Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays,Feliz Navidad

This time last year i had just arrived on PEI a journey into the unknown, i don't think many including myself would of thought 12 months down the line i would still be here,not sure what to put this down to maybe my sheer stubborness or just stupity has kept me going.I remember feeling very alone probably not the best time to leave your home, family, friends etc just before Christmas, the very time you should be celebrating it with these people.I vowed never again i would be alone at this time,so this week we fly back to Good Ole Blighty.So let me take this opportunity to wish everyone A Truly Happy Christmas and a Extremely Good New Year.

On the road Heading back home

So our little jaunt into New York was over,our reload taking us into Ontario was out of American Airlines at JFK Airport for Sunday morning,so bright and breezy we set off back across the George Washington Bridge over the Whitestone Bridge into JFK then to be hit with Hummm that load is still in the air and not arriving till later on that day,well infact it was 6am Monday when we eventually got loaded but still couldn't go anywhere until customs had sealed the Trailer as it was a bonded load.10 am and all sealed and ready to hit the New York traffic, eventually back over the GW and across onto the i80 heading west.We eventually got back into Canada that evening but now we had hit some really crappy weather so deciding enough was enough we parked in Grimsby for the evening leaving us about 3 hrs drive in the morning heading down to Kingsville near the Windsor/Detriot border.I say 3 hours the trip took a lot longer due to the bad snow they had down in the London area.Delivery eventually complete of we headed for Guelph and a trailer alreay loaded for us for Moncton New Brunswick,all going smoothly until i tried to get the airbags to rise in the suspension, due to the cold weather all the valves had frozen,1 1/2 hrs later and with some help from Brian a driver from Cam Scott we managed to resolve the problem (alot of Alcohol and hot water did the trick)so off we headed into the cold Ontario night and a good nights sleep.The weather over this side of Canada has been pretty good to say the least and it continued up until Montreal where we hit another dusting this was to be spuradic until Fredricton New Brunswick which is only 90 miles from my final destination, then we got a lovely welcome absolutely no snow at all, this continued all the way back to PEI.This is to be our last trip now our holidays start from here.

A Macc Lad In New York (Part 2)

Up nice and early and our assult on Manhattan continued,we were loving it, the sheer chaoticness, the steam rising through the road gids,the rumble of the metro from beneath the pavements, the NYPD mucking in with road traffic duties,all the NYC yellow cabs this was how i imagined everything would be.Central Park was going to be our first destination and a little ice skating some thing ive always wanted to do and as im a budding skater what fun we had.After an hour or so my legs were saying enough was enough so off we set down Fifth Avenue taking in all the shops, one could only discribe this as shoppers paradise every designer shop known to man (and Woman) was in view,we were heading for 34th street some 25 blocks away where the world famous Empire State building resides,at the moment since 9/11 this is still the highest building in New York standing at 1250ft, built in the depression of the 1931 it took only 14 months to build,so we thought what better way to see New York than from the observation deck on the 86th floor.A truly wonderful way to look at Manhattan and beyond, again myself and The Fresh Prince a little cautious due to our slight fear off heights, the things we do to get a good photo.With still so much to do and back at ground level we took a little bus ride to what would of been where the world trade centres stood the twin towers, now a mass off construction of what will be when finished a 125 floor sky scraper plus others.When the towers fell on 9/11 all buildings in the vicinity had there windows blown out, i say all except one St Pauls church, just around the corner this was the only building that didn't not one window cracked,and became a resting place and soup kitchen for all the rescue workers etc.Its hard to imagine what happened on that day i rememeber exactly where i was when i heard it on the radio, i dont think anyone would of thought the imense tragedy what was unfolding before their very eyes,to see this place bought it all back and made it very much real,a time for reflection and a little prayer to all those never to return home.After this very emotional visit we headed back on to the streets with still so much to do and see across the road i wanted to see the court house (part of What happened in Vegas was filmed there)i know im sad, a few photos then back on the bus heading back towards Times Square,we wanted to stop off back on 34th street again and visit The Worlds Largest Department store I Love this place "MACYS" its absolutely massive, shoppers mecca 18 floors and a true New York Landmark.The rest of our time was spent looking around and taking in the magnificent architecture where old meets new, Armani next to an 18th century church on fifth ave,not knowing where to look next we just gazed and gazed like two kids in a sweet shop, this magnificent city had really got to us.

A Macc Lad In New York (Part 1)

The Best was definately saved till last,New York, over the last few months we have had the pleasure of visiting some magnificent places but to me nothing comes close.Our first step into Manhattan was on 42nd street the bus terminal, then from there we got to see the best City in the World,we had discussed what we wanted to see and do so we did have a little plan. The Statue of Liberty one of the most iconic figures ever was my first choice, so a little bus journey down to Battery Park then a 20 min ferry bought us to the Great lady herself,a little time of reflection here from me, overwhelmed, mesmerised i really couldnt believe it was me standing there .Unfortunately there were no crown tickets available so we had to do with just the walk around (maybe next time),a quick look around the island taking in the Liberty Bike made by Orange County Choppers, and the carol singers around the flag pole making this part of our trip extremely special. Back on the ferry to our next destination Ellis Island this is where all immigrants in the late 1880s and early 1900s first stepped foot onto US soil before being let onto the mainland,due to our limited time we had to make short our time here and get back to the mainland.Back on the bus we headed towards Central Park, The Fresh Prince wanted to see The Plaza Hotel where part of Home Alone was filmed, and there was Father Christmas sat at the back of a Coca Cola truck, yep we had our photo taken with him(not sure how pleased he was when i sat on his knee though Lol).As evening had appeared rather quickly we just strolled around taking in all the lights on Fith Avenue, then into Time Square for a little bite to eat.Fully recharged off we set again in search of a spectaular Christmas Tree, The Rockafellar Centre the 70ft high tree in front of the ice rink certainly lives up to all expectation, many just stand and gazed at such beauty.Time had caught up with us so off we headed for a good nights sleep ready for another exciting day.

The Grand Finallie !!!!!!!!!

Well the Time is allmost upon us how quick has it gone,a lot more ups than downs this time and definately a few new destinations,i suppose having someone with me this time has definateley being a major plus (how im going to miss the company when i come back in Jan)its given me the incentive to explore more.After our California trip, Vegas and all that i wasn't sure how to top it but i think our last trip should just about manage to supersede it.Im not sure how its going to pan out but i will try my best to get as many photos of probably one of the best cities in the WORLD !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
We have manged to wangle a load down to Newark, then from here im taking a couple of days off and yes were off to,The Big Apple,Manhattan,The Big B/K, NEW YORK NEW YORK.Im so excited, we pass through all the time over the George Washington and down the New Jersey Turnpike so we have only seen it from a distance but never graced the place.We have got a little plan together and hopefully we can maximise our time there,so let me leave you with the song ITS UP TO YOU NEW YORK NEW YORKKKKKKK.

Ohh Such Fun

Unfortunately after tipping we had to part from the Welsh Wizard,we were heading back into North Carolina while he was loading south,our reload was a load of Yams, 2 drops Montreal and 1 drop in Toronto,after our little discussion the other day about weighing off etc i kindly asked if they wanted it weighing even though the totally accurate onboard weighing system is showing all is well,the answer Yes Please,and guess what i was over on my drive axles again so as from now i rest my case and will continue to wiegh off.Our jaunt back north was up the i95 skirting Washington, well trying to anyway, the traffic reminded me of the M25 putting us about 3 hours behind,so we called it a night in Carney's Point New Jersey.The plan then was to shoot up the NJ turnpike then just before New York hit the i287 then on to the i87 which would take us through the border at Lacolle then straight into Montreal.The i87 carves its way through the Adirondack Mountains and with the sun shinning making it a rather enjoyable trip (well this part anyway).All the problems arose when i got to the border parts of my load hadn't cleared so with this delay it was making my delivery even more tight.1.5 miles away from our first drop and 20 minutes after the company was due to close (they said they would wait for me)this is where we hit major problems,anyone who has driven through Montreal will know all the signs are in French there isn't one english sign and that includes road blocks, detours etc,my first delivery was right in the centre and just before the road i needed to get down there was a bridge and it was shut due to construction, now these streets are extremely tight and most don't allow trucks down them unfortuantely the guys who put the detours sign up didnt think of this,after plenty of cursing etc we arrived 1 1/2 hours later but the guys were still there waiting for me and were extremely nice.Now to the next drop we were told they were closed now and to tip it as early in the morning as poss so we decided to make our way over there and park in there yard,again the road was blocked, Arggggg!!!!!! due to road works even though im only 100 yards from the place and can see it,it still took us another 45 mins to get there.At least we got tipped handy next morning then of we set for Toronto,The Ontario Food market enough said about this place the better, finally after the customer whining on about how the yams weren't to his satisfaction (do i really look bothered,just take it off my truck so i can leave)we were empty,then hit with please can you pick a trailer up in Brampton (near Toronto airport) and deliver it to Milton (just about 30 min drive away)not really jobs you want whan you get paid per mile but as the company man i am i agreed and with that regretted it as it took nearly 5 hours for us to unload.So now its back to PEI and a little rest before we head back out Tuesday, and into December, only a couple more weeks till were going back to Blighty so the big count down is well and truly on.

Down South and Look who i found !!!!!!!!!!

After finally getting sorted friday and getting off the island off we headed into New Brunswick and the USA border.Because off the problems with the Bridge closed etc our delivery time was put back 24 hrs making our trip pretty easy.The best thing about driving south the weather is so much warmer especially when we get news that the first proper snowfall has hit PEI.Contary to belief The Welsh Wizard hasn't been abducted by aliens he's extremely well and still Haulin Ass around North America.Ive had a couple of messages on here asking what has happened to him as he hasn't updated his blog in a good few months,as myself he has had his up and downs but it all seems to be working out well for him, now and im sure if you bug the hell out of him he will update you all. ive put a few photos on here to prove he really is alive,unfortunately he divulged a little secret to me,Derrrrr how fatal is that, now do i tell all or keep stum Lol, only if you promise not to laugh.Well here goes, the other day when he was shopping in Sobeys now bear in mind he's pretty youngish, the cashier asked if he has his seniors card on him so he could get his elderley discount,well this then provided me with wise cracks now, well Forever !!!!!!!!!!!!!!.So as you can see i saw a plate for grandad and thought it was quite apt.The last time i came down here i stopped at an outlet store with The Worlds Largest Cigar Store so we decided to head in there, i was looking to take some home for Christmas and New Years for my Friends,this also making it a couple of nice hours away from the truck.

OOH LAA LAAAAAA

After a night at the Hockey,we decided to have a chill out day,i know what your thinking, the boy works that hard he sure needs to chill a bit, well thanks for your concerns Lol.Unfortuanately i still have to do the shopping and washing etc, i just about manage to fit it all in, its a bit of a squeeze but yes i do manage, JUST.Then i get the dreaded phone call, any chance you can go out this evening Hummmmmmm, Its a load down to South Carolina, Hummmmmm,Ok. Again i know what your thinking all i do is work,work,work,well cos im such a company man i try to please (are you buying all this, "NO" i thought not lol).If the load had been down to New jersey etc i wouldn't have bothered but i like it further south and hopefully its a little warmer than where i am at the moment.Well a couple of problems arose,to take a load anywhere we need to put it on something now let me think what we need Hummmm, Oh yes "Trailers" unfortunately when you dont have any its becomes sort of difficult to transport goods around.The problem was the winds had picked up and the Confederation bridge which links PEI to the mainland was closed leaving all trucks who were returning back with empty trailers stuck on the mainland.Oh well looks like im not going out after all.Then im hit with the biggest bombshell off all, The Welsh Wizard is also going so looks like i better get my Ispy book off sheep out.Finally friday morning after what one could describe as a pretty eventfull couple of hours in the yard (one of our managers now in his wisdom thinks that weighing a load is unnessesary and costing the company to much money, as the truck and trailers have onboard scales, on which i might add are totally in accurate.So as normal the penny pinching continues and my feelings towards this was pretty much expressed.)we headed off the island, and only to prove myself right when i rolled over the DOT scale im 1800lbs overweight on my drive axle for running through the states even though the Onboard truck scale is saying im ok, guess whos pays the fine?

A night at the Hockey

We got back on to PEI Tuesday evening,a week i needed to get out of my head,so getting away from all things work was my main priority.I suppose we all have good and bad weeks no matter where we are or what we do.A quick shower and off to Eastside Marios for a full rack of ribs and then upto to the Cornwall Roadhouse for a good few Buds soon eased away the past eight days.There had been a little friction between the two off us, living together in such a small confined space can be hard at times,and on top off everything else what is going on its inevitable the odd little argument would break out, it doesn't help when were as stubborn as each other.Anyway alls well again the airs cleared,so to plan for a day off,gym,run and sauna and a little shopping,then after the previous nights conversation about hockey we found out the PEI Rockets were playing that evening,so tickets in hand we headed down to The Charlottetown Civic Centre for our first proper hockey match,i had been to a match a couple of years ago when we met up with LadyPens cousins they were involved in a friendly tournament in Salmon Arms BC but i really wasn't taking much notice off what was going on then.Well the word off the night was CONFUSION we need to swat up on the rules because we just looked at each other in bewilderment as the players constantly changed, even at the end when we thought there was more to play and still sat there,it was only the mass exodus and the lights went out that sort of gave it away LOl.It was a good evening really and definately a game i could grow to like alot so maybe this is the start of something.

A Little Trip to Niagara Falls.

Now the Potato season has kicked off on Prince Edward Island its back to the East Coast triangle,its pretty much the same week in week out, a load off the island down to Pensylvannia,or New Jersey area,then a load from this area up to Toronto, then a load back to the Island,it gets a little mundane unfortunately.So thats all its been for the last couple of weeks, because i had a little spare time on my way up into Canada i thought i would take a little detour and visit Niagara Falls.we come through this point of entry most of the time and i have never taken time to visit the famous Falls.We have been very lucky the last few days the temps are very high and yes the shorts are still on so it was the ideal time to do a little sight seeing.Now i wasn't sure where the falls are so it was a little guess work as to where to go and most of all where to park the truck,a word of warning anyone wanting to do this with a truck don't try it in summer,but this time of the year i manage to get as far as your allowed on the Niagara Parkway with a truck and was allowed to park in a coach park by a very nice customs official, other than that there isn't any commericial parking.So camera in hand off we trekked we had manged to park about 2kms away from the acually Falls, but with it being about 19 degrees this was covered in no time,i always imagined they were out in the country not in the middle of a city,maybe a little uneductated but not at all dissappointed.A very beautifull place and the memory of the thunderous noise will stay with me for a long time.Im sure this wont be the last time i come here,the Boss has already started making noises.