The Big Rig Daily Report

Find Us at crosscountrytravelinfo.com

2011-11-03T07:05:00.000-06:00

I have been so busy that I have not posted here for a very long time. I have been working on my web-site crosscountrytravelinfo.com and for the Examiner.com as National Cross Country Travel Examiner and Salt Lake City Day Trips Examiner plus another trucking blog, so no time to post here and no way of knowing if I have readers here. Plus I also am trying to find ways to be compensated for my time to write, so that I can do it full time when I retire.

Anyway, let me know if you want me to continue here and what you think about the web-site and other articles. Be safe out there on your highway travels! I will see you down the road.

Knottsberry Farm: California Amusement

2011-05-01T11:33:00.000-06:00

Had a layover in LA for a day and thought we would check out Knottsberry Farm. John loves the rides and wishes we could stop at every one of the amusement parks across the country. They have a big parking lot where we parked the truck in the shade. I took lots of pictures of the rides and can't wait until I have time to write about it at National Cross Country Travel on the Examiner. This is from my cell phone...not too bad. John got a thrill from dropping 250 feet in the air.

Sunny and Beautiful in Southern California

2010-12-13T14:47:00.000-07:00

While the Midwest struggles in snow and cold weather we enjoy the sun today in Los Angeles. Counting ourselves lucky to be driving back and forth to Seattle this week, it is hard to complain about the routine of driving Highway I-5.

Be careful out there all you who are not so lucky! Tonight we leave to go back to Seattle again...you can have the east and the snow and cold. I can understand why people live here and endure the traffic on a day like today.

Mild Winter in Seattle and the Northwest

2010-12-06T14:13:00.001-07:00

I love Seattle at any time of year! There is so much to do there and the city is built right on the water for sightseeing, dining, the aquarium and the market.
The air is so fresh in Washington and Oregon too!
While we did drive through snow in Wyoming and Idaho and some fog is Oregon, Washington was clear. Now onto Los Angeles and sunny California....

Winter Wonderland

2010-11-22T16:09:00.000-07:00

Yesterday we drove across Wyoming on I-80 into Idaho on I-84 and through snow most of the way. We saw many cars and trucks involved in accidents in various degrees of severity along the way and some beautiful winter white scenery too.

I was inspired to write an article about slowing down. Many drivers speed past us on winter roads and we alway wonder why they take the chance. This time was saw one such person on the side of the road as we passed by. SLOW DOWN people! It is not a race when the roads are slick. To see the slide show and article check the examiner link. Or even the twitter one.

Pennsylvania Colors Fall Leaves

2010-10-28T15:16:00.000-06:00

We have been back and forth through Pennsylvania so much this year I am amazed that I am still taking photos; but with colors and scenes like these I have to keep capturing and sharing the views!!

We have also been several time over the Highway 70 in Colorado and seen Rocky Mountain colors but those are gone to snow white now. It is mostly brown in Pennsyvania now but still got some great shots yesterday. But with the wind most leaves have fallen.

I am not ready for winter and do not find as much to photograph in the winter. Mostly sky. Always beauty in the sky.

Today in Georgia it is still warm. We are headed home and Illinois is suppose to rain and Utah has seen snow....here we go into winter...ready or not.

Fall Road Trip Ohio - Pennsylvania - New York

2010-09-27T15:43:00.000-06:00

This trip is one that we take almost once a month, though we try to avoid it in the winter, it is one that is thrilling in the fall when the leaves are changing. I have already posted my photos on Examiner.com at Cross Country Travel but wanted to include a couple more here of the road. The colors were amazing and the blue sky with white clouds was surreal...I felt I was in a movie.

It is a real blessing to be able to share the sights with others on the internet! It allows me to live the experience over again and again, well at least the good parts.

Paw Paw Michigan Police

2010-09-19T12:52:00.000-06:00

This is the photo of the day from the truck window going through Paw Paw, Michigan where the local law enforcement parked this great car! I just love old cars don't you? We were going there to the Coke place to pick up but they were 6 hours behind loading and we had a FedEx one in Chicago that Had to go on time, so abandoned it and our hope of sleep. Aint truckin great!

Pure Michigan Trucking

2010-08-17T11:17:00.001-06:00

One of the things I love about the road is the changing scenery and the flowers along the way. This year it does not seem like there were as many flowers although there was more rain this year. Go figure? Anyway, the roadside flowers in Michigan are beautiful though sometimes it is hard to know when Michigan left off and Minnesota begins.

The farmland up here is amazing with the green fields of corn and red barns everywhere. It is a country picture perfect getting ready to harvest and I am beginning to look for the pumpkin patches even though it is just August.

It is nice to realize that Michigan is more than Detriot and the auto industry. It is also beautiful countryside which they promote in a new branding campaign as "Pure Michigan."

Oscar Likes to Sail on Carlyle Lake

2010-06-27T13:50:00.000-06:00

Carlyle Lake is one of the best sailing lakes in the country. We are having a split vacation with family this summer; John and Oscar are working on the Catalina 22 Sailboat that is up for sale and I am enjoying great weather in Utah. The mountains keep it cool at night here and no humidity.

Oscar Goes to Theodore Roosevelt National Park Hike

2010-06-25T17:30:00.000-06:00

We found a buffalo in the Painted Canyon at the National Park! What an exciting hike that was over Memorial Day Weekend driving through North Dakota.

Oscar runs along the trail and is so good not to bark at the big wild beast!

Big Sky Country

2010-06-04T04:55:00.000-06:00

Drove Highway 90 out of Seattle and through Montana and North Dakota to Fargo over the Memorial Day Weekend. It was amazing country and really green right now with all the spring rain this year. There are many places to tour and unique sights to see. I always am reminded that it is "Big Sky Country" because you can see the weather roll across the sky moving with the wind currents. It is amazing!

I now have three disks of pictures to edit and 10 articles or stories to write and now we have a load to Alaska. This must be my year for travel and adventure! I feel many more articles coming on and so many more picture.

Mount Rainier on a Clear Day Rises Out of the Water

2010-05-27T12:59:00.001-06:00

Sitting in Seattle for 2 days in the rain and waiting for our freight to be released from the ship... not fun! It could have been fun if we had been in a better part of town, or known when the freight was to be delivered, or if it had been good weather, but it was not to be.

I can find things to do anywhere and Seattle is fun at the market place or the warf etc. And I still want to see the butterflies here...I cannot ever get enough of those fluttering, colorful insects.

We really needed to make money this week and do not get any pay for sitting at the dock. We did get to watch Idol last night instead of driving all night. Some days you just have to try to find the silver lining in the Seattle rain...

You might have a chance to go on a Day Hike here. Here is a guide book to hiking Mt Rainier.

Tour "Out of Africa" in Arizona

2010-05-12T08:20:00.000-06:00

While waiting for my truck to get fixed I took a tour of the Wildlife Preserve between Phoenix and Flagstaff. It is getting hot in Arizona now and we needed water and a cool scarf as we walked and rode amoung the animals. This photo is one of the regal lion.

I got some amazing photos and had a great time. See those in a slideshow at the Examiner.

Truck broke down in Arizona

2010-05-09T14:58:00.005-06:00

These photos are from a motorcycle trip over the Bush Highway to Saguaro Lake. It is a beautiful drive in the spring but as you may guess, hot in the summer.

Well, there are worse places to be broken down than Arizona. At least I had not made my way out of Phoenix so it was only a 3 mile tow. The transmission would not shift at all, not forward or backward and it quit right before I was to back up under my load.

So I am in Phoenix for the weekend of Mother's Day...And my mother lives here...not bad at all.

Still the breakdown has the usual frustrations. They replaced the windshield that had a big crack. Then the batteries that failed. Then they will finally look at the transmission (automatic so they need a special technision for that.) Then they can't order parts until Monday and they won't come in until Tuesday.... Well, you can see the pattern...

I could be here all week. Which I do not mind...I just wish I knew so that I could plan accordingly. I still have a life I have to take care of...

Driving my favorite Hwy - Columbia River Gorge today

2010-05-02T15:53:00.001-06:00

While I wrote yesterday in Examiner about travel warnings on I-40 with tornados and flooding I really had no idea that it was so bad...I just knew I was glad I was not there. I was driving in a snow storm on Wyoming I-80 overnight on April 30th and into an ice storm in Utah Wastach Mountains. Where is spring I wonder?

Today we left Boise to drive to Salem, OR. What a beautiful drive and I never get tired of taking pictures of it. John remarked that we have not made this drive in the daylight hours for a very long time. Although it is green there is some snow still along the way but it is a beautiful day.

Have a great day too!

Full Moon - Good Energy - New Moon

2010-04-27T18:16:00.002-06:00

Tonight is a full moon and we are driving all night again from Chicago to Pennsylvania. I wish I could sleep...even after almost 4 years on the road, you never get used to no sleep. It is easier with more light and things to see in the full moon. I think there is more energy too. We can look at the moon together whereever you are....
Maybe there is a "New Moon"

Overlook Boise: At the World Center for Birds of Prey

2010-04-25T14:28:00.005-06:00

We are waiting for freight now in Boise since we missed our next load out of Salt Lake City by being stuck in Laramie yesterday. I have found things to do in Boise to pass the time. My favorite is to go up the hill and visit the World Center for Birds of Prey. I cannot get too may pictures of the magestic birds.

Snowed-In in Laramie, Wyoming

2010-04-24T09:08:00.004-06:00

The roads in Wyoming are closed in 8 places between Laramie and Rawlins. We were forced to pull over for the night and are currently in the Wal-mart parking lot with many other truckers and travelers. There is no telling when they will open it but according to the web-cams the roads look plowed and I do not think it will be too long...It is hard to believe that there is this kind of weather so late in the spring.

We drove through a hail storm yesterday from Denver to Kansas City. Lightning and tornado warnings. Someone else wrote up the story and is getting good reads on it. I took pictures but should have done the story too...Hard to know what people are reading.
I would really like to make this delivery in Boise and get our next one that was scheduled for pick up today in Salt Lake City.

I love Stephenie Meyer's books...and so does everyone else. This is an addition to the Twilight Saga and the top seller.

Buy it here and easily at Amazon.com.

Kentucy is Gray and Cold Wishing for Spring Here

2010-03-29T15:53:00.001-06:00

Looking for spring blooms on the trees here but none to be found...It is too early and bad winter weather is in the south with 9 tonados in the news today.
We are headed to Charlston, WV. It is a pretty place but hope to keep rolling and make some more money this week.

Trying to figure out new apps on the computer but it is frustrating...

Arizona Wildflowers Help Brighten the Miles

2010-03-27T14:12:00.001-06:00

Life on the road gets to be long and the days run together. Here it is almost April and the winter is mostly over.........unless you are in Denver where there is still snow.... We are looking for signs of spring and better driving weather and enjoying our days off in Phoenix!

We love books in my family and the new Kindle looks like a great buy!

In Search of Spring

2010-03-13T19:54:00.000-07:00

Spring comes earlier in California. The trees are blooming and wildflowers line SR99.

Arizona will have amazing golden poppies and purple and blue flowers in March.

Today in Utah the spring bulbs have been covered with fluffy white snowflakes and the skiers will have a good week of spring skiing.

Be careful of changing weather conditions and high winds of March.

Winter Weather Is the News

2010-02-09T11:56:00.001-07:00

Winter weather creates many traffic problems.

We have traveled through the ice storms in Arkansas and Tennessee and sat in the traffic for hours. Now in Oklahoma headed back to Tennessee for more snow.

Hope that all of you are safe. We are always very careful on the road and drive like the grandma and grandpa that we are.

Check out my article on driving in winter weather
at Examiner.com Lindsay Godfree-National Cross Country Travel Writer

California Waiting on a Winter Day

2010-01-17T14:45:00.002-07:00

I used to sing the song "California Dreaming" in the winter...but these days going to California means waiting a long time for a load going east. This view is from our favorite parking place near the Ontario Mall by the Japanese Restaurant.

There is a storm coming in tonight and we REALLY want to get out of town ahead of the storm. California is bracing for lots of rain and 3-5 ft. of snow in that mountain up there. Bear Mountain Ski Resort will like that.

Happy New Year! Wishing you a Great 2010

2010-01-02T11:25:00.001-07:00

James Cameron's Avatar: The Na'vi Quest

Into the sunrise of a new day and a new year, even a new decade! Looking for adventure down the road and new sites never experienced before.
Saw the new Avatar movie and thrilled at the bright colors and exotic plants and animals there. Loving where imagination can take us.
I am hopeful as always that the new year will be better than the last and considering the economy, that should not be hard....

Home to Utah for the Holidays

2009-12-29T09:24:00.004-07:00

Winter wonderland in Utah. Snow for the skiers but temperatures are cold, highs in the 20s. Currently snowing. It is good to be off the road for the holidays.

Oscar is in Illinois at the Lake House and loves the freedom. He is like a cat and sits atop the couch looking over his domain.

Dallas-Fort Worth Area Fun

2009-12-16T10:52:00.006-07:00

Photo: Speed Zone is right off Interstate I-35 at the Walnut Hill Road exit, approximately 15 minutes North of downtown Dallas and 2 minutes South of I-635 (LBJ Freeway)http://www.speedzone.com/dallas/

Thought for the Day: "Dream as if you will live forever. Live as if you will die today." James Dean

Travel Tip: Winter special there, when the high temperature is 45 degrees or below, receive 4 hours of unlimited video games in our Electric Alley for only $10 ($30.00 value).

Where is Oscar: Staying at the Ramada Inn while the truck is in the shop. He thought is was fun in the beginning but now he is bored. Now we want to go back to work!

Ski Resorts Tempt Us to Stop on I-70

2009-12-11T11:13:00.006-07:00

Photo: Ski resort I-70 headed east - on a cold day

Thought for the Day: When you realize that things are not nearly as bad as they might have been, you have taken the first step toward working your way through the problem.

Travel Tip: When driving in the snow just make sure you go slowly and carefully and maintain this speed for traction. If you stop dead you may not have the traction needed to get up the hills.

Where is Oscar: Oscar is bored today waiting to get unloaded at the dock in Denver. He lifts his foot up like it is hurt after he has been out for awhile. Maybe he needs snowboots.

Monster Storm Past Us By

2009-12-10T18:04:00.003-07:00

Photo: Wyoming in snow. I like the fence line up to the mountain.

Thought for the Day: Sometimes timing is everything. And nothing lasts forever.

Travel Tip: During the winter, the southern routes are usually the best choice to stay out of the storm. I-80 is not really a good way to go if you have a choice, they seem to close the road at the first accident. We missed the monster storm of the year by going south to I-70 after it had already moved north. A lot of times we can miss the storms by a few days or even a few hours and be able to keep moving and drive out of it.

Where is Oscar: He is doing the snowplow in the snow drifts. He loves to go in head first. Tonight we are in Kansas headed to Denver. It is very cold!! It is cold everywhere but the weather report says it will warm up in a couple of days.

Beginning to Look at Lot Like Christmas

2009-12-06T16:10:00.004-07:00

Mostly cold and no snow out here on the road. That's OK with me. Thinking about going home and being with family for the holidays and really looking forward to it.
Having fun with Christmas photos and hope to see the lights. They have some big trees at Vail Ski Resort in Colorado. I like the ones with the red, blue, and green mix.

Stuck at Fed Ex in Cinncinati, OH

2009-12-05T08:34:00.003-07:00

Well, Murphy's law strikes again! We had a great run for the weekend to Seattle but they couldn't get it together here. Must be a lot of freight for Christmas, which is good, but this place is a Zoo. We have lots of drivers here waiting now for 12 hrs....can't make any money this way!

We will head back west over I-90. Here is a sunrise from the last run there in Three Forks, Montana with the sun reflected in the three rivers that are the head waters of the Mississippi River. Beautiful!

Still nice weather in California

2009-12-01T18:07:00.002-07:00

Sunrise, Sunset, the days go by and the freight is being delivered for the holiday sales. Thank goodness or I would be out of a job! Delivered in Sacramento to Stockton to Fresno to Modesto and now LA and enjoying the mellow weather here. It is cold all over the country but Florida and even Arizona has a cold front.
Repacked the chains because the next trip is to Denver over I-70 and could have snow. Hope not...

Lake House in Carlyle IL

2009-11-26T12:18:00.002-07:00

All the leaves need raking this weekend. Made it home for a few days off and Thanksgiving Dinner with Johns family. Oscar is so excited!! He loves playing in the leaves!
I am loving doing normal daily chores. Dishes, laundry etc. Sleeping in our own bed and watching TV is luxury!
Early Sunday morning we will head out to Sacramento, CA.
Happy Thanksgiving!!

Ohio and Pennsylvania I-80/90

2009-11-22T09:13:00.002-07:00

On our way to Connecticut today and happy to see the sunshine! Ohio and the Great Lakes region was foggy and gray. The really get the weather there because of the Lakes. The turnpike rest-areas have a good food court and Starbucks too.
While the leaves are now on the ground so the scenery is not as nice it still is not a bad drive and we have time to sleep on this run so not a bad day.
Wrote an article on the Amish. I see their buggies on the country roads some time but have never been able to stop and check out the attractions.

Lost in New Jersey Again

2009-11-19T15:02:00.002-07:00

Wow, the east is so confusing and if you miss the exit or turn around in the big rig it is a major re-route job. We got lost going in and going out. Fortunately, no property was damaged and no one was hurt in the process.

Here is photo of the GW Bridge. I love that bridge even though traffic is a problem.

Now to Atlanta, GA....

Oregon, Columbia River Gorge rainy day

2009-11-15T17:40:00.003-07:00

We are in Troutdale, OR and have been sitting in Portland after a series of mishaps. We had to chain up to get over Cabbage Hill in the middle of the night with a Fed Ex load. We wore ourselves out and had to stop to sleep for a couple of hours. They took away our next load. RATS and %*(^&*(@....Then after some begging I got us a good run to San Diego but we could not find the trailer...missing in action MIA.
Finally got a run to New Jersey for Monday morning but sure messed up our miles for the week.
Wrote a story about the Columbia River. I have so many great pictures and it is so beautiful here!

Ski Season Has Begun in Colorado

2009-11-13T16:46:00.002-07:00

Well, we took that load from Houston through Denver and over the mountain passes. Since it was hazardous we had to detour through Dillon, CO and past the ski resorts. They are skiing! We wanted to stop so badly and ski for a couple of hours because the temperature was 44 degrees and sunny (This photo is from last year, the new photos are still in the camera) But the customer said they needed the flammable stuff so on we drove...
Got snowed on in Vernal, Ut. and delivered...made it to Salt Lake City for the next pick up but no time to see family...what a life! Next stop is Portland at 3:30 am and hopefully some sleep before making that drive down California into the dreaded LA. Drive, drive, drive.

Texas Has Great Weather and Reststops

2009-11-11T16:40:00.002-07:00

Enjoying a beautiful day in Texas! The weather was perfect and we took Oscar for a walk at a couple of rest areas today. This picture is of a new Visitor Center/Rest stop at the Mexican Border town of....Oops, can't remember right now) It is more like a resort...there was one like that yesterday in Arkansas. They really want to attract the tourists!
Headed to Colorado and Utah border, the town of Vernal with Hazmat. I should be a really nice drive. Hoping there is no snow in the Colorado Rockies right now....Hard to imagine it in sunny Texas tonight.

Hawk Looks for Prey Along I-80 Wyoming

2009-10-31T12:33:00.002-06:00

Just spent the night along the side of the road in Ogallala, NE. Highway 80 closed in Wyoming and no one can pass the road block. It is frustrating and scary. There is no place to park and all these trucks and drivers in close quarters is an accident waiting to happen. The road is dry and the temperature warm (50-60 degrees). They say that the pass is blocked and they need to get a truck up there to clear it???? What is that about? But maybe they can't....may be tomorrow before we go.....
I have places to go and so does my freight!

Chicago the Windy City Skyline

2009-10-30T20:13:00.002-06:00

The traffic in Chicago is no fun and it is raining "cats and dogs" there today. We left west to find some sunshine and it was not too far away in Iowa. Cold temperatures have winter peeking around the corner at us and we hope to stay out of the snow in Nebraska, Wyoming and Colorado. It should warm by the weekend. Happy Halloween to ALL!

Arizona Sky

2009-10-27T16:45:00.002-06:00

Almost home to Arizona. Have delivery in Chandler, so dinner with Mom is on the schedule. Finally, a shower after a week of hard driving and no place to clean up. What a life!!

We may even get the truck washed too. Nice and clean...Oscar will have to wait. We have load to Illinois leaving tomorrow...no rest for the wicked, as they say.

Fall Colors in Pennsylvania and Beyond

2009-10-23T09:18:00.002-06:00

Traveled from Virginia to Mass. then back through Pennsylavania again on the way to Chicago. Very rainy and gray in Chicago today. Gloomy! We picked up a load to New York, so back through Penn. today. So many beautiful leaves still on the trees, though starting to fall. Got great photos inVirginia, New York, Pennsylvania, Ohio. I will have to do more slideshows....

The Last Rose

2009-10-18T14:21:00.002-06:00

Rose from my backyard in Southern Illinois...the last one before winter cold takes them. The sailboat is put away for the winter. Time to think about snowbirding to Arizona where it is still hot. So next week time off in Fountain Hills, AZ.

Today driving to Kentucy and North Carolina with a load of doors and 5 stops to deliver them; over the river and through the woods. Should be some good fall colors there.

Southern Illinois

2009-10-11T16:04:00.002-06:00

At the Lake House enjoying family and friends. Oscar dances with friend Harley the pit bull puppy. Lindsay and John dance for Lindsay's birthday and soon we will take the sailboat out for the winter...too bad.

Chicago Bound

2009-10-09T12:43:00.000-06:00

All Illinois loads lead to Chicago...Why not St. Louis area? Two days late getting home and raining. Hope the weather clears for some fun this weekend.

Pennsylvania to New York

2009-10-08T08:35:00.002-06:00

Running east to get back to Carlyle for some time off over the weekend. Have to get the sail boat out of the water for the winter. May make it to the Oktoberfest in St Louis. But at the moment our load out of here has cancelled. The leaves are turning beautiful colors and I can't resist not taking more pictures.

Albuquerque, New Mexico

2009-10-04T16:57:00.002-06:00

Taking a balloon ride is on my bucket list of things to do. I love balloons and they are especially fun to photograph so I am excited to be "stuck" in Albuquerque for the weekend. Hoping for a run out Monday early. They say there might be one to Phoenix which is good if we can stop...

Got lots of balloon pictures to keep me busy.

Oklahoma Stuck In Shop

2009-10-02T11:03:00.003-06:00

Well, it is into the shop with us for oil change. I hope they do not find any other problems today...Lord knows this truck is a lemon but we have a load bound for Albuquerque, NM and I have wanted to go to the Balloon Festival there for years. I really have my heart set on it and we were all set to take a day off there...being out of hours and all.

Well, you know "the best laid plans" and all that. Murpheys Law rules.

California backroads CA58

2009-10-01T10:01:00.002-06:00

It has been awhile since I made a post. We have driven really hard for 5 days and have been from LA to Chicago, Chicago to Sacramento and now Oakland to Dallas. I am out of hours but finally got a shower yesterday. It was heaven.
California is all brown this time of year. Not much to photograph. I saw a pumpkin patch that would have been fun but going too fast to get desent pictures.
Latest articles on Examiner are fall festivals and colors. I guess the next round will go to ghost stories and halloween type plus always the few about highway travel and weather too. Happy October!

Utah Cottonwood Canyon

2009-09-24T12:31:00.002-06:00

Beautiful day today in Salt Lake City, UT. Not a bad place to be delivering sugar to Associated Foods and waiting for an empty dock. I appreciate the beauty of this place now that I have moved away and come as a visitor. I was always at work and never had a chance to play when living here. I hope everyone is finding a chance to play, a way to see the beauty and "I hope you dance"

In Pennsylvania the Leaves are Changing

2009-09-19T13:38:00.002-06:00

Drove up into Connecticut and down to Jersey City then coming back west through Pennsylvania. The trees are starting to turn. I thought I had enough photos but always there is just one more that might be better.
We are going to spend a day at the Lake House tomorrow and deliver in Kansas on Monday AM.
Writing about fall colors, farmers markets, and Oktoberfest...

Sea Birds Capture Interest

2009-09-16T09:43:00.002-06:00

I found a bird sanctuary and got some great photos. I wish I knew more of their names...We also went to an aquarium where they take care of injured sea animals. Not much to look at but for a good cause. Had a great crab cake sandwich on the Ocean and John got to see his football game after locating a sports bar. It was a great day.

Finally a Tampa Florida Run but no Sun

2009-09-12T17:08:00.002-06:00

Well, made it to Florida for delivery on Monday morning. So we thought that we could play for the weekend...well, it is hurricane season..lots of rain.
Got a hotel room that is really nice but no fridge for the food and no pets and no parking. Not sure the fancy hotel was a good thing. But it is r-e-a-l-l-y nice. Vinoy Renaissance on the water in Saint Petersburg.
Well, we will see what kind of adventure we can find tomorrow.

Sheepdog Festival in Utah

2009-09-10T11:25:00.002-06:00

Just spent Labor Day with the family and took grandchildren to the festival...the first press pass event to begin my career. We saw the Splash Dog show and I got some good photos. Check out the story in the Examiner with a slideshow. I really enjoyed it and hope the family did too.
Back on the road again and back to work.
Driving in Indiana as we speak.

Misadventures in Kansas

2009-09-01T08:56:00.002-06:00

This plaque is displayed inside my truck. I often feel that things are just to surreal to be true. Here is what happened in Kansas City...we had a load to pick up at the yard there, to be delivered at 3:30 am on the dot...OK, not fun but OK. Then we are to take our empty trailer to a place that wanted one and then go "bobtail", without a trailer to the railyard for the next load. Well, they had no directions to the place but gave us an address in Kansas City,KS that I programed into the GPS. So we drive there in the dark to this address and it is down this dark residential street with nothing there an no place to turn around. So I call and the place is actually in Kansas City,MO!! John has to back out down this little road in the dark to get out. It's too late to spot this trailer by then so we take it back to yard and and go to next load at the rail-yard. Which actually goes OK. But when we go to deliver this one late, they refuse it because it is not on pallets. Ouch! So we get permission to unload it ourselves (just half a load and light weight thank goodness). But ready to get out of town...Not in Kansas anymore.

More Colorado Rockies

2009-08-29T11:25:00.007-06:00

Spending the day in Denver which is good. Got a bath finally and Oscar needs one too. Also getting my monthly massage. The grandchildren are sick....so sad. But still will have lunch with my daughter. We love Asian food and they have some great places here for that.
Will pick up load of beer made with that mountain spring water...to go to Kansas City...better than to Texas again.
Not enough miles this week.

Oscar is Looking for Deer

2009-08-28T14:18:00.002-06:00

Taking a walk at the rest stops in Iowa and Nebraska. The day is gray and rainy coming out of Illinois. It feels fallish out there. Thinking of the leaves turning.
Turned off the truck to sleep for 4 hrs before picking up and the batteries were dead this morning. This truck is a lemon! We have been through 3 sets of batteries. There must be a short....They jumped us and we are driving to Denver.
No load out of Denver though...there are worse places to be stuck but we were hoping for a good week this week...Hope, hope

Where to find Deer and Elk

2009-08-27T06:38:00.003-06:00

We are in Indiana then to Illinois and on the Denver by tomorrow night. Just saw some deer in a field but did not have camera ready. This is a picture from my article on Colorado byway. Also the Pennsylvania Wilds article mentions that they have the largest elk herd in the country. We see deer everywhere of course...lots on the road. I can't believe we have not hit one yet in three years and almost 600,000 miles...knock on wood.

Colorado Slideshow Photo

2009-08-25T07:00:00.003-06:00

I love my pictures and to share my experiences! That is why I write and so I have added two new slideshows to Examiner.com. Colorado Rockies and Pennsylvania Wilds Fall. We are broken down in Mechanicsburg, PA but we made our delivery on time. GO TEAM! Sitting on the side of the road. I will write until the battery goes I guess...at least we get a motel room if they can't fix it today.

Long Run to Pennsylvania

2009-08-23T21:25:00.004-06:00

My thoughts are going to autumn since summer is over and school has started. I wrote article and slideshow on fall colors in Pennsylvania but nothing is changing yet....still green. We have had a good week with miles and still have gotten a few hours of sleep most nights. It is good. Hoping for more time to write...

Fields of Sunflowers, Vineyards, and Tomatoes

2009-08-21T12:44:00.003-06:00

California is full of growing things...loving the sunflowers and we were passed by truckloads of red juicy tomatoes. I wonder about the water situation here and how the farmers are doing? Whether the food we eat is healthy at all and think that we all need to plant our own garden. I wish again that I was somewhere to plant one and can only enjoy those that we drive by.

Reno Nevada Boomtown

2009-08-20T16:55:00.001-06:00

Wish we could stop for fun at Boomtown. There is also a nice lake to walk around in Reno. But up over the pass and now north of Sacramento headed to LA.

Can the Sky be Beautiful Every Night?

2009-08-18T14:03:00.002-06:00

Left Illinois in the sunset, in the rain last night bound again for Boise. Hwy 80 is getting old and we wish for something back east. Caught some great pictures of the rainbow but that will be another day. Had a rough night driving...they ran us around getting loaded for another team to take from the yard. No rest for the wicked I guess...

R&R Time Off - Let's Go Sailing

2009-08-16T09:05:00.002-06:00

The 22Ft Catalina Sailboat slips into the water on Carlyle Lake. Great day for a leisurely sail. Wonderful to have time off. You people who get to have a shower every day, cook in a real kitchen, sleep in a real bed should appreciate it more...I know I will forever after.

Driving Tedious Today-Health Not Good

2009-08-10T13:41:00.004-06:00

Feels like we have been to Texas too much. Going to Tennessee next and working our way home for much needed R&R. It is hot in Texas. With the economy the way it is, it takes a lot of the joy out of this kind of travel. We both are loosing our health by not getting enough exercise and poor diet. A high price to pay especially when not getting ahead financially...

Holed Up in Denver

2009-08-09T14:05:00.005-06:00

Stuck in Denver waiting for a load out for 2 days...we have a load of beer going tonight back to Ft. Worth. They have Budweiser and Coors plant here but looks like ours is Miller. We wanted to go to the mountains and camp out but laundry, showers, shopping, visiting the grandchildren...well, I guess 2 days isn't that much time after all.

Stand for Conservancy

2009-08-05T10:22:00.001-06:00

Load not Available-Need a Happy Place

2009-08-05T10:13:00.002-06:00

This guy lives at one of the welcome centers as you enter Texas. It is always interesting what kind of information they display at the welcome centers. Most allow trucks...some do not. This one was closed due to flooding from the hurricans last year...Maybe it is open now.

Louisiana Bayou Country

2009-08-04T14:29:00.006-06:00

Looks like a painting. Unique waterways always have me looking for alligators and water birds. I have not seen one yet but you never know. We went through Louisiana, Mississippi, to Memphis, now Arkansas and back to Houston before morning. WOW, what a life...hard to get my bearings.

Still in Texas

2009-08-03T10:13:00.004-06:00

We always stop at the Bass Pro Shop to look around, see the animals and what is on sale. My favorite one is in Dallas because it is on a lake and has lots of good restaurants there. I am all about finding the good places to eat. Here we found an "Alligator Garp" fish...have you ever seen one? They have a snout like and alligator...scary.

Texas Has Best and Worst Rest Areas

2009-08-02T09:46:00.004-06:00

Texas has the best and the worst rest areas. It is so big and it depends on the highway. They also have what I call the "Mexican" rest area which is a wide spot in the road with a big shady tree. Are we there yet? Texas is BIG!

They Grow Them Big in California

2009-08-01T19:50:00.004-06:00

Oh its just a carnival ride... But seriously, it seems they grow all kinds of great things and they are getting taller and greener. Looking forward to the fall harvest.
We are driving to Texas and going through Arizona. It is amazing to be in different parts of the country every other day. It still amazing after 3 years.

Mount Rainier

2009-07-30T18:37:00.002-06:00

After many attempts to catch a good shot of the mountain from the highway...I finally got one. Mt. Rainier is often not clear and then the power lines get in the way, or buildSings. I ac tually got several shots this day and want to post them all.

We worked really hard yesterd itay going to three stops to load then taking it to rail yard. Then we had to go get load for someone broken down. Lots of work for not much money. Today on the road to Modesto, CA and then onto L.A.

Seattle Hot with Record Highs

2009-07-29T12:59:00.002-06:00

Cool water at the beach by Gig Harbor. This is the view at Dash Point in Tacoma, WA and where we are hoping to go for dinner tonight. We are doing loading all day at different stops in Seattle area then taking it to the rail yard for shipping...it is cheaper than paying us. And it is a lot of work to get it all loaded. We only get paid for the miles. Then someones truck is broken down and we have to go get their load. No fun! So hopefully, we can treat ourselves tonight.

Dillon Lake Colorado Rocky Mountains

2009-07-24T21:04:00.002-06:00

Still in Denver at writing conference. Learning a lot about writing and enjoying the little vacation from driving. Happy Birthday to my daughter Brianna! Oscar is in the truck all day alone but the air is on and he seems to be fine. I guess he sleeps a lot. I have new appreciation for Denver and wish to spend more time here. My home town is Colorado Springs. Colorful Colorado.

Eagle at Sun Down at Colorado Lake

2009-07-23T13:18:00.002-06:00

Just got this shot at Dillon Lake, Colorado. We had a detour on Highway 6 due to Hazmat load and got to see new and amazing places. This sculpture against the mountains and sky says freedom, dominance and majesty.

BIG Sunflower

2009-07-22T20:52:00.001-06:00

I love sunflower seeds. They are my secret weapon for staying awake at night.

Waiting for load to Denver

2009-07-21T18:49:00.004-06:00

Waiting in Chicago for a day to get run to Denver so I can go to the writing conference for a few days. Not sure how much I will but in the Daily Blog but will try to keep up.

IOWA cool and green

2009-07-20T10:54:00.002-06:00

We have been driving a lot! Two big weeks in a row, wow...I guess the economy is turning around. Too bad for the writing. It is hard to get a signal and to stay awake after my 70 hour work week. We went through Colorado yesterday evening and over Loveland Pass through Dillon. It was awesome! Can't wait to get the pictures done of the lake, wild flowers and elk we saw.

California Dreaming

2009-07-17T21:10:00.002-06:00

Mount Shasta the mystical volcano always look different every time we travel this highway. Today most of the snow is melted and I like it better in snow. We will go back to LA and then turn around and go to Seattle area again. That's 4 times over Hwy 5 this week. It is starting to feel like a dedicated run...boring. We like the whole 48...the whole enchilada...the diversity. So hope for a run somewhere else soon.

Portland is so Pretty on the River

2009-07-16T08:20:00.002-06:00

Just went through Portland and got more photos but I like this one of last trip going over the bridge at night. Just wanted to share...
There are so many beautiful shots in the Northwest. I have lots of pictures and hope to publish in Northwest Magazine. Onward to Seattle.

Driving Too Hard To Write Yesterday

2009-07-16T08:11:00.002-06:00

Picked up our load in LA and headed north Hwy 5 all the way to Seattle. Good run and pretty scenery. Too bad we go through it in the middle of the night. Here is what it looks like at sunrise on Lake Shasta. We stopped there in the dark this time.

Oscar Helps Sweep Out Trailers

2009-07-14T10:34:00.002-06:00

Picking up sugar from those Idaho sugarbeets. It is a lot of work sweeping out trailers and we have to do two...one to drop for the next guy, one to go to LA. We go the back roads through eastern California. Not too much to see out there but a different perspective anyway.

Boise Home of World Center for Birds of Prey

2009-07-13T14:50:00.003-06:00

Boise today and nothing out of here until tomorrow. Maybe there is time to see the eagles at the Center for Birds of Prey I wrote about in Examiner. It is cool and comfortable here and we can rest up for run to California tomorrow. It is days like today that I like this job.

Shock! Almost Out of Hours

2009-07-12T11:42:00.004-06:00

Out of hours (for you 4-wheelers) means we have driven our 70 hours maximum for the week. We haven't done that in almost a year with the economy....Taking our time today which is wonderful! Oscar had a bath and so did his Mom and Dad, awesome! Still got to get going to Boise to see what might be next. Its a journey. The Butterfly Pavillion which I wrote about in the Examiner is calling but got to get more writing done today. See you down the road...

Drop and Hook in Dallas

2009-07-11T11:13:00.002-06:00

Hi Ya'll, We just zipped in and out of Dallas without a hitch. It was good to have an easy one this time. Now going back to Boise, ID. They LOVE us for Boise. It is via Denver (good place to visit). On our way we will go through Amarillo on I-40 and maybe stop at the Big Texan for a steak. It is the best.

So Many Places, So Little Time

2009-07-09T16:40:00.002-06:00

Currently in Nevada going to drop and hook in L.A. Not our idea of a good time...We thought we had extra time and were all set to do some sight seeing in Las Vegas, when we got the call...You know, the one where they say you have to drop this and hot tail it over to pick up a load that is shorter than the one you had...the one you liked. Anyway, it is what it is. Got to go to Phoenix and to Dallas. I have great pictures for all but can't post them all...and is anybody reading me anyway? I know, this is a means to an end.

Nebraska has a "Chain of Lakes"

2009-07-07T15:29:00.002-06:00

Driving Highway I-80 again and it gets boring but I have been entertaining myself working on a story for goNOMAD.com about exercise on the road and one of my favorite stops is Mormon Lake Recreation Area. Great place to stop if you have time...which we do not. Another load of Fed Ex must get to Boise, ID on time.

In Kansas All Day

2009-07-06T15:23:00.003-06:00

The sign in my truck says "I have a feeling we're not in Kansas anymore". But we have been in Kansas all day going east and will be again tomorrow going back west... The feeling of not being "in Kansas" is having things feel unreal and unfamiliar. I guess it feels like that out here when you have been to long away from home and family. Still, after so many years of being on the highway it is all familiar ground and paths, so that you begin to feel like a citizen of the world.. or at least the whole United States and everyone is family. Hi there family....

Happy 4th of July Fireworks

2009-07-05T10:43:00.003-06:00

We hope everyone had a good 4th of July. We were lucky enough to see fireworks and have a picnic with the grandchildren in Denver, CO. It was cold like an October football game, all covered in blankets to keep warm. Then we did an all nighter to get this load of beer to Wichita, KS early this morning. (I guess they are all out of beer down here.) Then we will wait for the Monday morning reshuffeling of freight to see what is next. Ya'll have a good day!

Mile High Sunset

2009-07-04T08:35:00.002-06:00

Denver has amazing sunsets! Here we are at Fed Ex again though they are closed for the fourth. Hoping to spend time with the grandchildren here before pushing on. It is hard to be without family on the holidays. All you truckers out there, Happy 4th! Hope you are somewhere good for the day and stay safe.

So Bored!

2009-07-01T17:52:00.003-06:00

Raining, Driving, Sleeping....Boring Day.

Pocono Mountains in Pensylvania

2009-06-30T20:00:00.002-06:00

Lots and lots of green here. And rain again off and on. We delivered Fed Ex load and now on to Buffalo, NY and back to Chicago and then up to Wisconsin again. At least we are getting some miles but we are tired. I was hoping for some time to write today and did post the story at Examiner.com on 4th of July in St. Louis...We asked for the time off but did not get it so who knows where we will end up for the weekend. We don't mind working but are afraid we will sit somewhere awful (Like Jersey City) but things always work out and we find fun things to do if we have the energy. Tonight we get to sleep. Thankfully. All for now.

Storms In Missouri Lastnight

2009-06-28T12:08:00.002-06:00

Found the silver lining after the storm..... Lots of rain and lightning and thunder last night. People were pulling over but we truckers just kept going and finally drove out of it. Sunny today in Illinois and doing laundry and showers (thank goodness!) before Monday am delivery of the goods.

Wish We Were at Amusement Park

2009-06-27T13:19:00.002-06:00

Dallas, Ft.Worth today and hot like every where I guess...we had planned to go to the amusement park pictured heren to film for Orlando, Fl travel writing job but have a load assignment and still have to pay the bills...Headed north to Oshkosh by gosh...maybe it is cool there. We go by the lake house on the way so we better get on the road and maybe stop by.

Rain, sunset, New Mexico

2009-06-25T12:47:00.002-06:00

It seems like we have cycles in the freight we haul. We just did a run to El Paso, TX and lastnight had another one. Now we are going to Laredo with a load of recyclable paper headed to Mexico. Not a fun place in Laredo but we always sing the cowboy songs of Texas. We hope for a good run out of there for the weekend. There have been lots of showers everywhere we have driven and sunsets with dramatic cloud formations.

Across the Missouri River on the JB Bridge

2009-06-23T18:53:00.004-06:00

Well, another typical day on the job. Got a Hazardous load to Dallas. (It is additives they put in Dr. Pepper, marked corrosive and flamable. That's scary.) We get

250 miles and get a call that they need us back in St. Louis for a Fed Ex load and to bring it back. Then be ready to go at 4:00am. No rest for us but that is part of the job....We just got soft sleeping in a bed every night for 4 nights.

Happy Father's Day

2009-06-21T11:20:00.006-06:00

We hope that you are having a good day with your family where ever you are!
Here is what happens on Father's Day at our house. The family gets together for BBQ brats and beer and plays the Midwestern game of Washers all day. The"National" championship games for washers will the held here in St. Louis, at the end of July. Our team needs lots of practice and more beer. Oscar is looking for hot dog handouts.

The Lake House- home again, home again...

2009-06-18T18:22:00.002-06:00

Got to love that sunrise over the boat dock.... Well, it's John's birthday and we made it home. He worked on the boat all day to get it ready for launching. I worked on the computer and edited my first movie for Big Rig Productions and will post it on the appropriate story at Examiner. com

You Know You're in California When

2009-06-16T18:55:00.002-06:00

You see lots of windmills. I am seeing more and more windmills on the hillsides and on the roads.
You see purple trees everywhere. I love those purple trees! I have a good picture of them I wanted to use but am pressed for time today.
Everyone drives as fast as they can and if you want to merge to another lane you'd better not hesitate but speed up and squeeze in. He who hesitates is lost.