11th October
We waited until today to get a job, two others had come through previously but had been cancelled within the hour, apparently a few drivers were hanging round waiting. We amused ourselves by a bit of retail therapy and long walks. We had also got hooked on "Game Of Thrones". It was back to Nebraska! A load from Cargills tomorrow morning.
12th October
Woke up to snow, what a surprise! more snow to come, that was fine we were off to America! Last week South Dakota had had 15inches of snow, when we got to Bell Fourche it was evident, trees were down and a few roofs had been damaged. There was snow piled up everywhere. Going on through, the Dakota hills and fields were still covered. You could feel the crispness in the air. By the time we reached Kodoka the snow had dissappeared. Sunday was a lovely sunny day, we were delivering in Columbus and would get there later today.
Monday 14th
Rain, rain and more rain. It was Columbus day, a holiday in America and we were in Columbus! It was actually Thanksgiving day in Canada. We were waiting for a return load.. After lunch we picked up a trailer at the Cargill plant and had it washed out so we were ready to GO!
Wednesday 16th
We waited until this afternoon for our return load, there were other drivers waiting too. Craig and Rebecca, they had the most adorable puppy, and a guy called Pete, we all got our return loads that afternoon. Ours was dog food for Mississauga (Toronto) So again the same journey upto Windsor near Detroit to cross the border, no inspection this time. We got maddy an american scarf to wear, she seemed happy!
Friday 18th
Up at 5am (7am here in Ontario) Lovely sunny morning, making our way to delivery on H401. We already had our return load to Saskatoon, to be picked up later today. Oh well over the Prairies again, at least we knew where we were going and where the good stops were.
Saturday 19th
Rain had set in as we made our way through Ontario on H11..It was a long day, the rain never let up and occassionally turned to sleet. We stopped at Kapuskasing for a shower and then drove another hour up the road to stay the night at Hearst. It was dark by now.
Sunday 20th
Away at 5.30am. It was -5C and one of Ontarios first frosts, a blanket of white, mist lingered over the still lakes, the moon was full and clear and even though it was light it was still high in the sky in front of us. We could see the sun rising above the fir trees in our rearview mirrors. We stopped at Klotz lake for breakfast, it looked so different from a few weeks ago, the lake was covered in mist, it was quite spooky! Lake Nipigon was still, with only a few ducks to break the surface waters. We reached the state line just as it got dark and parked up. We had had all weathers in the afternoon, sun, sleet and snow showers.
Monday 21st
Winter had arrived! we awoke to snow and it was still snowing. We passed Winnipeg and stopped for a shower and breakfast. I was so glad i had bought a hair dryer last week so i did'nt have to walk across the truck stop with wet hair, we had heard of a girl whose wet hair had snapped off in the cold! It was almost dusk and the sun was going down on our left, we were heading for Saskatoon. Sunlight had caught the underbellies of hundreds of geese in flight against the darkening sky, they would of been invisible to us otherwise.
Tuesday, 22 October 2013
Tuesday, 8 October 2013
ACROSS THE PRAIRIES
Thursday 3rd October
We spent an extra day in Montreal as the load was'nt ready until today, we did'nt mind, the weather was lovely and we found a park near the river. The load was yogurt for Rocky View in Calgary. It was noon when we picked up trailer from the H&R yard. We took H417 through to Ottawa, because of the time difference it was rush hour here, LA all over again! At Arnprior we were on H17 upto North Bay. And then on H11. We stopped at New Liskeard for the night. Dave had driven into late evening as we had a long way to go and he did'nt book on until 11am this morning.
Friday 4th
Oh so bleak now after all the colour we had had, just fading yellows against the firs now. We were headed for Nipigon tonight, we had to do about 650 miles each day to reach the calagary delivery. There were moose and bear warnings along the roadside reminding me that winter was coming. It was definately alot cooler today, just yesterday we were in Montreal with brilliant sunshine, but i was starting to think about my socks and boots put away in the case. There was so much sky, it was pale blue and grey with a sheet of dimpled cloud. The sun was shining across the tops of the yellow trees. Just before Matteson there was a large, very pretty cemetry next to the roadside (i've been corrected apparently i should'nt say graveyard) Now most of the homesteads had stacks of logs outside. It was halloween at the end of the month but already people were decorating their front doors and porches with pumpkins, dried flowers and lanterns. The houses here along the highway were rundown but some had massive solar panels in their gardens. Hearst looked completely different from the last time we were here, then it had been really cold, snowing and the roads slushy, today it was sunny and clean. Just past Hearst on Carey lake was a small airport, the planes were landing on the lake. Only a handfull of properties between Hearst and Longlac, hardly any traffic. This part of the highway the countryside was eyecatching, the road stretched ahead lined with firs with just a few yellow trees peeking through, large groups of boulders with creeks and lakes between, the forest floor was covered in bright green grasses, bullrushes and creamy headed thistles decorated the roadside, everything sparkled in the sunlight. At Klotz lake we stopped for photo shoot! We refueled at Nipigon, it was dark already, decided to drive onto Thunder Bay.
Saturday 5th
Raining. Up at 5.30am. We were parked in Walmart carpark so were able to get a few supplies before we hit the road again. 7am we were off on H17. So glad we had the satalite radio, during the week "mash up" was on early with chat, celebrity gossip and chart music. Hugh Jackson had been on and said he listens with his kids, his favourite record was "blurred lines" yes! It was still raining off and on but seemed to inhance the landscape here, there was nothing but sky. Passed into Manitoba, the flat lands! Around Winnipeg on the perimeter H100 hoping the get to Brandon for the night. We fueled up at Headingly and then onto H1. It got so dark, we listened to first part of Lee Evans biography (a christmas present from sophie).
Sunday 6th
As the sun came up the horizon was streaked with colour, from cool aquas to bright blues, pink engulfed the cloud and covered the sky all around us. The landscape might be boring but the sky continued to amaze us. There were alot of geese flyng around this morning, some were just sat in the fields. Into Saskatchewan. Through Regina stopping at Moose Jaw to refuel. We were making good progress today, i suppose because the roads were so flat and straight. Into Alberta, it was 3.30pm, the sun had become hotter, the prairies were a bit more interesting, farms with cattle and horses plus backyards to peek into, still alot of sky and flat land though. Medicine Hat was quite big and ran into Redcliff. We only went around the outskirts but apparently it has the biggest shopping centre in Alberta. The sun went down behind the Rockies as we drove towards Calgary, the cloud looked like honeycomb, it was amazing, it was as if there was another world up there.
We spent an extra day in Montreal as the load was'nt ready until today, we did'nt mind, the weather was lovely and we found a park near the river. The load was yogurt for Rocky View in Calgary. It was noon when we picked up trailer from the H&R yard. We took H417 through to Ottawa, because of the time difference it was rush hour here, LA all over again! At Arnprior we were on H17 upto North Bay. And then on H11. We stopped at New Liskeard for the night. Dave had driven into late evening as we had a long way to go and he did'nt book on until 11am this morning.
Friday 4th
Oh so bleak now after all the colour we had had, just fading yellows against the firs now. We were headed for Nipigon tonight, we had to do about 650 miles each day to reach the calagary delivery. There were moose and bear warnings along the roadside reminding me that winter was coming. It was definately alot cooler today, just yesterday we were in Montreal with brilliant sunshine, but i was starting to think about my socks and boots put away in the case. There was so much sky, it was pale blue and grey with a sheet of dimpled cloud. The sun was shining across the tops of the yellow trees. Just before Matteson there was a large, very pretty cemetry next to the roadside (i've been corrected apparently i should'nt say graveyard) Now most of the homesteads had stacks of logs outside. It was halloween at the end of the month but already people were decorating their front doors and porches with pumpkins, dried flowers and lanterns. The houses here along the highway were rundown but some had massive solar panels in their gardens. Hearst looked completely different from the last time we were here, then it had been really cold, snowing and the roads slushy, today it was sunny and clean. Just past Hearst on Carey lake was a small airport, the planes were landing on the lake. Only a handfull of properties between Hearst and Longlac, hardly any traffic. This part of the highway the countryside was eyecatching, the road stretched ahead lined with firs with just a few yellow trees peeking through, large groups of boulders with creeks and lakes between, the forest floor was covered in bright green grasses, bullrushes and creamy headed thistles decorated the roadside, everything sparkled in the sunlight. At Klotz lake we stopped for photo shoot! We refueled at Nipigon, it was dark already, decided to drive onto Thunder Bay.
Saturday 5th
Raining. Up at 5.30am. We were parked in Walmart carpark so were able to get a few supplies before we hit the road again. 7am we were off on H17. So glad we had the satalite radio, during the week "mash up" was on early with chat, celebrity gossip and chart music. Hugh Jackson had been on and said he listens with his kids, his favourite record was "blurred lines" yes! It was still raining off and on but seemed to inhance the landscape here, there was nothing but sky. Passed into Manitoba, the flat lands! Around Winnipeg on the perimeter H100 hoping the get to Brandon for the night. We fueled up at Headingly and then onto H1. It got so dark, we listened to first part of Lee Evans biography (a christmas present from sophie).
Sunday 6th
As the sun came up the horizon was streaked with colour, from cool aquas to bright blues, pink engulfed the cloud and covered the sky all around us. The landscape might be boring but the sky continued to amaze us. There were alot of geese flyng around this morning, some were just sat in the fields. Into Saskatchewan. Through Regina stopping at Moose Jaw to refuel. We were making good progress today, i suppose because the roads were so flat and straight. Into Alberta, it was 3.30pm, the sun had become hotter, the prairies were a bit more interesting, farms with cattle and horses plus backyards to peek into, still alot of sky and flat land though. Medicine Hat was quite big and ran into Redcliff. We only went around the outskirts but apparently it has the biggest shopping centre in Alberta. The sun went down behind the Rockies as we drove towards Calgary, the cloud looked like honeycomb, it was amazing, it was as if there was another world up there.
Tuesday, 1 October 2013
NEBRASKA AND MONTREAL
Tuesday 24th September
Truck was'nt ready yesterday, only a 10 minute job but it took them all day! H&R put us up in a Travelodge. Picked up truck about 11.30am, we were going to Nebraska! Took up an empty trailer to Cargills (another meat processing plant) in High River and picked up a loaded one, it was now quite late so stayed in Lethbridge yard overnight, early start tomorrow to border.
Wednesday 25th
Made our way to Sweetgrass. The load was booked in for delivery friday am in Schuyer. This was the quickest time through border yet! We could'nt believe it, we were only at meat inspection for 30 minutes! Just goes to show how quick it can be. Maddy did'nt get her run across the fields though. We were stopping at Shelby to fuel up. It was cooler now, the sun was out but there was alot of low cloud as we entered Montana. Just past Sweetgrass was a small town called Sunburst, what a lovely name, it has a lake by its side which looks quite salty due to the residue on its edges but it had loads of small ducks on. We were travelling down on I15 past Great Falls onto H87. Just before Lewistown we turned onto H191 to Harlowton. It was raining now off and on. It looked like the farmers had finished harvesting their crops in Montana. Last night near High River we saw 8 combines in one field, it was dusk, they had their lights on all working alongside eachother, it was quite a sight to see. We were now on H12 heading towards Billings, we'd visited Billings before, it was a huge town set in a valley. The rain had stopped and the sky was bright ahead. Dead Mans Basin was on our left, only it did'nt look dead this time, the grass and trees were green. Oh no a dead skunk on the road, dave hates the smell, i do'nt think its that bad! There were small farms everywhere you looked and cattle wandering and grazing the hillsides, it made us laugh when one would be left behind and would trot along, head up, eager to catch up with the others. About 20 minutes outside Billings was pretty bleak, flat lands with hundreds of pylons. It was raining again, harder this time, even more bleak! We came down a hill, 8% gradient (the Rockies are 6%) overlooking Billings on a cliff edge, it was amazing, it looked like a model we were so high up. We were now on the I90, in Crow country, passing Big Horn, Custors last stand and on the right of us Wolf Mountains. At Little Big Horn Battlefield we took H212 to Broadus, hoping to park up there for the night. You could tell we were getting near Dakota as the landscape had changed dramatically, we were high up amidst cloud and the hills were covered with fir trees.
Thursday 26th
Into South Dakota this morning. Stopped at Rapid City to refuel. I'm logging the fuel now and doing the expenses. We can cash a company cheque at the truck stops which will pay for faxes, weigh in's and tolls etc. We were making our way across on I90 to Sioux Falls. It was lovely and sunny again,, just a few clouds in the pale blue sky.. There were alot of references to cowboys here, more so than in any other state, western shops, saloons and billboards advertising western wear and buffalo burgers. We passed fields of dried sunflowers ready for harvesting, they must have been an amazing sight a few months ago. The landscape was beautiful, small rollings hills with gulleys between filled with trees and bushes which had started to change colour, all shades of reds, oranges and yellows. We stopped for lunch just past Vivian, the landscape was now flat, most of the fields a burnt orange with the occassional small lake, a deep dark blue, the surface rippling in the breeze. The clouds were gone, just blue sky and brilliant sunshine. Near Chamberlain we went over the Missouri river, we turned off on H81 near Salem towards Yankton. There were fields of crops now, some we did'nt recognise. At the state line we went over the Missouri river again, we were now in Nebraska!
Friday 27th
5.30 am, down to Norfolk to fuel up and have breakfast. It was just light and there was a storm brewing. Forklightning in fornt of us and sheets of rain on our left. We drove past it into brilliant sunshine. It was getting hot already. 8.30am we arrived at plant (another Cargills funny enough! oh the smell!) strange how we were bringing meat from Canada when they had their own processing plant here?) we just had to drop trailer. Our reload came in for Quebec! Pickup another loaded trailer here and deliver in Montreal. We were only here 30 minutes, the trailer seemed heavy so we were stopping at the scales down the road (there wer'nt any on site) Dave moved the axels on his own as no way was i getting out of the cab here! When we scaled the front of the trailer was still a ton over weight so we had to move axels again (i helped this time) We drove from Schuyler through Freemont into Blair. Not much to say about Nebraska of what we saw of it, just cornfields oh and pesky flies! Back again over Missouri river into Iowa. Stopped at Loveland for an early lunch then onto the I680, then the I80 heading for Des Moins, pesky flies are still here! Passed through De Soto, John Waynes birthplace and over the South Raccoon River. We stopped on the outskirts of Des Moines to refuel. Went around on I35 and joined the I80 heading towards Davenport. The landscape in Iowa was much the same as Nebraska only we noticed the fields had grass lanes between them, mostly cut, what were they for i wonder? a fire break or just access? We stopped just outside Davenport at "Iowa 80" the largest truck stop in the world! At last the pesky flies have gone back to Nebraska!
Saturday 28th
My birthday, we went into the restaurant at Iowa 80 for breakfast, yummy! Dave mooched around at all the shiny truck parts, they actually had two brand new kenworth trucks in the shop to look at, i coud'nt believe
they actually went on the road, they looked so good! Into Illinois over the Mississippi. A bright sunny day. We were headed for Gary, through Chicago on the I80. We stopped at a nice rest area near Princeton (near where Ronald Reagan was born) I picked some bullrushes to decorate the lodge in January, I'd already started collecting fircones. I had shared out the large ones we had at home for christmas decorations between kirsty and sophie, grandee had collected them for us from the New Forest all those years ago. It was noon when we reached Indiana. Fueling up at Gary. Then on upto Detroit, Michigan on I94. This interstate was mostly tree lined and autumn had definately arrived here. It was such a hot day, it did'nt smell like autumn.
Sunday 29th
Up at first light and made our way to the border at Windsor, Ontario. Detroit was quiet, we watched the sun come up in front of us, a blazing ball of orange. We went over the Ambassordor Bridge to customs. Meat inspection was in an industrial area not far from customs. All okay. On our way on I401 towards Toronto. Upto Chatham, the surrounding countryside was dotted with wind turbines amongst the farms and small towns. A couple were being constructed by the roadside, a crane was on site, they were huge close up. We fueled up at Mississauga. Toronto was big and spread out, some high rises but not as many as you'd expect. The 401 expressway ran through the centre and we were on it, fast and furious! We stayed on the 401, past Kingston the fir trees started to take over and the terrain became rocky.. There was a 2 hour time difference so even though it was 5pm our time it was 7pm here and starting to get dark. We were stopping soon and would deliver tomorrow.
Monday 30th
Not up till 7am today, a lay in! Delivery was'nt till 3pm and we did'nt have far to go, a place called Chambly, Montreal. Another bright and sunny morning, apparently Alberta have 65/mph winds, so glad were not in Calgary. Another dead skunk! thats woke dave up! The different coloured trees lok a picture against the clear blue sky. Just past Cornwall we could see St Lawrence alongside us on the right. Into Quebec. We were so fortunate as not many H&R drivers came here, they would usually stop at Brampton, near Toronto and a local driver would take over. Immediately everything turned french! Road signs, billboards and shops. We drove through the centre of Montreal, like most cities it was a mixture of old and new. Some flyovers and roads were falling apart. It even smelt like france, we were at traffic lights outside a bakery and i swear i could smell croissants! We went over the Pont Chamlain Bridge. Ten minutes later we were in Chambly. A Cargills, but only a distribution compay, no smells and green fields all around what a difference. We were early but did'nt wait too long before the unloading started, but it took them 2 hours they must of been counting every box! We then headed back to the H&R yard near the airport in Montreal and dropped the empty trailer. We now had a 34 hour break. Our new job would be on wednesday am. Hopefully we would skype the kids tomorrow. .
Truck was'nt ready yesterday, only a 10 minute job but it took them all day! H&R put us up in a Travelodge. Picked up truck about 11.30am, we were going to Nebraska! Took up an empty trailer to Cargills (another meat processing plant) in High River and picked up a loaded one, it was now quite late so stayed in Lethbridge yard overnight, early start tomorrow to border.
Wednesday 25th
Made our way to Sweetgrass. The load was booked in for delivery friday am in Schuyer. This was the quickest time through border yet! We could'nt believe it, we were only at meat inspection for 30 minutes! Just goes to show how quick it can be. Maddy did'nt get her run across the fields though. We were stopping at Shelby to fuel up. It was cooler now, the sun was out but there was alot of low cloud as we entered Montana. Just past Sweetgrass was a small town called Sunburst, what a lovely name, it has a lake by its side which looks quite salty due to the residue on its edges but it had loads of small ducks on. We were travelling down on I15 past Great Falls onto H87. Just before Lewistown we turned onto H191 to Harlowton. It was raining now off and on. It looked like the farmers had finished harvesting their crops in Montana. Last night near High River we saw 8 combines in one field, it was dusk, they had their lights on all working alongside eachother, it was quite a sight to see. We were now on H12 heading towards Billings, we'd visited Billings before, it was a huge town set in a valley. The rain had stopped and the sky was bright ahead. Dead Mans Basin was on our left, only it did'nt look dead this time, the grass and trees were green. Oh no a dead skunk on the road, dave hates the smell, i do'nt think its that bad! There were small farms everywhere you looked and cattle wandering and grazing the hillsides, it made us laugh when one would be left behind and would trot along, head up, eager to catch up with the others. About 20 minutes outside Billings was pretty bleak, flat lands with hundreds of pylons. It was raining again, harder this time, even more bleak! We came down a hill, 8% gradient (the Rockies are 6%) overlooking Billings on a cliff edge, it was amazing, it looked like a model we were so high up. We were now on the I90, in Crow country, passing Big Horn, Custors last stand and on the right of us Wolf Mountains. At Little Big Horn Battlefield we took H212 to Broadus, hoping to park up there for the night. You could tell we were getting near Dakota as the landscape had changed dramatically, we were high up amidst cloud and the hills were covered with fir trees.
Thursday 26th
Into South Dakota this morning. Stopped at Rapid City to refuel. I'm logging the fuel now and doing the expenses. We can cash a company cheque at the truck stops which will pay for faxes, weigh in's and tolls etc. We were making our way across on I90 to Sioux Falls. It was lovely and sunny again,, just a few clouds in the pale blue sky.. There were alot of references to cowboys here, more so than in any other state, western shops, saloons and billboards advertising western wear and buffalo burgers. We passed fields of dried sunflowers ready for harvesting, they must have been an amazing sight a few months ago. The landscape was beautiful, small rollings hills with gulleys between filled with trees and bushes which had started to change colour, all shades of reds, oranges and yellows. We stopped for lunch just past Vivian, the landscape was now flat, most of the fields a burnt orange with the occassional small lake, a deep dark blue, the surface rippling in the breeze. The clouds were gone, just blue sky and brilliant sunshine. Near Chamberlain we went over the Missouri river, we turned off on H81 near Salem towards Yankton. There were fields of crops now, some we did'nt recognise. At the state line we went over the Missouri river again, we were now in Nebraska!
Friday 27th
5.30 am, down to Norfolk to fuel up and have breakfast. It was just light and there was a storm brewing. Forklightning in fornt of us and sheets of rain on our left. We drove past it into brilliant sunshine. It was getting hot already. 8.30am we arrived at plant (another Cargills funny enough! oh the smell!) strange how we were bringing meat from Canada when they had their own processing plant here?) we just had to drop trailer. Our reload came in for Quebec! Pickup another loaded trailer here and deliver in Montreal. We were only here 30 minutes, the trailer seemed heavy so we were stopping at the scales down the road (there wer'nt any on site) Dave moved the axels on his own as no way was i getting out of the cab here! When we scaled the front of the trailer was still a ton over weight so we had to move axels again (i helped this time) We drove from Schuyler through Freemont into Blair. Not much to say about Nebraska of what we saw of it, just cornfields oh and pesky flies! Back again over Missouri river into Iowa. Stopped at Loveland for an early lunch then onto the I680, then the I80 heading for Des Moins, pesky flies are still here! Passed through De Soto, John Waynes birthplace and over the South Raccoon River. We stopped on the outskirts of Des Moines to refuel. Went around on I35 and joined the I80 heading towards Davenport. The landscape in Iowa was much the same as Nebraska only we noticed the fields had grass lanes between them, mostly cut, what were they for i wonder? a fire break or just access? We stopped just outside Davenport at "Iowa 80" the largest truck stop in the world! At last the pesky flies have gone back to Nebraska!
Saturday 28th
My birthday, we went into the restaurant at Iowa 80 for breakfast, yummy! Dave mooched around at all the shiny truck parts, they actually had two brand new kenworth trucks in the shop to look at, i coud'nt believe
they actually went on the road, they looked so good! Into Illinois over the Mississippi. A bright sunny day. We were headed for Gary, through Chicago on the I80. We stopped at a nice rest area near Princeton (near where Ronald Reagan was born) I picked some bullrushes to decorate the lodge in January, I'd already started collecting fircones. I had shared out the large ones we had at home for christmas decorations between kirsty and sophie, grandee had collected them for us from the New Forest all those years ago. It was noon when we reached Indiana. Fueling up at Gary. Then on upto Detroit, Michigan on I94. This interstate was mostly tree lined and autumn had definately arrived here. It was such a hot day, it did'nt smell like autumn.
Sunday 29th
Up at first light and made our way to the border at Windsor, Ontario. Detroit was quiet, we watched the sun come up in front of us, a blazing ball of orange. We went over the Ambassordor Bridge to customs. Meat inspection was in an industrial area not far from customs. All okay. On our way on I401 towards Toronto. Upto Chatham, the surrounding countryside was dotted with wind turbines amongst the farms and small towns. A couple were being constructed by the roadside, a crane was on site, they were huge close up. We fueled up at Mississauga. Toronto was big and spread out, some high rises but not as many as you'd expect. The 401 expressway ran through the centre and we were on it, fast and furious! We stayed on the 401, past Kingston the fir trees started to take over and the terrain became rocky.. There was a 2 hour time difference so even though it was 5pm our time it was 7pm here and starting to get dark. We were stopping soon and would deliver tomorrow.
Monday 30th
Not up till 7am today, a lay in! Delivery was'nt till 3pm and we did'nt have far to go, a place called Chambly, Montreal. Another bright and sunny morning, apparently Alberta have 65/mph winds, so glad were not in Calgary. Another dead skunk! thats woke dave up! The different coloured trees lok a picture against the clear blue sky. Just past Cornwall we could see St Lawrence alongside us on the right. Into Quebec. We were so fortunate as not many H&R drivers came here, they would usually stop at Brampton, near Toronto and a local driver would take over. Immediately everything turned french! Road signs, billboards and shops. We drove through the centre of Montreal, like most cities it was a mixture of old and new. Some flyovers and roads were falling apart. It even smelt like france, we were at traffic lights outside a bakery and i swear i could smell croissants! We went over the Pont Chamlain Bridge. Ten minutes later we were in Chambly. A Cargills, but only a distribution compay, no smells and green fields all around what a difference. We were early but did'nt wait too long before the unloading started, but it took them 2 hours they must of been counting every box! We then headed back to the H&R yard near the airport in Montreal and dropped the empty trailer. We now had a 34 hour break. Our new job would be on wednesday am. Hopefully we would skype the kids tomorrow. .
Sunday, 22 September 2013
WASHINGTON CONT....
Saturday 14th
Meat inspection ran true to form, all pallets off and checked. Took maddy across the fields while waiting. Stopped at Shelby at 9.30am to refuel and then at last on our way, travelling down through Montana on I15 into Idaho and Nevada, heading for Sacremento. Driving through Montana i was surprised how lush it had become. We made it to Idaho Falls by 7pm, 600 miles since leaving Sweetgrass, that was good going considering the hold ups. The truck stop at Idaho Falls was good, after having a shower we browsed at the merchandise, alot of it was indian, we bought a couple of christmas presents.
Sunday 15th
Up at 5am, still pitch black. Picked up a coffee from truck stop and we were on our way. When light we stopped for breakfast near Blackfoot. We passed Pocatello, onto Twin Falls, stopping at a scenic layby to take photos of canyon just before the town. Now Nevada, hot day, on I80 heading towards Reno, it is so bright, all sky and desert, road stretched ahead, mountains in the distance. This was casino country, all the truck stops and small towns had them, neon lights glaring from a distance. We stopped early, 4.30pm, well it is sunday, its so hot! a place called Winnemucca . Opposite the truck stop was a huge graveyard, it was very well looked after, we've noticed that they have their sites in very prominent positions in their towns.
Monday 16th
Left this morning just as the sun came up, a warm pink glow behind the mountains. The mountains started to light up and there was a low mist surrounding them. The sun came up behind us and suddenly the valley was bathed in sunshine. Maddy was restless this morning, gave her a few biscuits and she settled down, obviously wanting her breakfast too! The road ahead stretched towards the mountains, thats where we were headed, stopping near Lovelock for breakfast and refueling at Fernley. From Fernley to Sparks the river Truckee ran along side us. Sparks and Reno was one big city set in a valley, a small Las Vegas! Into California now, still in the mountains, they are now covered with fir trees. Lake Truckee is still with us. We stopped at Donner Summit just past Lake Tahoe for a couple of hours, walked along a trail in the woods, it was so peaceful, took a few photos, never thought California was so mountainous but then we were north this time. We were on our way to Sacremento. Our first drop was on the outskirts, we had plenty of time as it was booked in for tomorrow am. It took 90 mins to come down form the summit, only 30 miles from Sacremento, it was really busy this side, lots of restaurants, motels and large properties to peek at through the trees. We saw our first palm trees amongst the firs, now we knew we were in California! It was a shame we did'nt drive through Sacremento but the highway bypassed it. Some highways take us right through the middle. We parked up early and sat in the sunshine for a while, it was extremely hot, i only managed 30 mins before i moved to the shade with dave and maddy
Tuesday 17th
Arrived at Tonys Fine Foods at 8am. Straight onto bay to unload. It was a big place. The sun was just coming up. Our 2nd drop was Orland, up the I5. On the way to Orland we passed numourous olive groves. We turned off I5 and drove into the countryside, the company was in the middle of nowhere. While dave was unloaded me and maddy walked along the olive trees, i tasted one, yuck! it needs more oil!. We had a reload already from Salinas, so after lunch we went back down I5, turned off on I505. It was mostly farmland now. Turned onto I80 towards San Francisco. In the hills, how quickly the landscape changes. The grassy hills were yellow with green trees dotted about, quite a contrast. In some areas the hills had been scorched from grass fires, we actually saw Fire and Rescue putting one out by the side of the road. We saw "blossom Hill" road. The interstate went through San Jose, it was good to see, but the traffic was horrendous. Large properties were set in the surrounding hills flanked by palm trees. It had cooled a bit now, 6.30pm about an hour away from Salinas. I wanted my tea but had to cook it first! it was a bit like LA and New York here nowhere for truck to stop, it had been a long drive down from Orland. They were selling cherries and garlic along the roadside, and there were fields of iceberg lettace all around. This was growing land, we were picking up berries for our return load, it was'nt ready until 8pm tomorrow and due in Calgary sunday at 6.30am, so we had a day to spend relaxing in the sunshine.
Wednesday 18th
We did have a very relaxing day! sat in sunshine all afternoon, did first part of blog in morning, but dismayed to see when it was published that the alighnments were f....d! dave is going to try and sort but i might have to seek my tutor ronan (my drinking buddy) help. I cooked Spagetti Carbonara ( a family fav, the egg one!) for tea, we got a bottle of wine from the local shop, also fresh coriander, no parsley, but it did fine Yum! We went and loaded trailer at 8pm and parked up the night.
Thursday 19th
Not such an early start, dave set alarm but turned it off and went back to sleep oops! The pickers were out, head scarves on to protect them from the sun. Decided to go a different way to avoid the toll. Got on H152 to I5 upto Sacremento. We passed a village called Casa d' Frutas, it was'nt on the map but had truck parking and a large outside fruit and veg stall, we would have to remember for next time. We passed San Luis Reservoir, it was beautiful, rolling hills and a huge expanse of water, good decision to come this way especially when we heard on radio there was an accident on Blossom Hill road in San Jose. Santa Nell was truckers paradice! just a small town but restaurents etc were all accessable with a trailer also a large truck stop surrounded by palm trees, definitley put this one on the map. Moving on there were groves of oranges and lemons either side of us. Both the Californian Aquaduct and Delta Mendora Canal ran along side us until the road forked at exit 446 and we went over bridges for both. In Stockton we saw an icecream and chocolate outlet! only in America! Drove through part of Sacremento, i was so pleased, the buildings looked new, apparentlly there is an old town We were back on I80. They are absolutely obsessed with weight over here, we stopped at so many weigh stations, what difference does it make, the truck weighs the same however distributed, dave says "its all about the money"
Sunday 22nd
Arrived in Calary yard at 6.30pm We stopped by Lethbridge and i drove car up, a two hour drive believe it or not. Dave dropped trailer and that was us until tuesday morning, the truck was going in garage to have the new inverter fitted on monday, so we had 2 days to explore Calgary, now we had the car. We were staying in a hotel on sunday night so that would be a treat!
Meat inspection ran true to form, all pallets off and checked. Took maddy across the fields while waiting. Stopped at Shelby at 9.30am to refuel and then at last on our way, travelling down through Montana on I15 into Idaho and Nevada, heading for Sacremento. Driving through Montana i was surprised how lush it had become. We made it to Idaho Falls by 7pm, 600 miles since leaving Sweetgrass, that was good going considering the hold ups. The truck stop at Idaho Falls was good, after having a shower we browsed at the merchandise, alot of it was indian, we bought a couple of christmas presents.
Sunday 15th
Up at 5am, still pitch black. Picked up a coffee from truck stop and we were on our way. When light we stopped for breakfast near Blackfoot. We passed Pocatello, onto Twin Falls, stopping at a scenic layby to take photos of canyon just before the town. Now Nevada, hot day, on I80 heading towards Reno, it is so bright, all sky and desert, road stretched ahead, mountains in the distance. This was casino country, all the truck stops and small towns had them, neon lights glaring from a distance. We stopped early, 4.30pm, well it is sunday, its so hot! a place called Winnemucca . Opposite the truck stop was a huge graveyard, it was very well looked after, we've noticed that they have their sites in very prominent positions in their towns.
Monday 16th
Left this morning just as the sun came up, a warm pink glow behind the mountains. The mountains started to light up and there was a low mist surrounding them. The sun came up behind us and suddenly the valley was bathed in sunshine. Maddy was restless this morning, gave her a few biscuits and she settled down, obviously wanting her breakfast too! The road ahead stretched towards the mountains, thats where we were headed, stopping near Lovelock for breakfast and refueling at Fernley. From Fernley to Sparks the river Truckee ran along side us. Sparks and Reno was one big city set in a valley, a small Las Vegas! Into California now, still in the mountains, they are now covered with fir trees. Lake Truckee is still with us. We stopped at Donner Summit just past Lake Tahoe for a couple of hours, walked along a trail in the woods, it was so peaceful, took a few photos, never thought California was so mountainous but then we were north this time. We were on our way to Sacremento. Our first drop was on the outskirts, we had plenty of time as it was booked in for tomorrow am. It took 90 mins to come down form the summit, only 30 miles from Sacremento, it was really busy this side, lots of restaurants, motels and large properties to peek at through the trees. We saw our first palm trees amongst the firs, now we knew we were in California! It was a shame we did'nt drive through Sacremento but the highway bypassed it. Some highways take us right through the middle. We parked up early and sat in the sunshine for a while, it was extremely hot, i only managed 30 mins before i moved to the shade with dave and maddy
Tuesday 17th
Arrived at Tonys Fine Foods at 8am. Straight onto bay to unload. It was a big place. The sun was just coming up. Our 2nd drop was Orland, up the I5. On the way to Orland we passed numourous olive groves. We turned off I5 and drove into the countryside, the company was in the middle of nowhere. While dave was unloaded me and maddy walked along the olive trees, i tasted one, yuck! it needs more oil!. We had a reload already from Salinas, so after lunch we went back down I5, turned off on I505. It was mostly farmland now. Turned onto I80 towards San Francisco. In the hills, how quickly the landscape changes. The grassy hills were yellow with green trees dotted about, quite a contrast. In some areas the hills had been scorched from grass fires, we actually saw Fire and Rescue putting one out by the side of the road. We saw "blossom Hill" road. The interstate went through San Jose, it was good to see, but the traffic was horrendous. Large properties were set in the surrounding hills flanked by palm trees. It had cooled a bit now, 6.30pm about an hour away from Salinas. I wanted my tea but had to cook it first! it was a bit like LA and New York here nowhere for truck to stop, it had been a long drive down from Orland. They were selling cherries and garlic along the roadside, and there were fields of iceberg lettace all around. This was growing land, we were picking up berries for our return load, it was'nt ready until 8pm tomorrow and due in Calgary sunday at 6.30am, so we had a day to spend relaxing in the sunshine.
Wednesday 18th
We did have a very relaxing day! sat in sunshine all afternoon, did first part of blog in morning, but dismayed to see when it was published that the alighnments were f....d! dave is going to try and sort but i might have to seek my tutor ronan (my drinking buddy) help. I cooked Spagetti Carbonara ( a family fav, the egg one!) for tea, we got a bottle of wine from the local shop, also fresh coriander, no parsley, but it did fine Yum! We went and loaded trailer at 8pm and parked up the night.
Thursday 19th
Not such an early start, dave set alarm but turned it off and went back to sleep oops! The pickers were out, head scarves on to protect them from the sun. Decided to go a different way to avoid the toll. Got on H152 to I5 upto Sacremento. We passed a village called Casa d' Frutas, it was'nt on the map but had truck parking and a large outside fruit and veg stall, we would have to remember for next time. We passed San Luis Reservoir, it was beautiful, rolling hills and a huge expanse of water, good decision to come this way especially when we heard on radio there was an accident on Blossom Hill road in San Jose. Santa Nell was truckers paradice! just a small town but restaurents etc were all accessable with a trailer also a large truck stop surrounded by palm trees, definitley put this one on the map. Moving on there were groves of oranges and lemons either side of us. Both the Californian Aquaduct and Delta Mendora Canal ran along side us until the road forked at exit 446 and we went over bridges for both. In Stockton we saw an icecream and chocolate outlet! only in America! Drove through part of Sacremento, i was so pleased, the buildings looked new, apparentlly there is an old town We were back on I80. They are absolutely obsessed with weight over here, we stopped at so many weigh stations, what difference does it make, the truck weighs the same however distributed, dave says "its all about the money"
Sunday 22nd
Arrived in Calary yard at 6.30pm We stopped by Lethbridge and i drove car up, a two hour drive believe it or not. Dave dropped trailer and that was us until tuesday morning, the truck was going in garage to have the new inverter fitted on monday, so we had 2 days to explore Calgary, now we had the car. We were staying in a hotel on sunday night so that would be a treat!
Wednesday, 18 September 2013
WASHINGTON AND CALIFORNIA
Sunday 8th September
Were back! Flight okay but i had to sit next to a smelly man!
After picking up car in Calgary yard we went to look at Deer House, hard to find as dave had`nt
thought to ask address or directions! We found it eventually and it was everything we had dreamed
of, so looking forward to kids seeing it in january. Drove back to Lethbridge to stay in Sandman,
arrived 9.30pm (4.30am back home) what a long day.
Monday 9th
After breakfast as Dennys we picked maddy up, so pleased to see her, she had been well looked
after, would sit with owner on settee during the day and had her own rocking chair in her kennel.
We got some supplies from walmart and then went to load up truck. It had been in the garage the
whole time dave had been away so luckily no-one had used it. Unfortunately the inverter had'nt
been repaired (they were waiting for some to come in) that meant no kettle, toaster, microwave and
no laptop! I wished i'd known before i did our shopping (lucky we have a gas cooker) It took about
6 hours to unpack everything from the car and find its place in the truck. After we had eaten we
went to Henderson Lake, i drove the car for the first time, it was weird driving on the other side
of the road, take a bit of getting used to, so worried i would turn on other side. Our first job came
through for Washington, early start tomorrow.
Tuesday 10th
We were headed for Pasco, delivery for the 11th am. We left at 5am through Crows Nest Pass,
Fernie and Cranbrook towards US border. My green card had expired so had to apply for a new
one. I was'nt very happy, dave was sent back to bring truck down and a couple of customs
officers made me very uncomfortable to say the least! I was glad to get back to the truck an leave.
Into Idaho on I95 through Bonners Ferry and Sandpoint, of course we had been here before but it
was nice driving through them again, everything being familiar. We stopped at Post Falls near
Coeur d'Alene to fuel up and i took maddy for her walk, she immediately recognised the place
and was so excited. We carried on through Spokane on I90 down to Pasco.
Wednesday 11th
The load was'nt booked in until 11am but we got there early and it was taken off at 9. While
dave was busy i took maddy for a walk around the grounds of the local pemises they all had
lovely green lawns with fir trees, the sun was out, not a cloud in the sky, it was going to be
another hottie, 95 degrees yesterday! we were in shorts and flip flops, it still felt we were on
holiday!
It was'nt long to wait before our return load came through. Onions for Calgary, not far from where
we were. We left Pasco after lunch and travelled back upto Post Falls. Picked up paperwork
for the truck for customs (company faxes it through to truck stop) and carried on upto border.
The authorisation (parrs) for the load had'nt been passed yet by customs so we had to park up and
wait.
Thursday 12th
Dave was up at 5am, hoping the Parrs would come through, it was 8am before we got word.
Over the border. It took us until 5pm to get upto Calgary, there were so many roadworks, but
the sun was shining so we were okay and our job had come through for tomorrow, Calfornia!
Friday 13th (unlucky for some) yes us!
We were picking up trailer from Brooks (meat processing plant) not my favourite place, it was'nt
ready until noon and we were booked in at meat inspection for 7pm after the border.
We spent morning at flying J truckstop in Calgary, it had everything here. Dave bought a satelite
radio and spent a long time trying to sort it out! we needed it as the local radio stations done my
head in with all the adverts. Infront of us was a large green lawn seperating us from the main road,
i watched the prairee dogs peeking up from their burrows, they are so cute, maddy loves them but
is'nt quick enough to catch one. Dave had shown me how to attach trailer to the truck, by plugging
in the brakes, air, electrics and winding up the legs, checking tyres etc, so this was now my job,
weather permitting ofcourse! I wonder if we were going to see our family of pelicans on our way
to Brooks?
We didnt make meat inspection,, sat all afternoon at Brooks, four numbers were missing off of
paperwork, it had been sent back upto the office and we just sat waiting in truck outside security,
i felt like going in and screaming, but no i sat calm very unlike me! I could'nt eat or drink because
of the smell, all windows were shut but it still crept in. Maddy was on the bed, not once got up,
she also could sense where we were, no walkies here.
5.30pm dave still messing with radio. I'm getting hungry now hope it won't be too much longer.
Dave thinks he's sorted radio but wait he's gone off to phone them again! (good job it's a free
phone number) Yes it's working that did'nt take too long did it!
Saturday 14th
Up early, 4am, yes really! on our way to border at sweetgrass, just parked up last night as it was
6.30pm before we left Books. At border another problem with paperwork for load! Why can't
people do their job properly it so frustrating!
To be continued..........
Were back! Flight okay but i had to sit next to a smelly man!
After picking up car in Calgary yard we went to look at Deer House, hard to find as dave had`nt
thought to ask address or directions! We found it eventually and it was everything we had dreamed
of, so looking forward to kids seeing it in january. Drove back to Lethbridge to stay in Sandman,
arrived 9.30pm (4.30am back home) what a long day.
Monday 9th
After breakfast as Dennys we picked maddy up, so pleased to see her, she had been well looked
after, would sit with owner on settee during the day and had her own rocking chair in her kennel.
We got some supplies from walmart and then went to load up truck. It had been in the garage the
whole time dave had been away so luckily no-one had used it. Unfortunately the inverter had'nt
been repaired (they were waiting for some to come in) that meant no kettle, toaster, microwave and
no laptop! I wished i'd known before i did our shopping (lucky we have a gas cooker) It took about
6 hours to unpack everything from the car and find its place in the truck. After we had eaten we
went to Henderson Lake, i drove the car for the first time, it was weird driving on the other side
of the road, take a bit of getting used to, so worried i would turn on other side. Our first job came
through for Washington, early start tomorrow.
Tuesday 10th
We were headed for Pasco, delivery for the 11th am. We left at 5am through Crows Nest Pass,
Fernie and Cranbrook towards US border. My green card had expired so had to apply for a new
one. I was'nt very happy, dave was sent back to bring truck down and a couple of customs
officers made me very uncomfortable to say the least! I was glad to get back to the truck an leave.
Into Idaho on I95 through Bonners Ferry and Sandpoint, of course we had been here before but it
was nice driving through them again, everything being familiar. We stopped at Post Falls near
Coeur d'Alene to fuel up and i took maddy for her walk, she immediately recognised the place
and was so excited. We carried on through Spokane on I90 down to Pasco.
Wednesday 11th
The load was'nt booked in until 11am but we got there early and it was taken off at 9. While
dave was busy i took maddy for a walk around the grounds of the local pemises they all had
lovely green lawns with fir trees, the sun was out, not a cloud in the sky, it was going to be
another hottie, 95 degrees yesterday! we were in shorts and flip flops, it still felt we were on
holiday!
It was'nt long to wait before our return load came through. Onions for Calgary, not far from where
we were. We left Pasco after lunch and travelled back upto Post Falls. Picked up paperwork
for the truck for customs (company faxes it through to truck stop) and carried on upto border.
The authorisation (parrs) for the load had'nt been passed yet by customs so we had to park up and
wait.
Thursday 12th
Dave was up at 5am, hoping the Parrs would come through, it was 8am before we got word.
Over the border. It took us until 5pm to get upto Calgary, there were so many roadworks, but
the sun was shining so we were okay and our job had come through for tomorrow, Calfornia!
Friday 13th (unlucky for some) yes us!
We were picking up trailer from Brooks (meat processing plant) not my favourite place, it was'nt
ready until noon and we were booked in at meat inspection for 7pm after the border.
We spent morning at flying J truckstop in Calgary, it had everything here. Dave bought a satelite
radio and spent a long time trying to sort it out! we needed it as the local radio stations done my
head in with all the adverts. Infront of us was a large green lawn seperating us from the main road,
i watched the prairee dogs peeking up from their burrows, they are so cute, maddy loves them but
is'nt quick enough to catch one. Dave had shown me how to attach trailer to the truck, by plugging
in the brakes, air, electrics and winding up the legs, checking tyres etc, so this was now my job,
weather permitting ofcourse! I wonder if we were going to see our family of pelicans on our way
to Brooks?
We didnt make meat inspection,, sat all afternoon at Brooks, four numbers were missing off of
paperwork, it had been sent back upto the office and we just sat waiting in truck outside security,
i felt like going in and screaming, but no i sat calm very unlike me! I could'nt eat or drink because
of the smell, all windows were shut but it still crept in. Maddy was on the bed, not once got up,
she also could sense where we were, no walkies here.
5.30pm dave still messing with radio. I'm getting hungry now hope it won't be too much longer.
Dave thinks he's sorted radio but wait he's gone off to phone them again! (good job it's a free
phone number) Yes it's working that did'nt take too long did it!
Saturday 14th
Up early, 4am, yes really! on our way to border at sweetgrass, just parked up last night as it was
6.30pm before we left Books. At border another problem with paperwork for load! Why can't
people do their job properly it so frustrating!
To be continued..........
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
