Year 2, Day 255 (I Relate With Sir Bob Geldof)

I was up this morning at 0-dark-thirty delivering the rest of this load. I have never been a big fan of the early morning deliveries, and today was no exception. My pre-plan has me picking up in Macungie, PA, which is just outside Allentown, and this, as it turns out, is a very light load heading to Delavan, WI for Wednesday. Because of being up so early, I'm most definitely in need of some coffee, and seriously considering going the intravenous route.

I am glad we are getting into Fall, with Winter soon to follow, especially since the past week and a half I have slept with the truck turned off, as well as the APU, then waking up with a slight chill inside the cab. That's the kind of weather I enjoy the most. So now, before I make my way to Wisconsin, I must have myself a little breakfast.

Year 2, Day 254 (I Like This Weather)

The weather coming across Ohio and into Pennsylvania was quite rainy, but very cool. These cooler temperates fill me with anticipation as it means that Winter is drawing near. It's nice to be able to sleep at night with the truck AND the APU turned off, then waking in the morning with a little chill inside the truck. There are people who prefer the hotter weather. I don't mind hot weather, just so long as it's a dry heat... it's the humidity I can't tolerate. I'm of the opinion that when it's cold, you can always put more on... when it's hot, there's only so much you can take off - then it becomes illegal in public venues.

Within the next couple of months I will really look forward to heading to the northwest region, to gander and awe at the snow on the mountains (and closer to the roadway). Until then, I just patiently wait... and wait... and wait...

Year 2, Day 63 (The Wintery Adventure Continues)

Larry and I made it into Wyoming before we shut down, though the last 10 or so miles proved to be more challenging for him, as we hit some snowfall, just before shutting down in Sheridan, WY. We pulled off into a rest area, ate, and watched as the snow drifted down.

It made for a good "wind-down" period just before getting to bed. This morning, there was still quite a bit on the ground, but the roadway on I-25 was clear. With all the snow that had fallen - and that which had still remained - made for some beautiful scenery. There were some areas that the snow covered terrain almost gave the illusion of torrential ocean waters, with the salty foam at the ebbs & peaks of the waves:

Then there were also the stretches where it looked like the white sandy beaches often seen in some areas in Southern California or South Florida:

Overall this has not only been a nice day, but also a beautiful Sabbath... though the weather has been a little brisk and windy.

We topped off the fuel in Casper, WY, then parked the truck and walked over to Safeway to do a little grocery shopping... and, of course, I made a visit to Starbucks. I am hoping we can at least get to Limon, CO before shutting down for the night. That way tomorrow will be the final stretch for this run, and we can get another re-start before unloading on Tuesday morning in Tulsa, OK.

Year 2, Day 61 (A Fresh Day After An Interesting Night)

Yesterday turned out to be far from uneventful. Larry and I were finally dispatched on our next load which picks up (as I thought it would) in Lewiston, ID. When we left Woodinville (although I was rather reluctant to leave) we made our way south to I-90, then east. I had heard that is was being predicted Snoqualmie Pass may get 7-10" of snow by morning... along the very route we were taking. It began alright, then evolved into all white (or at least getting there). We pulled off onto the shoulder - along with many other trucks - and began doing something I hadn't done in about 10 years... chaining up. It was an interesting "re-introduction" for me, as well as a new experience for Larry. Mind you, we had an empty trailer to take across the pass, so that added to the excitement.

Larry started out pretty slow which caused quite a bit of rough travel, but as he gradually increased his speed (never getting over 45, of course), the ride smoothed out. It was very pretty as the snow fell, even creating a more calming effect, but he never lowered his level of caution.

The snowfall increased as we gradually made the climbs and falls through Snoqualmie Pass. Even though the cars - and many of the other trucks venturing through the pass - passed us, I told Larry not to worry about it too much. The main goal was too get to the other side of the pass... without the aid of a tow truck and/or an ambulance.

Once we made it to the other side safely (and in a designated area to do so), we removed the chains and put them away.

We pulled off into the Flying J in Ellensburg, WA to top off the fuel before pushing on a little further. While we were there, Larry made a visit to the rest room, to which I commented, "Did the pass scare the crap out of you?", to which he replied, "Yeah... I think so." He did a very good job, considering he had never gone through this in a truck before.

When we arrived in Royal City, WA, I had him park the truck and call it a night. Besides, the second half of this leg I would prefer him taking in the daylight: Washington state road 261, from Washtucna to Starbuck... a route not for the faint of heart.