Running With Watkins & Shepard

Awww...how sweet! LOL How ya been darlin?

Well I wish I could say I've been running hard but I've been stuck in Missoula since Saturday due to Ole Betsy needing some attention.

They didn't get her in the shop until Tuesday and I'm praying they get her done today!

 

Well....Still stuck in Missoula. I'm thinking maybe buy some property??

This is the first time I've had my truck in this shop. I've heard (many times) that once they have it, it'll be a while before you get it back but....GEEEZZZZ!! LOL

This all started back on Sept. 28th. I was on a run from Great Falls to WA. The sticker and inspection papers for the truck said the annual was due at the end of September. So I figured I'd swing by to have that done. After sitting a day (and loosing that load) they pull me in. They told me they wouldn't due the annual because it wouldn't pass... Then they inform me that according to the computer, it wasn't due until the end of October. Well, dispatch was overwhelmed with loads and no drivers. They asked me if I would run a load to Kent, WA and they'ed turn me around and get me back to the shop. I wasn't comfortable with that but wanted to help so I agreed.

I delivered in Kent and deadheaded to the Lakewood terminal. I sat there for a day waiting for a load back. The only load they had was going to Billings with a drop at the Spokane Terminal. It's now Friday evening and there won't be anyone at the Spokane terminal to unload that part of it until Sunday morning. So I called the manager and got hold of the key so I could unload it myself and get back to Missoula in time for dispatch to repower the load to billings. That all worked out but I've been stuck here since!

Now in all fairness, they're doing a clutch, oil and EGR cooler and a couple other smaller items. I know that's some time consuming work but I REALLY hope I can get out of here today. After coming back from home time on the 21st and just a couple good runs, this is starting to hurt...LOL

They put me up in a hotel Tuesday for which I'm greatful and the shop said two days so I brought clothes for two days. I have no car here so I'm rather stuck...lol

So, God willing, The shop will be done and dispatch will have a load for me today. I just don't do sitting well.

 

Just got word from home my dad passed away this morning. My truck is still in the shop and loads going East from Missoula are rare if any.

I called dispatch, the shop and our driver liaison to work out a plan to me get me home. I have no doubts they'll do their best.

Although I love my dad very much and will miss him greatly, I'm not writing this here for sympathy, but for others who may be considering driving to understand the reality of what can happen when you're far from home and your loved ones. It's an amazingly HELPLESS feeling to be in this spot!

May God Bless And Keep You My Father. I'll miss you everyday and I'm very grateful for the life you've given me and the times we've shared throughout it. AMEN