Eastern Experiences; First Snow; More Fall Colours; Baltimore Layover
Nov 28, 2012 | 2:55 am
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Aug 2004
Location: Let me check my Logbook
Programs: Southwest Rapid Rewards; AAdvantage; Alaska Mileage Plan; Wyndham Rewards; Choice Hotels
Posts: 2,406
Eastern Experiences; First Snow; More Fall Colours; Baltimore Layover
Tour of Duty 27th October 2012 to 19th November 2012
After spending some time at home I phoned the company and made myself available. At first I thought the company would be flying me to CLE to get a truck from Middleburg Heights, OH to Baltimore, MD. I was concerned because I expected the timeline of that trip would result in me arriving in Baltimore about the same time Hurricane Sandy would be affecting the area.
The company booked me an air ticket to RDU and I was assigned a trip from Creedmoor, NC to Milton, ON. Saturday 27th of October I got a ride to LAX and after a slow-moving queue I checked in and my bags weighed 48 and 43.5lbs. The queue for security was longer but faster moving and I opted out of the body scanner and received a patdown. My briefcase was inspected. While waiting for the flight I saw a Korean Air A-380 and an Air Pacific B-747 among other airplanes.
American Airlines #2448 LAX-DFW B-737-800 Group 1
Seat 7A Cruising altitude 39,000 feet Estimated flying time 2:30, actual 2:37
Depart: Gate 42A Scheduled 13h35, actual 13h35 Taxi: 15 minutes
Arrive: Gate A28 Scheduled 18h35, actual 18h43 Taxi: 15 minutes
We boarded via jetway. First Class was full and coach was mostly full. I was in the front row of coach and the middle seat stayed empty. It was announced it was clear and 55F at DFW.
Pushback was on time and takeoff was to the west and we were overwater in 36 seconds. Then we turned south and I saw Redondo Beach and I had a good view of the Palos Verdes Peninsula. Then south of the Palos Verdes Peninsula we turned east and I saw San Pedro, the Vincent Thomas Bridge, the Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach and downtown Long Beach. Then I saw Seal Beach and the Bolsa Chica Wetlands and Huntington Harbour as well as a panoramic view of the Los Angeles Basin before making landfall over Huntington Beach at 0:08.
I saw Mile Square Park, Disneyland, Irvine Lake before crossing the Santa Ana Mountains then I saw Lake Mathews and Lake Perris, Perris and Menifee Valley and San Jacinto and the Morongo Casino before passing over the north part of Palm Springs. I saw Desert Hot Springs and Yucca Valley as well as 29 Palms.
Seatbelt sign went off at 0:23 and we stayed north of Interstate 10. At 0:28 I saw the junction of California 62 and California 177. We continued east a little south and parallel to California 62. We crossed the Colorado River at 0:34 and I saw Parker Dam and Lake Havasu.
At 0:44 I got a can of Dr. Pepper and BOB was offered and I got some chips. At 0:46 seatbelt sign went on and I felt some bumps and I saw Prescott, AZ to the distance. At 0:49 we crossed Interstate 17 and I saw Cordes Junction, AZ. Later on I saw the Mogollon Rim. At 1:02 I saw Snowflake, AZ with Holbrook and Interstate 40 to the distance. At 1:06 I saw St. Johns, AZ and the Painted Desert.
At 1:09 I felt bumps and I felt descent to a lower altitude. At 1:23 we crossed Interstate 25 and I also saw the Rio Grande and Belen, NM with Albuquerque to the distance then we passed over the Manzano Mountains at 1:25. At 1:43 I saw what looked to be US70 and Friona, TX. At 1:54 we crossed Interstate 27 and I saw Plainview, TX with Tulia in the distance and the Amarillo area barely visible to the far distance. Then I saw the Llano Estacado.
I thought I felt descent begin at 2:01 but was unsure of exact location. At 2:03 I saw US287 and the Red River then I saw Childress, TX. We followed US287 and I saw Quanah, Vernon, Electra and Wichita Falls, TX then I saw Decatur, TX before I saw some lakes then we turned more south at 2:28 and I saw DFW and downtown Dallas to the distance. We headed due south and crossed Texas 183 then crossed Interstate 30 and at 2:31 it was announced it was 57F at DFW.
We turned east and I saw Arlington, TX including the baseball and football stadiums and Six Flags. We landed south to north and arrived at gate 8 minutes late mainly due to long taxi time.
American Airlines #1902 DFW-RDU MD-80 Group 4
Seat 17F Cruising altitude 27,000 feet Estimated flying time 2:15, actual 2:05
Depart: Gate C8 Scheduled 20h10, actual 20h07 Taxi: 9 minutes
Arrive: Gate C21 Scheduled 23h40, actual 23h25 Taxi: 3 minutes
Reclaim bags 20-21 minutes after arrival
We boarded via jetway and TSA was present and checked ID of all who boarded. First Class had 4 empty seats and coach was not totally full as there was an empty middle seat in my row. It was announced it was partly cloudy and 64F at RDU. Pushback was 3 minutes early and takeoff was to the north. I saw the lights of the DFW Metroplex immediately after takeoff.
At 0:26 I got can of Ginger Ale. Seatbelt sign went off before that as I dozed off. At 0:45 it was announced we crossed the Mississippi River south of Memphis. At 0:59 I saw cloud cover below. Seatbelt sign went on at 1:25, off again and on again at 1:40. I thought I felt descent begin at 1:48. At 1:50 it was announced we made up time en route and it was 62F at RDU. I saw clouds increase on descent and we landed south to north on a dry runway and arrived 15 minutes early.
There was some wind but it was not too bad and it remained dry though I heard it was raining about 20 miles east of Raleigh. I got shuttle to motel and spent night in Morrisville, NC.
Trip: Creedmoor, NC to Milton, ON 699 paid miles
Make: International
Model: Bucket Truck
Transmission: Automatic
Route: Interstate 85 to Interstate 40 to US52 to Interstate 74 to Interstate 77 to US19 to Interstate 79 to Interstate 90 to Interstate 190 to Peace Bridge to Ontario 405 to QEW to Ontario 25
Maximum elevation: 3,252 feet at Flat Top on Interstate 77 2 miles south of Ghent, WV
Diesel Price (Canada) $1.219CAD/litre at Fifth Wheel Milton, ON
Highest Diesel Price (USA) $4.259/gallon at Pilot Erie, PA
Lowest Diesel Price(USA) $3.769/gallon at Flying J Wytheville, VA
Permits Required: none
Border Crossing: Lewiston, NY/Queenston, ON
Late Sunday morning I hired a taxi to Creedmoor, NC where I made an after hours pickup of the truck. It remained dry but there was some wind and I saw some fall colours. I stopped in Greensboro, NC and took some pictures of downtown. Then I proceeded and attended evening service at Berean Baptist Church in Winston-Salem, NC. The sermon was on the Judgment Seat of Christ. The wind picked up after I left Winston-Salem and a few sprinkles started in Mt. Airy, NC as I started my run north on Interstate 77. The wind really picked up as I ascended toward Fancy Gap, VA. I shut down and spent the night in Hillsville, VA.
Monday morning 30th October it was snowing lightly and the snow did not stick. This was my first snow of the season. The snow did not stick in Virginia but the snow picked up once I crossed into West Virginia. I thought the snow would diminish once I reached Beckley but it didn't. I started my run north on US19 and the snow increased and started to stick and covered the road so I shut down early. I spent the night in Summersville, WV.
Tuesday I checked road conditions. Some areas of West Virginia had blizzard or near blizzard conditions. There was a closure south of Summersville and I learned that Interstate 79 was clear so I dug out almost got stuck but I got out and got rolling. US19 was snow covered but conditions improved just before I reached Interstate 79 and once on the Interstate it was snowing but the snow did not stick to that road. I took on fuel in Morgantown, WV then once I crossed into Pennsylvania, the snow changed to light rain as if someone flipped a switch. The rain diminished to drizzle and mist and it stopped raining briefly when I shut down and spent the night in Erie, PA.
Wednesday I proceeded and stopped at US Customs Lewiston, NY to get the title cleared then I crossed the border into Canada. I was not sent to Immigration but had to see the broker. I was cleared and rain was more steady in Ontario. I spent the night in Milton, ON.
Thursday it was cloudy to start. I thought I would be sent to Ft. Worth, TX to get a truck going to Pasadena, CA. I delivered the truck in Milton then I was picked up by a company driver and after picking up another driver in Cambridge I was taken to the yard in Caledonia, ON before being taken to Buffalo, NY where I spent the night as the company booked me a flight the next morning.
To be continued.
After spending some time at home I phoned the company and made myself available. At first I thought the company would be flying me to CLE to get a truck from Middleburg Heights, OH to Baltimore, MD. I was concerned because I expected the timeline of that trip would result in me arriving in Baltimore about the same time Hurricane Sandy would be affecting the area.
The company booked me an air ticket to RDU and I was assigned a trip from Creedmoor, NC to Milton, ON. Saturday 27th of October I got a ride to LAX and after a slow-moving queue I checked in and my bags weighed 48 and 43.5lbs. The queue for security was longer but faster moving and I opted out of the body scanner and received a patdown. My briefcase was inspected. While waiting for the flight I saw a Korean Air A-380 and an Air Pacific B-747 among other airplanes.
American Airlines #2448 LAX-DFW B-737-800 Group 1
Seat 7A Cruising altitude 39,000 feet Estimated flying time 2:30, actual 2:37
Depart: Gate 42A Scheduled 13h35, actual 13h35 Taxi: 15 minutes
Arrive: Gate A28 Scheduled 18h35, actual 18h43 Taxi: 15 minutes
We boarded via jetway. First Class was full and coach was mostly full. I was in the front row of coach and the middle seat stayed empty. It was announced it was clear and 55F at DFW.
Pushback was on time and takeoff was to the west and we were overwater in 36 seconds. Then we turned south and I saw Redondo Beach and I had a good view of the Palos Verdes Peninsula. Then south of the Palos Verdes Peninsula we turned east and I saw San Pedro, the Vincent Thomas Bridge, the Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach and downtown Long Beach. Then I saw Seal Beach and the Bolsa Chica Wetlands and Huntington Harbour as well as a panoramic view of the Los Angeles Basin before making landfall over Huntington Beach at 0:08.
I saw Mile Square Park, Disneyland, Irvine Lake before crossing the Santa Ana Mountains then I saw Lake Mathews and Lake Perris, Perris and Menifee Valley and San Jacinto and the Morongo Casino before passing over the north part of Palm Springs. I saw Desert Hot Springs and Yucca Valley as well as 29 Palms.
Seatbelt sign went off at 0:23 and we stayed north of Interstate 10. At 0:28 I saw the junction of California 62 and California 177. We continued east a little south and parallel to California 62. We crossed the Colorado River at 0:34 and I saw Parker Dam and Lake Havasu.
At 0:44 I got a can of Dr. Pepper and BOB was offered and I got some chips. At 0:46 seatbelt sign went on and I felt some bumps and I saw Prescott, AZ to the distance. At 0:49 we crossed Interstate 17 and I saw Cordes Junction, AZ. Later on I saw the Mogollon Rim. At 1:02 I saw Snowflake, AZ with Holbrook and Interstate 40 to the distance. At 1:06 I saw St. Johns, AZ and the Painted Desert.
At 1:09 I felt bumps and I felt descent to a lower altitude. At 1:23 we crossed Interstate 25 and I also saw the Rio Grande and Belen, NM with Albuquerque to the distance then we passed over the Manzano Mountains at 1:25. At 1:43 I saw what looked to be US70 and Friona, TX. At 1:54 we crossed Interstate 27 and I saw Plainview, TX with Tulia in the distance and the Amarillo area barely visible to the far distance. Then I saw the Llano Estacado.
I thought I felt descent begin at 2:01 but was unsure of exact location. At 2:03 I saw US287 and the Red River then I saw Childress, TX. We followed US287 and I saw Quanah, Vernon, Electra and Wichita Falls, TX then I saw Decatur, TX before I saw some lakes then we turned more south at 2:28 and I saw DFW and downtown Dallas to the distance. We headed due south and crossed Texas 183 then crossed Interstate 30 and at 2:31 it was announced it was 57F at DFW.
We turned east and I saw Arlington, TX including the baseball and football stadiums and Six Flags. We landed south to north and arrived at gate 8 minutes late mainly due to long taxi time.
American Airlines #1902 DFW-RDU MD-80 Group 4
Seat 17F Cruising altitude 27,000 feet Estimated flying time 2:15, actual 2:05
Depart: Gate C8 Scheduled 20h10, actual 20h07 Taxi: 9 minutes
Arrive: Gate C21 Scheduled 23h40, actual 23h25 Taxi: 3 minutes
Reclaim bags 20-21 minutes after arrival
We boarded via jetway and TSA was present and checked ID of all who boarded. First Class had 4 empty seats and coach was not totally full as there was an empty middle seat in my row. It was announced it was partly cloudy and 64F at RDU. Pushback was 3 minutes early and takeoff was to the north. I saw the lights of the DFW Metroplex immediately after takeoff.
At 0:26 I got can of Ginger Ale. Seatbelt sign went off before that as I dozed off. At 0:45 it was announced we crossed the Mississippi River south of Memphis. At 0:59 I saw cloud cover below. Seatbelt sign went on at 1:25, off again and on again at 1:40. I thought I felt descent begin at 1:48. At 1:50 it was announced we made up time en route and it was 62F at RDU. I saw clouds increase on descent and we landed south to north on a dry runway and arrived 15 minutes early.
There was some wind but it was not too bad and it remained dry though I heard it was raining about 20 miles east of Raleigh. I got shuttle to motel and spent night in Morrisville, NC.
Trip: Creedmoor, NC to Milton, ON 699 paid miles
Make: International
Model: Bucket Truck
Transmission: Automatic
Route: Interstate 85 to Interstate 40 to US52 to Interstate 74 to Interstate 77 to US19 to Interstate 79 to Interstate 90 to Interstate 190 to Peace Bridge to Ontario 405 to QEW to Ontario 25
Maximum elevation: 3,252 feet at Flat Top on Interstate 77 2 miles south of Ghent, WV
Diesel Price (Canada) $1.219CAD/litre at Fifth Wheel Milton, ON
Highest Diesel Price (USA) $4.259/gallon at Pilot Erie, PA
Lowest Diesel Price(USA) $3.769/gallon at Flying J Wytheville, VA
Permits Required: none
Border Crossing: Lewiston, NY/Queenston, ON
Late Sunday morning I hired a taxi to Creedmoor, NC where I made an after hours pickup of the truck. It remained dry but there was some wind and I saw some fall colours. I stopped in Greensboro, NC and took some pictures of downtown. Then I proceeded and attended evening service at Berean Baptist Church in Winston-Salem, NC. The sermon was on the Judgment Seat of Christ. The wind picked up after I left Winston-Salem and a few sprinkles started in Mt. Airy, NC as I started my run north on Interstate 77. The wind really picked up as I ascended toward Fancy Gap, VA. I shut down and spent the night in Hillsville, VA.
Monday morning 30th October it was snowing lightly and the snow did not stick. This was my first snow of the season. The snow did not stick in Virginia but the snow picked up once I crossed into West Virginia. I thought the snow would diminish once I reached Beckley but it didn't. I started my run north on US19 and the snow increased and started to stick and covered the road so I shut down early. I spent the night in Summersville, WV.
Tuesday I checked road conditions. Some areas of West Virginia had blizzard or near blizzard conditions. There was a closure south of Summersville and I learned that Interstate 79 was clear so I dug out almost got stuck but I got out and got rolling. US19 was snow covered but conditions improved just before I reached Interstate 79 and once on the Interstate it was snowing but the snow did not stick to that road. I took on fuel in Morgantown, WV then once I crossed into Pennsylvania, the snow changed to light rain as if someone flipped a switch. The rain diminished to drizzle and mist and it stopped raining briefly when I shut down and spent the night in Erie, PA.
Wednesday I proceeded and stopped at US Customs Lewiston, NY to get the title cleared then I crossed the border into Canada. I was not sent to Immigration but had to see the broker. I was cleared and rain was more steady in Ontario. I spent the night in Milton, ON.
Thursday it was cloudy to start. I thought I would be sent to Ft. Worth, TX to get a truck going to Pasadena, CA. I delivered the truck in Milton then I was picked up by a company driver and after picking up another driver in Cambridge I was taken to the yard in Caledonia, ON before being taken to Buffalo, NY where I spent the night as the company booked me a flight the next morning.
To be continued.
Nov 28, 2012 | 5:19 pm
#2
Original Poster
Join Date: Aug 2004
Location: Let me check my Logbook
Programs: Southwest Rapid Rewards; AAdvantage; Alaska Mileage Plan; Wyndham Rewards; Choice Hotels
Posts: 2,406
Continued from Previous Post
Instead of flying to DAL or DFW to get truck in Ft. Worth, TX the company changed plans on me and booked me a ticket on Southwest to Panama City, FL (ECP). I took shuttle to BUF, checked in after a well-moving queue and my bags weighed 50 and 47lbs. I cleared security after short queue and opted for the patdown rather than the machine and the whole process took just under 30 minutes.
Southwest #386 BUF-BWI B-737-700 Boarding Pass A2
Seat 2F Cruising altitude 25,000 feet Estimated flying time not given, actual 0:56
Depart: Gate 18 Scheduled 08h35, actual 08h54 Taxi: 6 minutes
Arrive: Gate A5 Scheduled 09h50, actual 09h59 Taxi: 2 minutes
The plane was late arriving. We boarded via jetway and the plane was not totally full with 98 out of 137 seats taken. It was announced there were scattered clouds and it was 47F at BWI. Pushback was 19 minutes late. Takeoff was to the west and we went into clouds in under a minute and I felt some bumps in the early part of climb.
Seatbelt sign went off at 0:10. At 0:14 I got a cup of soda. At 0:15 I felt descent begin. Seatbelt sign went on and descent was announced at 0:24. It was announced it was 45F at BWI. I saw downtown Baltimore and Interstate 695 and the Dundalk Terminal on approach while heading east. We swung out over Chesapeake Bay then turned south and west and I saw some fall colours and some green trees on final. We landed east to west and arrived at gate 9 minutes late.
Southwest #40 BWI-ECP B-737-300 Boarding Pass A3
Seat 4A Cruising altitude not given; Estimated flying time 2:00, actual 1:51
Depart: Gate B8 Scheduled 11h35, actual 11h38 Taxi: 23 minutes
Arrive: Gate 2 Scheduled 13h00, actual 12h55 Taxi: 2 min
Reclaim bags 18-20 minutes after arrival
We boarded via jetway and the plane was almost full with 131 of 137 seats taken. It was announced it was clear and 70F at ECP (Panama City, FL). Pushback was 3 minutes late and takeoff was to the southwest. At 0:07 it appeared we crossed the Potomac River then I saw part of Interstate 495 Beltway around Washington, DC and part of Interstate 66 through breaks in the clouds. Clouds increased as we headed southwest.
At 0:20 I got peanuts and Cheese Nips. At 0:31 I got cup of soda and at 0:41 I got second cup of soda. Clouds started to break and I saw what looked like Charlotte and CLT. At 0:58 we crossed what looked to be Interstate 26 in SC and at 1:00 we crossed Interstate 385 and I saw the split between Interstate 26 and 385. We crossed into Georgia airspace at 1:06.
I felt descent begin at 1:38 over southwest Georgia or southeast Alabama. At 1:42 I saw what looked to be the junction of Interstate 10 and US231. I saw pine trees on approach and had a hazy view of the Gulf Coast in the far distance. We landed north northwest to south southeast and arrived at gate 5 minutes early. I hired a taxi to the shipper.
Trip: Panama City, FL to Vaudreuil-Dorion, QC 1,480 paid miles
Make: Georgetown at Forest River, 2007
Model: RV/Motor Home
Transmission: Automatic (note: this vehicle ran on gasoline, not diesel)
Route: US231 to US431 to US280 to US80 to Interstate 185 to Interstate 85 to Interstate 285 (ring road around ATL) back to Interstate 85 to Interstate 77 to Interstate 81 to Interstate 88 to Interstate 90 to Interstate 87 (Adirondack Northway) to Quebec 15 to Quebec 20
Maximum elevation: unknown but Hillsville, VA was 2,565 feet
Highest gas price USA: $3.659/gallon at Flying J New Milford, PA
Lowest gas price USA: $3.079/gallon at Love's Blacksburg, SC
Permits required: none
Border Crossing: Champlain, NY/Lacolle, QC
I made the pickup and this was my first experience with an RV/Motor Home. I talked with the shipper to be checked out on some things. Then I got started and stopped at a filling station in Panama City to take on gas as the tank was down to a quarter full. When I opened the exit the stairs extended. I got the gas then noticed the stairs did not retract when I closed the exit after I got in. I phoned the shipper and he came down but was unable to get the stairs to retract so I couldn't drive the vehicle in that condition down the highway! Fortunately there was a motel next door and the parking lot was accessable without going out on the public road so the shipper drove the RV slowly over to the motel parking lot and I ended up spending the night in Panama City, FL.
Saturday morning a tech came to fix the stairs so when I checked out of the motel the stairs were retracted and extended when I opened the door but would not retract again so I made another phone call to the shipper and the tech came out while I was waiting in the motel lobby and fixed the stairs so they would not extend but stay retracted for the duration of the trip. I notified the company about this issue and made a notation on the bill of lading inspection sheet.
I headed to Panama City Beach to take a walk and take some pictures as I never was in this area before. I took some pictures and then saw a little of Panama City but could not get close to the Pier as Paul Ryan (Vice Presidential Candidate) was scheduled to make a campaign appearance. I then headed north on US231 and stopped at Laropa's BBQ in Alford, FL and had some smoked mullet. I've been wanting to try mullet for some time and I found it very tasty though I did not like having to pick out the bones. I took on gas in Cottondale, FL then headed north and shut down and spent the night in Dothan, AL.
Sunday morning I attended church at Greater Dothan Baptist Church in Dothan, AL. The subject in both Sunday School and church was prayer. I had lunch at Dobbs Bar B Que then proceeded north. I stopped for gas in Newnan, GA, cleared the Atlanta area and shut down and spent the night in Commerce, GA.
Monday I continued north and it was a nice day. I saw gasoline as low as $2.929/gallon at some places in South Carolina but couldn't tell if those places were suitable for the RV. I stayed up late and got as far as Dublin, VA where I spent the night.
Tuesday was election day and I mailed in my absentee ballot before I left California. It was cloudy and there was some light rain near Dublin, VA. I continued up Interstate 81 through VA, WV, MD into PA and that evening I listened to election returns. I cleared Harrisburg and spent the night in Jonestown, PA (near Lebanon).
Wednesday I did not encounter any precipitation but I thought I might as a Nor'easter was hitting the east coast. I stopped and took some pictures of Wilkes-Barre, PA then continued and took on gas in New Milford, PA before crossing into NY. I approached the Albany area and the roads started to look wet. Once on Interstate 87 the roads were wet but there was no precipitation falling though I saw some northbound cars covered with snow. I realised I narrowly missed the storm and if I took Interstate 78 east into New Jersey to Interstate 287 to Interstate 87 I would have been snowed on for sure and may have been delayed. I cleared Albany and spent the night in Queensbury, NY.
Thursday it was cloudy and breezy to windy. I learned I would not be able to cross the border until Friday due to a rule that a copy of the title has to be at US Customs for at least 72 hours before export would be approved. I had a short day and stopped in Plattsburgh, NY where I spent the night.
Friday I stopped at US Customs in Champlain, NY and got the title cleared. Then I crossed the border and was sent to Immigration before being allowed to contact the broker. The broker made some mistakes and the paperwork was sent back a second and third time for corrections. Finally I was cleared and I got stuck in traffic in Montreal. I got to the Flying J truckstop in Vaudreuil-Dorion and was met by the receiver who led me to the delivery point. I delivered the RV then got ride to hotel and spent night in Pointe Claire, QC
To be continued
Southwest #386 BUF-BWI B-737-700 Boarding Pass A2
Seat 2F Cruising altitude 25,000 feet Estimated flying time not given, actual 0:56
Depart: Gate 18 Scheduled 08h35, actual 08h54 Taxi: 6 minutes
Arrive: Gate A5 Scheduled 09h50, actual 09h59 Taxi: 2 minutes
The plane was late arriving. We boarded via jetway and the plane was not totally full with 98 out of 137 seats taken. It was announced there were scattered clouds and it was 47F at BWI. Pushback was 19 minutes late. Takeoff was to the west and we went into clouds in under a minute and I felt some bumps in the early part of climb.
Seatbelt sign went off at 0:10. At 0:14 I got a cup of soda. At 0:15 I felt descent begin. Seatbelt sign went on and descent was announced at 0:24. It was announced it was 45F at BWI. I saw downtown Baltimore and Interstate 695 and the Dundalk Terminal on approach while heading east. We swung out over Chesapeake Bay then turned south and west and I saw some fall colours and some green trees on final. We landed east to west and arrived at gate 9 minutes late.
Southwest #40 BWI-ECP B-737-300 Boarding Pass A3
Seat 4A Cruising altitude not given; Estimated flying time 2:00, actual 1:51
Depart: Gate B8 Scheduled 11h35, actual 11h38 Taxi: 23 minutes
Arrive: Gate 2 Scheduled 13h00, actual 12h55 Taxi: 2 min
Reclaim bags 18-20 minutes after arrival
We boarded via jetway and the plane was almost full with 131 of 137 seats taken. It was announced it was clear and 70F at ECP (Panama City, FL). Pushback was 3 minutes late and takeoff was to the southwest. At 0:07 it appeared we crossed the Potomac River then I saw part of Interstate 495 Beltway around Washington, DC and part of Interstate 66 through breaks in the clouds. Clouds increased as we headed southwest.
At 0:20 I got peanuts and Cheese Nips. At 0:31 I got cup of soda and at 0:41 I got second cup of soda. Clouds started to break and I saw what looked like Charlotte and CLT. At 0:58 we crossed what looked to be Interstate 26 in SC and at 1:00 we crossed Interstate 385 and I saw the split between Interstate 26 and 385. We crossed into Georgia airspace at 1:06.
I felt descent begin at 1:38 over southwest Georgia or southeast Alabama. At 1:42 I saw what looked to be the junction of Interstate 10 and US231. I saw pine trees on approach and had a hazy view of the Gulf Coast in the far distance. We landed north northwest to south southeast and arrived at gate 5 minutes early. I hired a taxi to the shipper.
Trip: Panama City, FL to Vaudreuil-Dorion, QC 1,480 paid miles
Make: Georgetown at Forest River, 2007
Model: RV/Motor Home
Transmission: Automatic (note: this vehicle ran on gasoline, not diesel)
Route: US231 to US431 to US280 to US80 to Interstate 185 to Interstate 85 to Interstate 285 (ring road around ATL) back to Interstate 85 to Interstate 77 to Interstate 81 to Interstate 88 to Interstate 90 to Interstate 87 (Adirondack Northway) to Quebec 15 to Quebec 20
Maximum elevation: unknown but Hillsville, VA was 2,565 feet
Highest gas price USA: $3.659/gallon at Flying J New Milford, PA
Lowest gas price USA: $3.079/gallon at Love's Blacksburg, SC
Permits required: none
Border Crossing: Champlain, NY/Lacolle, QC
I made the pickup and this was my first experience with an RV/Motor Home. I talked with the shipper to be checked out on some things. Then I got started and stopped at a filling station in Panama City to take on gas as the tank was down to a quarter full. When I opened the exit the stairs extended. I got the gas then noticed the stairs did not retract when I closed the exit after I got in. I phoned the shipper and he came down but was unable to get the stairs to retract so I couldn't drive the vehicle in that condition down the highway! Fortunately there was a motel next door and the parking lot was accessable without going out on the public road so the shipper drove the RV slowly over to the motel parking lot and I ended up spending the night in Panama City, FL.
Saturday morning a tech came to fix the stairs so when I checked out of the motel the stairs were retracted and extended when I opened the door but would not retract again so I made another phone call to the shipper and the tech came out while I was waiting in the motel lobby and fixed the stairs so they would not extend but stay retracted for the duration of the trip. I notified the company about this issue and made a notation on the bill of lading inspection sheet.
I headed to Panama City Beach to take a walk and take some pictures as I never was in this area before. I took some pictures and then saw a little of Panama City but could not get close to the Pier as Paul Ryan (Vice Presidential Candidate) was scheduled to make a campaign appearance. I then headed north on US231 and stopped at Laropa's BBQ in Alford, FL and had some smoked mullet. I've been wanting to try mullet for some time and I found it very tasty though I did not like having to pick out the bones. I took on gas in Cottondale, FL then headed north and shut down and spent the night in Dothan, AL.
Sunday morning I attended church at Greater Dothan Baptist Church in Dothan, AL. The subject in both Sunday School and church was prayer. I had lunch at Dobbs Bar B Que then proceeded north. I stopped for gas in Newnan, GA, cleared the Atlanta area and shut down and spent the night in Commerce, GA.
Monday I continued north and it was a nice day. I saw gasoline as low as $2.929/gallon at some places in South Carolina but couldn't tell if those places were suitable for the RV. I stayed up late and got as far as Dublin, VA where I spent the night.
Tuesday was election day and I mailed in my absentee ballot before I left California. It was cloudy and there was some light rain near Dublin, VA. I continued up Interstate 81 through VA, WV, MD into PA and that evening I listened to election returns. I cleared Harrisburg and spent the night in Jonestown, PA (near Lebanon).
Wednesday I did not encounter any precipitation but I thought I might as a Nor'easter was hitting the east coast. I stopped and took some pictures of Wilkes-Barre, PA then continued and took on gas in New Milford, PA before crossing into NY. I approached the Albany area and the roads started to look wet. Once on Interstate 87 the roads were wet but there was no precipitation falling though I saw some northbound cars covered with snow. I realised I narrowly missed the storm and if I took Interstate 78 east into New Jersey to Interstate 287 to Interstate 87 I would have been snowed on for sure and may have been delayed. I cleared Albany and spent the night in Queensbury, NY.
Thursday it was cloudy and breezy to windy. I learned I would not be able to cross the border until Friday due to a rule that a copy of the title has to be at US Customs for at least 72 hours before export would be approved. I had a short day and stopped in Plattsburgh, NY where I spent the night.
Friday I stopped at US Customs in Champlain, NY and got the title cleared. Then I crossed the border and was sent to Immigration before being allowed to contact the broker. The broker made some mistakes and the paperwork was sent back a second and third time for corrections. Finally I was cleared and I got stuck in traffic in Montreal. I got to the Flying J truckstop in Vaudreuil-Dorion and was met by the receiver who led me to the delivery point. I delivered the RV then got ride to hotel and spent night in Pointe Claire, QC
To be continued
Last edited by Loose Cannon; Nov 28, 2012 at 5:31 pm
Nov 29, 2012 | 3:09 am
#3
Original Poster
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Continued from Previous Post
Saturday morning was bright and clear and I received faxes and Trip Paperwork and I found out the truck was parked in a lot next to the hotel so I located the truck and did the safety inspection.
Trip: Pointe Claire (Montreal), QC to Baltimore, MD 471 paid miles
Make: Freightliner 2008
Model: Road Tractor
Transmission: Automatic, no clutch
Route: Quebec 20 to Quebec 15 to Interstate 87 to Interstate 287 to Interstate 95 New Jersey Turnpike to Interstate 295 back to Interstate 95
Maximum elevation: unknown
Diesel Canada: $1.369CAD/litre at Ultramar Pointe Claire, QC
Diesel USA: $4.259/gallon at Peterbilt Champlain, NY
Permits Required: none
Border Crossing: Lacolle, QC to Champlain, NY
I got started and used the Pont Champlain to cross the St. Lawrence River and traffic was jammed but I saw signs saying there was lane closure on the Pont Mercier. The border crossing went with no problem. I stopped in Round Lake, NY for a made to order deli sandwich. I continued south and wanted to shut down in the Newburgh area but found that lodging in that area was full up so I shut down and spent the night in Kingston, NY.
Sunday morning I attended service at Faith Baptist Church Montgomery, NY. That evening I just got on the New Jersey Turnpike when the truck conked out. I was able to get to the breakdown lane and I checked the truck out and was able to get it started again. I spent the night in New Castle, DE.
Monday I detected no obvious problem with the truck so I got rolling and got to Elkton, MD where I topped off the coolant. I had no problem after that and I proceeded to the Port of Baltimore only to find out US Customs is closed and many of the terminals are also closed as the Veterans Day holiday was being observed. I got a room and spent the night in Baltimore, MD.
Tuesday I proceeded to the port and checked in and got the bond canceled then went to the terminal and was able to find the correct terminal and after lunch I delivered the truck then hired a taxi to BWI.
The taxi driver saw the lettering on my shirt and asked me where I was from. I said California and she asked me if I knew a person (street preacher) named Reuben. I said yes he lives a short hop, not even a skip and a jump from where I live when I am home. We chatted on the way to the airport and I was told the company would book me a flight to PWM where I am to get a hotel then take Greyhound from Portland, ME to Bangor, ME and get a garbage truck going to St. Nicolas, QC.
After arriving at the airport I rang the company and was told plans were changed as the garbage truck was not yet ready so an air ticket to YUL was booked via YYZ on AC. I hustled from the A concourse to the E concourse and checked in and my bags weighed 47 and 49.5lbs. I cleared security and opted out of the machine for a patdown instead.
Air Canada Jazz #7935 BWI-YYZ Dash 8-100
Seat 9F Cruising altitude 25,000 feet Estimated flying time 1:27, actual 1:24
Depart: Gate E2 Scheduled 18h15, actual 18h12 Taxi: 4 minutes
Arrive: Gate 270 Scheduled 19h57, actual 19h46 Taxi: 5 minutes
We went down the jetway then down stairs and a short walk across the Tarmac and boarded via stairs. The plane was not totally full but the capacity was 37, all coach. The propellers started and departure was 3 minutes early and takeoff was to the south. I saw lights of the Baltimore metro area and it appeared the highways were busy with many moving slowly. We turned east and north.
Seatbelt sign went off at 0:13 and at 0:19 I got can of soda and pretzels. I thought I felt descent at 0:58, seatbelt sign went on at 1:13 and at 1:14 I saw the lights of the GTA partially blocked by clouds. I felt bumps during approach and we made landfall and I saw downtown Toronto at 1:18 then I saw the DVP and 401 and we landed east to west and arrived at gate 11 minutes early. We deplaned via stairs and it was not long before we were in the building but it seemed to be a very long walk to Customs Hall without any moving sidewalks.
Upon arrival at Customs I went to a booth and was sent to Immigration. The queue for Immigration took just over 30 minutes and when I got to the desk I was asked why I was coming to Canada. I explained I was getting a truck in the Montreal area to take to Baltimore. The officer thought I was working for a Canadian company which he said is illegal without a work permit but I tried to explain that the company had a U.S. office and I was asked if taxes were withheld and I said no I am considered an Independent Contractor so I have to do my own taxes. He also did not like the fact that I did not have a work order with me though plans changed at the last minute and there was no way a work order could be faxed to me. I gave the officer the phone number with instructions on how to attempt to get a hold of after hours dispatch and he reached someone and after a short wait I was summoned back and admitted to Canada.
I claimed my bags then exited Customs and went to a help desk and asked if I could get on an earlier flight and was given a boarding pass for an earlier flight.
Air Canada #434 YYZ-YUL Seat 23A
Scheduled departure 23h45 Scheduled arrival 00h54 +1
I DID NOT TAKE THIS FLIGHT
Air Canada #430 YYZ-YUL A-320
Seat 33F Cruising altitude 35,000 feet Estimated flying time 0:51, actual 0:47
Depart: Gate D34 Scheduled 22h30, actual 22h29 Taxi: 13 minutes
Arrive: Gate 2 Scheduled 23h40, actual 23h36 Taxi: 6 minutes
Reclaim bags 21-23 minutes after arrival
We boarded via jetway and the plane was mostly full. It was announced it was -1C at YUL. Pushback was one minute early and takeoff was to the west. We made turn to the south and I saw the lights of the "Golden Horseshoe" then we turned east and went above clouds. Seatbelt sign went off at 0:03. I felt us reach cruise at 0:23 and felt descent begin at 0:28 a little past Brockville, ON. At 0:32 I got cup of soda and pretzels over Cornwall, ON. I saw the lights of the Montreal area and we overflew YUL then turned south and west and landed east to west and arrived at gate 4 minutes early. After claiming bags I went to catch the shuttle to the hotel and met a bootwearer from Winnipeg who is with the same company. I spent the night in Point Claire, QC.
Next day I had to wait to be picked up to be taken to the shipper. The company asked for a quote for a price for a taxi ride and I found it would be at least 126$ or higher if there was traffic and waiting time. As a result I had to wait for a ride so it was late when I got to the truck which was left out. The truck was unlocked but the key was not where the shipper said it would be so there was time burned trying to locate the key.
Trip: St-Jean-Baptiste, QC to Baltimore, MD 572 paid miles
Make: Freightliner 2009
Model: Road Tractor
Transmission: Automatic, no clutch
Route: Quebec 229 to Quebec 20 to Quebec 30 to Quebec 15 to Interstate 87 to New York 7 to Interstate 787 to Interstate 87 to Interstate 287 to Interstate 95 New Jersey Turnpike to Interstate 295 back to Interstate 95
Maximum elevation: unknown
Highest Diesel price USA: $4.359/gallon at Church Oil Plattsburgh, NY
Lowest Diesel price USA: $4.197/gallon at Flying J Elkton, MD
Permits required: none
Border Crossing: Lacolle, QC/Champlain, NY
I was able to do the safety inspection as the driver who took me trained his headlights on the truck. After the keys were found I got rolling and the border crossing went well and since it was late I shut down and spent the night in Plattsburgh, NY.
Thursday I continued south and took on fuel and topped off the coolant. There were times when the "check engine" light came on for no apparent reason. I got a deli sandwich at Round Lake, NY then contined south. In new Jersey there turned out to be major construction going on along with lane closures as three lanes were reduced to one. As a result traffic came to a virtual stop and I got off at the next exit which put me in East Windsor. I phoned several hotels and was told there was no room no doubt to to displaced residents from Hurricane Sandy as well as power crews laying over while working to restore utilities. I made it to the Holiday and shut down 15 minutes prior to reaching the maximum time for the 14 hour workday.
Friday I got rolling and stopped in Elkton to take on a little fuel as I was not sure there was enough for me to make it to Baltimore before running out. I got to the Port and found I missed the 15h00 Friday cutoff for delivery of trucks so I had to wait until Monday to make delivery. Translation: I was stuck in Baltimore for the weekend. I got a room, checked in, ordered pizza for dinner and spent the night in Baltimore, MD.
Saturday I slept in and finally got organised late in the afternoon. I put the "Do not disturb" sign out and props to the housekeeping crew for honouring that sign. I went to downtown Baltimore and went to the observation deck on floor 27 of the 28 storey World Trade Center. I had a panoramic view of Baltimore at night and took a bunch of pictures. After I went down I saw a parade and the Pink Poodle was in the parade and Santa appeared. The mayor made a short speech then I saw a light show and had dinner before heading back to the truckstop and motel and spent the night in Baltimore, MD.
Sunday a new friend came to pick me up and he took me to Washington, DC where we attended morning service at Capitol Hill Baptist Church, just blocks from the national Capitol. Mark Dever is the pastor and he was present to speak and his sermon was entitled "I Am the Messiah" based on John 4. After church my new friend took me around some and I took pictures of some of the monuments. I saw the Lincoln Memorial, the Jefferson Memorial, the Martin Luther King and Franklin D. Roosevelt Memorial. Then I saw the Korean War and Vietnam War Memorial. As an added bonus I saw some very nice fall colours in Washington, DC.
My friend took me toward Union Station and pointed out where he often does open air street preaching. Then I was dropped off at Union Station where I caught an Amtrak train to Baltimore. The train ride took about 35 minutes and I spent the night in Baltimore, MD.
Monday I went to the Port and got the bond canceled and waited for receiving to open after lunch. I thought I might be refused but I wrote the truck VIN on the dock receipt so it was legible and delivery was accepted. I got signed copy of dock receipt then was taken to a place away from the port before being taken to BWI. I thought the company would book me on WN to LAX via LAS but alas they booked me to LAX via PHX on US so I went over to US Airways counter and checked in and checked bags and the weights were OK. Then I cleared security after a fairly long but fast moving queue. I thought I would have to opt out of the machine and be patted down but just before my turn the metal detector was opened so I went through that and no pat down.
US Airways #80 BWI-PHX A-320 Zone 2
Seat 11F Exit Row Cruising altitude not given. Estimated flying time 4:30, actual 4:22
Depart: Gate D26 Scheduled 17h10, actual 17h24 Taxi:13 minutes
Arrive: Gate A22 Scheduled 20h15, actual 20h05
We boarded via jetway and the plane was almost full with only a handful of middle seats empty. Pushback was 14 minutes late and takeoff was to the southwest. I saw the lights of the Baltimore area after takeoff. Seatbelt sign went off at 0:26. I felt bumps and seatbelt sign went on at 0:30. there was a drink run and I got cup of soda. BOB was offered but I declined as I bought a sandwich from Quiznos. Seatbelt sign went off again at 1:06 and at 1:32 I saw the lights of the St. Louis area. At 1:43 I got cup of ice water and at 2:24 we passed south of Kansas City.
At 3:04 seatbelt sign went on and at 3:12 it was announced that drink service was suspended due to turbulence. At 3:33 there was drink run and I got another cup of soda. At 3:54 it was announced we are beginning our descent into PHX. It was announced it was 72F and clear at PHX. I actually felt descent begin at 3:58. I saw the lights of the Phoenix metro area on approach and we landed east to west and arrived at gate 10 minutes early and deplaned via jetway.
US Airways #35 PHX-LAX A-321 Zone 1
Seat 10F Exit Row Cruising altitude not given Estimated flying time 0:56, actual 0:54
Depart: Gate A23 Scheduled 21h00, actual 21h04 Taxi: 12 minutes
Arrive: Gate 8 Scheduled 21h32, actual 21h21 Taxi: 10 minutes
Reclaim bags 22-23 minutes after arrival
We boarded via jetway and it was announced it was 62F with low scattered clouds at LAX. Pushback was 4 minutes late and takeoff was to the west. I saw the lights of the Phoenix metro area on initial climb. At 0:15 there was a drink run and I got cup of soda. We appeared to cross the Colorado River at 0:19. I felt descent begin at 0:31. Descent was announced at 0:32 and at 0:42 it was announced it would be 59F at LAX. I saw lights of different cities on approach. At 0:45 I saw the junction of Interstate 10, California 71 and California 210. We landed east to west and arrived at gate 11 minutes early. I claimed my bags then got a shuttle home. Thus ends this this Trip Report.
Trip: Pointe Claire (Montreal), QC to Baltimore, MD 471 paid miles
Make: Freightliner 2008
Model: Road Tractor
Transmission: Automatic, no clutch
Route: Quebec 20 to Quebec 15 to Interstate 87 to Interstate 287 to Interstate 95 New Jersey Turnpike to Interstate 295 back to Interstate 95
Maximum elevation: unknown
Diesel Canada: $1.369CAD/litre at Ultramar Pointe Claire, QC
Diesel USA: $4.259/gallon at Peterbilt Champlain, NY
Permits Required: none
Border Crossing: Lacolle, QC to Champlain, NY
I got started and used the Pont Champlain to cross the St. Lawrence River and traffic was jammed but I saw signs saying there was lane closure on the Pont Mercier. The border crossing went with no problem. I stopped in Round Lake, NY for a made to order deli sandwich. I continued south and wanted to shut down in the Newburgh area but found that lodging in that area was full up so I shut down and spent the night in Kingston, NY.
Sunday morning I attended service at Faith Baptist Church Montgomery, NY. That evening I just got on the New Jersey Turnpike when the truck conked out. I was able to get to the breakdown lane and I checked the truck out and was able to get it started again. I spent the night in New Castle, DE.
Monday I detected no obvious problem with the truck so I got rolling and got to Elkton, MD where I topped off the coolant. I had no problem after that and I proceeded to the Port of Baltimore only to find out US Customs is closed and many of the terminals are also closed as the Veterans Day holiday was being observed. I got a room and spent the night in Baltimore, MD.
Tuesday I proceeded to the port and checked in and got the bond canceled then went to the terminal and was able to find the correct terminal and after lunch I delivered the truck then hired a taxi to BWI.
The taxi driver saw the lettering on my shirt and asked me where I was from. I said California and she asked me if I knew a person (street preacher) named Reuben. I said yes he lives a short hop, not even a skip and a jump from where I live when I am home. We chatted on the way to the airport and I was told the company would book me a flight to PWM where I am to get a hotel then take Greyhound from Portland, ME to Bangor, ME and get a garbage truck going to St. Nicolas, QC.
After arriving at the airport I rang the company and was told plans were changed as the garbage truck was not yet ready so an air ticket to YUL was booked via YYZ on AC. I hustled from the A concourse to the E concourse and checked in and my bags weighed 47 and 49.5lbs. I cleared security and opted out of the machine for a patdown instead.
Air Canada Jazz #7935 BWI-YYZ Dash 8-100
Seat 9F Cruising altitude 25,000 feet Estimated flying time 1:27, actual 1:24
Depart: Gate E2 Scheduled 18h15, actual 18h12 Taxi: 4 minutes
Arrive: Gate 270 Scheduled 19h57, actual 19h46 Taxi: 5 minutes
We went down the jetway then down stairs and a short walk across the Tarmac and boarded via stairs. The plane was not totally full but the capacity was 37, all coach. The propellers started and departure was 3 minutes early and takeoff was to the south. I saw lights of the Baltimore metro area and it appeared the highways were busy with many moving slowly. We turned east and north.
Seatbelt sign went off at 0:13 and at 0:19 I got can of soda and pretzels. I thought I felt descent at 0:58, seatbelt sign went on at 1:13 and at 1:14 I saw the lights of the GTA partially blocked by clouds. I felt bumps during approach and we made landfall and I saw downtown Toronto at 1:18 then I saw the DVP and 401 and we landed east to west and arrived at gate 11 minutes early. We deplaned via stairs and it was not long before we were in the building but it seemed to be a very long walk to Customs Hall without any moving sidewalks.
Upon arrival at Customs I went to a booth and was sent to Immigration. The queue for Immigration took just over 30 minutes and when I got to the desk I was asked why I was coming to Canada. I explained I was getting a truck in the Montreal area to take to Baltimore. The officer thought I was working for a Canadian company which he said is illegal without a work permit but I tried to explain that the company had a U.S. office and I was asked if taxes were withheld and I said no I am considered an Independent Contractor so I have to do my own taxes. He also did not like the fact that I did not have a work order with me though plans changed at the last minute and there was no way a work order could be faxed to me. I gave the officer the phone number with instructions on how to attempt to get a hold of after hours dispatch and he reached someone and after a short wait I was summoned back and admitted to Canada.
I claimed my bags then exited Customs and went to a help desk and asked if I could get on an earlier flight and was given a boarding pass for an earlier flight.
Air Canada #434 YYZ-YUL Seat 23A
Scheduled departure 23h45 Scheduled arrival 00h54 +1
I DID NOT TAKE THIS FLIGHT
Air Canada #430 YYZ-YUL A-320
Seat 33F Cruising altitude 35,000 feet Estimated flying time 0:51, actual 0:47
Depart: Gate D34 Scheduled 22h30, actual 22h29 Taxi: 13 minutes
Arrive: Gate 2 Scheduled 23h40, actual 23h36 Taxi: 6 minutes
Reclaim bags 21-23 minutes after arrival
We boarded via jetway and the plane was mostly full. It was announced it was -1C at YUL. Pushback was one minute early and takeoff was to the west. We made turn to the south and I saw the lights of the "Golden Horseshoe" then we turned east and went above clouds. Seatbelt sign went off at 0:03. I felt us reach cruise at 0:23 and felt descent begin at 0:28 a little past Brockville, ON. At 0:32 I got cup of soda and pretzels over Cornwall, ON. I saw the lights of the Montreal area and we overflew YUL then turned south and west and landed east to west and arrived at gate 4 minutes early. After claiming bags I went to catch the shuttle to the hotel and met a bootwearer from Winnipeg who is with the same company. I spent the night in Point Claire, QC.
Next day I had to wait to be picked up to be taken to the shipper. The company asked for a quote for a price for a taxi ride and I found it would be at least 126$ or higher if there was traffic and waiting time. As a result I had to wait for a ride so it was late when I got to the truck which was left out. The truck was unlocked but the key was not where the shipper said it would be so there was time burned trying to locate the key.
Trip: St-Jean-Baptiste, QC to Baltimore, MD 572 paid miles
Make: Freightliner 2009
Model: Road Tractor
Transmission: Automatic, no clutch
Route: Quebec 229 to Quebec 20 to Quebec 30 to Quebec 15 to Interstate 87 to New York 7 to Interstate 787 to Interstate 87 to Interstate 287 to Interstate 95 New Jersey Turnpike to Interstate 295 back to Interstate 95
Maximum elevation: unknown
Highest Diesel price USA: $4.359/gallon at Church Oil Plattsburgh, NY
Lowest Diesel price USA: $4.197/gallon at Flying J Elkton, MD
Permits required: none
Border Crossing: Lacolle, QC/Champlain, NY
I was able to do the safety inspection as the driver who took me trained his headlights on the truck. After the keys were found I got rolling and the border crossing went well and since it was late I shut down and spent the night in Plattsburgh, NY.
Thursday I continued south and took on fuel and topped off the coolant. There were times when the "check engine" light came on for no apparent reason. I got a deli sandwich at Round Lake, NY then contined south. In new Jersey there turned out to be major construction going on along with lane closures as three lanes were reduced to one. As a result traffic came to a virtual stop and I got off at the next exit which put me in East Windsor. I phoned several hotels and was told there was no room no doubt to to displaced residents from Hurricane Sandy as well as power crews laying over while working to restore utilities. I made it to the Holiday and shut down 15 minutes prior to reaching the maximum time for the 14 hour workday.
Friday I got rolling and stopped in Elkton to take on a little fuel as I was not sure there was enough for me to make it to Baltimore before running out. I got to the Port and found I missed the 15h00 Friday cutoff for delivery of trucks so I had to wait until Monday to make delivery. Translation: I was stuck in Baltimore for the weekend. I got a room, checked in, ordered pizza for dinner and spent the night in Baltimore, MD.
Saturday I slept in and finally got organised late in the afternoon. I put the "Do not disturb" sign out and props to the housekeeping crew for honouring that sign. I went to downtown Baltimore and went to the observation deck on floor 27 of the 28 storey World Trade Center. I had a panoramic view of Baltimore at night and took a bunch of pictures. After I went down I saw a parade and the Pink Poodle was in the parade and Santa appeared. The mayor made a short speech then I saw a light show and had dinner before heading back to the truckstop and motel and spent the night in Baltimore, MD.
Sunday a new friend came to pick me up and he took me to Washington, DC where we attended morning service at Capitol Hill Baptist Church, just blocks from the national Capitol. Mark Dever is the pastor and he was present to speak and his sermon was entitled "I Am the Messiah" based on John 4. After church my new friend took me around some and I took pictures of some of the monuments. I saw the Lincoln Memorial, the Jefferson Memorial, the Martin Luther King and Franklin D. Roosevelt Memorial. Then I saw the Korean War and Vietnam War Memorial. As an added bonus I saw some very nice fall colours in Washington, DC.
My friend took me toward Union Station and pointed out where he often does open air street preaching. Then I was dropped off at Union Station where I caught an Amtrak train to Baltimore. The train ride took about 35 minutes and I spent the night in Baltimore, MD.
Monday I went to the Port and got the bond canceled and waited for receiving to open after lunch. I thought I might be refused but I wrote the truck VIN on the dock receipt so it was legible and delivery was accepted. I got signed copy of dock receipt then was taken to a place away from the port before being taken to BWI. I thought the company would book me on WN to LAX via LAS but alas they booked me to LAX via PHX on US so I went over to US Airways counter and checked in and checked bags and the weights were OK. Then I cleared security after a fairly long but fast moving queue. I thought I would have to opt out of the machine and be patted down but just before my turn the metal detector was opened so I went through that and no pat down.
US Airways #80 BWI-PHX A-320 Zone 2
Seat 11F Exit Row Cruising altitude not given. Estimated flying time 4:30, actual 4:22
Depart: Gate D26 Scheduled 17h10, actual 17h24 Taxi:13 minutes
Arrive: Gate A22 Scheduled 20h15, actual 20h05
We boarded via jetway and the plane was almost full with only a handful of middle seats empty. Pushback was 14 minutes late and takeoff was to the southwest. I saw the lights of the Baltimore area after takeoff. Seatbelt sign went off at 0:26. I felt bumps and seatbelt sign went on at 0:30. there was a drink run and I got cup of soda. BOB was offered but I declined as I bought a sandwich from Quiznos. Seatbelt sign went off again at 1:06 and at 1:32 I saw the lights of the St. Louis area. At 1:43 I got cup of ice water and at 2:24 we passed south of Kansas City.
At 3:04 seatbelt sign went on and at 3:12 it was announced that drink service was suspended due to turbulence. At 3:33 there was drink run and I got another cup of soda. At 3:54 it was announced we are beginning our descent into PHX. It was announced it was 72F and clear at PHX. I actually felt descent begin at 3:58. I saw the lights of the Phoenix metro area on approach and we landed east to west and arrived at gate 10 minutes early and deplaned via jetway.
US Airways #35 PHX-LAX A-321 Zone 1
Seat 10F Exit Row Cruising altitude not given Estimated flying time 0:56, actual 0:54
Depart: Gate A23 Scheduled 21h00, actual 21h04 Taxi: 12 minutes
Arrive: Gate 8 Scheduled 21h32, actual 21h21 Taxi: 10 minutes
Reclaim bags 22-23 minutes after arrival
We boarded via jetway and it was announced it was 62F with low scattered clouds at LAX. Pushback was 4 minutes late and takeoff was to the west. I saw the lights of the Phoenix metro area on initial climb. At 0:15 there was a drink run and I got cup of soda. We appeared to cross the Colorado River at 0:19. I felt descent begin at 0:31. Descent was announced at 0:32 and at 0:42 it was announced it would be 59F at LAX. I saw lights of different cities on approach. At 0:45 I saw the junction of Interstate 10, California 71 and California 210. We landed east to west and arrived at gate 11 minutes early. I claimed my bags then got a shuttle home. Thus ends this this Trip Report.
Last edited by Loose Cannon; Nov 29, 2012 at 4:11 am