Can you believe it? About 1:30 last night we rolled in to Spartanburg on our way up north. Dee met us at the truck stop at 221 and I26. I got to spend about and hour and a half with her. Boy was it good to see her again!
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
What's this?
Can you believe it? About 1:30 last night we rolled in to Spartanburg on our way up north. Dee met us at the truck stop at 221 and I26. I got to spend about and hour and a half with her. Boy was it good to see her again!
Hot diggity
What is the world coming to? Orlando was typical Florida. Hot rainy and muggy! Well from there we traveled to a place near Savannah. Then went to Indiana. We are now going to go to Texas. I'm going to put new pictures up on the blog so I'll leave messages later.
Sunday, September 21, 2008
Survey
Hey Y'all, I've put a survey on the blog. please give me your input, also any questions that you would like to see on the survey. Thanks, and remember, whatever it is, chances are it was moved by truck!
Wow... A break!
At last! We have to have the oil changed and 4 new shock absorbers put on the tractor. It is being done at a Freightliner shop in Orlando, Fla. That means that we are in a motel and getting some much needed sleep and rest.
I have a lot more pics. to put on the blog. I just don't want to boar you with too many. I need questions about the road so I can still make this blog interesting. My brain is mush at the present time, so don't ask me to think. It is very diffucult for me to do when I am at my best and that is not the case right now.
Ok, now I'll get to posting some pics. This is time consuming because they have to be done one at a time. Talk to you later!
I have a lot more pics. to put on the blog. I just don't want to boar you with too many. I need questions about the road so I can still make this blog interesting. My brain is mush at the present time, so don't ask me to think. It is very diffucult for me to do when I am at my best and that is not the case right now.
Ok, now I'll get to posting some pics. This is time consuming because they have to be done one at a time. Talk to you later!
Saturday, September 20, 2008
Tuesday, September 16, 2008
Sunday, September 14, 2008
Saturday
9/13/08
Headed for Ogden Utah. We are in Wyo. now. We have seen a lot of horses, cows, some bison, and believe it or not, a lot of white tailed deer. They are in the open range just like the domesticated animals.
Sunday
9/14/08
Bummer Friend Its Egypt (BFE)! No not really but we dropped our load in Ogden Utah and struck out for Rowley Utah. It looked like it was on the Great Salt Lake and we would have a casual day of rest and relaxing till we took off again. No way Hojay! We got here in the dark hours, to discover that we were in the middle of nowhere. Nothing but mountains and this facility around here. (Oops!) Why would anybody put a plant in the middle of a vast nothing? Maybe that is where the product they are mining is. Well we are stuck here till this afternoon, then I’m sure it will be go, go, go.
9/13/08
Headed for Ogden Utah. We are in Wyo. now. We have seen a lot of horses, cows, some bison, and believe it or not, a lot of white tailed deer. They are in the open range just like the domesticated animals.
Sunday
9/14/08
Bummer Friend Its Egypt (BFE)! No not really but we dropped our load in Ogden Utah and struck out for Rowley Utah. It looked like it was on the Great Salt Lake and we would have a casual day of rest and relaxing till we took off again. No way Hojay! We got here in the dark hours, to discover that we were in the middle of nowhere. Nothing but mountains and this facility around here. (Oops!) Why would anybody put a plant in the middle of a vast nothing? Maybe that is where the product they are mining is. Well we are stuck here till this afternoon, then I’m sure it will be go, go, go.
Saturday, September 13, 2008
Limon, Co.
Greetings from Limon, Co. I was asleep in the washing machine (not sure what cycle it was on, maybe agitate)when we arrived here, so I'm not sure how far into Co. we are. I have heard rumors of snow in Co. but to look at the sky here you could not tell it. There is not a cloud in the sky. It is beautiful here! It is also very cold! We slept this AM in the truck without the washing machine running. I have two light weight sleeping bags. One stuffed into the other. I also had a sweatshirt on. I was still cold. I will have to do something about that but not now.
The big story on TV is the hurricane coming ashore in Texas. Sure glad we got out of there yesterday. It sounds like Texas is taking a real beating!
If I have not told you, we are on our way to Ogden Utah. To abide with the law, we are resting at a "Flying J" truck stop. We will resume travel this afternoon.
The good thing about "Flying J" is that they are wi-fyed. The bad thing is that you have to pay for it. Ain't nothing free! It is $5.00/day. You can get it for $20.00 a month but I never know what truck stop Ted wants to stop at. So I buy it when I am at the truck stop.
I'm ready for a respit from all this travel. Some home time with Dee would be really nice. The only problem with going home now is Werner gives you an incentive to stay on the road till your training is done. It is called money. $500.00 worth. That makes it worth waiting.
The big story on TV is the hurricane coming ashore in Texas. Sure glad we got out of there yesterday. It sounds like Texas is taking a real beating!
If I have not told you, we are on our way to Ogden Utah. To abide with the law, we are resting at a "Flying J" truck stop. We will resume travel this afternoon.
The good thing about "Flying J" is that they are wi-fyed. The bad thing is that you have to pay for it. Ain't nothing free! It is $5.00/day. You can get it for $20.00 a month but I never know what truck stop Ted wants to stop at. So I buy it when I am at the truck stop.
I'm ready for a respit from all this travel. Some home time with Dee would be really nice. The only problem with going home now is Werner gives you an incentive to stay on the road till your training is done. It is called money. $500.00 worth. That makes it worth waiting.
At Last
Saturday
09/06/08
Here we are again, attempting to type in the truck as we head for our destination. We departed Aurora Col. with me at the wheel, destination Toledo, Ohio. This was at 12pm eastern time. I drove until I could not keep my eyes open. That was about 6am.
I crawled into the washing machine and attempted to get some sleep. I say into the washing machine instead of on top as before because you are tossed around a hell of a lot more when the truck is moving. Don’t even try to sleep on your back. If you do, your stomach and all its contents are tossed left and right with every bump the truck hits.
We made a stop again at the largest truck stop in the world in Iowa. There we got fuel, ate, and took a shower. I went back to the washing machine and tried to count a few more sheep. We are going a little south of Chicago now and have about 2 more hours before reaching Toledo.
We just passed another conflict involving an 18 wheeler and a suv. This one was not as serious as the first. What makes SUVs think they can tangle with an 18 wheeler and come out the victor? It just won’t work!
I’m not sure when I’ll get to post this blog but you know I’ll try to as soon as possible.
Before I sign off, I just wanted to tell all of you out there that have made the effort to sign in and leave a comment, thanks! The overwhelming response has been positive and has encouraged me to try to improve the blog. Thanks again!
Sunday
09/07/08
We have unloaded at Toledo Ohio and have made it to Newark NJ. The thing I don’t understand is we had to bust our tails to get these loads to the destinations on or before the time they were supposed to be there. We accomplished this but when we reached the unload spots; we had to wait about 3 hours at each one before they unloaded us. It seems that it is ok for them to delay us but we had better have the load there on time. I’m a little thick but am starting to see how the game is played.
For all of my non-trucking friends out there I want to tell you something that I should have mentioned before. When driving a big rig, you can be going a lot faster than you realize in no time at all. You don’t have the feel of speed that a car does. Most of the trucks are equipped with cruise control (I’ll bet you did not know that). It really helps to keep you from going to fast. Another little known tid bit is that most trucks are equipped with an engine brake called a Jake break. This device uses the compression of the engine to help slow down the truck. The truck can slow down without you ever seeing break lights. So use caution out there on the highway when you are following a little to close to a big rig. You could be fighting a battle that only the big rig can win.
09/06/08
Here we are again, attempting to type in the truck as we head for our destination. We departed Aurora Col. with me at the wheel, destination Toledo, Ohio. This was at 12pm eastern time. I drove until I could not keep my eyes open. That was about 6am.
I crawled into the washing machine and attempted to get some sleep. I say into the washing machine instead of on top as before because you are tossed around a hell of a lot more when the truck is moving. Don’t even try to sleep on your back. If you do, your stomach and all its contents are tossed left and right with every bump the truck hits.
We made a stop again at the largest truck stop in the world in Iowa. There we got fuel, ate, and took a shower. I went back to the washing machine and tried to count a few more sheep. We are going a little south of Chicago now and have about 2 more hours before reaching Toledo.
We just passed another conflict involving an 18 wheeler and a suv. This one was not as serious as the first. What makes SUVs think they can tangle with an 18 wheeler and come out the victor? It just won’t work!
I’m not sure when I’ll get to post this blog but you know I’ll try to as soon as possible.
Before I sign off, I just wanted to tell all of you out there that have made the effort to sign in and leave a comment, thanks! The overwhelming response has been positive and has encouraged me to try to improve the blog. Thanks again!
Sunday
09/07/08
We have unloaded at Toledo Ohio and have made it to Newark NJ. The thing I don’t understand is we had to bust our tails to get these loads to the destinations on or before the time they were supposed to be there. We accomplished this but when we reached the unload spots; we had to wait about 3 hours at each one before they unloaded us. It seems that it is ok for them to delay us but we had better have the load there on time. I’m a little thick but am starting to see how the game is played.
For all of my non-trucking friends out there I want to tell you something that I should have mentioned before. When driving a big rig, you can be going a lot faster than you realize in no time at all. You don’t have the feel of speed that a car does. Most of the trucks are equipped with cruise control (I’ll bet you did not know that). It really helps to keep you from going to fast. Another little known tid bit is that most trucks are equipped with an engine brake called a Jake break. This device uses the compression of the engine to help slow down the truck. The truck can slow down without you ever seeing break lights. So use caution out there on the highway when you are following a little to close to a big rig. You could be fighting a battle that only the big rig can win.
Friday, September 5, 2008
The beauty of the West
I just had to add another small blog that lets you know of the vast beauty in Wyo. and Col. I saw it this morning. When I say vast, that is exactly what it is. The beauty is so large and unspoiled here. Yes, there are fences but for the most part you only see how big things are out here. The bluffs and rock outcroppings are amazing! I think everyone in this country should see the beauty that is their land. I just have to say awesome! Because I don't have a digital camera with me, I resorted to taking some pictures with my cell phone. I don't know if I can get them on my computer so I can put them on the blog. I have Sonofatrucker working on that, and if it can be done he will find a way.
Happy motoring to you all.
Happy motoring to you all.
More Trucking
9/4/08
Thursday
Well, what an interesting time! Tue. We traveled to the big city of Philly,Pa. Did you know that it has a lot and I mean lot of low bridges? Well we found one near our destination. We had to get in touch with the local police to direct traffic while we maneuvered to get out of the situation. The policeman was most helpful. He even told us where there was a K-mart that we could park overnight.
You won’t believe this but I am typing this blog while Ted is driving. That is a new experience. Typing while bouncing over the road is a real challenge. We are in Iowa now headed west, just like Horrace Greeley said.
We stopped at the largest truck stop in the world early this morning. It has about 4 levels to it. If you can’t find what you want there it ain’t for sale.
I saw a bumper sticker yesterday that said “save the ta tas.” I thought that was amusing. It could also be a breast cancer ad.
While traveling to pick up our current load that we are taking to Green River WY., we were delayed by a terrible accident. A semi and a SUV tangled and you know who won. The SUV was on its side under the truck and in front of the tandum (last set of wheels). When we past the wreck, my heart sank. It was a Werner truck. I don’t know whose fault it was but if the driver of the SUV survived it was a miracle.
Thursday
Well, what an interesting time! Tue. We traveled to the big city of Philly,Pa. Did you know that it has a lot and I mean lot of low bridges? Well we found one near our destination. We had to get in touch with the local police to direct traffic while we maneuvered to get out of the situation. The policeman was most helpful. He even told us where there was a K-mart that we could park overnight.
You won’t believe this but I am typing this blog while Ted is driving. That is a new experience. Typing while bouncing over the road is a real challenge. We are in Iowa now headed west, just like Horrace Greeley said.
We stopped at the largest truck stop in the world early this morning. It has about 4 levels to it. If you can’t find what you want there it ain’t for sale.
I saw a bumper sticker yesterday that said “save the ta tas.” I thought that was amusing. It could also be a breast cancer ad.
While traveling to pick up our current load that we are taking to Green River WY., we were delayed by a terrible accident. A semi and a SUV tangled and you know who won. The SUV was on its side under the truck and in front of the tandum (last set of wheels). When we past the wreck, my heart sank. It was a Werner truck. I don’t know whose fault it was but if the driver of the SUV survived it was a miracle.
Tuesday, September 2, 2008
Trucking
Hey according to a comment on yesterdays blog, I missed a TV show on the hardest jobs. It had trucking as a hard job. Well I'll have to catch the rerun! The comment also said that they were aware of a lot of the problems facing truckers from reading my blog. Boy is my chest stuck out! Hope all of you get to see the show. I'm sure it is a lot more interesting than my blog.
Well, if the tractor is out of the shop today we will be on the road again. Ted is having the air compressor replaced. Boy it is expensive to keep a tractor running properly!
I'll be storing my laptop now in the hope that we will depart in the AM. Will report my next adventure as soon as I can.
Well, if the tractor is out of the shop today we will be on the road again. Ted is having the air compressor replaced. Boy it is expensive to keep a tractor running properly!
I'll be storing my laptop now in the hope that we will depart in the AM. Will report my next adventure as soon as I can.
Monday, September 1, 2008
What you always wanted to know
09/01/08
Monday
When nature calls you need to have an elastic bladder. There are a lot of truck stops and rest areas around the nation. It is not a pop-in pop-out thing though. Finding a place to park can be a challenge. I don't know if you have noticed but truckers like to park close together. This can be a real test of skill if you have to back into a slot and have a bladder that is yelling at you to hurry up! The nice thing about a truck stop is that it has most of the amenities that you need for extended stays on the road. They have showers, restrooms, laundry facilities, and food and drink. The draw back is that they know you have to use them and they like to charge accordingly. Well that's life on the road.
I think everyone that complains about their job needs to come on the road for a week. You will really like the majority of it but it is definitely a different way of living. The thing that has been worse for me is trying to adjust to my family doing the things we had planned before I started driving and I can't be there! I miss the comfort and routine of the life I had in Spartanburg. I am adjusting with the help of my family.
Son of a trucker wanted to know about getting sick on the road. I think you pretty well answered your on question. The most important thing to do is to let the company know the problem. If I have to see a Dr., a doc-in-the-box is a good place to start. If I have to get home and can still drive, the company will route me there. If I can't drive, the bus is an alternative.
Well don't forget, America moves by truck!
Monday
When nature calls you need to have an elastic bladder. There are a lot of truck stops and rest areas around the nation. It is not a pop-in pop-out thing though. Finding a place to park can be a challenge. I don't know if you have noticed but truckers like to park close together. This can be a real test of skill if you have to back into a slot and have a bladder that is yelling at you to hurry up! The nice thing about a truck stop is that it has most of the amenities that you need for extended stays on the road. They have showers, restrooms, laundry facilities, and food and drink. The draw back is that they know you have to use them and they like to charge accordingly. Well that's life on the road.
I think everyone that complains about their job needs to come on the road for a week. You will really like the majority of it but it is definitely a different way of living. The thing that has been worse for me is trying to adjust to my family doing the things we had planned before I started driving and I can't be there! I miss the comfort and routine of the life I had in Spartanburg. I am adjusting with the help of my family.
Son of a trucker wanted to know about getting sick on the road. I think you pretty well answered your on question. The most important thing to do is to let the company know the problem. If I have to see a Dr., a doc-in-the-box is a good place to start. If I have to get home and can still drive, the company will route me there. If I can't drive, the bus is an alternative.
Well don't forget, America moves by truck!
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