Monday, July 31, 2006

Morning folks. Well, once again I'm drillin' a dry hole. Can't seem to think of anything to natter about that even I would be interested in, let alone you guys. So instead of trying, I'll show you one of the ways I waste time on here, and issue a challenge at the same time.

This game requires a bit of time, which I have lot's of, but if word puzzles are something you enjoy, give it a try. At times I do pretty well at it, but other times I get a big ol' case of stupid. My best score so far, over the 10 games allowed, is 146,300, so give it a try and let me know how you did. You'll probably want to turn your speakers down because there is an annoyingly repetitive bit of music with it.

Another game I play on here simply frustrates me because it doesn't matter how good you might be at forming words from random letters, if the letters aren't there, well duh! At any rate my best score so far is 1950, so you should be able to beat that.

I haven't done any Bush-whackin' for a while so, with all that is going on in the world, I thought it time to be reminded of who is in charge. We're doomed!



Take care guys.

Trucker Bob blogged at 3:09 AM

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Sunday, July 30, 2006

Morning folks. I'm glad I don't have anything earth-shattering to natter about today, as if I ever do, because this is the fourth time I've tried to put even this up.

What's causing this is a good ol' fashioned thunder storm, the kind that almost rattles the walls, and keeps shutting the power off. No rain yet, but hoo boy!, is it noisy. With all the racket, and the digital clocks blinking, you'd think that L'il Bear would at least stir, but it takes a lot to rouse him.

Other than this bit of excitement there's not much happening here, which is kind of enviable with all the tragedies unfolding in the world. When will man ever learn that wars do not solve anything.

Before I go on a rant I think I'll just say enjoy the rest of your weekend, and give thanks that we live in a part of the world that is relatively peaceful.

Trucker Bob blogged at 5:54 AM

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Saturday, July 29, 2006

A trucker who has been on the road for three weeks stops into a brothel outside Vegas. He walks straight up to the madam, drops down $500 and says, "I want your ugliest woman and a bologna sandwich!" The madam is astonished. "But, sir, for that kind of money, you could have one of my finest ladies and a three-course meal." The trucker replies, "Listen sweetheart, I ain't horny, I'm homesick."

A woman was in the kitchen doing the boiled eggs for breakfast. Her husband walks in and she says, "You've got to make love to me this very moment." The husband, thinking it's his lucky day, makes love to her on the kitchen table. Afterward he says, "What was that all about?" She says, "The egg timer's broken!"

A man went to the dentist because his tooth was hurting. The dentist told him after the examination that he needed a root canal. The man replied, "O.K. lets do it." The dentist told him he will feel a pinch when he gives him the shot of the numbing agent. The man says, "No, Doc, I am allergic to that." The doctor tells him, "O.K., then, we'll give you nitrous oxide." The man says, "I am allergic to the gas." So, then the doctor gives him two pills with a glass of water and the man takes it. The doctor comes back in 10 minutes and the man says, "Doc, will those two blue pills kill the pain?" The doctor replies, "No, that was Viagra." The man says, "Viagra? I don't need that! What's that going to do for me?" The doctor replies, "Well, it'll give you something to hang onto."

A very homely young woman made an appointment with a psychiatrist. She walked into his office and said, "Doctor, I'm so depressed and lonely. I don't have any friends, no man will come near me and everybody laughs at me. Can you help me accept my ugliness?" "I'm sure I can," the psychiatrist replied. "Just go over and lie face down on that couch, and we'll get started.

And finally, one for my bud Peter, the rascal.

Q: What's an Australian kiss?
A: It's the same as a French kiss, but "down under."

Trucker Bob blogged at 4:41 AM

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Friday, July 28, 2006

Morning folks. Well, it looks like I'll live to fight another day, although I've got to admit that each time I have one of these episodes it gets a little harder to bounce back.

I've never really been given an explanation as to what is happening up there other than being told that, because the tumor is curled around the carotid artery, I'm very susceptible to having a stroke. Also, because it's up against the optic nerve, each time my vision gets a little blurry I pretty well know what's coming.

This is just one of the many reasons the trip was important to me. While it was great to have "taken my life back", it comes with conditions. That's why I wanted to travel the roads I spent so much of my life on. 10,000+ miles in 4 weeks might seem like a lot of driving, but if it hadn't been for those #$% motel rooms, I'd still be out there.

I'm still very serious about buying an RV, but I've got to be smart about it. The only thing I'm really sure about is that I'm NOT going to lay down.

In a way I'm glad it happened because I was getting a little too exuberant about things. Time to take stock, prioritize things, but mainly give thanks for the great life I do have. The rest will fall into place on it's own, but in the meantime I'm just glad to be here, so get ready for more inane nattering and goofiness. Things like pondering the age-old question.


Hope you enjoy your week-end. It will be the usual fare around here, so if you can, stop by, you're always welcome. Now I've got to go and answer those pesky (NOT!) comments. Thanks guys.

Trucker Bob blogged at 3:40 AM

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Thursday, July 27, 2006

Morning folks. Just popped in to let you know that all is well, for the most part. I'm a little slow on the draw today because I just finished kickin' Timmy's butt.

Every once in a while he has to let me know that he's still up there, usually during the night. This time was no different, the crippling pain hit about 1 am. As always it didn't last long, but it drains me. Because I've taken myself off all the pain medication I just have to tough it out. Besides, I've got to be tough to handle this audience. What a rough crowd, NOT!!

I'll be back to my wascally self in no time, meanwhile it's back to your regularly scheduled programming. Me, I'm going to try out my new remote.



See ya later guys.

Trucker Bob blogged at 10:46 AM

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Wednesday, July 26, 2006

Morning folks. Well, it looks like we survived the Big Heat of '06. Although it's still record-breaking hot up country, here at the coast it's almost back to normal. Yesterday in fact was quite nice, so I sort of went back to RV shopping.

Because this town has become so nouveau riche there is no such thing as parking a large RV anywhere near where I live so I went looking for a home for one. With only one park available I figured it would be pricey, but damn, $168/week, plus taxes! When I explained I only needed storage I was told their storage yard was full. What a surprise! Looks like I've got a lot of homework to do before I take the plunge.

Yesterday's goofing around with that ridiculously priced tequila made me wonder what kind of RV I could get for that kind money. For the cost of just 3 bottles this beauty could be on it's way north.







This thing actually has a stronger engine than my last truck did, and it would haul 80,000 lbs down the road like a raped ape. If I had that home on wheels you'd never see me again, wait, you haven't seen me yet. I think the heat has gotten to me, NAH!, just having a little fun.

I hope you realize this is just day-dreaming, which is harmless. As for a Wish List, I don't have one, nor would I ever, because truth be told I'm doing fine. But if you insist....heh heh. And yes Hoss, I do have the URL for this one.

Heard from my ol' bud Box-car last night, and I don't envy him a bit because I've been there and done that. He's in Laredo TX. waiting for his trailer to come back from Mexico. For a whole lot of reasons (insurance etc.) most companies hire a Mexican trucking firm to take the load in, get it unloaded, and bring the trailer back. If he's real lucky it will have most of it's wheels etc. if and when it finally arrives. He's been there for 2 days now and they're telling him they can't find it. You can make a lot of tacos with 44,000 lbs of beef.

Take care guys, see ya tomorrow.

Trucker Bob blogged at 3:18 AM

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Tuesday, July 25, 2006

Morning folks. I think an explanation is due, lest you think I've become a blog wh**e for placing ads on here. I was innocently playing around checking things out, and didn't realize I had gone past the point of no return until I refreshed my page and saw them. I was still looking for the place to put the code in my template and preview it when I noticed it was already there. Now that they're up I'll leave them, but try to alter the size and maybe color.

Another thing I've noticed on some pages is a Wish List. While reading the paper yesterday, and trying to cope with the heat, I got to thinking about a nice COLD margarita. What made me think that way was an article about a product made from this.



You'll of course recognize that as blue Agave. A company has just come out with a brand of tequila that is made from 100% blue agave, aged 6 years, and sold in either a half pure platinum bottle, or a half gold with platinum decoration.

So the first item on my wish list is either bottle of Tequila Ley .925 "Pasion Azteca". Because they are a bit pricey, if you want to hold off until my Birthday, or Xmas, I'll understand.

How pricey are they? I was afraid you'd ask. Remember now, this would just be a one-time thing. How nice of you.

Platinum.....$225,000 Gold.....$150,000

There are only 66 bottles available, so you might want to avoid the rush and get your orders in early.

The weather is finally cooling off a bit, at 11 am yesterday it was only 100 degrees on my deck compared to 106 on Friday. Enough already! While over at Dudette's site looking at some great pictures, I read where it was the same where she lives. Having worked for a few trucking companies in her city over the years I know there's no escape from the heat there. At least here we can hit the beach.

Stay cool guys, and if all you can send is the gold one, I'll understand. After all things are a little tight these days. heh heh

Oops, just about forgot. Bob turns 45 today, Happy Birthday son!!

Trucker Bob blogged at 3:05 AM

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Monday, July 24, 2006

Morning folks. Bobby's team, sadly, lost their last game, but they are definitely not losers in our eyes. To have gone all the way to the championship game is quite an accomplishment, and one that I'm sure they'll remember for a long time.

Bob said that when they presented the Canada jackets to the winning team it was tough for him, but that Bobby handled it well. I guess character is one of the many things he has instilled in Bobby.

Now I have something to discuss with the members of the Harem. You know I've been faithful, but I'm not sure how much longer my resolve will last. The trouble began when I bought a bottle of my favorite cologne while on the trip.



This stuff is so powerful that I have trouble keeping my hands off myself, so you can imagine the problems I'm having with members of the "weaker sex".

Easy now!

Then to add to it I'm doing something I always thought was a little poofy for a crusty ol' dude like me. Because there was a hair-dryer in all the motel rooms I stayed in I figured "why not". So now when I go out with my blow-dried coif and my smell-good on I can't carry a big enough stick to beat them off.

I'll hold on as long as I can, but it's getting hard. Okay, that's enough!

The weather is still far too hot here, but thankfully it hasn't dampened my goofiness. Life is a tough enough slog sometimes that I feel a little laughter truly is good medicine. I know it works for me!

Haven't been doing any you-know-what shopping because of the weather, and with the long-range forecast of more of the same, I'm beginning to think the Yukon trip might be a project for next year. Something might pop up, but the window is narrowing.

Hope the week ahead is a good one for you. Thanks for coming by.

Trucker Bob blogged at 4:18 AM

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Sunday, July 23, 2006

Good muggy, sweltering, too hot to sleep, Sunday morning folks. I've never pooh-poohed the Global Warming theory, and this is just proof, to me at least, that something is happening to the global climate. Yesterday was overcast here which just served to hold the heat in to the point that even the trees look like they're sweating. Enough already!

On the good news front, Bobby's team has won all their games in the tournament so far and will play for the championship today at 10 am Pacific time. I was proud as punch of him for just making the tournament, but now I'm ecstatic. The fact that son Bob took his family over makes it even more special. They have their RV trailer set up by the ocean, and at the end of each day the team gathers around the camp fire, along with their friends, to have times that they will all long remember.

Everyone wants their children to have it better than they did, and thanks to Bob and his wife being such a great parents, that is certainly the case here. I have a lot of respect for the job he has done as a Dad, and I'm sure little Bobby will carry on the tradition.

It's funny how things work out. Before they left I asked Bob what Bobby's strengths and weaknesses were. He told me that the team looked up to him as a leader, he is a good first baseman with a great arm, can steal bases seemingly at will, but he struggles with the bat. Well guess what, as of last night's game he was batting 680. Go figure!

If his team doesn't emerge victorious today I won't be disappointed in the least. He has given us all something to be excited about. If they do win I'm already jockeying for a chaperone position on the trip to Maryland. Since Bob is the manager of the team, I think I have a good shot. wink wink

Just pecking this post out has made me forget about the heat, so thanks for the ride Bobby, you're a wonderfui grandson.

Win or lose, they'll be home later today. Then it's off with the RV to the Kootenays for 10 days. Since Boop is house-sitting for them, it gives her more time to spoil the dog and rabbits. I swear, ice cubes in their water? Ya gotta love her!

Take care guys, and thanks for letting me share.

Trucker Bob blogged at 4:46 AM

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Saturday, July 22, 2006

Before I get to today's guffaws and chortles I'm happy, and proud, to tell you that Bobby's team has won their first two games! YESS!! Both games were stopped in the fourth inning because the scores were 11-1, and 18-1. Warms the cockles o' me heart.

SCHOOL

Early one morning, a mother went in to wake up her son.

"Wake up, son. It's time to go to school!"

"But why, Mom? I don't want to go."

"Give me two reasons why you don't want to go."

"Well, the kids hate me for one, and the teachers hate me also!"

"Oh, that's no reason not to go to school. Come on now and get ready."

"Give me two reasons why I should go to school."

"Well, for one, you're 52 years old. And for another, you're the PRINCIPAL!"

THE TRICK

The little boy greeted his grandma with a hug and said, I’m so happy to see you grandma. Now maybe daddy will do the trick he had been promising us.

The grandmother was curious.

What trick is that my dear? She asked.

The little boy replied, I heard daddy tell mommy that he would climb the walls if you came to visit us again.

HUNTING

Two hunters were dragging their dead deer back to their car. Another hunter approached pulling his along too.

'Hey, I don't want to tell you how to do something, but I can tell you that it's much easier if you drag the deer in the other direction. Then the antlers won't dig into the ground.'

After the third hunter left, the two decided to try it. A little while later one hunter said to the other, 'You know, that guy was right. This is a lot easier!'

The other added 'Yeah, but we're getting farther and farther away from the truck!'

*I realize they are groaners, but cut me some slack here guys, it's hard to find suitable material when the sweat is running into your eyes. They're calling for even hotter weather today so I might as well move into the shower, instead of hourly visits. There is only a week or so each year when I could use A/C, and this is the week!*

Trucker Bob blogged at 4:06 AM

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Friday, July 21, 2006

Morning folks. Well, once again I don't really have anything to natter about but wanted to at least put in an appearance. Guess I was in the mood for some ha-ha's yesterday because I spent some time looking around different sites, and thought you might get a giggle out of this joke, and the video below.

An older couple decided that their memory was so bad that they would have to start writing things down in order to remember them. One evening, the husband got up from watching TV and said he was going to the kitchen; he asked his wife if she wanted anything.

Wife: 'Yes, I would like some ice cream.'

As he set off, the wife said, 'Write it down.'

Husband: 'I can remember ice cream.'

Wife: 'But I also want strawberries on my ice cream. Write it down'

Husband: 'I can remember ice cream with strawberries.'

Wife: 'But I also want whipped cream on the strawberries.'

The husband took off without writing it down. He was gone for a while and when he came back, he was carrying bacon and eggs.

Wife: 'Now see what you've done? You forgot the toast!




It's not often that I appreciate being retired, but with the hot weather settling in, and more to come, I must admit it's nice not to be out there fighting traffic, sitting all day burning up fuel waiting to get loaded, etc etc. It's good to take stock once in a while, because then we realize we don't have it so bad.

Take care guys.
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This is the temperature on my deck at 11 am.



Trucker Bob blogged at 3:12 AM

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Thursday, July 20, 2006

Morning folks. Just popped in to say Hi, and to tell you that all is quiet here on the western front. Sort of the ol' no news is good news.

I've started back on the fitness regimen, although it's more out of boredom than anything, because my weight is staying the same as when I left on the trip. Maybe I finally learned some proper eating habits.

Have to be careful to not spend so much time on here that I end up taking root like this guy:


Hope you're all doing well. See you tomorrow.

Trucker Bob blogged at 4:07 AM

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Wednesday, July 19, 2006

Morning folks. I'm sure you're as tired as I am of this blankety-blank RV shopping, so this will be the last nattering about it, unless or until I actually find one to buy.

I had arranged to meet the fellow at 10 am yesterday to look at the RV du jour.I arrived at the upscale park a bit early, found the unit, and while waiting for him, looked it over a bit. Not too impressed for the price, $79K, but waited around for him to show up before making any decisions.

At 10:20 a lady came out of the reception building and managed to look and talk down to me as she asked what I was doing there. I explained why I was there, obviously not to her satisfaction, because she wanted to know when I had spoke to him. After telling her that, she told me that the fellow had just gone for breakfast with her husband and that I was to wait.

You'll be proud of me because I managed to keep my cool as I walked to my car as she was telling me that I HAD to wait. I knew that if I let one word out the rest would not make me proud of myself.

So there's one left. It's at a dealer's where I actually like and get along with the salesman, a retired RCMP sergeant. It's more motor-home than I need but I've made a tentative offer contingent on them having the transmission looked at. So far they're not too fussy, but the ball is in their court. When they refused to give me a 30-day drive-train warranty that pretty well told me what I needed to know. We'll see.

My son Bob and family are off to Nanaimo on Vancouver Island this morning to attend the baseball finals that grandson Bobby's team is in. You guys are always generous with the good wishes, and I really need them this time. If his team is victorious they go next to Maryland to play teams from as far away as the Dominican Republic. Am I proud of him? Do fat dogs fa**? Go young Bobby, go!

Didn't get to take a DV, but thought you might get a laugh out of this one.



Hope you guys in the sweltering heat are managing to stay cool. Take care, and I'll see you tomorrow.

Trucker Bob blogged at 3:18 AM

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Tuesday, July 18, 2006

Morning folks. When I spoke to the owner of the Winnebago I was interested in last Thursday, I gave him my word that I would call Sunday evening to make an appointment to see it. He gave me his word that the advertised price was solid.

Well, guess what. When I called I was told that because there are soooo many people wanting to buy it, (BS!), that he couldn't let it go for that price. Now I don't care what he wants for it, he can keep it! You try to be straight up with people and they've just got to run a game on you. GRRR!

I'm going to look at one this morning, and I've got one other that I'm interested in, but any more shenanigans and I'm out of the market. You'd think that with one person buying, and one person selling, it would be simple.

Okay, that's enough whining. I've found over the years that the harder you look for something, the harder it is to find. Yet it seems when you stop looking it pops up, so if these two don't pan out I'll give it up for a while.

The weather was great here yesterday, but thankfully not as hot as parts of the US. Going to be a long summer if that keeps up.

As you can see I'm drilling a dry hole here, so I'll thank you for stopping by, and try to have something for tomorrow. Might have to come up with a DV. wink wink

Trucker Bob blogged at 3:08 AM

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Monday, July 17, 2006

Morning folks. Yesterday was such a great day here that I abandoned my search for the right RV and went to the beach instead. Started off with breakfast here:



Then a walk along the promenade:



Stopped and admired the latest addition to our waterfront, The Spirit Bear:





then spent some time watching the riders getting ready for the annual Tour De White Rock. This event has become an international affair with riders from across North America and Europe. I chatted with some riders from Michigan that make this race a part of their vacation.

With all the traveling I have done in my lifetime, with more to come, I have to admit that this is a beautiful place to live. I've been here for 40+ years and marvel at the blind luck that allowed me to raise the family here.

Finally, here is the DV of the day, or should I say week?



All in all it was a great day. Hope your's was at least as good.

Trucker Bob blogged at 3:26 AM

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Sunday, July 16, 2006

Morning folks. I'm a little surprised L'il Bear showed up today because he's been a bit miffed with me since learning I'm going to get a live version for the motor-home. Oh, settle down, you'll always be a Sunday feature, besides with a friend you might finaly wake up.

Speaking of the RV, with all that is going on in the Middle East and oil at an all-time high, I could be the master of bad timing. It's not deterring me yet, but it is a consideration. After what I blew on motel rooms on the last trip, I could have made that trip in a motor-home and had money left over.

Of course, if I had this "baby" I wouldn't care what fuel costs. I've been off the road 4 years and miss it more than ever. I've even thought about going back to it, but that's not sensible, still......



The weather was great here yesterday, if a bit hot, so I did some walking. After sitting in the car for a month I could sure feel it in my legs. I'll get back to regular exercise soon, just have to stay at the RV shopping. It's not my favorite pastime, but with it being a major purchase I've simply got to do my homework.

Hope your week-end is going well. The weather is forecast to be nice here, so maybe I'll hit the beach this morning and shoot a DV before Goob starts harassing me. Sheesh! what a pest.

Trucker Bob blogged at 5:05 AM

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Saturday, July 15, 2006

Trucker Bob blogged at 4:28 AM

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Friday, July 14, 2006

Morning folks. Happily I can report that Marg's dreaded visit to the oncologist yesterday went better than we expected. Her condition is no less severe, but he felt that things are holding their own and told her he wouldn't need to do any more tests for two months. What a relief for Boop, and Marg of course, because she is scheduled to fly to Edmonton today to be met by our son for a vacation.

I've been trying to convince her all week to go so now it's on. I'll be taking her to the airport this morning with orders to enjoy herself. Besides it's way past time that Marg's daughter stepped up to the plate. I can assure you that when I got done with her she was more than willing!

I had a lazy day getting caught up on little things around home. I've found a few more possibles but am holding off until I see the one I'm interested in on Monday.

I was in contact with the fellow that Peter provided the link to, and he was more than willing to help me with whatever I wanted to learn. That's what it's all about isn't it, people with common interests helping each other.

Here are some pictures from my visit to Summerside, PEI.

This is the tank of lobsters the motel owner told me to pick my dinner from.



This is where I had lunch on the same day.



And this is just an example of the great waterfront area in that beautiful little town.



Although I put a lot of miles on, I still had time to enjoy things. With all the personal goals I reached, and the learning that I'm physically back, I'm glad I did it the way I did. Now I can get on with the things I want to do.

For years I ran down the road with the dream of one day spending my summers in the Yukon and my winters down south. Well, that day has arrived!

However long it takes me to get set up properly will be worth it, because it's MY TIME!

Thanks for your kind thoughts for Boop and her sister. I'll see if I can find some yuck-yucks for a Saturday Chuckles post tomorrow. With all that have been sent me it shouldn't be a problem.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Got Boop airborne, and it was so nice to see her excitement. Slipped a little something into her purse and told her to go crazy. After all she's been through she deserves it.

Found another Class A that I almost made an offer on, but I'll hold off until Monday.

Trucker Bob blogged at 3:36 AM

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Thursday, July 13, 2006

Morning folks. Well, another less than fruitful day RV shopping. The unit that I went to see was not what had been represented so that was a wasted trip. I did find a couple that were close to what I was looking for until I found out they were ex-rentals. No thank you, at half the price!

But all is not lost, thanks to a tip from this lady. I found some motor-homes at the site she provided that have made me reconsider my choice of RV. In fact I'm going to see a 27' Winnebago not far from here that has me very interested. The price alone caught my eye, and after talking with the owner, I'm definitely interested.

I hope I don't jinx this by showing the picture like I did with the van, but here is the unit.



Believe it or not I can get this for just over half of what the van cost. The owner has all the maintenance records etc., so I'm anxious to check it out. He is using it this week-end so it will be Monday before I meet him. In the meantime I've found a few others to half-heartedly check out.

Also my bud from down under, Peter, sent me a link that is a literal treasure trove of information on RVing. I haven't read it all but I sure intend to. I was wanting to learn about satellite internet access and this fellow spells it out in detail. Here is his site.

I'm going to contact him, introduce myself, and go from there. He is doing now what I had intended to do eventually, so I'm hoping to gain from his experiences.

All is fine, albeit sore, at the Devaney waterworks. Went from dribble, dribble, to being able to wash the side of a house. (Alright, settle down!)

Boop was here yesterday and is having a tough time dealing with the fact that her sister Marg doesn't have much time left. Today they will get the prognosis from the oncologist. It's hard when people are hurting and you can't help.

Was going to start walking the beach every morning again, but it's been rainy since I got home. No matter because with my eating whatever, and lot's of it, I actually lost weight on the trip. Go figure. I thought for sure I'd put half the weight I lost back on, but for now at least the rice cakes can stay in the cupboard.

While on the trip I didn't do much drinking at all, but did try to sample the local beer in each area. In Nova Scotia I found a beer that should be illegal it's so smooth, Alexander Keith's India Pale Ale. I went to the beer store here yesterday and was surprised to find they carried it, so if one day I make less sense than usual, it will just mean that ol' Alex and I are sharing a "cold one".

As always, hope you're doing well, and thanks for your support.

Trucker Bob blogged at 3:18 AM

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Wednesday, July 12, 2006

Morning folks. Things went so well on Monday that I sort of expected something to go sideways, and it has. I talked to the dealer about the van first thing yesterday morning and was told it had sold Monday afternoon. Bummer! So I made the rounds yesterday without finding anything I was interested in, except for one that I'm going to see today.

I guess I'm not the only one interested in this type of RV, because they are very popular. There are motor-homes, campers, trailers galore, but not many of these. Oh well, just keep beating the bushes.

I've learned a bit about satellite internet access, enough to know that it is available, and very expensive. Most of the sites I checked wanted to bundle it with TV, phone, etc. There was one place that had a dish made for RV use but it isn't available in Canada. Again, just keep looking. If push came to shove it might mean that I would have to wait until I got to a place where I could get on-line the normal way.

This is a shot of just a small part of the climb up to the lighthouse at Cape Spear, ending with a scramble up those rocks, for which I got yelled at. Well, excuuuuuse me!


Of course after I did the mountain goat thing I found this walk down the backside. Dumba**!



I'm a bit disappointed that the van was gone, but truthfully, I didn't want to drive 400 miles to look at something that there are lot's of around here. Just have to root them out. There are so many great deals on full-size motor-homes that I might think that way, but that would be a last resort. $5.40/gal, divided by 9 MPG, YIKES. I'd really be picking bottles out of the ditch for gas money.

In the too much information department comes this "gem". For some time now, including during the trip, I've had problems performing my duties. So a few hours ago I took matters in hand and worked things out. Passed a big ol' kidney stone. YOW-WEEEE!

This is the second time I've done this, and it doesn't get any easier. The first was in California in the bunk of the truck because I was afraid I'd have to go the hospital down there. I did what I had to to recover it, brought it back, took it to the lab, and was told it was calcium. At first they didn't believe I had got it out myself because it looked like many, many pieces of compressed sharp glass. This one is the same so I'll skip the lab.

Sometimes I wonder if my "open book" philosophy on life, and sharing, goes too far, but what the hey, it's not boring. heh heh

Hope you're all doing well. Since sleep is out of the question tonight, I'm getting caught up on my coffee consumption now that I can get rid of it.

Trucker Bob blogged at 2:08 AM

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Tuesday, July 11, 2006

Morning folks. Well, I got a good start on my chores yesterday. The car once more looks great, even if it did take a lot of work to get the oil I ran through in Raggedy's neck of the woods off. Diesel fuel is the best for that type of thing, but still, a lot of tooth-brushing between the spokes in the wheels. Tire dressing and a thin coat of baby oil and it's ready for cruisin'. I told you I'm very fussy with my vehicles.

Tried to get a rebate on the travel insurance that I had paid until the end of July. The agent agreed but the provider didn't. What a surprise!

Got everything arranged at the bank so that when I find the unit I want, write a check, then they will come up with the best way to pay for it. If I decide to finance it they offered prime plus one, which with interest rates so low might be the way to go. That way it would only cost me one per cent after the interest I get from the bank. Use their money, not mine.

Actually found a good Class A motor-home, at a good price, but it's just too big, at 36', for what I need. I told the guy it's good that it had a strong trailer hitch, because I'd need it to pull the gas that the 460 cu in Ford engine would slurp. At $5.40/gal here, fuel economy is a big item, and that land yacht would get about 9-10 MPG. Even though it's RV time, it's a buyer's market out there and I'm sure I'll find what I want at the right price.

Wouldn't you know it, but at the store they had cherries from the same orchard that I bought mine from on Saturday for $1 a pound cheaper than I paid. Of course I had to buy some just to make sure they were as good, and so far they are. wink wink.

Someone asked if the town of Frank had been re-built after the slide. It wasn't at the site, but this town, Blairmore Alberta, sprang up a few miles away. This area is known as the Crowsnest Pass, and to me is simply a beautiful part of our great country.



Finally, for my wine-tasting bud, Dave C, how many of these wines do you recognize? Just another part of Beautiful British Columbia. (click open)



So all in all it was a good first "business" day. It's amazing how things will come together when you know what you want, and believe me, I know what I want. From where I'm sitting it's 1500 road miles to the top of B.C., and I want to show you all of it. Then it's the home of my soul, the Yukon. See the spirit you guys are giving me?

Thanks for stopping by, and I'll see ya tomorrow.

Trucker Bob blogged at 3:29 AM

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Look at what I just found on the 'net. I'll be in touch with them in a few hours, and if all is well I'll drive to Winfield B.C. tomorrow (400 miles round), check it out, and probably buy it. YEEHAW!

I've messed with the time, so hopefully this will post below the Tuesday offering. Had to do it this way because Blogger wouldn't cooperate on the above post. No matter, I always seem to find a way.




Trucker Bob blogged at 3:25 AM

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Monday, July 10, 2006

Morning folks. I don't know whether it's just being back in comfortable surroundings or my body finally acting human, but boy!, did I ever zone out yesterday. By the time I got my laundry done, went through my receipts (Yikes!), and finished un-packing, I called it a day. I didn't get the car done because, thankfully, it was a little rainy here.

The rest of the day I snoozed, ate, snoozed some more, ate some more, and thoroughly enjoyed it. Boop came over and we went through the posts, pics, and DV's. She is going on a short vacation on Friday, but flying, because she doesn't travel well in the car. Besides, traveling with me is no fun because of the stupid miles I put in. Old habits die hard.

Today I'll get the car serviced, washed, waxed, detailed (do it myself) then it's shopping time. Between the dealer's lot's, the classified ads, and the internet, I want to find a conversion van in 2 weeks, because I want to head North in 3-4 weeks. I'm very fussy about the options, chassis, engine, etc., so I've got lot's to do. Once I find the right one the wrist-twisting on price will begin. I'm hoping to find one about 3-4 years old for under $50K, so we'll see.

I'm also going to get hold of Sparky, the wonder lad, and talk to him about some ideas I have about getting on-line wirelessly by satellite. Would also like to talk about posting DA's (dorky audios) that could be clicked on just like the DV's. I often think about something while driving, but by the time I post I'm lost for something to natter about. I'd like to record onto a CD, load it into the computer, then find a server to put it up.

When these 2 fellows in New Brunswick heard me say I might have to pick up bottles along the road for gas money they said, "no problem Bob, we'll give you a ride home".
I told you the people in the Maritimes were friendly.



Here's another shot of that truck. Look at the little fellow under there standing in awe. That could easily have been me, because for as long as I can remember trucks were all I cared about. To have lived the life I did makes me a very lucky man, and to have taken that life back makes me doubly lucky.



Hope you're all doing well, and thanks again for making this past month so special for me. We've come a long way together, but we're just getting started.

Trucker Bob blogged at 3:12 AM

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Sunday, July 09, 2006

Morning folks. Home again, home again, jiggedy-jig. I must admit, it's so nice to be back in my own home instead of those blankety-blank motel rooms. L'il Bear was so overcome with emotion at being back he fell into a coma, but then again it doesn't take too much to put him to sleep.

My regular readers know how much the trip meant to me, so I won't belabor the point, except to say thank you for letting me share this important chapter in my life. It was truly an odyssey.

The last leg of the 10,132 mile journey went so well, I took the longer, more scenic route home. It included one last ferry ride across Kootenay Lake. I took lot's more pictures that I'll put up later.



I took this shot half-way down Anachrist Mountain. Notice the switch-back road leading down to the town of Osooyos that is just barely visible. Many a trucker has left skid marks on that hill, and not just on the pavement.



This is the town in the above shot. The road going up the hill in the background is the one I took to home.



My two favorite foods, treat-wise, are shrimp and cherries. At the start of the trip I ate lot's of shrimp, so how better to end the trip than with this 3-lb box of freshly picked, chilled, cherries bought at the orchard. I was 3 1/2 hours from home when I bought these and don't ask me how many I had left when I arrived. Let's just say that I'm not straying too far from the sandbox.



Finally, here's the DV of the day. I seem to be stuck on the word wonderful, but it seemed to fit.



Not my best effort post-wise, but I'm dragging you-know-what. I'll get my thoughts together, along with some pics, and will try to get organized.

Guess now I'll start on this pile of laundry and giving my "baby" the TLC it desperately needs. Speaking of the car, not once was there so much as a blip in it's performance which speaks volumes about looking after things. Although it's 17 years old, it's just like me, lot's of miles left.

Trucker Bob blogged at 5:16 AM

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Saturday, July 08, 2006

Morning folks. Well, another good day, in fact they just keep getting better. I made it to Cranbrook in good shape, and decided to stop here for the night instead of continuing on and arriving home looking like something the cat coughed up. Still got about 500 miles, but after what I've done in 4 weeks (9631) I could trip and fall that far.

Left Havre with enough gas to make Shelby where I was going to stop for breakfast and do the last thing I wanted/needed to do on this trip. Was bucking such headwinds that 52 miles out I decided to let discretion be the better part of valor and pulled into this little place to get gas.



Because I start so early, the place was closed, but no matter. I walked around a bit and finally an hour and fifteen minutes later this ol' codger showed up and asked if I needed gas. I resisted giving any one of a hundred smart-a**ed answers, filled up, had a nice chat with him and off to Shelby.

When I left on this trip I brought the cap I wore on my last trip in the truck, my log book holder with the last log book still in it, and, of course, my big ol' travel mug. Pulled into the truck stop at Shelby where I've been at least a hundred times before. It was always the first stop heading south on I-15, and the last stop heading north.

Pulled my cap on, grabbed my log book and mug, went into the driver's section of the restaurant, sat at the big round BS table, and said "how's it goin' boys?" "Same ol' same ol' driver" "I hear that, I do". Fit in there like a hand in a glove.

We proceeded to b**ch about fuel prices, dispatchers, and engines that wouldn't pull the crust off a rice pudding. Not once did I mention that I was no longer "on the road". As we were chatting, my mind was yelling I'M BACK, I'M FINALLY BACK!!

Money couldn't buy the feelings I had, nor words describe them. Now are you understanding what this trip was all about? After 4 years of fighting for my life, and 4 weeks of pounding the miles in, I was able to walk in there and be accepted for what I am, a proud trucker!

What a sight for these happily tired eyes. The foothills of the Rockies, where 600 miles away lies the home of a happy man.



This picture will describe what I tried to show in the video. I apologize for the noise, but it was really windy. Click it to enlarge and read about the slide.



Finally, here is the largest truck in the world. It is retired now, but worked at the coal mine here in Sparwood, B.C. I've got lot's more pictures that I'll put up over time.



Again, sorry about the noise, but I wanted you to see the enormity of it.



Well, there you have it guys, for now at least. I've got a ton of stories to tell once I get home. On a scale of 1 to 10, this trip was an 11. While I could have done it alone, having you guys along made it easier for me. I'm thankful for, and proud of, my "blog family".
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Arived home safe and sound at 4 pm. Boop, bless her heart, had the fridge stocked, the fans on, and the place smelling great. Might have to give her a big ol' hug!

Pics and DV in the am.

Trucker Bob blogged at 3:17 AM

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Friday, July 07, 2006

Morning folks. In the interest of efficiency I was thinking of changing the daily greeting to MF, but have decided to leave it as it is. DV works for the dorky video, but I'm not sure of how starting a conversation off with MF would go over. heh heh

The drive over here to Havre went great, even considering the road destruction I ran through in the rain. At least the mud covered the oil I ran through in ND.

I love the long lazy hills in Montana, especially the ones you can hit at a high rate of fuel consumption. There was a couple that I almost got airborne going over the top, but no biggie, just feeling my oats. It's 425 miles from Minot, and I won't tell you how long it took me until the statute of limitations runs out. But it wasn't all fun, which leads to a confession I have to make.

Towards the end of the drive I got angry, I mean severely pi**ed. I was sick of this blog, pics, DVs, posting, you name it. To the point that I was going to blow it out of the water. I couldn't understand what was causing my anger because I truly enjoy this, and you guys.

Then the light went on. Every Monday and Thursday I take the pills that control the tumor. When I first started taking them, 3 1/2 years ago, they really messed with me, but lately it's been okay. For some reason yesterday they caused that blow-up.

When I got to my room and went online I read your comments and felt ashamed. You guys have been a big part of my getting to where I am, and frankly have been therapeutic for me. So although you didn't hear me, I apologize for cussing you out.

This struggle is not always easy, but between us we're winning. Thank you!

When I drove into town I stopped at the Best Western and got attitude. Bad move young lady! I was still pi**ed and I guarantee you that she got the attitude adjustment of her life. Enough of that crap!

I continued on until I spotted this sign. YES!



This is the pool. Hurry up ladies, times a'wasting.



This is the motel/casino.



And this is the DV of the day.



I went to the casino and made my contribution, nothing major. Being as how this is cattle country I went out for dinner and had a nice prime rib. Even had a nice glass of grape squeezin's.

So all in all, it was a good day. One more night on the road and Hello White Rock! If I don't show up tomorrow it will just mean I went straight through, but probably not. Either way L'il Bear and I will see you Sunday for sure.
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Just checked into the best room, so far, in Cranbrook B.C. THE LAST ONE!!!!! Got some great pics and a DV for either tomorrow or Sunday. Okay, DV and a couple tomorrow. 4 weeks today, mileage 9631. YIKES!

Trucker Bob blogged at 2:18 AM

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Thursday, July 06, 2006

Morning folks. Well, another good day yesterday. Left Duluth/Superior during a gorgeous sunrise that I tried to capture, but the picture doesn't do it justice.

The drive across Wisconsin was enjoyable since on the four-lane sections they narrow the lanes down to two, and slow the speed, to go through the little towns, hence keeping the flavor of the old road. In one such town, Fosston, I had the car serviced by as friendly a shop as I've seen in a while. Imagine driving in off the road, onto the ramp, and 30 minutes of fun conversation later, you're back on the road. That sort of thing is sorely missed in our helter-skelter lives anymore.

The young man who seviced my car, and his brother, are going to read this, so I won't mention how butt-ugly they both were or how they talked funny. NOT! They were both a pleasure to meet.

The drive across North Dakota was a different matter. It takes a lot to bore me on the road, but by the time I got here to Minot I was almost in a coma. It's a good enough road but pretty well all four-lane and boring with a capital B. Too bad, it moves the traffic, but is just another "big road" now. That will change when I hit Montana in a couple of hours.

This picture doesn't show the brilliant red ball that was the sunrise yesterday. If I'm going to keep doing this sort of thing, and I plan to, I'm either going to get a bigger camera, or learn how to use this one properly.



This is just a shot of the city I left behind. The bridge in the foreground is US2.



When I stopped in Rugby, ND, to take this video it brought back such memories of the traveling I've done in my lifetime. It's not the life most would choose, but for someone like myself it's been a full and rewarding life. Now that I've taken my life back I can't wait to move to the next stage. I pretty well know what I'm going to do, it's just a matter of some fine tuning. This is getting too long, there will be lot's of time to talk about that later. Be assured, what I've been doing this past month is just the beginning.



Will probably go as far as Havre, Montana, today. At this point I am so completely fed up with motels that I just want to go home. If all goes well I'll cross the border tomorrow and will be in Cranbrook, B.C. tomorrow night. Then finally home
sometime Saturday, which means only two more @#$ motels.

Hope you're all well, and thanks once again for riding shotgun with me.
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Great drive over to Havre in one of my favorite states. Checked into a place with a pool and a casino. If I blow the $1.32 I have left I can drown myself.

No pics or DV yet, but the day is young (11:30 am).

Trucker Bob blogged at 2:47 AM

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Wednesday, July 05, 2006

Morning folks. It seems the longer I'm out here, the better it gets. Yesterday was a good example. I debated whether to cross the border or stay on the Trans-Canada and continue on to home. I chose the south side and except for an overzealous young customs guy, it was the right decision.

I don't know whether he was bored or what, but he decided to search my car and ask dumb-assed questions like, "how come you've got so much dirty laundry?" How do you answer a question like that? Took me inside, emptied my pockets, wallet, ran me through the computer, etc. etc. Finally even he realized this was silly and turned me loose.

The drive along US2 was great, especially in the northern part of Michigan. I took the video in a little town named Manistique. What a beautiful place! In fact most of the day was filled with neat little places that I hadn't seen in years.

Some of the places are doing well, others not so. I went through small towns that were having their 4th of July parades etc. Patriotism was alive and well, and rightly so. It's actually neat to get off the "big roads" and see real people. At one time of course, this was THE route across the top of the country, back before the interstates. Enjoyed every mile.

Right now I'm along the shore of Lake Superior, the largest of the Great Lakes, and where the Edmund Fitzgerald sank. That of course is the ship made famous by Gordon Lightfoot in the song by the same name. Have to mention him, because he's Canadian eh? heh heh

Most truckers work their way up to 18-wheelers, but this fellow kept going. Show-off!



I didn't bother asking this fellow if he wanted to swap, because I know HE didn't have enough to sweeten the pot. Kind of a work in progress.



I should have taken some pictures along the shore here, but I was tired when I got in. A good kind of tired. Although I enjoyed the drive, it does take time getting through the little towns. I'm sure I'll find lot's down the road to show you.

Finally, here's the DV I took in that town I mentioned above. I'm glad you guys say you like this stuff because my little mind is working on ways to get better at this when I go back out again. If I didn't have to waste so much time on these @#$ motels I could do more, but that will change.



You'd think that after the number of times I've listened to that song, Give Me One More Shot, on this trip , I would know the artist's name. But I'm having a brain cramp, so I have to run out to my car before I can answer Kate's question. Sheesh, you guys are hard on me!

Not sure how far I'll go today, probably Grand Forks or Minot, North Dakota, because I'm starting to power out. Think I need a little play-time. Any ideas? Stop that, right now!

Take care guys.
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Just came off the road at Minot. Stopped in Grand Forks, but couldn't find anyone to play with. Pics, DV, and road report in the am.

Trucker Bob blogged at 3:32 AM

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Tuesday, July 04, 2006

Morning folks. Anyone interested in listening to a happy man natter? Good, because I'm that man.

Every day since I completed my "mission" has me marveling at the changes I feel in myself. To think that just a few short months ago I was unable some days to go to the store, and here I am with close to 8,000 miles on me in just over 3 weeks and looking for more. I'm realistic enough to know that at my age I'll never be the indestructible guy I once was, but don't bet too much against it. When I'm in my element there's no stopping me. I think straight, I feel strong, I'm off those @#$ pills, and I'm almost back to being kick-ass. All of that from telling the doctors to step out of the cab, I'm driving this life from here on.

Speaking of my element, here it is right here. I've always been a guy that wanted to know what's over the hill, so let's kick this thing in the butt and get up there and find out. Last one to the top is a pussy!



I've been trying to get my ol' bud Box-Car on the phone, hoping to meet up with him at the truck-stop in Nairn Center, west of Sudbury. No contact, but when I stopped there yesterday for lunch it didn't matter because I came across this.



I seriously offered to swap my car on the spot for it, but he wasn't interested. D'uh! I wouldn't either. I didn't tell him that I would sweeten the pot because I could have made a fool of myself.

My son Michael is a helluva carpenter, and wouldn't that "baby" look great with a custom made camper to suit the era? Make the wood look stressed, or aged, damn that would be something!

Now for the, (oh come on, let me say it) dorky video of the day. It's just me on a natural high, and the song says it all. "Give me one more shot, I'll give it all I've got"



Well, there you have it guys. I wish that I could bottle this and give you all a lifetime supply, but failing that, know that I'm in your corner just as you've been in mine. Thanks for listening.
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Just came off the road at Superior, Wisconsin. Will answer appreciated comments in a bit. Got a couple of pics, and a dorky, for tomorrow. See ya in the morning.

Trucker Bob blogged at 2:38 AM

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