I continued several more trips in KS and CO and finally FINALLY got to see the unbelievably beautiful snow caped mountains of CO. I could hardly take my eyes off them.
We hauled some heavy loads in excess of 40,000 lbs. I could really tell a difference in pulling heavy loads. However, I went through some terrible winds with an empty trailer. I gained some great muscles fighting to keep that truck in my lane. Give me a heavy load over an empty any day of the week. We traveled a stretch of highway that posted signs of the danger of high winds. There was an advisory prohibiting light loaded trucks from continuing on. There were several trucks that heeded these warnings and two that did not. Those 2 found themselves on their side looking as though they were props for the next Tornado Chaser movie. These types of sights are sobering and bring to light the risks involved in this profession.
Little did I know just beyond this turbulence would be some of the most incredible sites yet. WYOMING! With each state line it seems to be a dramatic and obvious change. This has been the pinnacle! I can't even describe the feelings I had. How anyone could not believe that only GOD could create this beauty is something I can't understand.
We went back into NE and I saw the most amazing bridge over the highway. It was a tourist site and just an awesome structure. It was made of logs with a huge eagle on each side. I wish I had been able to pull off just long enough to see exactly what it was as it was really interesting. Do you get the feeling that I will need to keep my curiosity in check to be even remotely successful and get my loads to their destination on time? LOL!
IOWA time again - Oh Joy - gorgeous, fabulous, beautiful IOWA what else can I say? Before leaving Iowa we went to the Worlds Largest Truck Stop - IOWA 80 - this takes up over 200 acres and is unbelievable. I can't really explain how large it is but the main building has 3 full size tractor-trailers in a very small area of it. It goes on and on. Really a "worth see" if you are in the area.
From here we went to IL and then to IN. I saw cities that I haven't seen in over 20 years. Dad's stomping ground - Terre Haute and Lebanon. That was pretty cool! I know that there was a family reunion this month - now wouldn't that have been awesome to pull up in that Big Red Truck?!
AND THEN - for the first time in 32 years - my wedding anniversary away from home. Really makes you realize the importance of family.
Back to MO. Spent nearly 1/2 day getting a tire changed. I found a giant chunk out of the side of one of the trailer tires during my pre-trip. The belts were showing. Talk about a scary feeling.... No way were we traveling very far on this. Little did I know this was the start of the end of my training for days and days. My trainer had a fall on uneven pavement and we have been out of service ever since. I am in a hotel in Independence MO where I have been since Sat. I've watched TV for the 1st time in a month and used nearly ALL the hot water in the hotel - HA HA!! Today is day 3 of NOTHING. Wish me luck - tomorrow I guess I'm going to have to get MEAN!! This sitting is doing nothing but delaying my objective.
Until next time................keeping it between the lines ;-)
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
Oh my goodness Tammy! Such SCARY stuff!!! Please take care and stay safe. Keep your eyes on the prize! I LOVE YOU AND MISS YOU BUNCHES! xoxoxoxo
ReplyDeletetammy, i just know you are enjoying your new career. i know that randy misses you and i encourage him to eat and "DRINK" properly so that he will be in good shape upon your return. good luck, steve
ReplyDeleteHi Toot, That bridge over the road in NE you refer to is a museum - it is incredible. It's claim to fame is Bill & HIllary visited the museum. Their next claim to fame was when Gene and I went through it. Ya right! But it was really awesome - maybe next time you can take a break there and see it. You would be impressed. Hugs, Mom
ReplyDeleteHi Tammy,
ReplyDeleteTrucking can be exhausting, frustrating, boring, and exciting (all in the same day). You have to be able to push beyond your normal levels and yet "chill-out" with things beyond your control. Sometimes the hardest thing to do is to wait. Is is very rare that everthing comes together ideally. I hope you enjoy reading or listening to tapes, lectures, or other inspirational things. When I was on the road some of the most spiritual times were on a long haul and listening to sermons, lectures, or music. You can eventually create your own environment (after you or finished with your instructor). When they promise you all those big miles in a week, it only happens occasionally, not all the time. There are just too many variables to be consistent. Enjoy your down time--sometime soon you will appreciate it.
Tammy, I so look forward to your passing through Dallas and getting to kidnap you for a lay-over again! That was just the best and I hope it is just the beginning for us to see one another more often! Training is almost up! You've done good girl! Not only to finish this, but also to keep your cool when situations could have really gotten heated! You've learned alot..mainly what NOT to do and how NOT to act, but lessons in whatever sense we learn them are invaluable and allow us to become that much of a better person. I wish you tremendous success with this journey and pray for your safe travels every single day. Love ya girl!
ReplyDelete