Starting Late in Life

It certainly appears so. I am glad I am going into flat bedding right from the start as it will keep me active, at least a bit more than just sitting in the chair all day.

 

You know, as we were doing a trip planning exercise that involved four loads over the course of a week and had us going west to Kentucky, back to NC, up to Philly and back to Georgia, the hardest thing was incorporating stops for fuel, load checks and overnight stops. Ended up using a bunch of different apps to look at imagery and identify primary, alternate and contingency stops for fuel and rest. Then it hit me. My Ranger experience was directly applicable. Lots of synergy between planning a patrol and planning a trip. The terminology is different, but the concept and principles of patrolling are the same. Even Rogers Standing Orders can be applied to trip planning.

 

It has rained a bunch in the last week. I was going to take my bike but now that I am here I am glad I decided against it. Storage space. The hotel that TMC houses their students is pretty bare bones and everyone shares a room. Not only are the rooms small, but they do not have any storage space. No closets, dressers, etc. Not even a comfortable chair or couch in the room. I brought a bunch of stuff here for the three weeks but keep a lot of it in my car and rotate stuff out.

 

29 June 2025, Sunday.

We got to sleep in an extra hour today. Class began at 7am today (vs 6am like most days). Today was day 3 of load securement and tarping. We took an agility test on day 1 that included lifting the heavier of two tarps onto a flatbed and then onto the top of a load, but today everyone got a small does of the reality of having to lift those tarps two times a day and instead of having a bunch of class mates to help we would be pretty much on our own. Several students were having severe doubts about their decision to be a flatbed driver.

We were released today around 2:30 after taking a graded test on load securement. Most of us are going down stairs this afternoon to have a cookout at the hotel. The groups that are here now have really good camaraderie.

 

I currently do not own a pair of safety boots and must have a set before I go out with my trainer. As a military retiree I have access to some really good deals. Through the GovX site I was able to order a set of Made in USA Thorogood for $189 shipped.

I decided on a set of 6", non-insulated, steel toe with wedge soles. Should be delivered by end of the week. Going through my list of gear I think I am all set, at least for the summer months. Probably some tools I should get, will wait to see what my trainer recommends. I just do not want to not have the right safety gear when we meet. No do overs.

American Heritage - 6" Tobacco Safety Toe - Moc Toe MAXWear Wedge™