OldTroubador's blog post - By The Numbers #2

And so another run is about to come to a close. It has been an interesting trip, to say the least. I’ve been in three tractors, having watched my beloved Freebird II smoke a differential. I am breaking in the Freebird III. She seems a very good truck – she has the heart and soul of FB II. There have been a few improvements as far as driver comfort, but also a few changes to the computer that limit some of her capabilities. She is learning, however, how to get the job done within those parameters and is doing a fine job. She is also learning to stay between the lines; when I first got her, her steering was twitchy and she wandered all over the road. In fact, one time I sneezed and we went around a cloverleaf interchange two and a half times before I got her settled down. But she is a good truck and will be a pleasure to cruise the country with.
I was able to break bread with TruckerGirl again this trip. She is doing well and misses all her friends. And I was able to meet and dine with CelticOne – what a fabulous lady, and Mr. and Mrs. DirtyCopper. DC, the lady is too good for you – they are both wonderful folks and I look forward to seeing them all again just as soon as I can.
An explanation about the numbers this month. My final day on the road is still up in the air, therefore the * next to Run Ended and also Run Length and Total Miles. The total miles reflect what I have run so far, plus the miles from Hutchins, TX to Houston, to Orange, TX. I am hoping to get back to my neighborhood truck stop on Friday night, but that could extend to Saturday. Under Least Miles in One Day, there are two figures – the 11 + mile day refers to the morning the differential gave up the ghost in Virginia. The 112 mile day was the shortest run NOT involving a breakdown.
I have no special plans this weekend other than spending time with my daughter and relaxing. We may or may not go fishing, that has yet to be determined. I do know that we will consume chicken fried steaks – yes, I did raise her well, thank you.
Okay, by the numbers:
Run started – 28 May 2013
Run ended – 19 July 2013 *
Run length – 54 days *
Full days off – 3
Total miles – 19,579 *
Miles per day – 384 (average)
Most miles in one day – 614
Least miles in one day – 11 + ; 112
My runs carried me from Laredo, TX to Menomonie, WI and Charlotte, NC to Robbinsville, NJ. I did get into northeastern Pennsylvania one night and spent a great evening with my parents, sister, and her family. Most, about 85% of my running though was in Illinois, Indiana, and Ohio. I am hoping to spread that out a bit and see a few more places around the country – there is so much I haven’t seen yet, and so many places that I would like to revisit.
I still have a day or two of driving yet, so you won’t be rid of me that easily. And I may pop in to visit a couple of times during my break. Y’all be good, take care, and see you somewhere on the distant horizon.
And in honor of FINALLY getting back to the greatest state in the country: