only about a 30 to 45 minute break.
At Nashville, Tennessee, I got onto I-65 north and went into Kentucky. Followed I-65 north up to Shepherdsville(Kentucky) where I stopped and got a couple dozen hamburgers from the fast food restaurant White Castle. I put the hamburgers away for later.
Drove up through Louisville to the Ohio River where I grabbed I-71 toward Cincinnati, Ohio. I basically stayed on I-71 to Columbus(Ohio) where I took the loop(I-270)east to the street I needed on the southeast side of town.
I got to the warehouse just before Midnight EST and parked outside it. I just went to sleep after setting my alarm clock to 6 AM EST.
October 14, 2010
October 14, 1990, 2010
FIRST 5 YEARS:(Sunday-Memphis, Tennessee)
Staying at the Quality Inn this weekend with no loads out. I woke up pretty early, well for Sunday it was early, and decided to go to church. I called the church up and got the directions and times of the services. I got ready and left, driving my tractor.
I hadn't gotten far fro m the motel when I saw a jogger who looked familiar. I did a turn around and sure enough, I knew him. It was a friend of mine named Gary. I talked with him for a few moments and told him to stop by the motel later.
Gary showed up at the motel on time and brought a "friend". Turns out that Gary was here for a convention for a company he's a member of. He sells air and water purifiers. I thought that the visit was going to a real nice reunion but it turned out to be a "Sales pitch". I like Gary but I was happy when the two left.
Was at the motel sleeping as my day ended...
Staying at the Quality Inn this weekend with no loads out. I woke up pretty early, well for Sunday it was early, and decided to go to church. I called the church up and got the directions and times of the services. I got ready and left, driving my tractor.
I hadn't gotten far fro m the motel when I saw a jogger who looked familiar. I did a turn around and sure enough, I knew him. It was a friend of mine named Gary. I talked with him for a few moments and told him to stop by the motel later.
Gary showed up at the motel on time and brought a "friend". Turns out that Gary was here for a convention for a company he's a member of. He sells air and water purifiers. I thought that the visit was going to a real nice reunion but it turned out to be a "Sales pitch". I like Gary but I was happy when the two left.
Was at the motel sleeping as my day ended...
October 13, 2010
October 13, 1990, 2010
FIRST 5 YEARS:(Saturday-Mt. Pleasant, Texas)
I got up at 7 AM CST and saw Black Sheep-running with him yesterday & today-sitting in his driver's seat. We went into the restaurant and had breakfast. By 8:30 AM CST, we were on our way to Memphis, Tennessee on I-30.
Just before getting to the Arkansas, we passed three tractors from our company bobtailing west. We called them on the CB radio and found that they had been bobtailed from Memphis to Laredo, the opposite of us. Don't understand the minds that run the company but who said I had to; I get paid!!!
We got to the Memphis terminal after taking I-40 east out of Little Rock and then taking I-55 south out of West Memphis into Tennessee and to the terminal. We dropped our trailers and got on the TRB. Nothing for us the rest of the weekend so we went and got motel rooms next to each other at the Quality Inn. I took in my computer and stuff and I don't know what Black Sheep did...Even those he was in the room next to me, I never saw him again.
Making friends with other drivers is often a short term situation. I made many friends while driving and then our paths never connected again. IF a strong relationship is established there are ways to keep in contact. In the year 2010, I would imagine that cell phones, Twitter and Facebook help with keeping friendships... In 1990, IF one wanted to work at it, one could keep up with a loved one by leaving messages with the others dispatcher. There was no computers or cell phones.
I got up at 7 AM CST and saw Black Sheep-running with him yesterday & today-sitting in his driver's seat. We went into the restaurant and had breakfast. By 8:30 AM CST, we were on our way to Memphis, Tennessee on I-30.
Just before getting to the Arkansas, we passed three tractors from our company bobtailing west. We called them on the CB radio and found that they had been bobtailed from Memphis to Laredo, the opposite of us. Don't understand the minds that run the company but who said I had to; I get paid!!!
We got to the Memphis terminal after taking I-40 east out of Little Rock and then taking I-55 south out of West Memphis into Tennessee and to the terminal. We dropped our trailers and got on the TRB. Nothing for us the rest of the weekend so we went and got motel rooms next to each other at the Quality Inn. I took in my computer and stuff and I don't know what Black Sheep did...Even those he was in the room next to me, I never saw him again.
Making friends with other drivers is often a short term situation. I made many friends while driving and then our paths never connected again. IF a strong relationship is established there are ways to keep in contact. In the year 2010, I would imagine that cell phones, Twitter and Facebook help with keeping friendships... In 1990, IF one wanted to work at it, one could keep up with a loved one by leaving messages with the others dispatcher. There was no computers or cell phones.
October 12, 2010
October 12, 1990 ,2010
FIRST 5 YEARS:(Friday-Laredo, Texas)
Pam and I were sitting in the living room talking as the day started. About 1:30 AM CST Pam went to bed and after a little while I went to my room they provided me.
I woke after everyone had left the home, either school or work. I wrote the Mortens a thank you note and then left for the terminal. Got to the terminal and my TRB number was getting smaller. Noon came and I was still waiting as my TRB number went below "10" I was sitting, swapping trucker jokes with the other drivers, when the Laredo dispatcher called several numbers; my number was one of them.
I was deadheaded with six other drivers to the Memphis, Tennessee terminal. I was given an empty trailer to take. While I was hooking it up and doing my vehicle inspection I noticed the driver down a couple trailers from me doing the same as me. I went over to him and started talking to him. He was going to Memphis as I was. We decided to run together.
The other driver's name, or handle, was "Black Sleep" and he was well deserving of it. He apparently was the only driver out of his family and the other family members looked down on him because their professions were"better". He claimed to have little to do with them and claimed that they weren't enjoying life as much as him. Oh yeah, he was a little on the tall side, slim, single, wore dark clothes and a black cowboy hat.
At noon CST, we shot straight to Lancaster, Texas, to our terminal, fueled-I took 92 gallons-and were on our way again. We got onto I-30 east bound and stopped for the night in Mt. Pleasant, Texas just after 10 PM CST.
Pam and I were sitting in the living room talking as the day started. About 1:30 AM CST Pam went to bed and after a little while I went to my room they provided me.
I woke after everyone had left the home, either school or work. I wrote the Mortens a thank you note and then left for the terminal. Got to the terminal and my TRB number was getting smaller. Noon came and I was still waiting as my TRB number went below "10" I was sitting, swapping trucker jokes with the other drivers, when the Laredo dispatcher called several numbers; my number was one of them.
I was deadheaded with six other drivers to the Memphis, Tennessee terminal. I was given an empty trailer to take. While I was hooking it up and doing my vehicle inspection I noticed the driver down a couple trailers from me doing the same as me. I went over to him and started talking to him. He was going to Memphis as I was. We decided to run together.
The other driver's name, or handle, was "Black Sleep" and he was well deserving of it. He apparently was the only driver out of his family and the other family members looked down on him because their professions were"better". He claimed to have little to do with them and claimed that they weren't enjoying life as much as him. Oh yeah, he was a little on the tall side, slim, single, wore dark clothes and a black cowboy hat.
At noon CST, we shot straight to Lancaster, Texas, to our terminal, fueled-I took 92 gallons-and were on our way again. We got onto I-30 east bound and stopped for the night in Mt. Pleasant, Texas just after 10 PM CST.
October 11, 2010
October 11, 1990, 2010
FIRST 5 YEAR:(Thursday-Laredo, Texas)
Don't remember getting up this morning but I did. Just hung around the terminal through the morning. Went to lunch with a couple of the drivers and had some kind of Mexican soup...loved it.
Stuck in Laredo today??? No. I drove around and explored the city as much as I could. About 4 PM CST I called the Mortens and got the wife, Reida. Reida said to come on over and I said sure. I asked if she'd like me to bring a couple pizzas and she said no. I was over there about 4:30 PM CST and Pam-Steven & Reida's Daughter-and her kids were there. I napped all evening and felt well rested by 10 PM CST. As the day ended, Pam and I were in the Living room talking...
Don't remember getting up this morning but I did. Just hung around the terminal through the morning. Went to lunch with a couple of the drivers and had some kind of Mexican soup...loved it.
Stuck in Laredo today??? No. I drove around and explored the city as much as I could. About 4 PM CST I called the Mortens and got the wife, Reida. Reida said to come on over and I said sure. I asked if she'd like me to bring a couple pizzas and she said no. I was over there about 4:30 PM CST and Pam-Steven & Reida's Daughter-and her kids were there. I napped all evening and felt well rested by 10 PM CST. As the day ended, Pam and I were in the Living room talking...
October 10, 2010
October 10, 1990, 2010
FIRST 5 YEARS:(Wednesday-San Antonio, Texas)
Woke up at 4 AM CST and was really excited about the day to come. Why??? No reason at all. Same old procedure I had done many times before. Left the "Just a Truckstop" around 5 AM CST and continued toward Laredo down I-35. The sun started to make it's appearance shortly after I got on the long stretch south. Nothing to really see the last 140 miles.
Got to Laredo and had to take my load to the broker's yard and drop it. No problem at the broker's yard. Called from the broker and was told to call back in the morning...Won't be going out today.
I saw the inside of Wal-Mart before 11 AM CST and afterward ate at the Chinese Restaurant on the same lot as Wal-Mart. Went to the terminal and watched it's TV with the other drivers. Talked with a few of them but nothing of any importance. As the darkness set in, I went out to my tractor and worked on my computer. Stars could be seen pretty well when I went to sleep as the moon was only around a quarter full.....
Woke up at 4 AM CST and was really excited about the day to come. Why??? No reason at all. Same old procedure I had done many times before. Left the "Just a Truckstop" around 5 AM CST and continued toward Laredo down I-35. The sun started to make it's appearance shortly after I got on the long stretch south. Nothing to really see the last 140 miles.
Got to Laredo and had to take my load to the broker's yard and drop it. No problem at the broker's yard. Called from the broker and was told to call back in the morning...Won't be going out today.
I saw the inside of Wal-Mart before 11 AM CST and afterward ate at the Chinese Restaurant on the same lot as Wal-Mart. Went to the terminal and watched it's TV with the other drivers. Talked with a few of them but nothing of any importance. As the darkness set in, I went out to my tractor and worked on my computer. Stars could be seen pretty well when I went to sleep as the moon was only around a quarter full.....
October 9, 2010
October 9, 1990, 2010
FIRST 5 YEARS:(Tuesday-Tulsa, Oklahoma)
I was up at 5 AM CST and ready go by 5:15 AM. I found a line of trucks behind me; the driver right behind me-not from my company-was up and sitting in his driver's seat. We talked until the guard came out and got us at 7 AM CST. That driver came here from Ohio.
I backed up to the dock and was immediately unloaded. It wasn't a time consuming action but what followed did raise a question in my mind. They loaded me with glass for Laredo, Texas. I called dispatch before I pulled away from the dock and was told that the load was my next assignment; I signed the paperwork and was on my way about 8:30 AM CST.
I probably should have gone down Hwy 75 to Dallas but I wanted to stop and have lunch at the "Just a Truckstop" in Oklahoma City; it was a few extra miles. I went down I-44 to Oklahoma City where I stopped at the truckstop around 10:30 AM CST. I had the lunch buffet and filled up on beef ribs and soda pop(soft drinks in Canada). I left after the meal and headed south on I-35. I passed the Arbuckle Wilderness Preserve half way to Texas, looked at the sign and thought of people I know with that name. Went over the Red River into Texas and took I-35W when I-35 split into E & W. Took a break at the rest area by Itasca, Texas and then was on my way again. Drove on down to the "Just a Truckstop" in San Antonio and filled my tanks(155 gallons). Decided to stay the night as I was pretty tired. Stayed...
I was up at 5 AM CST and ready go by 5:15 AM. I found a line of trucks behind me; the driver right behind me-not from my company-was up and sitting in his driver's seat. We talked until the guard came out and got us at 7 AM CST. That driver came here from Ohio.
I backed up to the dock and was immediately unloaded. It wasn't a time consuming action but what followed did raise a question in my mind. They loaded me with glass for Laredo, Texas. I called dispatch before I pulled away from the dock and was told that the load was my next assignment; I signed the paperwork and was on my way about 8:30 AM CST.
I probably should have gone down Hwy 75 to Dallas but I wanted to stop and have lunch at the "Just a Truckstop" in Oklahoma City; it was a few extra miles. I went down I-44 to Oklahoma City where I stopped at the truckstop around 10:30 AM CST. I had the lunch buffet and filled up on beef ribs and soda pop(soft drinks in Canada). I left after the meal and headed south on I-35. I passed the Arbuckle Wilderness Preserve half way to Texas, looked at the sign and thought of people I know with that name. Went over the Red River into Texas and took I-35W when I-35 split into E & W. Took a break at the rest area by Itasca, Texas and then was on my way again. Drove on down to the "Just a Truckstop" in San Antonio and filled my tanks(155 gallons). Decided to stay the night as I was pretty tired. Stayed...
October 8, 2010
October 8, 1990, 2010
FIRST 5 YEARS:(Monday-Tupelo, Mississippi)
I was at the shipper's docks by 7:30 AM CST. They were on the east side of town, and so was my motel room; not far apart. Once they started loading me, the loading went fast; I was just picking up empty racks for the Ford glass plant in Tulsa, Oklahoma.
I was on my way northwest up Hwy 78 shortly after stopping at the convenience store and truckstop at 9 AM CST. I stopped as I needed some munchies and sodas(soft drinks in Canada). They were finishing cooking there first lot of fried chicken-reasonably priced-so I waited for an eight piece box; I hadn't had breakfast yet. Shortly after starting, I got to New Albany, Mississippi and stopped at the Wal-Mart store. I got some printer paper, more munchies and two fine tipped pens.
Continued up Hwy 78 into Tennessee and stopped at the Memphis terminal for fuel(68 gallons). I talked with the other waiting drivers for awhile hoping someone would want my load; I didn't offer it but just hoped someone would take it. I was going to Tulsa, Oklahoma when I left Memphis.
Taking I-40 west, I entered Arkansas. After getting through West Memphis and past the state weigh scale, I started eating the chicken I had bought earlier. I ate it all and yes "I ate and drove". I got past Little Rock, Arkansas and stopped at a truckstop in Conway(Arkansas) that I have liked in the past. I bought some more chicken--these places all cook chicken--and munchies to eat later. Onward toward Tulsa.
Got into Oklahoma while on I-40 westbound. Once in Oklahoma, I wasn't on I-40 very long as I took the Muskogee Turnpike(tollroad) to Tulsa. Hwy 51 joins the turnpike close to Tulsa and I technically followed it. The glass plant was off of Hwy 51 on the east side of town. I got to the plant and parked outside at 7:30 PM CST to wait to unload my racks tomorrow AM...
I was at the shipper's docks by 7:30 AM CST. They were on the east side of town, and so was my motel room; not far apart. Once they started loading me, the loading went fast; I was just picking up empty racks for the Ford glass plant in Tulsa, Oklahoma.
I was on my way northwest up Hwy 78 shortly after stopping at the convenience store and truckstop at 9 AM CST. I stopped as I needed some munchies and sodas(soft drinks in Canada). They were finishing cooking there first lot of fried chicken-reasonably priced-so I waited for an eight piece box; I hadn't had breakfast yet. Shortly after starting, I got to New Albany, Mississippi and stopped at the Wal-Mart store. I got some printer paper, more munchies and two fine tipped pens.
Continued up Hwy 78 into Tennessee and stopped at the Memphis terminal for fuel(68 gallons). I talked with the other waiting drivers for awhile hoping someone would want my load; I didn't offer it but just hoped someone would take it. I was going to Tulsa, Oklahoma when I left Memphis.
Taking I-40 west, I entered Arkansas. After getting through West Memphis and past the state weigh scale, I started eating the chicken I had bought earlier. I ate it all and yes "I ate and drove". I got past Little Rock, Arkansas and stopped at a truckstop in Conway(Arkansas) that I have liked in the past. I bought some more chicken--these places all cook chicken--and munchies to eat later. Onward toward Tulsa.
Got into Oklahoma while on I-40 westbound. Once in Oklahoma, I wasn't on I-40 very long as I took the Muskogee Turnpike(tollroad) to Tulsa. Hwy 51 joins the turnpike close to Tulsa and I technically followed it. The glass plant was off of Hwy 51 on the east side of town. I got to the plant and parked outside at 7:30 PM CST to wait to unload my racks tomorrow AM...
October 7, 2010
October 7, 1990, 2010
FIRST 5 YEARS:(Sunday-Tupelo, Mississippi)
Had plenty of time today so I called the church of my denomination and asked if someone could come and get me for services. No problem here. I was picked up by one of the leaders, named "Jim", and I found out that this was a special day. They were having two meetings with a ''Potluck" dinner in between. At the dinner I met a gal named Annette who I will see again by chance.
What I found interesting about the day was Jim's son. I had the opportunity to talk with Jim and his son quite a bit and I found that Jim was not originally from Tupelo. He had married a local gal and stayed in the area. Now, the interesting part of this was that his son seemed obsessed with his Mother being a "Southern Belle" which he mentioned at least three to four times.
The dinner was interesting also. I was eating some mighty tasty food and thinking I was munching on shrimp. Then I heard someone say something about the good tasting crawdads. I inquired and found out I wasn't eating shrimp!!!
Taken back to my motel room and there I stayed the rest of the day...
Had plenty of time today so I called the church of my denomination and asked if someone could come and get me for services. No problem here. I was picked up by one of the leaders, named "Jim", and I found out that this was a special day. They were having two meetings with a ''Potluck" dinner in between. At the dinner I met a gal named Annette who I will see again by chance.
What I found interesting about the day was Jim's son. I had the opportunity to talk with Jim and his son quite a bit and I found that Jim was not originally from Tupelo. He had married a local gal and stayed in the area. Now, the interesting part of this was that his son seemed obsessed with his Mother being a "Southern Belle" which he mentioned at least three to four times.
The dinner was interesting also. I was eating some mighty tasty food and thinking I was munching on shrimp. Then I heard someone say something about the good tasting crawdads. I inquired and found out I wasn't eating shrimp!!!
Taken back to my motel room and there I stayed the rest of the day...
October 6, 2010
October 6, 1990, 2010
FIRST 5 YEARS:(Saturday-traveling)
Midnight came with me going through Hardy, Arkansas, a good place to visit. Their "Cardboard Charlie" was out to be seen clearly by the south bounders.
After Hardy, the Ozark Mountain roads are very apparent. The mountains turn to flat land around the Black Rock area. Then I hit the area that is hard to describe as it can't be what I imagine it is. It is at the junction of Hwy 63 and Hwy 67 at Hoxie(Arkansas) running next to railroad tracks. This area seemed so "poor" and run down. (It never changed over the 10 years I drove). Passed Jonesboro and Trumann and got to I-55 and continued south. West Memphis, Arkansas laid ahead of me. When I got to West Memphis, I went over the Mississippi River into Memphis, Tennessee.
I stopped at our Memphis terminal for fuel(71 gallons) at 2:15 AM CST and was moving again by 2:45 AM CST. I took I-240 east and north around the south side of Memphis. At Germantown, I took Hwy 72 to the southeast into Mississippi.
Traveled through Mississippi and then into Alabama. The directions to the receiver didn't seem clear so when I got to the outskirts of Decatur at 6:30 AM CST, I called the "receiver" phone number I was given. Someone answered it. To my surprise, the delivery point was a construction site outside the city limits, about two blocks from where I was. I drove to the site and was unloaded by 9 AM CST by sveral fellows; I didn't touch the load.
I called dispatch and was given a load to pick up Monday AM in Tupelo, Mississippi. I was over my legal hours with this "legal" load(see yesterday's load assignment) but I was not feeling tired.
I found Hwy 24 out of Decatur and took it west to Russellville(Alabama) where I picked up Hwy 43 south, The countryside? I really wasn't paying much attention to it today as I started to get tired. Followed Hwy 43 about 30 miles to Hamiton(Alabama) and then got on Hwy 78 westbound and went into Mississippi.
I got to Tupelo and found a motel room for tonight and tomorrow night; went to sleep around noon...slept until????
Midnight came with me going through Hardy, Arkansas, a good place to visit. Their "Cardboard Charlie" was out to be seen clearly by the south bounders.
After Hardy, the Ozark Mountain roads are very apparent. The mountains turn to flat land around the Black Rock area. Then I hit the area that is hard to describe as it can't be what I imagine it is. It is at the junction of Hwy 63 and Hwy 67 at Hoxie(Arkansas) running next to railroad tracks. This area seemed so "poor" and run down. (It never changed over the 10 years I drove). Passed Jonesboro and Trumann and got to I-55 and continued south. West Memphis, Arkansas laid ahead of me. When I got to West Memphis, I went over the Mississippi River into Memphis, Tennessee.
I stopped at our Memphis terminal for fuel(71 gallons) at 2:15 AM CST and was moving again by 2:45 AM CST. I took I-240 east and north around the south side of Memphis. At Germantown, I took Hwy 72 to the southeast into Mississippi.
Traveled through Mississippi and then into Alabama. The directions to the receiver didn't seem clear so when I got to the outskirts of Decatur at 6:30 AM CST, I called the "receiver" phone number I was given. Someone answered it. To my surprise, the delivery point was a construction site outside the city limits, about two blocks from where I was. I drove to the site and was unloaded by 9 AM CST by sveral fellows; I didn't touch the load.
I called dispatch and was given a load to pick up Monday AM in Tupelo, Mississippi. I was over my legal hours with this "legal" load(see yesterday's load assignment) but I was not feeling tired.
I found Hwy 24 out of Decatur and took it west to Russellville(Alabama) where I picked up Hwy 43 south, The countryside? I really wasn't paying much attention to it today as I started to get tired. Followed Hwy 43 about 30 miles to Hamiton(Alabama) and then got on Hwy 78 westbound and went into Mississippi.
I got to Tupelo and found a motel room for tonight and tomorrow night; went to sleep around noon...slept until????
October 5, 2010
October 5, 1990, 2010
FIRST 5 YEARS:(Friday-Kansas City, Missouri)
Woke up with the hopes of getting out early but hopes diminished rapidly. I saw my number on the TRB was 24 and that meant maybe this afternoon. I fueled(89 gallons) and just hung around.
After sitting around all morning, Jack, the terminal manager, called me up to the dispatch window. He gave me a load of insulation to Decatur, Alabama that was due tomorrow. I asked Jack if the dispatch was legal and he smiled at me and said, "Yes".
I drove over the the insulation plant in Kansas City, Kansas and picked up my load. With the vehicle inspection done and logbook caught up, I got back on I-70 and went east over the Missouri River to I-435 south. Got on Hwy 71 south and took it to Harrisonville, Missouri where I got off the really big road and onto Hwy 7 going southeast. Clinton, Missouri was passed and I got on Hwy 13 south. Hwy 13 was taken to I-44 east to Hwy 65 south. Just south of Springfield, Missouri I got on Hwy 60 east. Hammering on, I got to the Norwood(Missouri) exit and decided to stop for a break. The convenient store at this exit had really good potato wedges and I got a bunch of them. I was there about an hour and then back to Hwy 60 east. Shortly I got to Hwy 63 and took it south past West Plains and into Arkansas. As my day ended, I got to Hardy, Arkansas...
Woke up with the hopes of getting out early but hopes diminished rapidly. I saw my number on the TRB was 24 and that meant maybe this afternoon. I fueled(89 gallons) and just hung around.
After sitting around all morning, Jack, the terminal manager, called me up to the dispatch window. He gave me a load of insulation to Decatur, Alabama that was due tomorrow. I asked Jack if the dispatch was legal and he smiled at me and said, "Yes".
I drove over the the insulation plant in Kansas City, Kansas and picked up my load. With the vehicle inspection done and logbook caught up, I got back on I-70 and went east over the Missouri River to I-435 south. Got on Hwy 71 south and took it to Harrisonville, Missouri where I got off the really big road and onto Hwy 7 going southeast. Clinton, Missouri was passed and I got on Hwy 13 south. Hwy 13 was taken to I-44 east to Hwy 65 south. Just south of Springfield, Missouri I got on Hwy 60 east. Hammering on, I got to the Norwood(Missouri) exit and decided to stop for a break. The convenient store at this exit had really good potato wedges and I got a bunch of them. I was there about an hour and then back to Hwy 60 east. Shortly I got to Hwy 63 and took it south past West Plains and into Arkansas. As my day ended, I got to Hardy, Arkansas...
October 4, 2010
October 4, 1990, 2010
FIRST 5 YEARS:(Thursday-Kansas City, Missouri)
Didn't get out today as there are too many drivers waiting for a load. I woke up and parked my tractor by the truck wash bay so I could plug in my computer and spend the day on it. That I did. I did go out with three drivers for dinner and the buffet restaurant. A nice quiet day after running hard...
Didn't get out today as there are too many drivers waiting for a load. I woke up and parked my tractor by the truck wash bay so I could plug in my computer and spend the day on it. That I did. I did go out with three drivers for dinner and the buffet restaurant. A nice quiet day after running hard...
October 3, 2010
October 3, 1990, 2010
FIRST 5 YEARS:(Wednesday-Watkins, Colorado)
I started waking up shortly after my day started at midnight. I was up and ready to go by 12:45 AM MST, I fueled(106 gallons) and then, at 1:15 AM MST, it's on to Kansas City, Missouri deadheading. Traveling with no weight is nice but somewhat dangerous as the truck is designed to have weight in it.
Moon still full and the night so nice to drive in. I was on the very flat part of Colorado and Kansas. I listened to a radio station out of San Antonio, Texas as the AM radio waves bounce all over at night. Crossed into Kansas and had to stop at the Kansas weigh scales; no problems. Less than an hour into Kansas, I stopped for a short break at a rest area and then onward east I went. Daylight came and the rising of the sun was a problem for a short time(it shined directly into my driver's window).
I stopped for another break at the "OK Truckstop" in Salina, Kansas. I called the Kansas City terminal dispatch to find out how many drivers are on the TRB and found several on it. I was told that at the time of the call, I wouldn't be getting out until tomorrow. I asked if they could put me on the board and they said no because I have to be at the terminal ready to go...the rules!!! I decided to eat brunch at the truckstop and did. I headed east again for the last three hours of this run. Got into Kansas City terminal at 1:45 PM CST and got on the TRB. Doesn't look good for getting out today...
I started waking up shortly after my day started at midnight. I was up and ready to go by 12:45 AM MST, I fueled(106 gallons) and then, at 1:15 AM MST, it's on to Kansas City, Missouri deadheading. Traveling with no weight is nice but somewhat dangerous as the truck is designed to have weight in it.
Moon still full and the night so nice to drive in. I was on the very flat part of Colorado and Kansas. I listened to a radio station out of San Antonio, Texas as the AM radio waves bounce all over at night. Crossed into Kansas and had to stop at the Kansas weigh scales; no problems. Less than an hour into Kansas, I stopped for a short break at a rest area and then onward east I went. Daylight came and the rising of the sun was a problem for a short time(it shined directly into my driver's window).
I stopped for another break at the "OK Truckstop" in Salina, Kansas. I called the Kansas City terminal dispatch to find out how many drivers are on the TRB and found several on it. I was told that at the time of the call, I wouldn't be getting out until tomorrow. I asked if they could put me on the board and they said no because I have to be at the terminal ready to go...the rules!!! I decided to eat brunch at the truckstop and did. I headed east again for the last three hours of this run. Got into Kansas City terminal at 1:45 PM CST and got on the TRB. Doesn't look good for getting out today...
October 2, 2010
October 2, 1990, 2010
FIRST 5 YEARS:(Tuesday-Kansas City, Missouri)
1 AM CST: I had been napping throughout the previous day and wasn't tired when I was sitting watching the lounge TV by myself. All the other drivers had gone to bed. A driver came in and was talking to dispatch and wanted to drop his load. He had just got to the terminal and didn't want to take his load of car batteries onto Denver, Colorado. Dispatch. who knew me, called me up and asked if I wanted his load. I was told that the customer was not far off I-70 and was easy to find. I said sure!!!
I fueled(26 gallons) and hooked up. Vehicle inspection, logbook update and I was gone at 2:15 AM CST on my way down I-435 to I-70 westbound. Got into Kansas and the night was beautiful with a big full moon and no clouds. Got through the Kansas toll road and continued west on I-7o stopping at the rest area near Junction City, Kansas. Was there only for a short break and then back to moving toward Denver. I was enjoying the ride so much that I didn't even notice the rise of the sun until I got to Russell, Kansas. I just noticed the sun was up. I was on the flat land most people consider "boring". Just kept moving west. Got to Colorado and stopped at the first rest area for another short break. I could take longer breaks as the load wasn't due until tomorrow.
I found the customer at 11:30 AM MST and they said they would unload me. Great! I backed up to the dock and was unloaded by 1:30 PM MST. I called dispatch and told to call back in an hour. I went to our truckstop in Watkins, Colorado to wait. I called in and was told to deadhead to Kansas City, Missouri. Long deadheads are rare but happen. My longest deadhead was over 1500 miles...
I went to sleep, taking my break through the end of my day...
1 AM CST: I had been napping throughout the previous day and wasn't tired when I was sitting watching the lounge TV by myself. All the other drivers had gone to bed. A driver came in and was talking to dispatch and wanted to drop his load. He had just got to the terminal and didn't want to take his load of car batteries onto Denver, Colorado. Dispatch. who knew me, called me up and asked if I wanted his load. I was told that the customer was not far off I-70 and was easy to find. I said sure!!!
I fueled(26 gallons) and hooked up. Vehicle inspection, logbook update and I was gone at 2:15 AM CST on my way down I-435 to I-70 westbound. Got into Kansas and the night was beautiful with a big full moon and no clouds. Got through the Kansas toll road and continued west on I-7o stopping at the rest area near Junction City, Kansas. Was there only for a short break and then back to moving toward Denver. I was enjoying the ride so much that I didn't even notice the rise of the sun until I got to Russell, Kansas. I just noticed the sun was up. I was on the flat land most people consider "boring". Just kept moving west. Got to Colorado and stopped at the first rest area for another short break. I could take longer breaks as the load wasn't due until tomorrow.
I found the customer at 11:30 AM MST and they said they would unload me. Great! I backed up to the dock and was unloaded by 1:30 PM MST. I called dispatch and told to call back in an hour. I went to our truckstop in Watkins, Colorado to wait. I called in and was told to deadhead to Kansas City, Missouri. Long deadheads are rare but happen. My longest deadhead was over 1500 miles...
I went to sleep, taking my break through the end of my day...
October 1, 2010
October 1, 1990, 2010\
FIRST 5 YEARS:(Monday-traveling)
Shortly after my day started, I pulled into Olathe, Kansas and found my directions did not help me find where I was to go. I had to stop at a convenient store and get directions to the street. I finally found the customer and they unloaded me shortly after arrival. Unloading went fast as everything was on pallets.
Called dispatch in Kansas City, Missouri and was told to go to the Kansas City terminal. That I did. When I got to the terminal, I went on the TRB. Several drivers on the board so I will be here for awhile... Went to bed.
Got up at noon and spent day in the drivers' lounge talking with other drivers and watching the lounge TV...
Shortly after my day started, I pulled into Olathe, Kansas and found my directions did not help me find where I was to go. I had to stop at a convenient store and get directions to the street. I finally found the customer and they unloaded me shortly after arrival. Unloading went fast as everything was on pallets.
Called dispatch in Kansas City, Missouri and was told to go to the Kansas City terminal. That I did. When I got to the terminal, I went on the TRB. Several drivers on the board so I will be here for awhile... Went to bed.
Got up at noon and spent day in the drivers' lounge talking with other drivers and watching the lounge TV...
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