THE WHEELS ARE ROLLING AGAIN

As it turns out, we didn't have to wait until Friday for our next assignment. We knew on our last run into San Diego to the Port to pick up bananas, that we would have to apply for a special identification card through the TSA (Transportation Security Administration) called a TWIC (Transportation Worker Identification Credential) before the end of the year. So after Craig finished with his class, we went into the office to electronically file our application form. We were then told to hook up to an empty trailer and head to the Port of Pasco and the TSA office to complete the process Friday morning.

We spent the night about 40 miles away from Pasco, and completed the journey and dropped our trailer in a Company drop yard about 2 miles away from the TSA office. We were the first ones there, and after filling out a questionnaire asking about any felony convictions, we were put through the rest of the steps to complete the application, which included fingerprinting and having a photo taken. Oh yes, and don't forget the $134.50 that each of us had to pay for the opportunity to have this card and go into the Ports. Thankfully, as least Craig's was paid for by the Company.

As soon as we notified them that we had finished with the TWIC application, we were dispatched to the Tyson meat plant in Wallula, WA about 15 miles way to pick up 43,000 pounds of meat products, including everyone's favorite tripe, oxtails, and butt flaps. This dispatch has 7 deliveries, 5 in Stockton, CA, 1 in Merced, and the last stop is in Paso Robles, CA, all at Food 4 Less Stores. Although the dispatch indicated that the load would not be ready until 11pm on Saturday, when we arrived to drop the trailer there, we were happy to hear the load was ready for us to pick up. This would set us up for a very leisurely drive to start us back from vacation before Monday when we will make 6 of the 7 deliveries.

Last night we stayed in LaPine, OR after deciding we had driven enough for the day. This morning we were up and on the road by 5:30am with a stop in Corning, CA for showers and then onto the Company yard in French Camp, CA to stage for our Monday deliveries in Stockton. We really haven't noticed much change in the trees, but it was a nice 30 degrees this morning when we left LaPine. We know those temperatures will not be seen once we get into Central California, where we will be lucky if it only gets as high at the 80's and the lows in the 50's. Quite a difference from last year when we were traveling all 48 States and the joys of winter driving it brought. But, I'm sure we'll get our share of challenges even here on the West Coast. In any case, we will be sure to do what we like to do best.......keeping the wheels rolling.