More And More New Places Am i on me Jollys

I tipped out in Moncton NB and sent a message if they had a load i would do it if not no probs,reply, we will work on something but may take a couple of hours,no probs off for a shower and some breakie.A good few hours later, load offer, a load of Peat Moss from North East NB for Maryland but not loading till tomorrow 5pm humm.After a message sent requesting a layover due to the fact i had now sat most of the day (No probs mark one down was the answer)another message was sent asking if they would load me early, sure was the answer get there for dinner time.My place of loading was about 150 miles from where i was, a place called Lameque right on the coast and what a lovely drive it turned out to be, the more i see of New Brunswick the more i like, there are some trully wonderful little hamlets and villages.I get there really early (10am) and sorted off acted a little dumb when the guy explained i was extremely early,no probs i replied under gritted teeth i will just park over there, give us a knock when your ready.I hadnt even boiled the kettle when i get a knock saying they will load me, this may just turn into a very good day.I backed onto the ramp 20 mins later im weighing off, well to heavy, so after a little jiggle with the pallets and one taken off i was ready to go ( the weight was ok for Canada but not for the US).Off i set and it wasnt even dinner time making this trip so much more easier as i was due to tip till thursday morn.My plan now was to run down into Maine and park up, then i was going to head down to New jersey the next day, leaving me 1 1/2hrs to go thurs morning, my drop was about 10 miles north of Baltimore. I hadn't been into Maryland before so here was something new.How surprised at the pleasentries i got from the border guards at Houlton, Welcome to The United States he said to me, normally after the questions you just get given your passport back and the window shut on you,things are definately on the up at the moment.Everything went to Plan i tipped out this morning at 8am, a little garden centre and the guy who owned it invited me into his office and made me a brew while they were tipping me, it does make the job so much nicer when people take time out to have a chat.I was really impressed with what i saw in Maryland and the history of the State this is definately one place i will be coming back to as a tourist.Off i set i thought i would head back towards New jersey as that is where we always load from, Wrong just park up we are working on a load for you,ok after a few disgruntled messages saying you could off let me in on your little plan etc,what i have found here which sometimes really does p**s me off, they always seem to wait until your tipped before they start sorting you out a reload, meaning you can be hanging around for ages then all of a sudden have to rush like mad to get it loaded,I suppose this is down to the fact that your not paid by the hour and the down time doesnt affect them.Now this is where this trip now gets a little more interesting, Message your reloading in Georgia start heading that way we will send you details in the morning, i suppose that makes up for the messing about, i havent been that far down so i will be passing through Virginia,North Carolina,South Carolina then into Georgia.Before i came over here we had been to Florida for our Jollys and although we had a brill time it didnt jump out at me,i wasnt that bothered about the US when i started driving over here, but now i feel that im really liking what i see and feel that i really want to discover more and more of it,maybe the only way to do this is by bike, now thats a good idea not sure Lady Pen would agree but you never know. My load details came through the next morning it was out of Tifton South Georgia, i wasnt due to load till 5pm Sat giving me plenty of time so after little planning i decided i would take on a bit of shopping at the outlets.Anyone who has travelled down the i95 would of seen mile upon mile of advertisements for all the outlets and shops etc, so i decided to stop at the one in North Carolina also a big store called J&R which was advertised all the way down for about 50 mile, so i was more intrigued than anything, inside the actually shop was a Cigar shop it was like going back into the wild west days, in there what was more interesting everyone was smoking in there (smoking has been banned from shops etc longer tham the UK).I decided against buying anything in there, ive been given up smoking a few years but it was well worth a look.I do like the bargains from Calvin Kline's etc so i thought it would be rude not to help the ecomomy by not buying anything, so a few polo shirts from there and from the nike shop and off i set. My plan was to get to my reload about 1.30 and chance my luck,even though i really wasn't in any rush to get loaded as i wasn't due to tip Cambridge, ON till 6am tuesday morning, i was hoping to get in a few more sights etc.Well it didnt go to plan in fact it all went tits up,when i get there i was told it wouldn't ready till later which wasn't a problem,so i told the guy i was going off for a walk in which he looked at me and smiled,the walk lasted about 50 mins it was blisteringly hot infact 45 degrees in the shade hot,where i was loading was out of the town, in the countryside all the roads were the clay roads which you see on the telly it was really strange seeing these for myself .I took refuge in my truck the air con was working over time now at least it was having some effect. I have a satellite radio so with the footie fast approaching (England V USA World cup) i decided to just chill out and listen to that,well i lasted the 1st half listening to the commentry of that and decided i would see what was on the telly instead (anyone who has heard the Yanks commontate on soccer as they call it will know how crass it is),and what a result there in all its glory ESPN sports channel the footie with commentry by our one and only Jim Rosenthal YESSSSSSS and a brill piccy as well double YESSSSSSSSS.Thats about as good as it got though England did there usual job of dissappointing us yet again.Eventually i was given a bay not sure why though, we were instructed to pre cool the trailer 1st thing sat morning but they had me on a bay with the doors open for a couple of hours Derrr. I nodded off the next thing i knew was the guy was knocking on my cab telling me i was done,i needed to get the temp of the product before i could leave,this is where the problems started, after probing the product in which it should off been 45 degrees it was reading 64 i told the guy he must write this on the bills as it is a big problem if it hasnt gone down by the time i get to the customer,Well there was no chance of him writing that on them as then its his problem,so after little discussion me basically telling him i cant accept it, they unloaded it all and i went off to sleep.He gave me a knock next morning and let me know that the temp had now gone down to 50, so after a message to despatch to let them know, it was reloaded and off i set, i still had plenty of time but i couldnt stop to do anymore sights etc oh well maybe next time.My journey north was pretty straight forward basically straight up the i75 for about 600 mile with the exception off a few ring roads around Atlanta (Have you seen how many lanes there is on there ring road) and Knoxville and a couple of other places all the way to Detroit where i would cross back into Canada, my plan was to drive two 9 hour days then parking up in the customers ready for tipping in the morning,then having the pleasure of their company for a good few hours i guess, anyway this has got to be the best trip i have had so far lets hope the next isnt as long coming.
New States Visited:Maryland,Virginia,North Carolina,South Carolina,Georgia and Tennesse.

The Big Positives

Where do you start without being repetitive,i suppose i will just recap previous weeks and say i really didnt think how hard some days would be. When i have read other peoples blogs although they do touch the subject of how they feel thats a bout it,as many of you who have taken time to read this may find that sometimes thats all ive gone on about, unfortunately as boring as this might be its a massive part of whats going on in our quest for this better life.When i look back, the other friday night sat morning was probably the turning point in our future, how i actually got through those couple of days is a mistery and maybe that has shown what im actually capable off (or just so bloody stubborn i refused to give in),before i came out here i couldn't cook,wash my clothes or iron i had been pretty much waited on hand and foot for years (since i came off long Haul in Europe) i was even tucked in most nights by Lady Pen lol,now im pretty independant although i still hate cooking.The positives i have taken out of those dark times are immense i really can feel things are heading in the right direction i feel great about being over here it doesn't feel like a chore.Our PR Procceedings are in full swing now all forms completed and returned including all the rest of what was required with them,i have decided to do it all myself, luckily for us i met up with the Lady who deals with the PEI PNP program and she was brilliant in helping me with what i needed so fingers crossed everything will go as smoothly as poss.Another big positive is im going back soon to the Uk for a few weeks and then were off to Turkey for a very well earned Vacation.We were going to have one over here but due to the cost of flying everyone out here then actually going away as well was deemed well to expensive.This is probably the first time that we can actually start planning out future.

Lady Pens New Pets?

Lady Pen has relatives who live in BC,they live east off Quesnel out in the Sticks so to speak and this is there drive upto there homes which is about 5 km's long off the highway.When Geoff was on his way home the other day lying across the track was a Bear.Later when he was speaking to Lady Pen on Skype telling her about this she asked if he got any photos unfortunately he didnt have his camera with him,so armed with Camera off he drove back down the track and here is what he saw,Momma and 3 bears roaming around. When we were over there we spotted a couple of them its quite awe inspiring seeing these in real life.

Dont Open the Door !!!!!!!!

Sorry the Post it Note fell off my head when i was asleep so still no Batteries.If this continues i will post some photos of previous trips maybe also ones when i was in BC.Got to Montreal no probs as i approached my drop there were a load of trucks outside, non seem to be making a move to the gate, so i thought i would chance my luck and just act stupid if this was the wrong thing to do (i know i dont have to try to hard).As i pulled up to the gatehouse a guard came out, here we go i thought as she rattled something off in french, parlez vous English i replied, now that shocked you pretty good eh.In Quebec French is the chosen lauguage everything is french all the road signs etc,so in broken english she asked for my notes,off she trotted couple of minutes later gave me a pager thing and telling me to park up and when it goes off go on to bay 99, sound i thought well i hadn't even parked up when this thing started to vibrate bloody eck it was that powerfull it fell straight off the dash (now now girls i know what your thinking take that big smile off your face and behave)what a cool idea this is, no dealing with any no marks etc,when they have finished it goes off to let me know i can leave (yes girls its goes off twice and for about 4/5 mins, behave)back to the gatehouse where this nice young lady provides you with your notes.The next 2 drops were the other side off the city which was the way i was eventually heading for so making my trip a little easier.Done and dusted just before dinner and my last 2 drops not due till the next morning in Toronto, i planned to stay at Napanee which is a couple of hrs away from there, i wasnt going to bother going any nearer as it would be rush hour and i really couldnt be bothered so a rather nice early finish was on the cards.Up bright and breezy first drop done i headed to Woodbridge just north of the city, pulled down the side of the wharehouse and walked around the back now this was 7.15am so not really early, around the back was a loading bay with all the vans on the bays (this wasn't a big place)up the stairs i went opened the door and one almighty alarm started to sound,so i stood there and waited and waited and waited, no one appeared the alarm still sounding i started to wander around in the offices still no one appeared, Very Strange i thought, so i walked back to the truck, kettle on and quick brew.About half hour later cars started to appear then some guy asked me what i had then told me to put it on the bay, easier said than done a right tight place to get around.This bit sort of stunned me the guy inside asked me what time i arrived etc, when i told him he then asked if i had set the alarm off, in which i replied yes,he told me i shouldnt of opened the door because there wasnt anyone there, the guy who locks up forgets to lock this one half the time.How am i suppose to know but as hes going off on one, another guy defends me saying that its not my fault, i found out later this guy was scottish and been here a few years,(not very often you get a jock standing up for an english man).I eventually get out of there and make my way down to Cambridge where my reload is, no point rushing there you can be in there all day wrong wrong wrong my trailers is already loaded 20 mins in and out .I saw there was a big accident on the highway as i came down it so i thought instead off hitting all the traffic i would head south pick up the QEW (highway) run straight through downtown Toronto and out the otherside missing all the action, it sort of worked there were still loads traffic putting about an hour on to my journey but hey you have to try.The load i have is for Moncton Monday morning then i will hopefully run straight back out,now those who read this know i would like to go to California and before i return back to England which is pretty soon, so i think its time to start tightening the screw on despatch,there are a couple of options here,no1, give me a load to lets say San Fransisco in which i will duly accept and off i trot, im getting paid the truck is earning so the company are earning everyone is happy,or no2, what i will have to do is book a couple of weeks off and fly to San Fransisco,now the truck isnt earning but also i will mither somone else to go with me,so now 2 trucks arn't earning and they will mither someone else to come next thing everyone is off to San Fransisco all the trucks are stood, the company goes bust, you will have to give your home up and live on the streets and when we all come back from there all tanned we will have to throw you a tooney cos you cant afford to buy your timmys.You never know it might work. C A L I F O R N I A

A Quick Shout for my Big Siss (In Law) Chele who leaves comments from time to time on here and on Facebook off how she enjoys reading this,she is either very bored at work or Neil isn't taking her out much,also thank you all for taking time to read this,If i can help anybody in anyway please feel free to fire any questions to me no matter how daft you think they might be, believe me i asked some very strange ones before i came out here, and a big thanks to those who leave comments i really do appreciate it.

How many Mistakes do i need to make before i hit myself

Full of the joys of spring and ready to work after a very enjoyable couple of days off.Truck sorted i headed off to St George New Brunswick for a load of fresh fish,3 drops Montreal and 2 drops Toronto.A quick appology for the lack of photos lately i keep forgetting to buy some batteries for the camera (proverty stricken and all that)which was a shame because the run out to St George is really nice, so i have smacked my little handies and stuck a post it note on my forehead.Anyhow all along this coastline of New Brunswick is very quaint a bit like Nova scotia so i was really enjoying myself.Eventually i find the place i was heading for i turn into the gate, wrong gate, next door i was told i go there, nope next one down derr.Loaded pretty handy, notes sorted, i look for a suitable way to go and decide to head towards St Stephen, then shoot off towards highway 3, Mr tom agrees, the map looks good some small roads but you know nothing i cant handle so i thought.Quite happily motoring through the New Brunswick countryside i then hit a problem a very big problem,as i turned onto the highway3 in which it had taken my about 25/30 mins to get there,all in its glory 1 13foot bridge (the only sign telling me it was there was about 25 yards before nice to get some warning) theres no way i can get under that,so about turn quick look at the map turn south straight down to St Stephen onto the highway, then i can turn onto highway 6. So off i go, all going to plan then problem number 2, very big problem, me not noticing on the map that the highway actually goes into America (this is a very big no no you just cant cross the border like this) and where do i find out about 1 mile from the border and i have just passed the last exit ARGGGGG.Hussing and cussing to myself i slowed down to see if there was anywhere to turn around but nothing, then in the no mans land bit i see a turning in the centre so i head for that.Unfortunately i still have to go through the Canadian border crossing now from experience these guys aren't the most approachable people i have met, so i was actually s***ing myself.Trying to fumble some words out to the guy of what a pratt i am and how im actually not even supposed to be here, probably made the thing sort of pleasureable for him,his response was no problem mate i saw you turn round what a nice chap, then said well who's gonna win the world cup,which really through me of guard, sheepishly you can guess who i said with a big grin ENGLAND (who did you think im going to say).I have a cross of St George (for all those unaware the patron saint of england) on the front of my truck and he saw it,i then spent the next 5 mins chatting about football with him, sorry for all the guys waiting to cross behind me he couldn't chat enough, i said my goodbyes and set off, easiest way back head to St Johns and then head north, taking in driving past the place i had loaded at, this little jaunt had only cost me 2 hours (ONLY)making my big day a very big day oh well you live and learn.So i eventually got back to the Trans Canadian and headed for montreal.Just dropping down through Woodstock down to where the i95 starts (this road takes you down to the border) there is a massive hill and obviously me in a bit of a rush just let the truck go for it, half way down in the centre median in the pitch black a state tropper with a speed gun, as i pass his lights come on and my thoughts were here we go, heres my first speeding ticket i was doing about *5,luckily for me a car had come flying up behind me, as he turned off the highway Mr Policeman shot after him, one very lucky escape,i was a little hestitent on the hills after that.

The Elder Statesman

I revert back to my last post with the statement of meetings and partings,sometimes life has a great way of kicking you in the lower region then picking you up and giving you a big hug,well thats what has sort of happened over the last few days.A few weeks ago a new driver appeared from the UK, i had sort of had some correspondence with him in my comments but we hadn't spoke.We met very briefly while he was training but that was about it, so i hadn't really forged any sort of friendship.On my way back to PEI i get a text asking how im doing etc, anyone who has followed this blog can see the big ups ive been through and the extremely very lows that have followed, but the guy hit the nail on the head in one foul swoop in a text, you never seem to unwind and eventually it takes its toll, the joy of what your trying to achieve is over shaddowed by the constant work and chasing etc.Last time i took a couple of days off nearly put an end to my time in Canada,suitcase packed i was on my way back,so i wasn't much looking forward to taking some very needed time off.We both got back the same day and planned a bit of dinner and a couple of Buds, well this was the start of the best couple of days ive had in a long time, what a refreshing change to have a laugh and some extremely good company.then to follow the next day a very entertaining game of squash,i do have a lot to learn.So its back to work in the morning, im off to load fish out of New Brunswick for Quebec then after that not sure maybe California (Please).

Empty Void

Life is full of meetings and partings, throughtout my working career i have worked at numerous companys,met some great guys and girls they certainly out way the ones i couldnt care less about.Already in an emotional state of mind it doesn't take much to tip me over the edge and i suppose recently the turn off events probably played a big part of me wanting to jump ship.While i have been here ive struck up friendship with a few guys, none more than 2 Daft lads from yorkshire 1 with extremely short arms and very deep pockets (midget was his inherited nickname)the other well just daft LOL.It was becoming apparent over various conversations that both were becoming dissulussioned with everything here for one reason or another, i think this then starts to plant seeds into your mind about the whole situation.Unfortunately both have decided to go back to the UK which left me very saddened and empty,we shared some great times together and a good few laughs.Previous experience has taught me that with all the best intentions sometimes keeping in touch becomes increasing unlikely but hopefully with these 2 guys that will buck the trend.Russ left the island yesterday with his family and will be back in the UK on thursday so although very sad i never got to say goodbye to his face ( probably better as seeing a grown man crying isnt a pretty sight) Ian has gone of with the love of his life on a bit of a jaunt around Canada before he heads back home in a month, so who knows if we can have a final beer before he heads back, and just maybe he will pay for it, ok very unlikely but stranger things have happened, but you never know lol.I wish these 2 guys the very best of luck for the future and will miss you both very much Take Care and look after yourselfs.
And one last note How very dare you.