FIRST 5 YEARS:(Friday-Kansas City, Missouri)
Got up and was in the terminal by 7 AM CST only to sit, talk, watch TV and WAIT!!! I am feeling the urge to GO!!! I got the call to the dispatch window at 8 AM CST and got a load....To Ridgway, Illinois?????? I just came from there and I have been there several times....Why me??? This is the trucking business...
Dispatch informed me that this load had a pickup assigned to it after the drop in Ridgway; to go to Lewisport, Kentucky and pick up a load for Oklahoma City. After the drop off, the Lewisport load picked up Sunday morning...Strange but whatever.
I hustled as I knew these guys in Ridgway would take the load off tonight if I got there before they went home. I hooked up, filled my tanks(124 gallons), did the vehicle inspection & paperwork and was hitting the road by 8:45 AM CST. I-435 south to I-70 east and kept with the program...kept the truck moving at the speed limit. Shot past Columbia, Kingdom City and St. Louis, crossing the Mississippi River and hooking onto I-64 east. Did the Zig-Zag in Mt. Vernon and continues east on I-64. South on Hwy 45 and then Hwy 1 to Ridgway, Illinois. I did take a short break at the rest area near New Baden, Illinois and got into Ridgway at 3:45 PM CST.
I was unloaded and sitting in the waiting area by 5:30 PM CST. I decided to stay there in Ridgway for the night-with no TV. I walked around a short time and then worked on my computer. Went to bed and sleep close to 9 PM CST...
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.
November 30, 2010
November 29, 2010
November 29, 1990, 2010
FIRST 5 YEARS:(Thursday-Kansas City, Missouri)
Was up and into the terminal by 7 AM CST. There were several drivers waiting for loads and so it looked like I wouldn't get out today. I had a good reputation with the dispatches here and the terminal manager so I went up to "Talk" with them.
I did not "kiss" anyone's "el rumpus" but I did walk out of the conversation with a short drop and hook to a store center in Manhattan, Kansas. After the pickup, I had to bring the load back to the Kansas City terminal. I didn't loose my standing on the TRB. The little irritation was the long wait I had to get the trailer I was hooking up to. I had the "drop" there by 11 AM CST and didn't get the "hook" until 7:30 PM CST. Didn't get back to the terminal until 9:45 PM CST. Dropped load and handed in the paperwork to dispatch; talked with other drivers until I was tired. Went to bed in my tractor and turned on my TV...
Was up and into the terminal by 7 AM CST. There were several drivers waiting for loads and so it looked like I wouldn't get out today. I had a good reputation with the dispatches here and the terminal manager so I went up to "Talk" with them.
I did not "kiss" anyone's "el rumpus" but I did walk out of the conversation with a short drop and hook to a store center in Manhattan, Kansas. After the pickup, I had to bring the load back to the Kansas City terminal. I didn't loose my standing on the TRB. The little irritation was the long wait I had to get the trailer I was hooking up to. I had the "drop" there by 11 AM CST and didn't get the "hook" until 7:30 PM CST. Didn't get back to the terminal until 9:45 PM CST. Dropped load and handed in the paperwork to dispatch; talked with other drivers until I was tired. Went to bed in my tractor and turned on my TV...
November 28, 2010
Novembe 28, 1990, 2010
FIRST 5 YEARS:(Wednesday-Marian, Illinois)
I was up and going at 6:30 AM CST and just followed the main street up into Herrin, Illinois from Marion. Been to the shipper before and had no problem getting to it. Had to wait to get loaded but got out at 10 AM CST. I called dispatch and got the OK to head for our Kansas City terminal. This load goes to the auto assembly plant in Claycomo(Missouri) but out terminal is a handing area for the trailers until the plant needs the material.
I left the shipper at 10:15 AM CST and headed north on I-57. At Mt Vernon, Illinois I took I-64 west and I cranked the radio volume up a little and headed for St. Louis. I speed limit was 55 mph for big trucks but I never heard of an Illinois Bear ever stopping a big truck for anything under 65 mph; kept my speed a little over 60 mph all the way to St. Louis.
St. Louis...right after crossing the Missouri River, I grabbed I-70 westbound. Feeling really "bored" today but it will pass. Boredom not uncommon for me through this area as I do it so often...See Friday!!! Stopped at the pickle park not too far west of Hwy 19. Called the Kansas City terminal to see if I should take this load to the assembly plant or drop it in our terminal yard. Drop in our yard was his answer. I continued toward Kansas City(Missouri) and went north on I-435 to our terminal. Dropped the load and went on the TRB; will be here until tomorrow....
I was up and going at 6:30 AM CST and just followed the main street up into Herrin, Illinois from Marion. Been to the shipper before and had no problem getting to it. Had to wait to get loaded but got out at 10 AM CST. I called dispatch and got the OK to head for our Kansas City terminal. This load goes to the auto assembly plant in Claycomo(Missouri) but out terminal is a handing area for the trailers until the plant needs the material.
I left the shipper at 10:15 AM CST and headed north on I-57. At Mt Vernon, Illinois I took I-64 west and I cranked the radio volume up a little and headed for St. Louis. I speed limit was 55 mph for big trucks but I never heard of an Illinois Bear ever stopping a big truck for anything under 65 mph; kept my speed a little over 60 mph all the way to St. Louis.
St. Louis...right after crossing the Missouri River, I grabbed I-70 westbound. Feeling really "bored" today but it will pass. Boredom not uncommon for me through this area as I do it so often...See Friday!!! Stopped at the pickle park not too far west of Hwy 19. Called the Kansas City terminal to see if I should take this load to the assembly plant or drop it in our terminal yard. Drop in our yard was his answer. I continued toward Kansas City(Missouri) and went north on I-435 to our terminal. Dropped the load and went on the TRB; will be here until tomorrow....
November 27, 2010
November 27, 1990, 2010
FIRST 5 YEARS:(Tuesday-Kansas City, Missouri)
The morning came well before I wanted it to; dreaming dreams so pleasant that only a fully rested body would want to "turn" them off. I went into the terminal shortly before 7:30 AM CST and saw my number on the TRB was 3. Dispatch saw me and called me to the dispatch window. They had a trailer loaded with empty plastic containers to Ridgway, Illinois(Popcorn capital of the world) in the yard. I took it. I fueled(97 gallons), hooked up, did vehicle inspection, did paperwork and left north on I-435 after 8:30 AM CST. Shortly, I got to I-70 and headed east. Had a serious looking traffic accident involving 4 cars in the west bound lanes. That accident slowed our side down with people wanting to see "it". Glad when I got thought it.
Day was overcast but had no rain. Nice driving and CB radio conversations were interesting but nothing great. I kept up the speed to & over the Mississippi River where I caught I-64 east.
Stopped for a late lunch at a favorite truckstop in Mt. Vernon that had really good Chef Salads. Had a Chef Salads, diet soda(soft drink in Canada) and 2 large orders of onion rings(I eat what I want most of the times I want it). By 3:15 PM CST I was back on the heading for Ridgway, Illinois.
East on I-64 to Hwy 45(Exit 100) and then south. West of the highway, the fields are alight with pipes coming from the ground with good five foot flames coming out the tops. Continued down HWY 45 until it met Hwy 1. Took Hwy 1 south to Ridgway, getting there at 4:30 PM CST. I had been here several times and so I knew what to do. I parked my truck in the waiting area and started doing my paperwork when a fellow walked to the truck. He knew what I was there for and asked if I wanted to get unloaded tonight. WHY NOT??? They unloaded me and I went back to the waiting area to send the night. I walked uptown and decided to call in-time about 6:30 PM CST-and just let dispatch know I was empty.
They said I had another load assigned and gave it to me. It was a pickup in Herrin, Illinois going back to Kansas City. I walked back to my truck and drove south on Hwy 1 to Hwy 13. Hwy 13, I took it west through Marion, Illinois to the truckstop west of I-57. My pick up tomorrow is just a few miles north of me now. Settled down for the night...
The morning came well before I wanted it to; dreaming dreams so pleasant that only a fully rested body would want to "turn" them off. I went into the terminal shortly before 7:30 AM CST and saw my number on the TRB was 3. Dispatch saw me and called me to the dispatch window. They had a trailer loaded with empty plastic containers to Ridgway, Illinois(Popcorn capital of the world) in the yard. I took it. I fueled(97 gallons), hooked up, did vehicle inspection, did paperwork and left north on I-435 after 8:30 AM CST. Shortly, I got to I-70 and headed east. Had a serious looking traffic accident involving 4 cars in the west bound lanes. That accident slowed our side down with people wanting to see "it". Glad when I got thought it.
Day was overcast but had no rain. Nice driving and CB radio conversations were interesting but nothing great. I kept up the speed to & over the Mississippi River where I caught I-64 east.
Stopped for a late lunch at a favorite truckstop in Mt. Vernon that had really good Chef Salads. Had a Chef Salads, diet soda(soft drink in Canada) and 2 large orders of onion rings(I eat what I want most of the times I want it). By 3:15 PM CST I was back on the heading for Ridgway, Illinois.
East on I-64 to Hwy 45(Exit 100) and then south. West of the highway, the fields are alight with pipes coming from the ground with good five foot flames coming out the tops. Continued down HWY 45 until it met Hwy 1. Took Hwy 1 south to Ridgway, getting there at 4:30 PM CST. I had been here several times and so I knew what to do. I parked my truck in the waiting area and started doing my paperwork when a fellow walked to the truck. He knew what I was there for and asked if I wanted to get unloaded tonight. WHY NOT??? They unloaded me and I went back to the waiting area to send the night. I walked uptown and decided to call in-time about 6:30 PM CST-and just let dispatch know I was empty.
They said I had another load assigned and gave it to me. It was a pickup in Herrin, Illinois going back to Kansas City. I walked back to my truck and drove south on Hwy 1 to Hwy 13. Hwy 13, I took it west through Marion, Illinois to the truckstop west of I-57. My pick up tomorrow is just a few miles north of me now. Settled down for the night...
November 26, 2010
November 26, 1990, 2010
FIRST 5 YEARS:(Monday-Memphis, Tennessee)
I woke just before the sun came up and was feeling much better than yesterday. The terminal had opened up and I went in to go on the TRB. Told dispatch I was ready to go and he handed me an assignment; take an empty trailer to Ripley, Tennessee, drop and hook and head for Kansas City, Missouri. I took it, went and fueled(71 gallons), hooked up to the empty assigned trailer and was on my way west and north on I-240. Took the little spur, Hwy 300, to Hwy 51 north. I was in Ripley, at the shipper by 8:30 AM CST. At 9 AM CST I was on the phone with dispatch, having hooked up to the wanted trailer and gotten my paperwork done.
I was on my way by 9:15 AM CST up Hwy 51 to Dyersburg, Tennessee. Took Hwy 412 west into Missouri and went to I-55 which I took north. I just kept going, stopping only for the weigh scales on I-55 and Hwys 40/61(after I-270 north). Once I got to I-70, I went west to Kingdom City, Missouri. I dropped down to Fulton to check my mail. I left Fulton and back to Kingdom City. West on I-70 to I-435 north(outside Kansas City) and onto our Kansas City terminal, getting there by 6:30 PM. I was told to drop the load in the yard and bed down for the night. I talked to a couple of drivers in the truckers' lounge before going to bed...
I woke just before the sun came up and was feeling much better than yesterday. The terminal had opened up and I went in to go on the TRB. Told dispatch I was ready to go and he handed me an assignment; take an empty trailer to Ripley, Tennessee, drop and hook and head for Kansas City, Missouri. I took it, went and fueled(71 gallons), hooked up to the empty assigned trailer and was on my way west and north on I-240. Took the little spur, Hwy 300, to Hwy 51 north. I was in Ripley, at the shipper by 8:30 AM CST. At 9 AM CST I was on the phone with dispatch, having hooked up to the wanted trailer and gotten my paperwork done.
I was on my way by 9:15 AM CST up Hwy 51 to Dyersburg, Tennessee. Took Hwy 412 west into Missouri and went to I-55 which I took north. I just kept going, stopping only for the weigh scales on I-55 and Hwys 40/61(after I-270 north). Once I got to I-70, I went west to Kingdom City, Missouri. I dropped down to Fulton to check my mail. I left Fulton and back to Kingdom City. West on I-70 to I-435 north(outside Kansas City) and onto our Kansas City terminal, getting there by 6:30 PM. I was told to drop the load in the yard and bed down for the night. I talked to a couple of drivers in the truckers' lounge before going to bed...
November 25, 2010
November 25, 1990, 2010
FIRST 5 YEARS:(Sunday-Memphis, Tennessee)
Sick today and stayed in the truck and terminal. Didn't go anywhere outside the terminal yard today...Rested.
Sick today and stayed in the truck and terminal. Didn't go anywhere outside the terminal yard today...Rested.
November 24, 2010
November 24, 1990, 2010
FIRST 5 YEARS:(Saturday-Lancaster, Texas)
Woke up at the Lancaster terminal and checked in with the dispatched of the terminal. Talked with some of the drivers waiting for loads and waited for the pizza guy . The pizza guy got there at 11:15 AM CST and I bought the largest sausage pizza he had; I ate two pieces and saved the rest. I fueled(92 gallons), got my paperwork legal, and headed north on I-35E, into downtown Dallas, and then east on I-20. Into Arkansas I went and toward Little Rock. Not feeling well as I entered Arkansas---maybe the pizza I finished off while diving. Stopped in Mandeville, Arkansas for a break and bought me some stuff for an upset stomach. I got going and went to Little Rock and was feeling sicker.
I got to the Memphis terminal and was too sick to go on. I talked with the terminal dispatch and they told me to drop the load and check with them when I was feeling better. I dropped the load and went to bed. Feeling really bad.
Woke up at the Lancaster terminal and checked in with the dispatched of the terminal. Talked with some of the drivers waiting for loads and waited for the pizza guy . The pizza guy got there at 11:15 AM CST and I bought the largest sausage pizza he had; I ate two pieces and saved the rest. I fueled(92 gallons), got my paperwork legal, and headed north on I-35E, into downtown Dallas, and then east on I-20. Into Arkansas I went and toward Little Rock. Not feeling well as I entered Arkansas---maybe the pizza I finished off while diving. Stopped in Mandeville, Arkansas for a break and bought me some stuff for an upset stomach. I got going and went to Little Rock and was feeling sicker.
I got to the Memphis terminal and was too sick to go on. I talked with the terminal dispatch and they told me to drop the load and check with them when I was feeling better. I dropped the load and went to bed. Feeling really bad.
November 23, 2010
November 23, 1990, 2010
FIRST 5 YEARS:(Friday-Laredo, Texas)
Figuring I would get out of Laredo tonight, I went to the terminal. Dispatch said I could leave the trailer I had brought in in the yard and turn the paperwork into them. I went on the TRB and when lunch time came, went to lunch with Will & Sam (two drivers like me...waiting for a load).
A little after 4 PM CST dispatch called me to the window and gave me a load to Baltimore, Maryland. Fantastic!!! I was on my way north on I-35 by 5 PM CST. Shot through San Antonio and Waco before taking a short break. Got to Lancaster, Texas, off I-35E, right as my day was ending...
Figuring I would get out of Laredo tonight, I went to the terminal. Dispatch said I could leave the trailer I had brought in in the yard and turn the paperwork into them. I went on the TRB and when lunch time came, went to lunch with Will & Sam (two drivers like me...waiting for a load).
A little after 4 PM CST dispatch called me to the window and gave me a load to Baltimore, Maryland. Fantastic!!! I was on my way north on I-35 by 5 PM CST. Shot through San Antonio and Waco before taking a short break. Got to Lancaster, Texas, off I-35E, right as my day was ending...
November 22, 2010
November 22, 1990, 2010
FIRST 5 YEARS:(Thursday-West, Texas)---Thanksgiving Day
Heading south on I-35 at 4 AM CST. Stopped in San Antonio, Texas at our fuel stop to top off tanks(40 gallons) before going to Laredo, Texas as I don't like the fuel stop in Laredo. Got to Laredo at 10 AM CST and dropped the load at the terminal. The terminal was closed for the day and so I called up my friends, the Mortens. They said to come over and so I did. Spent the day with them. For the night, I stayed in the Morten's spare room.
Heading south on I-35 at 4 AM CST. Stopped in San Antonio, Texas at our fuel stop to top off tanks(40 gallons) before going to Laredo, Texas as I don't like the fuel stop in Laredo. Got to Laredo at 10 AM CST and dropped the load at the terminal. The terminal was closed for the day and so I called up my friends, the Mortens. They said to come over and so I did. Spent the day with them. For the night, I stayed in the Morten's spare room.
November 21, 2010
November 21, 1990, 2010
FIRST 5 YEARS:(Wednesday-Joplin, Missouri)
My day started sleeping in my tractor. I woke up before 3 AM CST and couldn't go back to sleep. I went into the terminal and talked with dispatch. He said that he had a load that needed to be in Laredo Monday and that I could have it. I took it instead of hanging around. I hooked up, filled my tanks(151 gallons), did my paperwork and were gone by 4;30 AM CST.
Nice night with about a quarter moon out. Took I-44 all the way to Oklahoma City and stopped at "Just a Truckstop" for breakfast. Had a big breakfast and then headed south on I-35 into Texas. Went I-35 south to the point that I-35 turns to I-35W & I-35E. Took I-35 to our terminal in Lancaster, getting there at 12:45 PM CST, where I fueled(68 gallons) again and checked in with dispatch.
I sat around and talked with the drivers that were waiting for loads. They didn't have loads and a couple of them wanted me to drop my load here so they would have a chance at it. I kept it and left south on I-35E around 6 PM CST. Kept going south on I-35 when the east and west branches of I-35 joined up. I stopped at a small truckstop in West, Texas at 7:15 PM CST and spent time in the restaurant with another driver. Went out and to sleep...
My day started sleeping in my tractor. I woke up before 3 AM CST and couldn't go back to sleep. I went into the terminal and talked with dispatch. He said that he had a load that needed to be in Laredo Monday and that I could have it. I took it instead of hanging around. I hooked up, filled my tanks(151 gallons), did my paperwork and were gone by 4;30 AM CST.
Nice night with about a quarter moon out. Took I-44 all the way to Oklahoma City and stopped at "Just a Truckstop" for breakfast. Had a big breakfast and then headed south on I-35 into Texas. Went I-35 south to the point that I-35 turns to I-35W & I-35E. Took I-35 to our terminal in Lancaster, getting there at 12:45 PM CST, where I fueled(68 gallons) again and checked in with dispatch.
I sat around and talked with the drivers that were waiting for loads. They didn't have loads and a couple of them wanted me to drop my load here so they would have a chance at it. I kept it and left south on I-35E around 6 PM CST. Kept going south on I-35 when the east and west branches of I-35 joined up. I stopped at a small truckstop in West, Texas at 7:15 PM CST and spent time in the restaurant with another driver. Went out and to sleep...
November 20, 2010
November 20, 1990, 2010
FIRST 5 YEARS:(Tuesday-Sullivan, Missouri)
I felt in no hurry today but was up and ready to go by 7 AM CST. I did my paperwork and vehicle inspection. Headed west(southwest) on I-44 and pulled into are terminal in Joplin at 11 AM CST.
Was to drop my load of tires in the terminal yard, which I did.
Nothing for me so I have to wait for a load. Dispatch told me that it would probably be tomorrow before I got out. I just went out to my tractor, ate munchies that I had in the truck, watched TV and worked on my computer. Laid down around 7 PM CST and slipped into a "weak" sleep. Stayed sleeping through the end of the day...
I felt in no hurry today but was up and ready to go by 7 AM CST. I did my paperwork and vehicle inspection. Headed west(southwest) on I-44 and pulled into are terminal in Joplin at 11 AM CST.
Was to drop my load of tires in the terminal yard, which I did.
Nothing for me so I have to wait for a load. Dispatch told me that it would probably be tomorrow before I got out. I just went out to my tractor, ate munchies that I had in the truck, watched TV and worked on my computer. Laid down around 7 PM CST and slipped into a "weak" sleep. Stayed sleeping through the end of the day...
November 19, 2010
November 19, 1990, 2010
FIRST 5 YEARS:(Monday-Monroe, Ohio)
Was up and going at 7AM EST and talking with two other drivers from my company. We three went in and had breakfast. While eating, we all made check calls and found that all of us had no load assignments. After breakfast, I just went to my truck, laid down in my sleeper and watched TV. I called in again at 10 AM EST and found I had a load of tires to pick up in Mason, Ohio. I was excited as the load was going to Phoenix, Arizona but I found out that I was to take it to Joplin, Missouri and drop it. The pickup wasn't until 4 PM EST so I just went out and typed for awhile with my TV playing.
I got to Mason-15 minute drive-and found my trailer being loaded. I got it and was ready to leave Mason at 3:30 PM EST. I had studied that various ways of going and decided on I-74 to Indianapolis, where I caught I-70 west. I took it into Effingham, Illinois where I stopped for dinner at 7 PM CST. I parked my truck and then changed my mine. I was back on the road-I-70 westbound-by 7:15 PM CST. Went through downtown St Louis, Missouri and got on I-44 west(The old Route 66). I stopped at the rest area near Sullivan, Missouri for the night(10:15 PM CST)...Went to sleep pretty easily as was tired...
Was up and going at 7AM EST and talking with two other drivers from my company. We three went in and had breakfast. While eating, we all made check calls and found that all of us had no load assignments. After breakfast, I just went to my truck, laid down in my sleeper and watched TV. I called in again at 10 AM EST and found I had a load of tires to pick up in Mason, Ohio. I was excited as the load was going to Phoenix, Arizona but I found out that I was to take it to Joplin, Missouri and drop it. The pickup wasn't until 4 PM EST so I just went out and typed for awhile with my TV playing.
I got to Mason-15 minute drive-and found my trailer being loaded. I got it and was ready to leave Mason at 3:30 PM EST. I had studied that various ways of going and decided on I-74 to Indianapolis, where I caught I-70 west. I took it into Effingham, Illinois where I stopped for dinner at 7 PM CST. I parked my truck and then changed my mine. I was back on the road-I-70 westbound-by 7:15 PM CST. Went through downtown St Louis, Missouri and got on I-44 west(The old Route 66). I stopped at the rest area near Sullivan, Missouri for the night(10:15 PM CST)...Went to sleep pretty easily as was tired...
November 18, 2010
November 18, 1990, 2010
FIRST 5 YEARS:(Sunday-Lake Station, Indiana)
Woke up after midnight EST and went back into the truckstop for some munchies and a soda(soft drink in Canada). Left the truckstop around 12:30 AM EST and headed west on I-94 to I-65. Took I-65 south. No great feelings during this driving stretch: just drove. Went through Indianapolis on I-65, grabbing I-74 southeast when I got to it. On southeast into Ohio, outside Cincinnati. A few miles after getting to Ohio, I took I-275 northeast to Sharonville, getting there at 5 AM EST.
I found the warehouse had security and they told me that I could just drop my trailer and grab an empty one, which I did. Security took my paperwork and let me call dispatch. Dispatch told me to just take it easy today as they had no load for me. I went to the truckstop in Monroe, Ohio and got me a room at the truckstop motel.
Spent the day sleeping, watching TV and playing on my computer...
Woke up after midnight EST and went back into the truckstop for some munchies and a soda(soft drink in Canada). Left the truckstop around 12:30 AM EST and headed west on I-94 to I-65. Took I-65 south. No great feelings during this driving stretch: just drove. Went through Indianapolis on I-65, grabbing I-74 southeast when I got to it. On southeast into Ohio, outside Cincinnati. A few miles after getting to Ohio, I took I-275 northeast to Sharonville, getting there at 5 AM EST.
I found the warehouse had security and they told me that I could just drop my trailer and grab an empty one, which I did. Security took my paperwork and let me call dispatch. Dispatch told me to just take it easy today as they had no load for me. I went to the truckstop in Monroe, Ohio and got me a room at the truckstop motel.
Spent the day sleeping, watching TV and playing on my computer...
November 17, 2010
November 17, 1990, 2010
FIRST 5 YEARS:(Saturday-Fridley, Minnesota)
At midnight CST I got my loaded trailer and by 12:30 AM CST I was on my way to Sharonville, Ohio. To get into Wisconsin I took I-694 east and south to I-94, taking it into Wisconsin.
I enjoyed the drive tonight as there was no moon and the stars seemed sooooo bright. Continued southeast on I-94, past the junction of I-90 & I-94, and stopped at "Just a Truckstop" in Portage (Wisconsin). The time was just about 5 AM CST so I fueled(104 gallons) and got something to eat. I then laid down for my "eight" hour break.
I was rested, up and going down I-94 by 2 PM CST. I decided to follow I-94 to I-65. At Madison, Wisconsin I headed for Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Traveled through the Milwaukee area on I-94 and then south toward Chicago. I stopped at a small cheese store south of Milwaukee and bought some blue cheese(I just love eating the cheese by itself).
Followed I-94 into Illinois and into Chicago. As I stated before, I enjoy traveling through this city...Don't know why. Continued into Indiana and stopped in Lake Station at the "Just a Truckstop" for dinner. I decided to top off my fuel(37 gallon) as I don't know what's happening after delivery. After eating(the barfet) and watching one movie(Star Wars), I decided to take a nap...Ended my day sleeping...
At midnight CST I got my loaded trailer and by 12:30 AM CST I was on my way to Sharonville, Ohio. To get into Wisconsin I took I-694 east and south to I-94, taking it into Wisconsin.
I enjoyed the drive tonight as there was no moon and the stars seemed sooooo bright. Continued southeast on I-94, past the junction of I-90 & I-94, and stopped at "Just a Truckstop" in Portage (Wisconsin). The time was just about 5 AM CST so I fueled(104 gallons) and got something to eat. I then laid down for my "eight" hour break.
I was rested, up and going down I-94 by 2 PM CST. I decided to follow I-94 to I-65. At Madison, Wisconsin I headed for Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Traveled through the Milwaukee area on I-94 and then south toward Chicago. I stopped at a small cheese store south of Milwaukee and bought some blue cheese(I just love eating the cheese by itself).
Followed I-94 into Illinois and into Chicago. As I stated before, I enjoy traveling through this city...Don't know why. Continued into Indiana and stopped in Lake Station at the "Just a Truckstop" for dinner. I decided to top off my fuel(37 gallon) as I don't know what's happening after delivery. After eating(the barfet) and watching one movie(Star Wars), I decided to take a nap...Ended my day sleeping...
November 16, 2010
November 16, 1990, 2010
FIRST 5 YEARS:(Friday-Kansas City, Missouri)
I was sleeping nicely until 5 AM CST when I was woken and told my tractor was ready to go. I drove back to the terminal and checked in with dispatch. I was talking with dispatch when a driver came in with a load to Eagan, Minnesota(south of St Paul) that he wanted to drop. He wanted time off and he needed to drop the load. Dispatch looked at me and asked if I wanted it. I knew it would be awhile before getting out and so I said I would take it.
haron
I was hooked up and ready to go at 6:15 AM CST but feeling a little tired. I decided to lay down for a while since the load wasn't due until tomorrow. I just laid and didn't go to sleep. I left for Eagan after filling my tanks(27 gallons) at 7:30 AM CST. Headed up I-35 into Iowa just moving around as fast as I can legally. I shot past Des Moines and past Ames, stopping at a rest area for a short break. Following I-35 north, I went into Minnesota and got to the coke plant at 3 PM CST(I had been here two times before). I just checked in and they said they would unload me then...I backed up to the dock and they got right to it. I was unloaded by 4 PM CST and had another load at 4:15 PM CST.
I had to pick up a load of general stuff in Fridley, Minnesota at 10 PM CST. Hoping the trailer was loaded I went up to Fridley and checked in. They informed me that I would be lucky to get it by 11 PM CST. As my day ended, I was getting my load to Sharonville, Ohio(North Cincinnati). I had napped the last few hours...
I was sleeping nicely until 5 AM CST when I was woken and told my tractor was ready to go. I drove back to the terminal and checked in with dispatch. I was talking with dispatch when a driver came in with a load to Eagan, Minnesota(south of St Paul) that he wanted to drop. He wanted time off and he needed to drop the load. Dispatch looked at me and asked if I wanted it. I knew it would be awhile before getting out and so I said I would take it.
haron
I was hooked up and ready to go at 6:15 AM CST but feeling a little tired. I decided to lay down for a while since the load wasn't due until tomorrow. I just laid and didn't go to sleep. I left for Eagan after filling my tanks(27 gallons) at 7:30 AM CST. Headed up I-35 into Iowa just moving around as fast as I can legally. I shot past Des Moines and past Ames, stopping at a rest area for a short break. Following I-35 north, I went into Minnesota and got to the coke plant at 3 PM CST(I had been here two times before). I just checked in and they said they would unload me then...I backed up to the dock and they got right to it. I was unloaded by 4 PM CST and had another load at 4:15 PM CST.
I had to pick up a load of general stuff in Fridley, Minnesota at 10 PM CST. Hoping the trailer was loaded I went up to Fridley and checked in. They informed me that I would be lucky to get it by 11 PM CST. As my day ended, I was getting my load to Sharonville, Ohio(North Cincinnati). I had napped the last few hours...
November 15, 1990, 2010
FIRST 5 YEARS:(Thursday-Limon, Colorado)
Up at 7 AM MST and went into the truckstop and bought some munchies. Headed east on I-70 at 7:30 and got my speed to the limit and kept it there to Salina, Kansas where I stopped for fuel. I fueled(144 gallons) at "Just a Truckstop" and was gone.
I got to Ft Riley, Kansas at 3:30 PM CST and can't find the building I was suppose to go to. There was no guards at the front gates to ask. I stopped and asked and the few few people gave me directions but they were wrong. Finally a guy in a Jeep took me to the building and I got backed up to the unloading dock at 4:30 PM CST. The soldiers took their time with the unloading and I didn't get done unloaded until 6:30 PM CST.
At the end of unloading, the troops in the building invited me to eat pizza with them. They had ordered several pizzas and had plenty. We all ate until we were stuffed. I called dispatch and let them know I was empty and I was told to deadhead to the Kansas City terminal. I left Ft. Riley at 8 PM CST and headed for Kansas City get there at 10:30 PM CST.
When I got to the terminal there was a message for me from our head maintenance office. I was to take my tractor to Kenworth for an "overhead" and "injectors" on the engine. So, before midnight, I had reported to the Kenworth dealer and they were working on my tractor. I just went to my bed and went to sleep...
Up at 7 AM MST and went into the truckstop and bought some munchies. Headed east on I-70 at 7:30 and got my speed to the limit and kept it there to Salina, Kansas where I stopped for fuel. I fueled(144 gallons) at "Just a Truckstop" and was gone.
I got to Ft Riley, Kansas at 3:30 PM CST and can't find the building I was suppose to go to. There was no guards at the front gates to ask. I stopped and asked and the few few people gave me directions but they were wrong. Finally a guy in a Jeep took me to the building and I got backed up to the unloading dock at 4:30 PM CST. The soldiers took their time with the unloading and I didn't get done unloaded until 6:30 PM CST.
At the end of unloading, the troops in the building invited me to eat pizza with them. They had ordered several pizzas and had plenty. We all ate until we were stuffed. I called dispatch and let them know I was empty and I was told to deadhead to the Kansas City terminal. I left Ft. Riley at 8 PM CST and headed for Kansas City get there at 10:30 PM CST.
When I got to the terminal there was a message for me from our head maintenance office. I was to take my tractor to Kenworth for an "overhead" and "injectors" on the engine. So, before midnight, I had reported to the Kenworth dealer and they were working on my tractor. I just went to my bed and went to sleep...
November 14, 2010
November 14, 1990, 2010
FIRST 5 YEARS:(Wednesday-Roy, Utah)
I was up before anyone came to open the tire store. The manager and two other employees showed up just about the same time and we all went over to McDonald's for breakfast. After breakfast they opened the store and then helped me with the tires. I didn't have too many tires for this store so I was totally unloaded by 8:30 AM MST and called dispatch that I was empty. I had a load to pick up already assigned to me; I had to go to Hill Air Force Base in Ogden and pick up a bunch of liquid antifreeze. The antifreeze was going to Fort Riley, Kansas(next to Junction City). I was at the front gate at 9 AM MST and I asked the guard where I was to go as I just had a location and no directions. The guard pointed me in the correct direction and I was backed up to the loading dock by 9:15 AM and loaded and ready to leave at 10 AM MST. I was holding off refueling in Ogden to see what weight the load would be. It was only 34,560 lbs. I went to our fuel stop in Ogden and filled(126 gallons) my tanks as weight was not a problem.
After going into the truckstop and getting two turkey legs to eat while driving, I left down I-15 to I-84 east and then I-80 east. I left Ogden right before 11 AM MST, getting to the Wyoming border and stopping at the weight station(expected) at 12:30 PM MST. After about 15 minutes, I moved back east on I-80. I pushed hard and got into the truckstop in Rawlins, Wyoming at 4 PM MST. After Rawlins, Wyoming I headed east again and stayed with the program to Laramie. At Laramie, I made a 15 minute stop and then headed down Hwy 287 into Colorado. In Colorado, I took Hwy 287 to Ft. Collins, and then over to I-25 south I went. Went to I-70 and then took it, I-70, east to Limon(Colorado). I shut down at 10 PM MST for the night at the truckstop; went to bed as I am really tired....
I was up before anyone came to open the tire store. The manager and two other employees showed up just about the same time and we all went over to McDonald's for breakfast. After breakfast they opened the store and then helped me with the tires. I didn't have too many tires for this store so I was totally unloaded by 8:30 AM MST and called dispatch that I was empty. I had a load to pick up already assigned to me; I had to go to Hill Air Force Base in Ogden and pick up a bunch of liquid antifreeze. The antifreeze was going to Fort Riley, Kansas(next to Junction City). I was at the front gate at 9 AM MST and I asked the guard where I was to go as I just had a location and no directions. The guard pointed me in the correct direction and I was backed up to the loading dock by 9:15 AM and loaded and ready to leave at 10 AM MST. I was holding off refueling in Ogden to see what weight the load would be. It was only 34,560 lbs. I went to our fuel stop in Ogden and filled(126 gallons) my tanks as weight was not a problem.
After going into the truckstop and getting two turkey legs to eat while driving, I left down I-15 to I-84 east and then I-80 east. I left Ogden right before 11 AM MST, getting to the Wyoming border and stopping at the weight station(expected) at 12:30 PM MST. After about 15 minutes, I moved back east on I-80. I pushed hard and got into the truckstop in Rawlins, Wyoming at 4 PM MST. After Rawlins, Wyoming I headed east again and stayed with the program to Laramie. At Laramie, I made a 15 minute stop and then headed down Hwy 287 into Colorado. In Colorado, I took Hwy 287 to Ft. Collins, and then over to I-25 south I went. Went to I-70 and then took it, I-70, east to Limon(Colorado). I shut down at 10 PM MST for the night at the truckstop; went to bed as I am really tired....
November 13, 2010
November 13, 1990, 2010
FIRST 5 YEARS:(Tuesday-Bountiful, Utah)
I was up, out of the motel and at the first tire drop at 7 AM MST. I had the first tires off at 8:15 AM MST.
Headed for the Salt Lake Valley and the rest of my drops. My drops for today were, in order, Sandy, Van Winkle, Kearns, Salt Lake City and Bountiful.
When I got done with my last stop-Bountiful-I thought about tomorrow and the delivery in Roy(Utah). I decided to drive up and either park at the tire store or go to the truckstop in Ogden(Utah). I went onto the tire store and they hadn't closed yet. I checked in with the manager and asked to stay on their lot for the night. He backed me up the the unload door and said yes to staying there for the night. He then closed the shop and went home. I went across the street to the McDonald's and had dinner. Watched my truck TV and typed...
I was up, out of the motel and at the first tire drop at 7 AM MST. I had the first tires off at 8:15 AM MST.
Headed for the Salt Lake Valley and the rest of my drops. My drops for today were, in order, Sandy, Van Winkle, Kearns, Salt Lake City and Bountiful.
When I got done with my last stop-Bountiful-I thought about tomorrow and the delivery in Roy(Utah). I decided to drive up and either park at the tire store or go to the truckstop in Ogden(Utah). I went onto the tire store and they hadn't closed yet. I checked in with the manager and asked to stay on their lot for the night. He backed me up the the unload door and said yes to staying there for the night. He then closed the shop and went home. I went across the street to the McDonald's and had dinner. Watched my truck TV and typed...
November 12, 2010
November 12, 1990, 2010
FIRST 5 YEARS:(Monday-Provo, Utah)
I woke up and played with my computer awhile and then went to the buffet across the street. Like last time I was here-a couple weeks ago-I called dispatch and asked if I could deliver today. I was told no as we were not keeping the agreed delivery dates and the tire company had been complaining. I went back to my room, typed and watched TV the rest of the day.
These days off are good for making time to run later.
I woke up and played with my computer awhile and then went to the buffet across the street. Like last time I was here-a couple weeks ago-I called dispatch and asked if I could deliver today. I was told no as we were not keeping the agreed delivery dates and the tire company had been complaining. I went back to my room, typed and watched TV the rest of the day.
These days off are good for making time to run later.
November 11, 2010
November 11, 1990, 2010
FIRST 5 YEARS:(Sunday-Provo, Utah)
I had called my sister in Bountiful yesterday and she came down and picked me up this morning around 8 AM MST. I spent the day with her family and she took me back to Provo at 8:30 PM MST. After getting back to the motel, I walked to the convenient store and got some ice cream and soda(soft drink in Canada). I stayed up late and typed on my computer and watched TV.
I had called my sister in Bountiful yesterday and she came down and picked me up this morning around 8 AM MST. I spent the day with her family and she took me back to Provo at 8:30 PM MST. After getting back to the motel, I walked to the convenient store and got some ice cream and soda(soft drink in Canada). I stayed up late and typed on my computer and watched TV.
November 10, 2010
November 10, 1990, 2010
FIRST 5 YEARS:(Saturday-Green River, Utah)
Since I have so much time before my deliveries start Tuesday, I took my time getting up and going today. I parked in the truck parking and, as last night, was parked with no one around me.
This store sells(or sold) 3 hot dogs for a dollar; I bought 12 and ate 3. I stored the other 9 for later. I left for Provo(Utah) around 10 AM MST, enjoying the desert to Price and Helper(Utah). I went over the mountains into the Utah Valley and got to Prove at 12:45 PM MST. I checked into the motel through Tuesday morning. Ate my 9 hot dogs through the evening as I worked on my computer and watched TV 'til I went to bed.
Since I have so much time before my deliveries start Tuesday, I took my time getting up and going today. I parked in the truck parking and, as last night, was parked with no one around me.
This store sells(or sold) 3 hot dogs for a dollar; I bought 12 and ate 3. I stored the other 9 for later. I left for Provo(Utah) around 10 AM MST, enjoying the desert to Price and Helper(Utah). I went over the mountains into the Utah Valley and got to Prove at 12:45 PM MST. I checked into the motel through Tuesday morning. Ate my 9 hot dogs through the evening as I worked on my computer and watched TV 'til I went to bed.
November 9, 2010
November 9, 1990, 2010
FIRST 5 YEARS:(Friday-Santa Rosa, New Mexico)
Boy, I was up and ready to go at 7 AM MST. I meant Cookie and Cookie Monster(who I started running with yesterday) for breakfast. We fueled(96 gallons) and were headed west on I-40 by 9 AM MST.
I am really ahead of the schedules I run to Utah but that is because Cookie and Cookie Monster want to get to Las Vegas-their destination-and have extra time there. I will just take time on the other end. We got to Albuquerque at 11 AM MST and split up; him going west and me going north on I-25.
I went up I-25 a short distance to Hwy 550 and took it west up into the Navajo Reservation. I stopped along the road in San Ysidro, New Mexico and got me the largest strawberry malt from the fast food restaurant. On up to Bloomfield and west on Hwy 64 to Shiprock, New Mexico. At Shiprock, I grabbed Hwy 666 north into Colorado, getting to Cortez before 4 PM MST. At Cortez, I stopped at the truckstop behind the weigh station and got me two Buffalo burgers, with a large order of fries, to go. I continued up Hwy 666 into Utah and turned onto Hwy 161 in Monticello. Followed 161 through a beautiful part of Utah, as I have seen several times. The darkness had set in but the moon shed light on the terrain even though it was only 1/2 full. Got to Green River at 7:45 PM MST and parked at the convenience store with all the truck parking. The lot was dark and no one parked around me, so I sat in my drivers seat and eat my last Buffalo Burger and listened to San Antonio, Texas on the radio. Went to bed...
Boy, I was up and ready to go at 7 AM MST. I meant Cookie and Cookie Monster(who I started running with yesterday) for breakfast. We fueled(96 gallons) and were headed west on I-40 by 9 AM MST.
I am really ahead of the schedules I run to Utah but that is because Cookie and Cookie Monster want to get to Las Vegas-their destination-and have extra time there. I will just take time on the other end. We got to Albuquerque at 11 AM MST and split up; him going west and me going north on I-25.
I went up I-25 a short distance to Hwy 550 and took it west up into the Navajo Reservation. I stopped along the road in San Ysidro, New Mexico and got me the largest strawberry malt from the fast food restaurant. On up to Bloomfield and west on Hwy 64 to Shiprock, New Mexico. At Shiprock, I grabbed Hwy 666 north into Colorado, getting to Cortez before 4 PM MST. At Cortez, I stopped at the truckstop behind the weigh station and got me two Buffalo burgers, with a large order of fries, to go. I continued up Hwy 666 into Utah and turned onto Hwy 161 in Monticello. Followed 161 through a beautiful part of Utah, as I have seen several times. The darkness had set in but the moon shed light on the terrain even though it was only 1/2 full. Got to Green River at 7:45 PM MST and parked at the convenience store with all the truck parking. The lot was dark and no one parked around me, so I sat in my drivers seat and eat my last Buffalo Burger and listened to San Antonio, Texas on the radio. Went to bed...
November 8, 2010
November 8, 1990, 2010
FIRST 5 YEARS:(Thursday-Fort Worth, Texas)
In Cowtown this morning waiting to unload at a toy warehouse. I was up when the guard let me in the told me what dock to back up to. I was backed up to the dock and the unloading got started. I had to help unload with two of the building employees. Not bad and we were done by 9:15 AM. I called dispatch and was told to stop at a business about 2 miles from here, drop and hook and then bring the loaded trailer to the Lancaster(Texas) terminal. I took the loaded trailer to the terminal and checked in with dispatch. It was now 1o:45 AM and dispatch gave me a tire load to Utah.
I got the paperwork for the load and another driver started to talk with me; he had a tire load to Las Vegas. We decided to run with each other to Albuquerque, New Mexico where he would continue west and I would go north. We found our trailers and got hooked up and did the things we needed to do. Oh, he had his wife with him and her handle was "Cookie"; his was "Cookie Monster".
We left at noon, after I got a pizza from the pizza guy who delivers them to the terminal. Cookie Monster had a different way he wanted to go to get to Hwy 287 toward Amarillo(Texas). I was game and always like learning and seeing new things. We went up I-35E to Hwy 183 northwest and then Hwy 114 northwest. Followed that to Hwy 287 and headed for Amarillo. We talked on CB radio channel 17 the whole time. We stopped in Vernon for a half hour break and they bought a whole bunch of things to eat while on the road. We then continued to Amarillo, passing there at 7:15 PM CST.
We kept going to Santa Rosa, New Mexico, where we stopped for the night at 9 PM MST. All three of us went into the truckstop and took a break in their restaurant. I wasn't in there long before I went out to my truck and to sleep. We agreed to meet tomorrow at 7 AM MST.
In Cowtown this morning waiting to unload at a toy warehouse. I was up when the guard let me in the told me what dock to back up to. I was backed up to the dock and the unloading got started. I had to help unload with two of the building employees. Not bad and we were done by 9:15 AM. I called dispatch and was told to stop at a business about 2 miles from here, drop and hook and then bring the loaded trailer to the Lancaster(Texas) terminal. I took the loaded trailer to the terminal and checked in with dispatch. It was now 1o:45 AM and dispatch gave me a tire load to Utah.
I got the paperwork for the load and another driver started to talk with me; he had a tire load to Las Vegas. We decided to run with each other to Albuquerque, New Mexico where he would continue west and I would go north. We found our trailers and got hooked up and did the things we needed to do. Oh, he had his wife with him and her handle was "Cookie"; his was "Cookie Monster".
We left at noon, after I got a pizza from the pizza guy who delivers them to the terminal. Cookie Monster had a different way he wanted to go to get to Hwy 287 toward Amarillo(Texas). I was game and always like learning and seeing new things. We went up I-35E to Hwy 183 northwest and then Hwy 114 northwest. Followed that to Hwy 287 and headed for Amarillo. We talked on CB radio channel 17 the whole time. We stopped in Vernon for a half hour break and they bought a whole bunch of things to eat while on the road. We then continued to Amarillo, passing there at 7:15 PM CST.
We kept going to Santa Rosa, New Mexico, where we stopped for the night at 9 PM MST. All three of us went into the truckstop and took a break in their restaurant. I wasn't in there long before I went out to my truck and to sleep. We agreed to meet tomorrow at 7 AM MST.
November 7, 2010
November 7, 1990, 2010
FIRST 5 YEARS:(Wednesday-Laredo, Texas)
Got up in my motel and got ready for the day. I had to mail the box I had worked on the last couple days so I left to find the Post Office. I finally found the post office and mailed the box to Utah. I didn't have Diane's address so I mailed it to the school where my sister and she work.
I went to the terminal and saw that I would still be here for awhile. I asked dispatch for an approximate time to get out; the late afternoon was the answer. I took off and told dispatch I would be back around 1 PM CST. I went out and waited for the Chinese restaurant to open; when It did I had one big lunch...
Was back at the terminal before 1 PM CST and I just watched the terminal TV and waited for a load. Around 2:30 CST I was called to the dispatch window and given a load of toys to Ft Worth.
I have been to that warehouse several times and the trip is a nice, easy one.
I decided to wait and get fuel at the Lancaster terminal. When I started north at 3:30 PM CST, I just shot up past San Antonio, Texas and stopped for a short break. Got some munchies out of the back, in my sleeper and munched and drove north. When I got to where I-35 divides into east and west, I took I-35E and continued up to Lancaster. I fueled(162 gallons) and took I-20 west to Hwy 360 north. Followed that to my exit road and found the warehouse. I parked on the street outside the gate and set my alarm clock for 5:30 AM CST and went to bed...jj
Got up in my motel and got ready for the day. I had to mail the box I had worked on the last couple days so I left to find the Post Office. I finally found the post office and mailed the box to Utah. I didn't have Diane's address so I mailed it to the school where my sister and she work.
I went to the terminal and saw that I would still be here for awhile. I asked dispatch for an approximate time to get out; the late afternoon was the answer. I took off and told dispatch I would be back around 1 PM CST. I went out and waited for the Chinese restaurant to open; when It did I had one big lunch...
Was back at the terminal before 1 PM CST and I just watched the terminal TV and waited for a load. Around 2:30 CST I was called to the dispatch window and given a load of toys to Ft Worth.
I have been to that warehouse several times and the trip is a nice, easy one.
I decided to wait and get fuel at the Lancaster terminal. When I started north at 3:30 PM CST, I just shot up past San Antonio, Texas and stopped for a short break. Got some munchies out of the back, in my sleeper and munched and drove north. When I got to where I-35 divides into east and west, I took I-35E and continued up to Lancaster. I fueled(162 gallons) and took I-20 west to Hwy 360 north. Followed that to my exit road and found the warehouse. I parked on the street outside the gate and set my alarm clock for 5:30 AM CST and went to bed...jj
November 6, 2010
November 6, 1990, 2010
FIRST 5 YEARS:(Tuesday-Laredo, Texas)
Woke and called dispatch here in Laredo. They told me that I would not be getting out today and to keep my room. I worked on the statue and it's box(see previous days) though the day. I didn't work very hard on it as I watched TV, eat at the Chinese Restaurant and visited Wal-Mart for awhile. Did get the project done by Dank. Nothing much more happened
Woke and called dispatch here in Laredo. They told me that I would not be getting out today and to keep my room. I worked on the statue and it's box(see previous days) though the day. I didn't work very hard on it as I watched TV, eat at the Chinese Restaurant and visited Wal-Mart for awhile. Did get the project done by Dank. Nothing much more happened
November 5, 2010
November 5, 1990, 2010
FIRST 5 YEARS:(Sunday-Laredo, Texas)
Spent the night at the motel enjoying my time off. Didn't have breakfast after I found that I would be here until tomorrow. I signed up for this room again and went out looking for something special for Diane(see yesterday-Nov.4, 1990).
I ate lunch at the Chinese Restaurant by the motel.
For Diane, I found a 3 foot metal-tinny-statue of a Medieval Knight that I could rework. I took the statue back to my room and started reworking it. I did all kinds of things to it and I enjoyed doing it. Basically I took the sword out of the right hand and replaced it with a rose. I make a scroll for the left hand and wrote a "love" poem. I will mail it and I will have to make a customized box to ship it in. Into the night I worked on the project...
Spent the night at the motel enjoying my time off. Didn't have breakfast after I found that I would be here until tomorrow. I signed up for this room again and went out looking for something special for Diane(see yesterday-Nov.4, 1990).
I ate lunch at the Chinese Restaurant by the motel.
For Diane, I found a 3 foot metal-tinny-statue of a Medieval Knight that I could rework. I took the statue back to my room and started reworking it. I did all kinds of things to it and I enjoyed doing it. Basically I took the sword out of the right hand and replaced it with a rose. I make a scroll for the left hand and wrote a "love" poem. I will mail it and I will have to make a customized box to ship it in. Into the night I worked on the project...
November 4, 2010
November 4, 1990, 2010
FIRST 5 YEARS:(Sunday-Sanderson, Texas)
5 AM CST came and I climbed out of my bed. Feeling good so I did a vehicle inspection, got my paperwork legal and left for Laredo, Texas east on Hwy 90. Nice quiet morning driving through the Texas desert!!! As the Sun was starting to make it's appearance, I past Langtry, Texas, the home of the "Judge Roy Bean-the Hanging Judge" Museum. Before I reached Del Rio (Texas) I crossed over the Amistad Lake(lake made from the Rio Grande River). At Del Rio, I stopped along the main city street and got into my sleeper and got some munchies to eat along the way. Leaving Del Rio, I took Hwy 277 into Eagle Pass(Texas) stopping at the small truckstop for a short break. Continued down Hwy 277 to Carrizo Springs-a town I love to go through-where I picked up Hwy 83 to I-35 south.
Into Laredo and to the terminal I went. The terminal was closing as it was almost noon and it was standard operating procedure. I did check in with them and was told I would be here a day or two. I was also told that I could just drop my trailer in the yard and I did.
It was 1 PM CST when I got done with everything and I decided not to see my friends on this trip as my sister had told me of a gal, Diane, she worked with-my sister and her were both teachers-and she said Diane might be interested in me. I decided, because I like working on hobbies, to make Diane a special "Hi!!!" present while I stayed in the motel.
I checked into the motel and spent the rest of the day talking with other drivers sitting at the pool(only about an hour) and sitting in my room thinking of what type of present to make-no ideas yet-and watching TV...
5 AM CST came and I climbed out of my bed. Feeling good so I did a vehicle inspection, got my paperwork legal and left for Laredo, Texas east on Hwy 90. Nice quiet morning driving through the Texas desert!!! As the Sun was starting to make it's appearance, I past Langtry, Texas, the home of the "Judge Roy Bean-the Hanging Judge" Museum. Before I reached Del Rio (Texas) I crossed over the Amistad Lake(lake made from the Rio Grande River). At Del Rio, I stopped along the main city street and got into my sleeper and got some munchies to eat along the way. Leaving Del Rio, I took Hwy 277 into Eagle Pass(Texas) stopping at the small truckstop for a short break. Continued down Hwy 277 to Carrizo Springs-a town I love to go through-where I picked up Hwy 83 to I-35 south.
Into Laredo and to the terminal I went. The terminal was closing as it was almost noon and it was standard operating procedure. I did check in with them and was told I would be here a day or two. I was also told that I could just drop my trailer in the yard and I did.
It was 1 PM CST when I got done with everything and I decided not to see my friends on this trip as my sister had told me of a gal, Diane, she worked with-my sister and her were both teachers-and she said Diane might be interested in me. I decided, because I like working on hobbies, to make Diane a special "Hi!!!" present while I stayed in the motel.
I checked into the motel and spent the rest of the day talking with other drivers sitting at the pool(only about an hour) and sitting in my room thinking of what type of present to make-no ideas yet-and watching TV...
November 3, 2010
November 3, 1990, 2010
FIRST 5 YEARS:(Saturday-Rest Area between Lordsburg & Deming, New Mexico)
The Sun had been up for awhile when I woke up and pulled my sorry rear end out of bed. Shortly after getting up, I headed east on I-10. Just before getting to Las Cruces, New Mexico, I stopped at a highway convenient store and truckstop and got some munchies and chocolate milk. Drove on into Texas on I-10 and saw some areas so run down that it looked like I was driving through Mexico-across the border that I could see alot of.
I got to the El Paso, Texas terminal at 11:30 AM MST and checked in with dispatch. The terminal was getting ready to close at noon. I was just sitting thinking about where I would eat-lunch buffet at the "Just a Truckstop" here or dinner on down the road-when another driver came and started talking with me. He had a load to Laredo(Texas) and didn't want to go down there. I offered to trade him and he happily traded loads. That answered my question on where and when I would eat...here and now....
This load was due in Laredo Monday so I had a little time here. After fueling(181 gallons) at he terminal, I went and had lunch at "Just a Truckstop" and then left east on I-10 at 2 PM MST.
When I was refueling, another driver pulled up to refuel in a Peterbilt tractor-I had a Kenworth. We started talking and he claimed to get his best fuel mileage when he traveled at speeds over 70. I asked if he often traveled that fast and he said that he did most the time. Well, we split up and I went and ate. I then headed east on I-10. The interstate was pretty empty and I was just doing the speed limit( 60 mph) and enjoying the drive. I glanced in my rear view mirror and saw this truck catching up with me but was far behind. I kept my eye on it and it caught up with me by the McNary(Texas) exit. I got on the CB radio and found out that it was Big Joe(handle), the one I had refueled with earlier. He was moving right along and I decided to run with him. It took all I had to keep up with him. We were literally passing everything eastbound on I-10. We went through Sierra Blanca(New Mexico) and I was getting worried as he-Big Joe-didn't seem at all worried about getting caught by any law enforcement. I never asked if he was running a Bird Dog, but I would imagine he was. We got near Van Horn(Texas) and I told him "bye" and let him speed away.
I got to Fort Stockton, Texas, stopped for a short break and then headed down Hwy 285. I got to Sanderson, Texas at 8:30 PM CST and was tired. I pulled off into a parking lot of a closed down restaurant, near a phone, and laid down for some sleep...
The Sun had been up for awhile when I woke up and pulled my sorry rear end out of bed. Shortly after getting up, I headed east on I-10. Just before getting to Las Cruces, New Mexico, I stopped at a highway convenient store and truckstop and got some munchies and chocolate milk. Drove on into Texas on I-10 and saw some areas so run down that it looked like I was driving through Mexico-across the border that I could see alot of.
I got to the El Paso, Texas terminal at 11:30 AM MST and checked in with dispatch. The terminal was getting ready to close at noon. I was just sitting thinking about where I would eat-lunch buffet at the "Just a Truckstop" here or dinner on down the road-when another driver came and started talking with me. He had a load to Laredo(Texas) and didn't want to go down there. I offered to trade him and he happily traded loads. That answered my question on where and when I would eat...here and now....
This load was due in Laredo Monday so I had a little time here. After fueling(181 gallons) at he terminal, I went and had lunch at "Just a Truckstop" and then left east on I-10 at 2 PM MST.
When I was refueling, another driver pulled up to refuel in a Peterbilt tractor-I had a Kenworth. We started talking and he claimed to get his best fuel mileage when he traveled at speeds over 70. I asked if he often traveled that fast and he said that he did most the time. Well, we split up and I went and ate. I then headed east on I-10. The interstate was pretty empty and I was just doing the speed limit( 60 mph) and enjoying the drive. I glanced in my rear view mirror and saw this truck catching up with me but was far behind. I kept my eye on it and it caught up with me by the McNary(Texas) exit. I got on the CB radio and found out that it was Big Joe(handle), the one I had refueled with earlier. He was moving right along and I decided to run with him. It took all I had to keep up with him. We were literally passing everything eastbound on I-10. We went through Sierra Blanca(New Mexico) and I was getting worried as he-Big Joe-didn't seem at all worried about getting caught by any law enforcement. I never asked if he was running a Bird Dog, but I would imagine he was. We got near Van Horn(Texas) and I told him "bye" and let him speed away.
I got to Fort Stockton, Texas, stopped for a short break and then headed down Hwy 285. I got to Sanderson, Texas at 8:30 PM CST and was tired. I pulled off into a parking lot of a closed down restaurant, near a phone, and laid down for some sleep...
November 2, 2010
November 2, 1990, 2010
FIRST 5 YEARS:(Friday-Phoenix, Arizona)
Was at the first tire drop east of I-17 on Bell Road at 6:30 AM MST. The Manager showed up at 7 AM MST and he told me were to back the truck. Things were a little slow as I didn't get out of there until 9:30 AM MST. Was at my final drop and backed up to the door at 10 AM MST. I was totally unloaded by 11:30 MST and just moved my truck out of the store's way. I mad my call to dispatch.
I told dispatch that I wanted out of here today as I don't really know anywhere to spend the weekend. He checked with planning and came back with a load to pickup in Nogales(Arizona) going to Memphis, Tennessee. He said the trailer was sitting in our Nogales yard as he spoke. Fantastic!!! I headed down I-17 and hooked into I-10 eastbound. I stopped at the "Just a Truckstop" for for lunch/dinner and filled up.
As I ate, I thought about fueling. I have half tanks and I will be going to El Paso where I can fill with company fuel....I decided to wait to fuel.
I continued to Tucson, Arizona where I took I-19 south. This interstate is the only one I know of that doesn't have "mile markers"; it has "Kilometer Markers".
Got to the company yard in Nogales, found my loaded trailer, dropped my empty trailer and hooked up to the full one. I was not in Nogales long as I left it as soon as I got dispatched.
I took Hwy 82 out of Nogales and boy was it a beautiful drive. I stopped in the very pleasant town of Patagonia, Arizona and tried to call my sister in Bountiful, Utah. She didn't answer the phone. Since I was enjoying the town and had my truck parked, I walked around a short time. After the adventure at Patagonia I continued northeast on Hwy 82 to Hwy 90. Hwy 90 I took north to I-10 and then eastward. I got into New Mexico and was pretty tired. Before my day ended, I stopped at the rest area between Lordsburg and Deming to sleep...
Was at the first tire drop east of I-17 on Bell Road at 6:30 AM MST. The Manager showed up at 7 AM MST and he told me were to back the truck. Things were a little slow as I didn't get out of there until 9:30 AM MST. Was at my final drop and backed up to the door at 10 AM MST. I was totally unloaded by 11:30 MST and just moved my truck out of the store's way. I mad my call to dispatch.
I told dispatch that I wanted out of here today as I don't really know anywhere to spend the weekend. He checked with planning and came back with a load to pickup in Nogales(Arizona) going to Memphis, Tennessee. He said the trailer was sitting in our Nogales yard as he spoke. Fantastic!!! I headed down I-17 and hooked into I-10 eastbound. I stopped at the "Just a Truckstop" for for lunch/dinner and filled up.
As I ate, I thought about fueling. I have half tanks and I will be going to El Paso where I can fill with company fuel....I decided to wait to fuel.
I continued to Tucson, Arizona where I took I-19 south. This interstate is the only one I know of that doesn't have "mile markers"; it has "Kilometer Markers".
Got to the company yard in Nogales, found my loaded trailer, dropped my empty trailer and hooked up to the full one. I was not in Nogales long as I left it as soon as I got dispatched.
I took Hwy 82 out of Nogales and boy was it a beautiful drive. I stopped in the very pleasant town of Patagonia, Arizona and tried to call my sister in Bountiful, Utah. She didn't answer the phone. Since I was enjoying the town and had my truck parked, I walked around a short time. After the adventure at Patagonia I continued northeast on Hwy 82 to Hwy 90. Hwy 90 I took north to I-10 and then eastward. I got into New Mexico and was pretty tired. Before my day ended, I stopped at the rest area between Lordsburg and Deming to sleep...
November 1, 2010
November 1, 1990, 2010
FIRST 5 YEARS:(Thursday-Santa Rosa, New Mexico)
I had to get going by 3AM MST--I felt--so I was up at 2:30 AM MST. Took off west with a beautiful sky and full moon before day break. Stopped for a short break after just getting into Arizona. Onward to Flagstaff. After being in the desert, I -40 climbs into the mountains before getting to Flagstaff.
Found the tire store at 10 AM MST and checked with the store manager. He backed me up to the unloading door and a couple guys helped me unload their tires. They had alot of tires; I only had 3 stops. I was done by noon and ready to head for Phoenix.
Took off south on I-17 and went up and down the mountains, coming to the desert floor by 2:30 PM MST. I found a nice dirt parking area for the truck behind a convenient store at I-17 & Bell Road in north Phoenix and spent the night there. Both my stops tomorrow are on Bell Road, the first east of I-17 and the second west of I-17.
Side Note: Being that I will start tomorrow in Phoenix and make both drops in Phoenix, I don't get paid for today-for driving-until I got dispatched out of here. I got paid for the mileages between cities & towns.
I had to get going by 3AM MST--I felt--so I was up at 2:30 AM MST. Took off west with a beautiful sky and full moon before day break. Stopped for a short break after just getting into Arizona. Onward to Flagstaff. After being in the desert, I -40 climbs into the mountains before getting to Flagstaff.
Found the tire store at 10 AM MST and checked with the store manager. He backed me up to the unloading door and a couple guys helped me unload their tires. They had alot of tires; I only had 3 stops. I was done by noon and ready to head for Phoenix.
Took off south on I-17 and went up and down the mountains, coming to the desert floor by 2:30 PM MST. I found a nice dirt parking area for the truck behind a convenient store at I-17 & Bell Road in north Phoenix and spent the night there. Both my stops tomorrow are on Bell Road, the first east of I-17 and the second west of I-17.
Side Note: Being that I will start tomorrow in Phoenix and make both drops in Phoenix, I don't get paid for today-for driving-until I got dispatched out of here. I got paid for the mileages between cities & towns.
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