3/17/11..... I am alive!

3/15/11

Finally!  A change of scenery!  This morning we find ourselves driving through the Appalachians on I-80 on our way to Breinigsville, PA,  with a load of cereal.  I went from boring fields of brown to forests of brown but a different view none the less.  Jeff stated that the view is breathtaking in the fall with the bright and vivid colors of red, orange and yellows.  Colors we never truly see in Seattle as we go from green to yellow and brown so quickly it is like the leaves mold!

I haven’t been able to run since I joined Jeff due to how he runs his time and his truck but I am getting more hours with more sleep as he won’t drive at night.  We have not docked at any distribution center or warehouse, all our loads so far have been drop and pick.  I decided to use that little recorder that Matt got me to assist with my interviews.  I just need this truck to be still long enough to do it! 

My walkabout down under was so interesting not because of me, but because of the pictures and the people I met on my travels, the stories they shared and the pictures that brought the trip to life.  That is what we are missing so far.  I hope to correct that soon!  Soon, very soon as I have 55 hours of the 250 required before I get my own truck. 

Oh!  It looks like I will be lying on the beach in Florida for a week at the end of the month when Jeff takes his week off at home.  I get paid to relax in the sun and look forward to it.  I might even be spending some time with Matt’s family!  Catch up with you virtual truckers later!

3/16/11

Good evening from north of Chicago!  A special *WAVE* to my Mother who called me a little worried since I have not updated my blog in a few days.  There will be days when I just don’t have either the time and/or access to the web for updates.  Love you Mom………

I received a hug this evening from my Trainer after I drove through Chicago during rush hour traffic!  I don’t know if the hug was because I did it well or because he was still alive to talk about it ;)  I am learning a new technique for downshifting using the double clutch method on the fuel pedal (light touch) and not the clutch.  Certainly less grinding and smoother operation but I wouldn’t suggest learning it during rush hour!

I have completed nearly 68 (?) hrs of the required 275 and still have a lot to learn.  I can’t wait for my beach vacation in Florida at the end of the month near my half way point! 

Time for bed…….got a delivery at 6 AM. 

3/17/11

We made two deliveries today, on time and now sittting at a truck stop, getting you all updated while I spend $5 on one load of laundry.  On our way to Fargo tomorrow...........and I am paying for web access.  Here are some pictures from the past couple of days.  I am off to watch "Survivor"!

3/14/11.......again!

Good evening from the biggest truckstop in the world!  I would share pictures but the biggest truckstop has the smallest bandwidth.  Go figure.

We did get that load this morning without an empty trailer to replace it with.  There was no word from fleet by the time we woke up so we decided to hit the distribution center instead and with permission from the guard, got our load and left!  Of course, early this afternoon, they wanted us to pick up another load that was due for pick up first thing this morning!  We don't haul doubles!  We will pick it up tomorrow if it is still available.

I am off to sleep, that extra hour gained was one hour too many and with no evening cocktail and movie to entertain me, I look forward to the dreams instead.  Good night!