OldTroubador's blog post - By the Numbers #3

It is that time again folks!!!
This has been the first full run for the Freebird III. And I do have to say that, after a short learning curve for both of us, she is at least as good as the Freebird II. She has a little more power and a little more speed. She learned a lot about running the hills in the Smokies. She handles well and is very comfortable. She also responds well to classic rock, especially the southern variety. I think I will keep her around for a while.
This was also a better run for me, in terms of territory covered and variety of states. I roamed from Laredo, TX to Ottumwa, IA to Scranton, PA to Norfolk, VA to Elkland, FL. I moved around more this time than last, crisscrossing the country; I wasn’t stuck just in the Midwest.
I missed connections with Mr. Cover; also, I didn’t get far enough south in Florida to see Claire Monroe, for those who remember her or Florida Hot Bunny. I did get to meet TexAngel though the other night and had a thoroughly delightful time with one of the sweetest ladies here. And once again, I was lucky enough to spend an afternoon and evening with my parents and sister and her family.
Just like last time, I again had three days off. Those who know me well know that I like to keep the Freebird flying as much as possible, every day if I can. However, out of necessity, I had to take some time off. One day was so that I could pick up my new glasses; it is a treat being able to read road signs BEFORE I reach an intersection. I also had to take two days off for a few doctors’ visits. After some tests and an ultrasound, it was determined that I actually do have a few brain cells left; they are located in a small group near my left ear. Thankful of that fact, I again hit the road running.
There was one scary moment. One day as I was driving south on I95, about thirty miles north of Washington, DC, the highway in front of me erupted in a wall of tire smoke and cars sliding around. By the time I came to a stop, I was no more than a few hundred yards back of the accident. Those who know that area will understand the next statement. It took me about ten minutes just to travel to the scene because of the sheer volume of cars and trucks in that quarter mile or so. Anyway, as I neared the scene, the first thing I noticed was a tractor trailer with four blown tires from having locked down hard on the brakes. Edging forward, I saw a Japanese motorcycle laying on its side just in front of the truck. Coming around to the front of all this, I did see the rider sitting on the guardrail across the highway; he had his helmet in his hand and was wearing full leathers. Whew!!! The bike was laying on the ground within four feet of the front bumper of the truck. It could have been so much worse. It also brought to mind two other accidents that I saw – at least the aftermath of them – and shook me up real bad.
The last couple of weeks have been pretty trying for me. There have been a few problems with work, coming from the front office and then there is the impact of the news from Pennsylvania. So my emotions have been swinging pretty hard from happiness to anger to sorrow and back again. I will say, it has been a wild ride. Thankfully, the wonderful people I know here have helped tremendously. I wish I could take the time to thank each of you personally; I hope you all will settle for a group Thank You!!!
And now, the numbers please.
Run Started – 24 July 2013
Run Ended – 21 September 2013
Run Length – 60 days
Full Days Off – 3
Total Miles – 23,265*
Miles per Day – 408 (average)
Most Miles in One Day – 596*
Least Miles in One Day – 115
The two asterisks are because I am estimating 765 miles from Rolla, MO, where I am now, to Houston, TX. I am due at a truck stop in Huntsville, TX tomorrow night but there was another glitch in the system. I am in Rolla tonight and will switch trailers with another driver sometime tomorrow morning. He will take the load I have now up to Joliet, IL and I will take his to Texas. I will drive straight through to our Houston drop yard so that I can be in Huntsville no later than 10 am on Saturday. This last run will also affect my “most miles in one day” statistic. And for those doing the math, it will probably be about a 13.5 – 14 hour run. Luckily, I will have a few days off to let my log book catch up to me. Yeah baby, this is old school trucking here.
The reason for the hustle is that my daughter is a cheerleader for her church’s football team in a youth church football league. She will be cheering in Huntsville on Saturday morning and I AM going to be there. Then we are going camping for a couple days in the Huntsville area and touring some of the sites there.
Depending on the circumstances, I may or may not be on-line over the weekend. I will be back on the road no earlier than Wednesday morning. By then, I should be rested, the inside of the Freebird cleaned, and laundry done and sorted. Then it will be time to cross state lines like I was drawing a breath. Time to get the diesel burning and the eighteen turning. Time to run wall to wall and ten feet tall. Time to get the Freebird rolling on like thunder.
I hope everyone stays well. And with any luck, you will hear the Freebird call as we soar to the place where the highway meets the sky.