Andy's In North America

downtime

2010-11-01T06:08:00.000-07:00

i got back to lethbridge last saturday from my short run to idaho falls,due to my truck being way over due for a service.i dropped it in the yard,with a list of a few jobs that needed doing.i stayed in the lodge,and met some of the new drivers.we all had a good chat,i told them not to listen to all the bullshit and lies,and to make their own minds up.unfortunately,one of the guys,john,decided he was going home.we all tried our best to talk him round,but he had made his mind up.
i went round to jojo`s,when i knocked on the door,tina and jo answered with"weve got a dilema".it turned out that jo had locked her keys in the car.terrific.tina,being a cockney girl,brought a coat hanger and was trying to get in.jo said to tina that if she got in,she was going to snog her,i replied,wait till i got my phone out.haha.we all had a real good laugh,eventually,i had a go,and with some jiggling about i got the door opened.
anyway,i got my truck back thursday afternoon,(other jobs not been done,must have been to busy.)and got a load to iowa.it didnt deliver till monday.so a nice easy run down.nothing happened really to write about,apart from getting the confirmation of my ladies flight at xmas.really looking forward to seeing her again.we are going to spend it with some special friends.its going to be great.
so,ive just tipped at the customers.im now waiting for my next load

quick trip

2010-10-26T10:43:00.000-07:00

my truck was due a service,i put in the shop,only to be told there was a trip that they couldnt get covered,and would i do it.it was a drop in twin falls.i got so far down the road,when i got a pre plan for my return load.that was quick!.i made delivery at 10 am next morning.my collection was for 3am the following morning,and it was only an hour and a half away from were i delivered.so i decided to chance my luck.i got to the customer around lunchtime,i asked if there was a chance they could load me today.sorry,no can do....so i parked up for a long chill out.anyway,i got loaded at 2am.nice easy drive back to drop trailer in taber.got to lethbridge,and put my truck in the shop for the well overdue service.my dispatch got me back real quick,as they promised.my truck is still in the shop,im hoping to hit the road in the morning.
while ive been sat in the lodge ive met a few of the new drivers that are starting their training.most of them seem very good and have come with the right attitude.they've been asking me lots of questions,which ive been happy to try and answer.i think they will do OK.
well that's it for now.Xmas is round the corner,and the weather is changing,so everyone stay safe

rush job

2010-10-12T05:12:00.000-07:00

i did a reset in Calgary.got a pre plan to collect from brooks.if you go down tonight,you will be ready for it in the morning.no thanks,i know what brooks is like!!!!.i arrive at 08.00,give them my pick up number,"its on test,wont be ready till after 2pm.good job i didn't come last night.while i sat there waiting,a new driver parked at my side,i think he was called nick.he was asking me loads of questions.ive been there,i know how nerve racking it is.a message to ring work.Andy we have a load ready now,but needs to be there quite sharpish,in Nebraska.oh well,i better get moving.it was fresh meat,i think it had just been slaughtered,as the blood was still running out.i did get it there,although a little late,only due to the time difference.dropped the trailer and sleep.got my next plan,another meat load,but back to Canada!.i had been given plenty of time to deliver,so it wasn't a mad dash up the highway.i stopped at the largest truck stop,Iowa 80.as i was pulling in,i noticed a truck parked at a funny angle and close to another truck.i looked closer and it seems he tried to turn a little to soon and took the front end out of the other truck.he didn't look to chuffed.like i said,it wasn't a mad rush.it was enjoyable.i dropped the trailer in yard at Brampton,and did a reset at the husky in Mississauga.that's were i am at the minute.got a plan,but it may change yet!!!!!!!!

back in canada

2010-09-15T12:59:00.000-07:00

so,after a brilliant 9 days back in the uk,im back in canada and on the road.currently sat in tanner washington(not elsie).tipping in the morning.so an easy day(again)sat in the TA truck stop

suprise trip too dublin

2010-09-15T12:56:00.000-07:00

my trip back home wasnt exactly restful.
jan suprised me by taking me to dublin for 3 days.its a place ive always wanted to go,mainly for the guiness i think.
it was early up,dart to Liverpool.30 mins later.Dublin.we checked in a best western(i think i could be a trip adviser for this chain.Ive stayed in so many)the room was great,with a great view of the the liffy(i know its probably spelt wrong).
we bought day saver tickets for the open top tour bus.great idea,because you can get on and off whenever you like.anyway,first stop,guiness factory.well,i wasn't going to stay on the bus was i?did the tour,which was amazing,then up to the bar on the top floor for our 2 free pints of the black stuff,and it wasn't even lunchtime.to my surprise,Jan drank three quarters of her pint,which is good to say she doesn't drink it.
im not going to go through the whole trip,there is just too much to say.all i will say is that it was fantastic,and all down to my better half.needless to say,she got her surprise later.if you know what i mean.

thats perfection

the good old molly Malone.no wonder she made plenty of money,with a chest like that

hope im related to the owner

4th sep

2010-09-15T12:18:00.000-07:00

on the sunday,we went down to oldham to see family.first,i picked one of my sons up.i cant believe how grown up he is,ive only not seen him for 12 months.on the way too my mums,he was telling me how much he enjoys the air cadets and what things he has done.he says he is going too join up when he can.im so proud of him.
met rest of family,hugs and kisses all round,especially of my little sister,she acted as if she hadnt seen me in years.me and my sis are very close.love her to bits.
i took my dad and brother-in-law for a quick pint and then we all went for dinner.it was a great day out,catching up with them all.
me and jan left early evening,i think i was starting to feel the jet lag.lol

my lovely sister,and brother in law

my youngest son

back in the uk.3rd september

2010-09-13T09:23:00.000-07:00

sorry guys for the long abcence.
i have just got back from a 9 day stay back in the uk.i had tried my best to keep it quiet as i wanted to suprise a mate.so everyone here was told not to put anything on facebook.
anyway,i arrived back in manchester early afternoon on saturday.i got the train as i wanted to walk to the house so i could have a look at the place.it was still the same.i was excited about being back,but only to see freinds and family,i havent missed the uk one bit,and after 12 months,i thought it was time to make the visit..
jan was stood there waiting for me,it was great to see her after so long.we planned to go out early that evening for a meal with her sister and husband.it was a bit risky,as the restaurant was a local one and i didnt want anyone to see me as my mate kev would find out,and i wasnt planning on suprising him until monday.
we had a great meal,and a good chat.i was telling all the good stories of over here.then jan said"you`ll never guess who`s sat behind you".it was only the bloody landlord and landlady of my local pub.we got the hugs and kisses out the way and i said to keep it quiet from kev.
we were walking past another pub that i go in now and again,and was seen by tony,who shouted us over.everyone was chuffed to see me,especially as no-one knew i was coming back.my plan was working upto now.so as me and jan were getting in the drink mode,we decided to go in my local.i knew kev wouldnt be in,but at 10pm i had to phone him.think i was feeling pretty guilty by this time.it was great to see him and leslie.i think by 01.30,we had done enough drinking and catching up,and called it a night.i slept like a baby.dont know whether it was due to lack of sleep,or the beer.
so that was my first day back.......

an eventfull trip

2010-07-15T06:59:00.000-07:00

this trip turned a little up side down.
got my plan for new jersey,with a delivery time that was impossible,anway that got changed later.
i was on the i94,it was around 3.30am,and the rain was really coming down,i didnt think it could rain so hard.so im just taking my time,mainly because i couldnt see a bloody thing.in the distance i see these headlights doing funny things,as i got closer,i realised a car had spun out and ended up on its roof.i pulled on the hard shoulder and ran across the highway.a truck on the same side had also just stopped.myself and the other truck driver ended up pulling 3 people out of the cars windows.luckilly,no-one was really hurt,just a little bruised and shaken.we got them to the side,and then an off duty sherriff turned up.thats when i decided it was time to go.i got back to the truck and peeled my jeans off,i have never felt so wet.a quick change,then off on my merry way
i paid my last toll at pennsylvania,started to pull away,and the truck died.i managed to get out the way onto the hard shoulder.i tried different things,but she just wouldnt start.anyway,6 hours later,the wrecker turned up and towed me to penske.i booked into a hotel for 2 days.the humidity down there was unreal,so i didnt go outside much,apart from having a few beers in hooters,which was opposite the hotel.
i get the call that my truck is ready.so im ready to go again.as my trailer was taken away to be delivered,i picked an empty up and went to pick a load of chocolate up.
i only got so far up the highway when my truck started having the same problems it went in for.
i did manage to get to brampton,which was about 420 kms,but it took me 10 hours.truck would only do 15mph on the hills.
so on the sunday,dropped it at penske and checked in another hotel.today being thursday,i have just had a call that my truck should be ready in a few hours.
ill be glad to get back on the road,i just hope i make it back to calgary.
ive cut a lot of this short,as it could have ended up looking like war and peace,it would have been that long

2010-06-21T06:58:00.000-07:00

hi guys.not posted for awhile.
went down to wisconsin last week.after picking up my load,i set off for kitchener,ontario.i got to the customer the night before,i thought i might try my luck to get tipped early,but the place was closed.so time for bed.i got tipped pretty quick,and then i was to drop my empty in maple leaf in kitchener and pick up a load for saskatoon.i got to maple leaf around 10am,went into shipping and was told my load would not be ready until midnight.what a bummer.i asked my dispatcher if there was anything else i could do.no was the reply.so as i was running close to my hours,i asked to do a reset.
now,it was my birthday and i hadnt seen a live world cup game since it started,all i needed to do was find a place that had it on.then i remembered,me and jan met a couple in mexico in 2006 and i have kept intouch and i knew they lived up this way.put their address in the sat nav.cool,20 minutes away.off i go,i was coming up to the dealership were tom works,i called in,and was told it was his day off.so went round to the house.no answer.to cut a long story short.he was on the golf course and would be home in 10 minutes.i put the truck on his drive were it would be nice and safe.we shook hands and hugged,4 years is a long time.his wife julie was in bed due to working a night shift,poor girl had only been in bed a few hours and some bloody truck driver was waking her up with the noise of a truck.
me and tom went round to a bar to watch the england team(play crap,i might add).after the game we went for some food,then back to their house.we sat outside for a couple of hours,then off to bed,as tom needed to be in work.it turned out to be a very good birthday,afterall,only thing missing was jan.
my reset was due to finish at 9pm on saturday.pre plan had come through,but i just thought i would check if it was good tp pick being late in the evening,to be told,no,go in the morning.so,with that news and tom home from work,off to the golf course.had a great game of golf,even though i havent hit a ball in two years,and i played pretty good on all accounts.
back to the house for a bbq and another catch up chat.
i said my goodbyes in the morning and tom getting his daughter up,even though she had only been in bed for three hours(she was out partying).picked up my dairy load,and set off for calgary.
so thats were im upto at the minute,sat in smooth river falls,getting ready to hit the road.
a really enjoyable weekend was had

2010-05-23T07:39:00.000-07:00

well,our holiday period has come to an end.i take jan to the airport this morning,after a quick stop at jo and farons,so jan can say her goodbyes.
ive really enjoyed her being here,and she has said she has loved every minute of it,and doesnt really want to go home,but needs must and all that.she is coming back for a week at xmas,so i cant wait for that.
i took her in the truck yesterday,only to the lock up were all my gear was stored.we loaded everything in,and i started putting things in their respective places,while jan worked wonders with the duster and polish(thanks love).
we ate in the bar in the hotel last night,had a few drinks.the staff that was on, said goodbye to jan,after tellling her she shouldnt go.
so,im not looking forward to this morning,god knows what ill do next week.haha.at least i dont have to wait 9 months till i next see her.going to miss her loads

waterton park

2010-05-16T20:41:00.000-07:00

had a great day out today with jo,faron,chris,tina and kids.
first we went to costco to get some stuff for the bbq,then off to waterton.
faron(chef) did the cooking,and as far as i know,we are all still here.haha.cheers matey,food was great.
later on in the day,we went up to cameron lake,and couldnt believe our eyes when we got there.it was still full of snow,but it was really warm.the pics say it all

2010-05-14T06:51:00.000-07:00

didnt get much sleep,due to the damn sunburn and the sheet kept sticking to me.up early,and set off for a nosey at the hoover dam.the dam was great,well worth a look.had a couple of hours there,then set off for the canyon.im not going to bore you with details,ill let you make your own minds up with the pics,but it was bloody amazing

more pics

2010-05-12T08:23:00.000-07:00

vegas

2010-05-11T18:50:00.000-07:00

anyway,arrived in vegas,weather was red hot.hotel is amazing.after a good nights sleep,we had a mooch round.walked for hours,looking at the other hotels.
glad we are only here for a couple of days,couldnt do more than that here.
a couple of jans friends were here in vegas,bev and gary,so we got a cab and met them last night.what a brilliant night.they put a cinema show on the ceiling,it was fantastic.
there was this guy/girl.whatever trying to dance.if the video is on,please take a look.its funny as hell,and frightening.we stayed there till about 2am.got a cab back to our hotel,and hit the sack.

we had another day of walking(dont think ive ever walked so much)seen some great sights/shows.we check out in the morning to set off back to canada,with a couple of stop offs.

we decided to stay another night,due to the fact we had never walked so much.so we were just going to chill by the pool.i think i lay in the sun for way to long,and ended up looking like a bloody lobster.

we went across to new york new york for another of their pints of guiness(best ive ever had).we also had a meal.i had a steak and it was fantastic.after the meal we caught the bus and met gary and bev again.after a few drinks i started feeling a bit crap,and i was bloody freezing.i think i had a touch of sunstroke.we ended up getting the bus back after a couple of hours.

didnt get much sleep,due to the damn sunburn and the sheet kept sticking to me.up early,and set off for a nosey at the hoover dam.

my time with jan,after 9 months of not seeing her

2010-05-11T18:27:00.000-07:00

My better half arrived on sunday afternoon.it was great to see her after 9 months.it has felt as if i hadnt seen her for years.
On the journey down to lethbridge,i kept saying to Jan that it felt weird having her sat next to me.it took some getting used to.
Tuesday night we went round to my mates house.Faron and Jo,had a meal which was great.Jan seemed to be enjoying herself,with her new friend Freya(Farons daughter)
I had planned a trip down to vegas,so Wednesday morning we set off.we made a stop at fFranks Slide.it was well worth the visit.very interesting.
anybody that goes to this centre,take time to watch the two films they put on,they are really worth watching.you begin to understand the devastation when the mountain came down.
we were planning to stop at fernie,the ski resort.we got there,had a walk round and decided,we were just going to get something to eat and drive a little longer.
we were coming upto bonners ferry,but i couldnt remember if i had seen a hotel when ive travelled through here before.i had completely forgot about the best western hotel,until i was reminded by faron.
what a hotel
it was right next to the river.the room had a little balcony,which looked across the river,and good views of the mountains.we had a quick dabble in the casino,which was pretty good,especiallyfor me as you could smoke in it.the rooms are good,very spacious,with a huge tv.anyway,up early to carry on down to vegas,with probably a couple more stops on the way down.
we got down to idaho falls and decided to stop over,found another best western hotel,not as good as the other one,but not bad.we set off early next morning due to being woke up by the tv making funny noises.i thought some tosser had set it as an an alarm,but no,it was a power cut.

2010-03-26T17:44:00.000-07:00

had a bit of a mare today.
i stopped in niagra for the night.didnt get to see the falls though.
i set off for my delivery,which was only about an hour away.to cut a long story short,i sat there for almost 10 hours.i was thrilled to bits(not).so now im in the husky in brampton.pick up my trailer tomorrow to take down to delta in bc,then hopefully back to lethbridge for the truck inspection

trip to new jersey

2010-03-26T17:39:00.000-07:00

not up-dated this for awhile,i think for two reasons.

1.some of the negative comments piss me off

2.been too busy

anyway.

i dropped my last trailer at the yard in calgary,got my pre plan to pick beef at brooks,going to wisconson,once i had my ten hours off,i set off

there was another of our drivers there already.sean.he said his load was on hold until 2pm.i went in to check mine.yes,you guessed it,on hold till 9pm

it was only 6am.sent the macro,message came back,forget that load,get this one.i was rubbing my hands,down to new jersey.once i had picked the trailer up,my macro went off

andy,cancel that,ill get you something else.well,as you can imagine,i was a little pissed off.sean was laughing his head off.so all the info he had given me about all

the tolls,was of no use.so,the next load came,upto bloody calgary.great,ive gone from a load to new jersey for one upto calgary.so off i went.30 mins later,macro went again

andy,once you have dropped that,nip to another place,pick up empty and go back to brooks for,guess what.the new jersey load.i was chuffed again.now this run seemed to go on

forever,i had driven for what seemed days,and didnt seem to have got anywere.i had been told by my mate graeme,that i would pass the largest truck stop in the world.

,when i got there,he was right,it was huge.they had everything inside,including trucks.i had a quick walk round,

took a few pics,then on my merry way.the info sean had given me about the tolls was bob on.ive never been through so many,and

paid out so much money.all in all,ive enjoyed the run,seen some great sights.now im resetting,waiting for my re-load back to lethbridge,as my truck is due service and inspection.

hope you enjoy the pics.

mississippi river

2010-02-15T05:04:00.001-08:00

the flights are now booked for my partner jan to come over in may.cant wait to see her it will have been 9 months since ive seen her

2010-02-11T12:13:00.000-08:00

well the time came,which i was dreading.the interview with the boss.i was only dreading it in case i was turned down.we sat in the office,had a good chat,and a lot of positive stuff was said.i was chuffed.so,i am now being sponsered.so i can now start the ball rolling for my PR.looks like things are starting to fall into place.
im glad its done,as i really love the job and most of the people i have met,love the country.what more can i say.
so,after my interview,off i went with my delivery.salt lake city,here i come.it was a rush job,so attached a rocket to truck and got there 15 mins early.quick tip,next load done and on my way back.
as i was rounding the corner before sweetgrass,i noticed an animal in the road.whats a bloody alsation doing on the highway,only it wasnt an alsation,it was a wolf.it was eating something in the road,i must say,he was a clever wolf though.as i got closer,he moved to the hard shoulder,once id gone past,he went back into the road to finish his meal.nice!!!!!!!!!

2010-01-12T17:01:00.000-08:00

i was looking forward to this trip,think ive changed my mind.got my first drop off in tracy california done quite quick.then set off for my second in vernon.going through los angeles and passed hollywood,in the rushour traffic.what a f*****g nightmare,they are mental!.

anyway i had to do a reset,and as i was pretty close to long beach,i thought.that will do.could i find anywhere to park,dont be stupid...so ive ended up in a truckstop in ontario,and every man and his bleeding dog are here.at least its RED HOT,and im in my shorts.

oh and another thing.tight arse arnie needs to get his hand in his pocket and sort the friggin highways out,i bet they were more comfy when wagon trains were going through.think all my suspension is shot!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

got my next load.its strawberries back up to edmonton

2010-01-02T07:36:00.000-08:00

these pictures were taken just coming through strathmore on the way to calgary.all three are not reflections off the glass,this is how it actually looked.

2010-01-01T14:46:00.000-08:00

well after my tip in sioux city,i got my next run down to little chute.ive been here a few times now,so i didnt to look for it.the run back was ok,until i got to new years eve.i was parked in estavan,and decided to phone my other half,think it was a mistake,because when i put the phone down,i got a bit down.this is the first xmas,new year we have not been together,and to say i was missing her,would be an understatement.this carried on all the way up on new years day.i dropped my trailer at the yard and set off for the j were i am re-setting my hours.i gave her another ring,she seemed ok,but i could tell she was a little down.i think its just the xmas period and me not being there.i really hope may comes round quick,as this is when she is coming over for three weeks.she cant wait for that,nor can i for that matter.that will be 9 months that we havent seen each other.so,here i am,new years day,sat in a truck stop,hoping i get another decent run.the longer i am on the road,the time seems to go quicker.
anyway.on another note.i hope everyone has a great new year,and it brings nothing but good things.take care

2009-12-28T08:47:00.000-08:00

well,got the all clear to leave rapid city,so of down the 90 i went.after seeing numerous vehicles in the ditch,i noticed i was coming up to slow traffic.why is everyone going so slow?so i pull out to overtake,then i realised why.my arse-end started to dance.i was on sheet black ice.no wonder everyone was going slow.not everyone though realised how bad it was.a car coming the other way,spun out into the ditch and landed on its roof,luckily he wasnt going that fast,it could have been a lot worse.he climbed out and was sort of cursing himself.
the next few miles were the same.
i eventually got to the customers only to find it was closed for the day.so i parked up,had some grub,hour or so on the internet,then sleep.i was up at 6,got to the customer,after an hour was tipped and good to go.by the way,i know its monday morning after xmas,but surely it doesnt hurt to put a smile on your face.not one person looked happy there.i can be a grumby bastard some times,but when you are meeting other people you can pretend to be happy.so, i am at the minute,waiting for us dispatch to give me a run........

2009-12-27T05:21:00.000-08:00

hi guys,sorry ive not posted for awhile.
i got my xmas load down to sioux city,collected from cargill.off to the border i went,with my meat inspection the day after.i got to the border and believe it or not,i had a good laugh with the border officer.i know,its not heard of normally,but there you go.anyway,i thought i would chance the meat inspect early,only to have missed them by 20 minutes.so i parked for the night.up bright and early,got the inspect out the way and set off.the weather on the way down was great,considereing i was getting calls off the other guys saying how shit the weather was were they were.i kept rubbing it in,then i got bit in the arse big time.the wind picked up,there was blowing snow,and at times i couldnt see past the hood(bonnet,to those back home).i managed to get to rapid city,the weather had got worse,then i was told that no-one was going anywere as the highways had been shut.so the rest of my xmas day was spent here.
time to do the phone calls to back home.first was my better half,jan.it was so nice to hear her voice,i am missing her loads,she and her daughter were getting the dinner ready.i really wanted to be back there to have dinner with them.she said it wasnt going to be the same with me not being there.these past 5 months have been hard for me because i really miss her,and im still not going too see her until may.i phoned my parents and my sister and wished them all happy xmas.
boxing day was spent in the same spot,luckily im not on my own.there must be 50 trucks parked up,plus 2 other hr trucks.didnt get much sleep in the night,the wind was really strong,i felt like i was on a boat.
sunday the 27th.i was up at 4am,weather seemed ok.so i thought i would go,so i fuelled up and was then told not to bother going anywere as the highways are still closed,maybe opened late this afternoon.oh well,back to bed then.
like i said before,i have been here 5 months and apart from missing jan,i am loving it here,every minute of it.the work is good,and the people are good.i have also made some very good friends,who i will keep intouch with whatever happens.so i am looking forward to the next 5 months.
so,there is my quick up-date.hope you all had a fantastic xmas,and i wish you all a great new year.take care
here are a few pics

2009-11-29T11:07:00.000-08:00

just a few more pics

2009-11-14T18:23:00.000-08:00

only a quick up date
left lethbridge to head for sioux city.i like this run its nice and steady.
came over the top and was somwere like whitehall,and the weather changed real quick.freezing fog and the temp dropped quick.i dont know if the temp gauge in my truck that reads outside temp,was faulty or not,but it read 4 degrees f.now for those that are used to it in c.i think its about -16c.
any i was coming up to a service station and thought,sod it,and parked up.thats when things went worse.my tri pac was turning but it wouldnt start.after about half an hour of trying to start it,i gave up.i thought it mayhave been due to the cold weather.so i had to sleep(try to)with th truck running all night.
when i got up in the morning,i tried it again.still the same,so i gave up on it.
when i eventually got to a warmer climate,i tried again,but still no change.so i decided it was knackered.
anyway to cut the story short,i am in sioux city.going into thermo king in the morning,hopefully the can repair it,then its off to little chute for the pizza.

2009-11-10T09:23:00.000-08:00

not much to report at the mo.except the work is still coming and ive no complaints.still enjoying it immensely.
had some good runs,all with brilliant views.views that i will never tire of,i hope.
i can still say,its the best decision ive made.although,im missing my better half a real lot now.she is not coming out until april,and i cant wait to spend some quality time with her,and hopefully show her some of the sights that i have seen.
its nice to know that the 6 lads that came over just after me are still here and getting the work,and suprisingly enough,i have bumped in to 4 of them over the past few weekswe all do keep in touch on the phone,but its nice to see them in person.
the winter is on its way,i know.in some ways im looking forward to it.ill let you know how i feel,hopefully when ive seen it through.
well,thats it for now.
hope everybody drives safe

2009-11-08T06:09:00.000-08:00

here are just a few pics of my last trip.

2009-10-29T22:08:00.001-07:00

IM GETTING TIRED OF PEOPLE PUTTING COMMENTS ON MY BLOG,AND NOT PUTTING THEIR NAMES TO THEM.
WHAT ARE YOU AFRAID OF!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2009-10-26T22:08:00.000-07:00

this guy pulled up along side me when i was fuelling up.i though it was a bit strnge him asking me to stay on the other side of my truck.until i realised,these crates were full of bees.....

just goes to show you what difference a few hours make,with the above to pics

2009-10-25T12:33:00.000-07:00

just a quick up date on my truck.
it is a computer problem,and the guy who can sort it out(hopefully)isnt in till tomorrow.so its another night in the hotel.
need to get running.im bored now!!!!!!!!!!!!

2009-10-25T09:09:00.000-07:00

on my way back from a good trip ti the states,i came back through the border and stopped at a place called estavan.when it was time for me to get going,got myself together and set off.i didnt get far.got so far down the road and the truck lost power,it just wouldnt pull.so i turned round and headed back to the husky.made a phone call,got some advice,which worked.so off i went again.after half an hour,it happened again.made another call.try and get to regina.i eventually got there and took it to the garage.who told me they couldnt look at it until tomorrow.so it was off to a hotel.
while i was sat in the room,i thought,hang on,im sure some people we met in mexico a few years ago came from regina.i got my address book,and sure enough they did,nd they were only 10 miutes away.i gave them a call and we arranged to meet that night and have something to eat.
it was great to see them again after a long time.caught up with a lot of things,and laughed at a few more.i have been invited to come up in april when jan comes over,and spend a couple of days with them.
rang the garage this morning and was told that the guy is still on it and would ring me in a little while,hopefully it will be ready and i can get going.apparently,its a computer problem.so im hoping that if they sort that out,it will solve my night heater fault out too.

2009-10-25T08:57:00.001-07:00

ths is what i woke to when i stopprd over in shelby

2009-10-25T07:54:00.000-07:00

some random pics from my last trip

outside the lodge

2009-10-19T17:07:00.000-07:00

had a nice drive down to idho.stopped at shelby for the night.when i woke up and opened the curtains,i couldnt beleive what i saw.bloody snow,and plenty of it.well,i got myself together and decided to crack on.the further i got,the less snow there was.by the time i got to idaho,it had all gone.found the place i was delivering to,got on a bay and waited to be tipped.once done,i had to sort the pay out for the lumpers.i gave them the cheque,he came back,it wouldnt clear.to cut a long story short.we did this 3 times,it turned out it was my bloody fault.i gave the dispatcher the wrong amount.so it wouldnt clear,as it was trying to accept two amounts.anyway,that sorted,i set of for utah i found the place and pulled on to the scales,when i heard loud hissing.yes,you guessed it.i had caught the run rail with not one,but two wheels.damaged rims and tyres.didnt expect to have my first accident so soon.adam,the night dispatcher was great.really understanding and helpful.called the tyre people,they said it would be awhile,so i thought i would get my head down.no bloody chance.my night heater had packed up again.second time in less than a week.got the wheels sorted about 5am.
got loaded and set of back to calgary.so a nice drive turned out to be an eventful one...
after dropping trailer at calgary,i had a load to pick up from brooks.i pulled the trailer out of the parking bay,only to find the rear tyre on the trailer was flat.(not much luck with tyres lately)
so,on the phone again to adam,who had to laugh.so,here i am,waiting for the tyre people to come out.
i do want to say however,thanks to adam and shane for helping me out on more than one occasion.see,there are decent dispatchers out there!!!
when i eventualy get going.im off to nebraska.never been,so its another new place.i have asked to be routed back to lethbridge,so i can get my truck in the garage(AGAIN)to get this night heater sorted.it is starting to get colder now,so i need it sorting or ill bloody freeze to death.haha

2009-10-13T23:07:00.000-07:00

today started off very slowly.my truck went in the garage for the night heater repaired.i got it back,just after dinner.i then had to wait for my load to come down.i think i eventually set of after six.anyway,i headed of towards sweet grass.i came round the little bend just before the border at about 7.30,and joined the bloody que.i left at 10.30.so im sat in shelby at the minute,ready for some shut eye,and set of in the morning down to boise in idaho.hope tomorrow is better!!!!!!!!!!!

2009-10-12T11:07:00.000-07:00

im sat in the lodge at the moment as my night heater has packed up.ill take it in in the morning,before i set off for idaho.i went out to the truck this morning to get the milk out of the fridge,it was frozen solid.i think the temp got down to minus 14.
i have just got back from a few days in the states,i enjoyed most of it,apart from the few problems getting the weights sorted.it is something i will have to get used to.its good to know ive made a few friends here that i can call when need to.

the above picture,look at the sign.its the sign every driver likes to see!!!!!

2009-10-12T10:45:00.000-07:00

i went for my second mentor trip with a guy called colin.he isnt a mentor as such,it was that the guy i should have gone with was on holiday,so p[oor colin got roped into it.we did have a good laugh,and he taught me some other stuff.anyway,it was an evenful trip.here are a few pics from the trip.

2009-10-04T16:41:00.000-07:00

sorry i havent put anything on for quite awhile,but i have been really busy.
i now have my own truck,so now i can start to earn some money(hopefully).
i have just got back from a trip to the states.went to oregon,then over to beaverton for a collection.it is three deliveries in calgary.the trip back was different,it was actually snowing.i have pictures,i will get them on as soon as i can.
when i get a little more time,i will keep this up-dated a little more.
graham heys.i think it was you that bumped into some friends of mine in egypt.hope you are well.

2009-09-18T15:05:00.000-07:00

well,thats my classroom work done.just got to get my trip to the rockies now,which hopefully is monday.if im lucky,i might get my own truck when i get back from that...
really enjoying it at the mo,hotel is great,and the drivers,new and those that have been here for awhile,are ok two.had a laugh with them.got to see mike before he left for pastures new.

mentor trip

2009-09-13T19:51:00.000-07:00

had my first mentor trip on tuesday,with a guy called adi.we were going to washington.
adi and his wife picked me up tuesday morning,then over to h&r to pick up the load.after fuelling up,we set off.adi broke me in gently,then started telling about everything,my head was knackered.
on the way out and passing through different places,adi had some interesting info.i told him he was wasted as a truck driver,he should be a history teacher.
we reached the border,and we had to go inside to see the nice gentleman(with the gun).i had to get an i94,because i was a naughty boy in my youth.after about half an hour of him asking me a few questions,paid my $6 and got the piece of paper.
anyway,we got to costco in sumner,tipped pretty quick,then got a call to go to california for two collections.got these done,juggled the pallets round,weighed off,just under.then we set off back to lethbridge,we went through some places that ive only seen on tv.we went past,seattle,portland,sacremento,fresno,los angeles,las vegas(which was fantastic),utah,idaho,montana.i also seen the mojave dessert,yellowstone,and drove the grand canyon,but it was bloody dark and couldnt see anything.
we got back late friday night and did nearly 3000 miles,not bad for four days,eh!
i really enjoyed the trip.there was a hell of a lot of stuff to take in,adi explained everything very well,and he made the trip more enjoyable.
got one more trip to do now,thats over the rock,once ive got that done,its three days class room,then hopefully get my own truck,and start earning some money.fingers crossed.
there is a few pics that i took,not as many as i should have took.

2009-09-06T13:11:00.000-07:00

thought i was going out this morning on my first mentor trip,but it wasnt to be.due to it being a bank holiday,its been put back until tuesday.cant complain cos i love this hotel.
so im really looking forward to tuesday,as i just want to get my mentor trips out of the way.then there is another three day course to do,then hopefully i get my truck and start putting in the mileage.
went to watch the light up of the bridge last night,as it was its 100th anniversary,and to say i was dissappointed would be an understatement.i was expecting the whole bridge to be in bright lights,maybe a few fireworks.no,there were lights at the bottom of the bridge.they reminded me of the lights i have round my fish pond in the uk.glad i wont be here for the next centenary.i have got some pics of it,ill have to look at them to see if its worth putting them on

thursday 3rd sep

2009-09-03T20:39:00.000-07:00

i woke up at about 4.30.didnt sleep that good.too much thinking about the test today.
went out for my drive,on the way round my instructor says that i wont be tested today.in a way i was glad,because i felt shit,lack of sleep and nervous as hell,but in another way,i wanted to get it out of the way.so we get back to the yard and i start my pre trip.the instructor says "have you got your passport with you",no i reply.then im thinking,why does he want my passport.then all of a sudden,it hit me like a steam train,fluuffing hell,im going to get tested afterall.
anyway,start my test,the examiner was great by the way.really laid back and did his best to get you relaxed.to bloody late for that,i had a knots in my stomach,and felt sick.did all that i was supposed to,did the drive as best i could,but screwed up the odd time with the musical gearbox.got back to the yard,and he said the magic words,I AM ISSUEING YOU YOUR LICENSE.........
now im chuffed to bits.hope ill sleep tonight now.only a couple of classroom day to do,then on the road......

wednesday 2nd sep

2009-09-03T20:26:00.000-07:00

well it was another day driver training.i wasnt having too good a day,the gearbox just wouldnt behave itself.i was making a few tunes on it.i started my pre-trip(walk round checks,to the old asda drivers).after ten minutes it felt like someone was stood over me pouring water over my head.bloody sweat was dripping off me.finished that and got in the cab,no bleeding wonder i was dripping,outside temp read 37 degrees.
after i had finished my part,the instructor said i would be on test tomorrow.great i said,not!!!!!hope i can sleep when i get to bed.i hate tests!!!!!!!!

2009-09-02T15:07:00.000-07:00

still signs of snow,in summer

bloody long way down

wow,what a view.the mountains aint bad either!

the place is called red rock.dont know why!

according to the plaque,the sea level was above this

aw,look,a cuddly black bear.NOT!!!!!!!!!!!

the long road home.cant believe these roads are as long as they are

2009-09-02T14:48:00.000-07:00

long road

flash git

they will let anyone in here!

little lake

2009-09-02T14:31:00.001-07:00

rockies

2009-09-01T10:13:00.000-07:00

had a drive out to the rockies on sunday.never knew what to expect,but i was gob-smacked.
even the drive over there was different.ive been here almost two weeks and still cant get over how long and straight the roads are.
the sight of the rocky mountains even from a distance,is something else.
we went into waterton national park,its chuffin massive.
we had a good few hours walking round taking in the sights and the history of it.wild animals just walk round as if its normal,well i suppose it is for them.we just dont expect it.
i suppose the highlight of the day was seeing a black bear.we were driving back and wondered why all the cars had parked at the side of the road,so we thought we would do the same,and there it was,on the other side of the lake.magnificent.then it decided it was going to go for a swim,TOWARDS US.it got out on the banking,and people were still out of the cars taking pictures.do they not realise that this is a wild bear,who probably likes to maul people.anyway it didnt come right up the bank,it just wondered through the bushes.
definately a place i will be going again when jan comes over.
i have taken a lot of pictures.i will get them on as soon as i can
on another note,the training is going well,we are now in the truck,learning.got a long weekend coming,so im hoping we get the test next week.

first drive

2009-08-29T09:55:00.000-07:00

had my first drive yesterday.pretty cool.
i was driving a kenworth with a crash box.the good news is,i wasnt playing any tunes on the box,for those of you at home that know about crash boxes,you know you can make some good noises on it.
anyway,everything went well,easier than i though actualy.
got the weekend off now,so time to enjoy the sun for a couple of days.i heard that the temp is going to stay up at 30 until wednesday.
went for a nice steak last night on the recommendation off sean who works the bar in the hotel.best steak i have tasted for a long time.
so today is just chilling,catch up with my ironing.haha

theory done!

2009-08-26T15:05:00.000-07:00

passed my theory test today.i was well nervous.
we were sat in the bar last night,myself,graham and george(big trip),when in walked mike(mikesjolly).these are two of the guys i had been talking too before i came out.we had a few drinks and a good chat.i went up to my room early as i had my theory test,and i didnt want to fail.
got to the centre about 09.00,and off we went.a few minutes later and a stomach that felt the size of a pea(i know,its hard to believe,before the sarcky comments start),i passed.so thats another test out the way.
so tonight is the last night we will see george,as he is going home for good.he has given us some good advice and tips.i just want to wish him all the best in whatever he is doing when he gets back to the uk.
didnt get chance to phone jan today,but did speak yesterday.miss her loads.hope she enjoys the suprise tomorrow.no im not coming home before anyone asks!

medical/banking

2009-08-25T06:40:00.000-07:00

we did the medical and banking stuff yesterday.didnt realise it would take all day,but hey its done now.another thing to knock off the list.
when we came back,we went to the bar for a drink.there was a guy sat at the bar,and i said to graham,i know his face.anyway,it turned out it was george(the big trip).i had been speaking to him before i came out.he knew i was staying at the lodge and was asking at the desk for me.
i was sorry to hear he was going home,but he had his reasons.it was great hearing some of his stories.we will be meeting him later as he has got some things we can have,and he goes tomorrow.
all the best george,hope we keep in touch

air-brake course

2009-08-23T05:53:00.000-07:00

a new driver came to the hotel on friday,graham.he is from macclesfield.we had a few drinks in the bar,and we are both on the course saturday.
did the air-brake course yesterday,and passed.thats the first hurdle out the way.couldnt get over the size of the industrial estate the training school was on,it was massive.
the guy that took it was great,he was a good laugh.it was a long day,but hey,the result is the one i wanted.
so,today,sunday.is a day off.tomorrow,we get picked up in the morning.taken to get an insurance number,open a bank account,have another medical,and go and meet the boss.we dont actually start driver training until wednesday.looking forward to that.the only thing im not looking forward to is the truck we are using has a crash box,and i hate them.
anyway,ill keep you all up-dated.by the way,the weather is still lovely and warm.im making the most of it,as the winter will soon be here

first day

2009-08-21T04:26:00.000-07:00

when i landed at the hotel last night,i tried to stay up as long as i could.well i managed till 01.00,so went to bed,and guess what?i was up at 05.30.
so,i showered and got dressed,went across the road to mcdonalds.while sat there i phoned jan.big mistake,everything was going ok until she burst into tears.i should have waited a couple more day before ringing her.anyway,after a few minutes she was ok.
once i had got myself together,i went for a walk to get my bearings.lethbridge is a fairly nice place.got a few bits from the store.what made the walk round so good,was the weather.it was lovely and warm.
i went back to hotel to change into shorts,and i gave lyndon a quick ring.i dont start my course till saturday,so a couple of day to get my body clock sorted.
i got a cab and went to see a driver i had been speaking to before i came out(phil).he has had a bit of trouble with his chest.he didnt look ill at all,but hey,im no doctor.get well soon mate.

im finally here

2009-08-20T16:26:00.000-07:00

i must be tired.
i had written a lot of stuff in notepad to transfer onto here.when i tried to copy and paste,it wouldnt let me.i tried to fiddle about with it and ended up losing everything that i had written on today,and now i just cant be arsed!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

starting again

2009-08-11T10:38:00.000-07:00

this is a new blog.
i had a lot of problems with the last one.
i am not going to start it though until i am in canada,which is only 8 days away now. i will hopefully be able to keep you all informed with my progress of my training and my tests,and then hopefully the stories of my trips.
so please be patient.