Central Refrigerated Truck Stop

Well I've still got one more trip to Lake Tahoe on Tuesday and that will probably be the last time I will see it (and drive a boat on it) for a good long while. Today I went up hwy 50 with a trailer and picked up a 29' boat. Decided to make the loop up highway 89 to I-80 WB and over Donner Summit, and on to Sacramento instead of back down 50.

It wasn't much weight (~17000lb GCVW) but it was 13' tall and 9' wide (I cheat on wide loads, CHP never gives it a second look because it's only 6" over max legal) and in the neighborhood of 50'-55' long. I'm hoping some of my mountain navigation and trailer pulling experience transfers over and helps me learn quickly. I even had someone today that complimented me on my maneuvering so that's a confidence builder =)

As most of you know, I will be headed down to Riverside/Fontana for the October 12 class. I got my MVR from DMV and it was exactly as I told Sarah it was. Got my SSN Card on the way so I'll have that. I think I'm as prepared as I can be right now. The only thing I have left to do is get my eyes checked to see if I'm 20/40 or better, I have glasses I can use in a pinch to get me by just in case (they don't fit me very well anymore, they're from a few years back)

My family was the biggest obstacle for me, they all wanted me to stay in the family business. My dad and uncle drove back in the '80s and decided to quit after a while and my grandpa only really drives when he wants. My aunt was trying to convince me to stay by asking them about their experience which I felt was irrelevant because they drove for a short period of time 25+ years ago. My grandpa drives 2 months out of the year and his only argument against it was that he would not want to do it all the time (at 82 years old I can understand) This is a decision I made partially based on your advice and experience. Friendship, trust, and reliance are huge factors to me and so far you've all made me confident and excited, and my decision well thought-out.

Some of you may have noticed I finally switched my 'Trucker?' from WannaBe to Student...I'm gonna be a truck driver. =)

Thanks guys!

 

Hey there JJ, long time no hear. Wondered what had happened.
Ground pounda, good to hear your side of the story. Like they say, there's always 2 sides. Congrats on the new rugrat!!!!

On my way to C&S in VT. Don't deliver till the am and know their not open on Sundays so taking it easy. Hope there's someplace to park when I get there tho.

Rain. Yuck. Started getting into it in Ohio and its still going on. Think I laid down and died last night. Slept the whole night thru. 9 hrs worth. Must have needed it ,eh.

Well gues I'll think about moving. No hurry tho since I have less than 400 miles to go.

Oh yea, so far the mileage for me this time out is going up. Helps to not be sitting in a motel for 6 days I do believe. hehehe

 

Yes Widow I am jealous too...of Jess she gets to meet everyone. But if any of you get to Michigan. I will gladly buy you lunch if you are close. there are a couple of great restraunts around me. And if you trust a female driving a #### 4 wheeler....lol I will even treat you to my favorite Mexican restraunt...

 

Now she posts that.
I use toget to Michigan every few weeks. But never an invite.
Granted, most of the time I was just around the city, so did not go to far up. But I have been past Pontiac quite a few times in the last year.

 

This is great news, jw. I can't wait to hear how your training goes. You have to make your own decisions as to what you want to do with your life. I wish I had done that at your age, but I was naive. Now I have opened my eyes and am finally going to do what I want. Even though it's been a long road and the wait is nerve wracking as hell, I know in the end I"ll be glad I did it. Take care. ~Hugs~ Terri

 

If I remember correctly, jw, we had a conversation one day about finding training, and you had said if you got your CDL and I hadn't found a trainer yet, you would take me on. I do have a trainer lined up now, but it will probably be April before I get on the road with him. But if things go well, and either of us decide to team, I'll keep you in mind. I'm really planning to run solo, but plans do change. Also, didn't you just have a birthday? It seems you had to wait until your birthday to get in school. If so, sorry I missed it.

 

No, my birthday was in April. I am going fishing in Mexico in a few days, I had to wait until I got back from that to go to training. Glad to hear you found a trainer. =)

 

1bad says anytime I'm around buddy!

 

Well here we go another bad week coming our way. Looks like 1bad may have a short stay away this time. He hopes to get routed back home soon. His favorite aunt is losing her 2 yr battle with brain cancer as we speak. She is in the hospital on major morphine drip just waiting for her savior to call her number. We all knew this was coming but still don't quite understand why it had to happen to one of the best people in the world. She will be greatly missed by everyone she has touched. As I type this I can't help but remember all the love and support she has given us through our 10 yr marriage and the way she has treated my kids as if they were her own. Never having any of her own and 1bad being the only one with kids for so long now she has truely been the BEST AUNT anyone could of hand picked if you had the chance. OK can't see through the tears anymore I will check in throughout the week as I can. Please be safe out their boys we want you home!!!!!!!
Aunt Elaine this angel is for you!

 

My thoughts and prayers are with all of you.