A MILESTONE BIRTHDAY

I have never been into celebrating my own birthday. For other people I like to go all out if I can, especially on milestone birthdays. But when you have a birthday so close to Christmas, it always seems like it melds into the party festivities that lead up to Christmas Day. There have been attempts to surprise me, like on my 30th, and then 40th birthday, when I arrived an hour early to my Mother's house and I got to surprise the guests in return by opening the door and greeting them to my own surprise party. So on today, my 50th birthday, I am reasonably certain there will be no party, and that is okay with me.

Fifty years have gone by and as we drive through the Rockies of Wyoming, and I have the snow covered mountains to gaze upon, I ponder what a great life it has been so far. Very early in life, I set my sights on a career in law enforcement. From age 15 until I took an early retirement in 2006, that is exactly what I did. Starting out as an Explorer Scout, then Cadet with the Modesto PD, to my first dispatching job with Ceres PD. Then onto a larger department dispatching for the Stanislaus County S/O and finally ending my career 33 years later with San Jose PD as a supervisor in the Communication Center.

Along the way I would like to think that I made a difference somehow. Having no children of my own, I want to leave a legacy, a mark that yes, I was here and it mattered. During my career, I have been involved in many high profile cases, from kidnapping, to murder, to every dispatcher's nightmare, having an officer shot and wounded while on my channel. But it's the small every day activities that I have often wondered, do they make a difference?. Random acts of kindness, pay it forward, do unto others. And then I suppose the real gift is probably in not knowing, do it anyway, without the benefit of knowing the results.

So as I enter my last 50 years, I am so thankful for where I have been and where I am still left to go. There are no gifts I could receive on this birthday more special than the ones I receive everyday, the love of my family and friends, but especially my husband Craig, who has given the greatest gift of all, this wonderful adventure we are presently on to travel and see the country. And more precious than that, the time we are spending enjoying it together, struggling through frustration that sometimes comes from the life on the road, but mostly laughing, having fun, and sharing it all together. What better present could there be?

HOME ON THE WATERFRONT

Who says having a home with waterfront property is expensive? Take a look at this photo and you will see the view we had from our home just a mere 3 feet from the waters edge. It is days like today that being a marine driver and delivery boats makes it all worthwhile.

We awoke early to get into Newport Beach before there was any traffic and pulled up in front of the dealership at 5:30am. As you might be able to tell, the streets were very narrow and we spent some time figuring out what we thought would be our best attempt at getting backed into their loading area. After a couple of false starts and getting out and surveying the area on foot, we made our final approach and had success. So off to McDonald's we went to celebrate.

We enjoyed a nice breakfast and took off on foot with coffees in hand down the street. Within minutes we were at the Pacific Ocean and hearing the sound of the waves against the shore. We were a tad bit envious of the homeowners whose houses lined up and down the shoreline, but then I remembered what we pay for our roving home (zero $) compared to what they must have paid and are still paying to live there $$$$$$.

If you look closely at the photo of the houses you will see the naked statue in the front courtyard area. Since this is a PG13 rated blog, I strategical placed the palm fond as to not offend anyone. (It was purely by mistake that it happened that way). We sat out on the beach, had Craig pose for a photo opportunity, and then watched the sunrise. Ahhhh, what a relaxing way to start the day. As it neared the time for the dealership to open, we reluctantly made our way back to the truck. Yes, it's days like this that make enduring the snow and ice in Wyoming so worthwhile!

MACGYVER STRIKES AGAIN

We've had a fatality inside the cab of our truck this past week. While in Georgia, trying to sleep in the very warm and humid weather, with the windows open and the fans blowing, there was a rain storm. Although there were screens on the little windows by the bunks, the aforementioned rain storm seeped through the screens and found its way into our satellite TV receiver. We didn't discover this atrocity until a couple of nights later, when we had time to set up the satellite, and I attempted to get the coordinates to aim the dish. I pushed the power button on the remote, pushed the power button on the receiver, shook the remote, tried the remote again, then finally checked the power source. Nothing, no green light, and with that we realized the receiver was dead.


There was no need for finger pointing, after all we had both left the windows open, so we were left to use whatever local TV we could find until we could replace the receiver. This can prove to be a daunting task when you are out in the middle of no where, and the nearest major city is miles away.


We have lots of antennas on the truck for the CB radio, satellite radio, and finally the regular in dash radio. On our old truck we even had an antenna for TV, but in this truck we have none. This is where MacGyver went into action. He took the coax wire from the TV and attached it to some vise grips and a fly swatter. I offer you this picture for you to marvel at this great invention. Now don't ask me why or how this works, but it does. On the nights we have time to enjoy a little TV, the "vise-swatter" antenna, as we like to call it now, is attached to the coax and the perfect spot is found for the best reception for the area. We may have to look into getting a patent on this ingenious device.

It has been an uneventful drive the last couple of days through Texas, New Mexico, and Arizona. When we arrived at the Company yard in Bloomington, CA Wednesday afternoon, we were surprise to see a couple of empty boat trucks sitting in the yard. Getting loads around the holidays can be difficult. If you remember last year at Thanksgiving we were in Las Vegas for six days until they found us a load. After we deliver tomorrow morning the waiting game will begin to see whether or not they can find a load for us or if we will be sitting for a few days. After all, it's so close to Christmas I need to let Santa know where to find us Christmas morning!

THE GHOST OF SUMMER PAST

We were happy to escape Florida Saturday afternoon, especially when we found out there was a tornado in the area where we were. I was looking at the satellite images on my laptop during one horrendous down pour on Interstate 10 and thought I saw an interesting image appear. It wasn't until we stopped for the night, just into Alabama, and started watching the news, that I realized what it was. All that was left of it were some high wind warnings still scrolling across the bottom of the TV screen.

What a difference it made after that storm passed and left a wonderful cold front trailing behind it. We went to bed with fans blowing trying to cool us off and in the middle of the night, the temperatures dropped to the 40's and you could hear both Craig and I sigh with delight. It has stayed in the 40's the last couple of days and hopefully it will last us until we reach California.

Making quick work of driving through Alabama, Mississippi, and Louisiana, we found ourselves staying in the Houston area Sunday night. You won't believe this, but we will be stopping in San Antonio for a fuel stop. You remember right? That fateful 7/22/07 when bending to fill up a trailer tire gave us a three month nightmare. I have forbidden Craig from even looking at a trailer tire while we are there. And get this, we will be staying in Fort Stockton this evening! I know, talk about tempting fate. But what is it they say? When you fall off the bike, get right back on it. Nothing to fear but fear itself? Nothing in life is to be feared, it is only to be understood. I understand one thing, I'm not that thrilled about being in Fort Stockton again. The ghost of summer past can just keep on truckin' down the road, no need to stop and pay a visit to us, I'd rather face the tornado.
"Auntie Em, Auntie Em....wait up, I'm right behind you."

MUSICAL TIES TO THE SOUTH

Traveling in the South, you get a sense of history, from the architecture, to the names of towns, and yes, even waterways. Such was the case in Florida and Georgia . Both these States share ownership of the Okefenokee Swamp. We’ve all heard of it, but did you know where exactly it was or if it was even an actual place? After all, if it’s the home of the characters in the comic strip Pogo, could there really be such a swamp? There is, but not viewable from Interstate 10 in Florida. In fact, earlier this year, during a four month period, approximately 600,000 acres of the Okefenokee region burned. The Okefenokee has also been the subject of song, but not as known as the Suwanee and Chattahoochee Rivers


The State puts musical notes around the sign for the Suwanee River to remind you this is the river made famous in song. In case you were wondering, it is spelled correctly. Both Robert Foster and George Gershwin, two of America’s greatest song writers, spelled it wrong in their songs, “Swanee” and “Old Folks at Home”. I didn’t realize “Old Folks at Home” is the state song of Florida until recently when they decided to begin a search for a new State song.

Finally I leave you with the Chattahoochee River. We seem to pass over this river every time we are in Georgia and just like clock work, Alan Jackson’s song comes zipping into my head..........

Yeah way down yonder on the chattahoochee
it gets hotter than a hoochie coochie
we layed rubber on the georgia asphalt
we got a litte crazy but we never got caught

If you ever think life on the road can ever be boring it isn’t. There is so much history all around us on our travels , it will keep our minds busy and singing a song or two for a few more years to come.

SOMEONE'S IDEA OF HEAVEN

This photo was taken from the driveway of the dealership where we delivered boats this morning. I know there are people out there who would say this is their idea of heaven. The perfect place to live. As I sit here still wiping the sweat from my brow and hoping that sometime in the next hour my shirt might be dry again, I say to you, you're welcome to it.

When we arrived, one of the workers asked me where we are from. Figuring there's no time like today to start getting used to saying we are from Washington State, I proudly proclaimed just that to the employee. He looked at me and said " You must love it here". I literally had to bite my lip before replying, "No, actually, I very much dislike it", as I could feel my hair start to frizz and take on a life of it's own. There was a shocked look that spread over his face, like he had never heard anyone say such nonsense. But seriously, working up a sweat before 9am is not my idea of fun, nor is the thought of the thermostat never dipping much below 70 in December. After all, it's Christmas time, doesn't Jack Frost ever nip at any one's nose in Florida?

So it was with much excitement that we received our next dispatch to head a little over 200 miles north, to Edgewater, FL, pick up three boats and head to California. Another great trip with lots of miles. Although the prospect of seeing much snow is remote, but we should have cooler, less humid weather. Craig and I couldn't be more alike, and if we can be sent to an area in the temps hovering at 36 degrees, well then, that would be our idea of heaven.

TWO THINGS I DON'T UNDERSTAND

As we head further south, I can’t understand the notion of living anyplace where the temperature is above 60 degrees year round. I love fall and winter. I enjoy seeing my breath on a cold morning and the way the cool air puts a rosy color on my cheeks. The way my lungs feel when I take in a deep full breath of crisp cold air, and that little bit of tingling in the fingers when you go outside without gloves.

Yet, what I have observed while out on the road, is the migration of RV’ers, or snowbirds as they like to be called, heading south. I know without a doubt that Craig and I will not be one of them. We spent our entire lives in the Central Valley of California where there is hardly a spring or fall due to the long warm, and mostly hotter than hot summers. With our soon to be new home in northeastern Washington State, we are looking forward to being able to experience the four seasons.

The other thing I can’t understand is why men , when they can’t find something, inevitably turn to their wives and ask “ Where is __________”, (you can fill in the blank). Most every day I am presented with that question. This morning it was where is my baseball cap? I tired to reason with Craig and ask him what made him think I would know where it was. After all, he was the last one who touched it, and when you live in a truck, there isn't much area for anything to hide. Then, right in the middle of our conversation, I look down and there is his cap. I guess maybe the female half of the species has an inbred sense of knowing where all things are. Going back to making my bed I hear Craig quietly ask, “Where is my cell phone?”……

DON'T MESS WITH MOTHER NATURE

Mother Nature has been a constant companion with us since we left Roseburg, OR. Just when we thought we had left her at the last exit in Wyoming, we find her again waiting to be picked up as we got into Missouri. We couldn't avoid her. They were talking about her on the radio, and when we tuned into the weather channel on TV. I guess I should have fixed an extra helping for dinner, because it looked like she was here to stay.

As you can tell from the photo, TWC was all agog with this latest ice storm. They had reporters in Oklahoma telling us of the devastation left in it's wake, and then in Missouri, right in Kansas City, where we were, with hourly reports on how much ice was forming on the trees. We glanced out our windows and could see the rain start to come down, and little icicles forming on the side mirrors. As we snuggled into our beds for the night, we didn't know what we should expect and wondered what we would see when we awoke.

I was the first to poke my head out from behind our curtain, just like Punxsutawney Phil on ground hogs day, to ponder what was around us. The ground was wet, there was ice on the mirrors, but otherwise it appeared quite normal.

We tuned into a local TV station to hear that the majority of the storm was hitting northwest of us, and that the roads seemed to be clear of any ice build up. It wasn't until we stopped for our first rest break, near Mineola, MO that we could see up close just what an ice storm can do.

Everywhere you looked was at least a half inch coating of ice. On the chain link fence, the sign poles, the eaves with the addition of icicles hanging down, but more amazing was the tree limbs. Each little branch, or new shoot was completely encased in ice. It was really quite beautiful.

But I have to say, dealing with all the oversize restrictions, and Mother Nature has been a double whammy. We are thrilled to be able to turn the corner later today and start heading more on a southern direction. Unfortunately, from the weather reports, it looks like Mother Nature will continue to accompany us all the way to Florida. Which reminds me, I better pick up some additional supplies, looks like I'll have an extra mouth to feed for awhile.

A SLOW AND NOT SO EASY RIDE

Slow ride, take it easy - Slow ride, take it easy.

I'm in the mood, the rhythm is right,

Move to the music, we can roll all night

We’ve had quite a trip since we arrived in Snowville, UT. It’s been a slow and not so easy ride and we certainly could not roll all night in the weather we have been having on this trip. When we arose Saturday morning, the snow was starting to fall. As we cautiously left the truck stop, we eased our way out onto the Interstate, and in the darkness of early morning, it was hard to see what was road and what wasn’t. 40 miles down the road, we pulled off at another truck stop to wait until it got just a wee bit lighter. Craig and I got out our laptops and started researching the road conditions and weather satellites. Most of the chatter on the CB was other drivers inquiring if roads were open, or if chain requirements had been put in place.

Feeling confident we could at least make it to the Wyoming state line, where we would have to stop at the weigh station to obtain our oversize permit, we pulled out and onto the Interstate once again. We had noticed that on the website for Wyoming Department of Transportation, they had their “chain law” in effect from Evanston to mile marker 39. From what we understood, they don’t enforce it, but if you should happen to spin out or cause an accident, and you didn’t have the chains on, you get the book thrown at you. As we arrived at the weigh station we could see about 30 or more trucks parked waiting for the chain restrictions to be lifted. I caught a glimpse of one trucker who couldn’t decide what season to dress for as you can see in the photo.

With our permit in hand we continued to where chains were required and pulled off to the shoulder as many other truckers had done. We watched as they struggled to put on their chains, as we watched truck after truck pass with no chains on. We debated about waiting it out or putting on the chains, when I noticed an update on the computer with the “chain law” being lifted.

With that we took off on our slow and steady pace to try and make it through Wymoning. Wouldn’t you know it, about 90 miles into our trip we start hearing of a couple of jack knifed trucks completely blocking eastbound Interstate 80. Oh great…. Just as we think we might have some good luck, now comes this. Talk on the CB stated the back up was already starting and it would be a parking lot for several miles. We were lucky in that a Flying J truck stop was at our next exit so we quickly pulled in as a multitude of trucks had the same idea. We found a spot and sat back and watched as truck after truck pulled in rapidly and started filling all the empty parking spaces. As we all waited to hear when the Interstate would be cleared, a few drivers were giving commentary on the drivers trying to park, especially when spots were at a premium. About 4 hours later we heard the Interstate was clear, but by then it was an just before sunset and we decided to stay where we were for the night and take on the icy roads fresh in the morning.

Yes, truck driving can be a slow and not so easy ride when dealing with snow, icy roads, high wind, and people wanting to go a little faster than what they should for the conditions. In times like this you will always find us taking a very slow ride, easy or not.

COAST TO COAST

It dawned on me that I haven't told you about our latest dispatch. From Salmon Arm, BC we were sent to Roseburg, OR and then to Fort Lauderdale, FL, for a trip totalling just a bit over 4,000 miles. Not too shabby, except that it will be an oversize load and we will have to deal with all the restrictions on driving that come with it. You remember right? No two States are the same with their regulations, and we've already begun the deciphering of the government talk on the permits. So far, we have been in agreement as to what exactly the wording means, but stay tuned, we still have 9 more States to travel through.

Our routing out of Roseburg took us on a couple of State highways we have not been on before. Hwy 58 out of Eugene is gorgeous. Even though it was only a two lane road, around every gentle curve we saw majestic pine trees and creeks with icy cold water cascading over rocks, making its journey to the many lakes in the area.

One of the surprises that came upon us as we came out of a turn was the Lowell Covered Bridge in Lane County, Oregon. What I didn't realize was that Oregon has the largest collection of covered bridges west of the Mississippi River.


Covered bridges were originally built to protect the decking of the bridge which were made of wood. Because of the large amounts of rainfall and the rate at which the wood rots, the bridges had to be protected. Of course, wood products were highly available which made it possible to build roofs over these bridges fairly easily and cheaply. In the 1920's, Oregon had more than 400 covered bridges. Now only 49 covered bridges remain. The largest number of these are located in Lane County, totaling 19 in all. Some day we will have to come back and travel the county checking out the other covered bridges.

As we made our way into Bend, Oregon and onto Highway 20, we started getting into some higher ground and snow. We have been keeping a close watch on the weather as it seems there is a storm system that just might follow us along our designated route. The snow was just starting to let up as we pulled into Hines, OR for the night.

Happy to awake and not see any fresh snow on the ground, and after the official sunrise time, we headed towards Idaho. The first 100 miles we encountered some icy and snowy conditions, but we made it over the two passes and safely into Idaho for our fuel stop.

Tonight finds us in Snowville, Utah. Craig and I laughed when we thought about staying in a place called Snowville, when snow was something we were trying to avoid. Time will tell if we made a good choice or not. Tomorrow we take on Wyoming. Wish us luck!

STONEHENGE & ISLAND OF THE DEAD

Who knew you didn't have to travel to England to see Stonehenge? Did you know if you were traveling in the State of Washington, near the town of Maryhill, you can see a full size replica of Stonehenge? I didn't either until we started driving and passed the sign several times during our travels.

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Along Hwy 14, overlooking the Columbia River, Sam Hill, erected this almost exact copy of Stonehenge to memorialize those who died in World War I. Dedicated in 1918 and finally finished in 1930, Mr. Hill passed shortly after completion of the project and is buried at the base of the bluff. Because he wished to be left alone, there is no path to his resting place.

I apologize for the picture, but I've found most of these places do not accommodate a semi with a 53 foot trailer, so as Craig zoomed by on the highway, I attempted to catch a glimpse of it. Really, it's there in the blur, that clump of something you just can't quite make out in the middle of the photo. So to compensate, here is an actual picture from the web.

As we continued on our way into Roseburg, OR to pick up some boats, we took the scenic Interstate 84 due to the flooding on Interstate 5. This really is one of the most scenic routes you can take, and if you are ever in the area, a must see.

We pulled into a rest area and I had the opportunity to see the Island of the Dead, also known as Memaloose Island. The Indians used it as a burial ground where they wrapped the dead in skins or blankets and often placed them in a sitting position. They then constructed "grave houses" of poles, slabs, and bark. The rising waters of the Bonneville Dam reduced the once four acre island to about a half acre.

I had the chance to walk around and enjoy taking a few photos on solid ground and not traveling at 55 miles an hour. I hope you enjoy and get the feel for this beautiful area as much as I did.

WINTER POSTCARDS

I have to tell you, we had the most beautiful drive up to Salmon Arm, BC the last two days. We left Moses Lake, WA, Monday morning and any storms that were out there seemed to be any where but where we were.

Once on Highway 97, we passed by the Chief Joseph Dam on the Columbia River, which is the second largest hydro power producing dam in the U.S. It produces enough power to supply the whole Seattle metropolitan area. We drove only a few hours passing towns that looked as if taken from a winter postcard, and crossed the border into Canada staying in Osoyoos for the night.

Up early the next morning, we headed towards Salmon Arm. There is an endless supply of fruit stands along the roadway, left empty and boarded up for the winter. The bare limbs of the apple and peach trees, and grapevines seem to wave at you as you drive by. Even after the bitter frost had left its mark, you could still see some stubborn leaves and fruit still clinging on, refusing to let go of its grip.


We followed the road along side the Okanagan Lake, passing small town after small town, envious of the residents whose homes sat on the edge of this grand lake and had this fabulous view to take in every day. Even the overcast, cloudy day could not take away its beauty.


Arriving at the dealership, we had to wait about 90 minutes for the crane, and then follow an employee down the road to a farm about 3 miles away. Making our way down the long bumpy dirt road it seemed as if the mountains surrounded us. We went about unstrapping the boats, but I managed a quick break to take a few pictures.

A light rain fell as the last boat was unloaded and we went about putting the steel frame work away and the paperwork signed. We felt lucky to have escaped the storm that was hitting just south of us along Interstate 5 with the high winds and rain which was causing road closures.

As we headed south along the same route we had just drove earlier in the morning, we had a second opportunity to take in the scenic views, and for me to take a few more pictures for a Canadian winter postcard.

DODGE BALL

As a child in elementary school, the favorite activity during recess was playing dodge ball. We'd run to grab the ball out of the bin and then out onto the playground. There on the blacktop would be the large circle where we would find our places around it and pick who would be "it" first. Around we would go, "one potato, two potato, three potato, four.......my mother told me to pick the very best one..... I choose you" The designated one, in the middle of that circle, tries as hard as he or she could to dodge the big rubber ball the rest of us would be throwing.


The last couple of days has been very much like dodge ball, but this time, Craig and I are in the middle of the circle in a big 18 wheeler, and Mother Nature is trying with all her might to hit us squarely with a big storm. You can see it brewing on the horizon in the first picture. We kept our ears tuned to the weather radio station, along with nightly, watching The Weather Channel on TV. We hit pockets of snow falling, nothing heavy, but we could not avoid the wind. Thankfully, for most of our journey so far, it was a tail wind, but we all know that can change in an instant.


As we crossed the grand Columbia River into Washington the skies seemed to be just a little bluer and there was less snow on the ground. During the night the wind came in and there was a bit of rain, but thankfully, no snow. This morning we cross the border into Canada. As always, we will be keeping our ears tuned to the weather stations to monitor any storms that may be awaiting our arrival. Until then, did you hear that? It's the recess bell, and we are going out to play a little dodge ball with Mother Nature, 18 wheeler style.

WHISTLE WHILE YOU WORK

"Just whistle while you work

Put on that grin and start right into whistle loud and long"

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When we called to find out if we had a load, we were happy to hear it was just down the road, a mere 45 miles to Kal Kustom, a manufacturer of high end ski boats. We have been to their plant in Oregon, but this would be a first for their plant in Merced, CA. With their address programed into our GPS we headed down the road, happy to be back traveling the highways.

The plant itself was easy to find, but this has got to be the tightest entry we have experienced at any plant. I guess the reasoning behind placing a dumpster blocking full access through the gate is for the amusement of watching drivers trying to maneuver around parked cars on the street, traffic coming from both directions and avoiding the boats lined up along the entrance. Thankfully, with my help blocking traffic and guiding Craig back by using our cell phones on speaker, it didn't take us long to squeeze our way in and backed into the loading bay.

At all the boat plants we have been dispatched to, we sit in the truck and patiently wait for the boats to be loaded and strapped down. Imagine our surprise, after sitting in the truck for 20 minutes after the first boat was placed on the trailer, when a worker asked if we were going to tie down the boat before the second one was loaded. Craig and I looked at each other, shrugged our shoulders and figured that was our hint to get out and get to work. I went about searching for some carpet remnants to place under the straps to protect the boats as I hear Craig start whistling as he begins the job of securing the boats to our trailer. Of course the first thing that comes to my mind is Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, and that darn song started playing non stop in my head.

It wasn't too long before we had our three boats securely strapped down, and with paperwork in hand, we squeezed our way out the gate and onto the highway. We are headed up North to Canada to a small town called Salmon Arm, BC. As luck would have it, when I called the dealer to tell them we would be there Monday, they informed me they would be closed. That means we have four days to go a little over 1200 miles, so this will be a nice leisure run with plenty of opportunity to avoid driving in any storms that may be brewing for this weekend.

We plan on crossing into Canada Monday and staying just across the border in Osoyoos, BC and get an early start Tuesday to be at the dealership by 8:30am. Until then, we'll continue to whistle while we work and enjoy what we do, but we're still in a disagreement over which dwarf we are most like. I may concede to being Sneezy, especially when my allergies act up, and Craig, well he is always like Happy with maybe a little bit of Dopey now and then, and gosh darn it, that may be just why we have so much fun when we're together.